October 26, 2023

Grocery Outlet Pledges to Put Well-Being First 

Small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to consumer food choices, healthy habits and overall well-being. Blue Zones Project Approved™ Grocery Stores pledge to make the healthy choice, the easy choice through actions that are backed by evidence-based research in Blue Zones Project® communities across the nation. 



Grocery Outlet at 2115 Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach is the newest Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store in the Beach Cities, and the first local grocery store to earn the designation since 2018. 

October is Youth Substance Use Prevention Month 

On September 29, 2023, President Biden issued a proclamation designating October as National Substance Use Prevention Month. In the proclamation, President Biden emphasized his Administration's support of the Drug-Free Communities coalitions and their goal of reducing youth substance use. 

In October 2019, the Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition was awarded a FY 2019 Drug-Free Communities Program grant in the amount of $125,000 per year for five years by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (now managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2020). 

Beach Cities Health District and the Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition are raising awareness about youth substance use prevention during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31. Follow us on social media for substance use prevention information and resources. 

Mona Cho, pictured in the second row, far right along with members of

BCHD’s Youth Advisory Council leadership team. 

Youth Advisory Council Member Receives

White House Award 



On October 11, in honor of International Day of the Girl, First Lady Jill Biden celebrated 15 young women leaders, selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, who are leading change and shaping a brighter future in their communities across the United States. Mona Cho, one of BCHD’s Youth Advisory Council members, was one of the honorees. 



Cho, 15, was recognized for her efforts to combat online harassment and abuse and the harm it poses to youth and teens.

Celebrating 25 Years of Preventive Health Success 

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) continues to highlight the numerous successes and accomplishments achieved on behalf of the residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach through its 40+ programs and services.  

Stretching beyond the name change in 1998, BCHD has switched its focus to wellness, not sickness, encouraging people to make healthier decisions. For the past 25 years, BCHD’s wellness and healthy living programs and services have strived to make prevention an integral part of the classrooms, workplaces and homes of the Beach Cities. 

Click the link below to view the videos and some of BCHD’s program highlights from the last 25 years.  

Say Boo to the Flu! 

Beach Cities Health District advises residents to follow flu vaccination guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. 



Experts are forecasting a “tripledemic” this fall with the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Vaccines are available for all three viruses. Speak with your healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for you or if you have any concerns. 

It’s Still Mosquito Season! 

In the United States, mosquito season starts in the spring and summer, continuing through fall. The peak mosquito season lasts from June to November in Los Angeles County. Do you have a plan to prevent mosquito bites? Here are a few suggestions: 

• Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents that contain 5-30% DEET. 
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks while outside.
• Remove standing water from items inside and outside your home. 

For more tips on mosquito prevention, visit bchd.org/mosquito. 

Join the Finance Committee

The Beach Cities Health District Board of Directors is seeking qualified residents of the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach to serve on its Finance Committee. 

The Finance Committee is responsible for budget oversight, audit review, setting investment policies and business plan development. Members are expected to have demonstrated experience in finance, business or banking.  

Find out more information about the committees by visiting www.bchd.org/committee.  

Spread Cheer This Year 

The holidays can be a difficult and lonely time for isolated older adults and adults with disabilities in our community. However, each holiday season since 1998, friendly volunteers have delivered gift bags filled with practical and fun gifts to 250 Beach Cities older adults and adults with disabilities in the Beach Cities Health District Care Management program. This year we hope to provide bags with essentials along with support in the form of grocery gift cards. 

We invite you to help us continue this wonderful tradition this year! 

Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In

Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor.



First Wednesday of the Month

(November 1)

4 – 4:30 p.m.

teen Mental Health First Aid Training  

teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. The course teaches how young people can have open conversations with their peers about mental health and substance use challenges, teaches the common signs and symptoms teens should look out for, and how to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult. It is a 4.5-hour training that takes place over three in-person trainings of 90 minutes each. Participants must complete all 3 sessions to get certified.  

Wednesdays, November 1, 8 and 15 

4 - 5:30 p.m. 

allcove Beach Cities 

514 N. Prospect Ave., 4th floor 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

Dementia in the Digital Age: Embracing Technology for Safety and Autonomy at Home 

Join us to discover how technology can be harnessed as a powerful tool to promote safety, preserve independence and provide peace of mind for people with dementia living at home. If you're a caregiver, a healthcare professional or someone interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare, this workshop series will equip you with valuable knowledge and resources to navigate the evolving landscape of home care in the digital age.

Thursdays, November 2 and 9 

3 – 4:30 p.m. 

QPR Suicide Prevention Training 



BCHD is hosting a QPR Suicide Prevention training to help individuals recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone to get help. Learn skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope and refer them to someone who can formally assess and intervene. 

Monday, November 6 

4 – 6 p.m. 

Beach Cities Health District 

514 N. Prospect Ave.  

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager Charlotte Barnett



If you have a question regarding community resources, want to learn more about Beach Cities Health District or share and learn ways to keep busy, please join us! These meetings are for all, a place to connect and feel heard.

First & Third Tuesday of the Month, Virtual

(November 7 & 21)

10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014 

2nd Mondays, In person 

(November 13)

2 – 3 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room 

1601 N Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

Virtual Families Connected

Parent Chat 

Provided in partnership with South Bay Families Connected, Beach Cities Health District and Thelma McMillen Center, the Parent Chat offers its participants a confidential and supportive space to share their parenting challenges and successes. 

Second Tuesday of the Month

(November 14)

10 – 11 a.m. 

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578

Virtual Happiness Chats

This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness! 



Second Tuesday of the Month

(November 14)

12:30 – 1 p.m.

Mental Health & Happiness Workshop -

Strategies for Older Adults

Tuesday, November 14 

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Veterans Park Senior Center 

301 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

Engage in an interactive workshop to learn about ways to support our mental health and well-being as we age. Learn how to access mental health support in our community. Facilitated by Emily Brosius, LCSW, Director of Community Services with Beach Cities Health District. To register, please call Manhattan Beach Older Adults Program at 310-802-5430.

Hybrid Board of Directors Meetings



BCHD holds public board meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except August and December, November’s meeting is held on the third Wednesday). Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings either via Zoom or in BCHD’s Beach Cities Room - Lower Level, 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach. You may also contact board members directly with questions or comments, or call 310-374-3426, ext. 8213.

Regular Board Meeting

Wednesday, November 15

6:30 p.m.

Enhance your Cognitive Health through Nutrition:

The MIND Diet  

Join Dianne Staso, MS, R.D., as she discusses the MIND diet and how it has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Dianne will bring an example of a healthy MIND snack to share with attendees and provide them with a recipe to take home. This workshop is part of Beach Cities Health District’s free cognitive health programming. Please visit www.bchd.org/cognitivehealth for more information.

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Thursday, November 16 

1 – 2 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Community Center 

1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, 90266 

Call 310-802-5430 to reserve your spot. 

Save the date: allcove Beach Cities is turning 1!  

Saturday, November 18 

4 - 7 p.m. 

Come celebrate our 1-year anniversary with us! The celebration is open to young people ages 12-25 and their families.   

There will be live music, art show, jewelry making, other interactive activities and raffle prizes. And did we mention free food?! 

Mental Health First Aid Training

BCHD will host Mental Health First Aid trainings from the National Council for Mental Health. Similar to CPR training, individuals will learn how to provide support to people experiencing mental health challenges. It is an eight-hour training that requires two hours of pre-work and six hours of in-person instruction.  

At this training, you'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources, when needed.  

Friday, December 1

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Beach Cities Health District 

514 N. Prospect Ave. 

Beach Cities Room, Lower Level 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

allcove Beach Cities

allcove is a place for young people (ages 12-25) to take a moment of pause and access a range of services that include:

• Mental health
• Physical health
• Substance use
• Peer support
• Family support
• Supported education and employment

Center for Health & Fitness

Our comprehensive fitness center in Redondo Beach is the only fitness facility in California certified by the Medical Fitness Association!

• Cycling, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, strength & other exercise classes
• Online exercise classes
• Classes for older adults
• Programs for chronic conditions
• Access to trainers
• Massage
• Nutrition consultation
• Access to state-of-the-art gym equipment