February 22, 2024

Well-Being Remains High in the Beach Cities,

Outpacing the Nation 

The Beach Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach continue to score high on the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index (WBI) while well-being declines nationally coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Beach Cities’ score of 68.0 substantially outpaces the national score of 58.2. Notably, this year's Manhattan Beach score of 70.6 is the highest community measurement ever recorded by Gallup out of more than 1,500 community scores since WBI measurement began in 2008. The highest score previous to this was Manhattan Beach’s score of 70.4 in 2020. 

Healthy Living Campus Update: Redondo Beach General Plan 

In 14 months of operation, there have been more than 5,000 visits by young people to allcove Beach Cities. In December, BCHD was awarded $1,000,000 to expand allcove Beach Cities programs and services through the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) for the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Round 4: Youth-Driven Programs. Read more here.

The next steps for the expansion of allcove Beach Cities include the selection of a Progressive Design Build team, with groundbreaking planned for fall 2024.  

The City of Redondo Beach is proposing to update its General Plan with a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) on the BCHD campus at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. The proposed 0.75 FAR in the draft General Plan update equals less than Phase I of the District’s Healthy Living Campus plan, and it would not allow the development of Phase II (Community Wellness Pavilion, Aquatics Center, Center for Health & Fitness). This change would severely limit BCHD's ability to modernize its campus, thus jeopardizing its ability to generate revenue to support its essential public health programs.

5 Tips for Staying Heart Healthy

EAT SMART. MOVE MORE. LIVE WELL. 



Heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, but there are lifestyle adjustments you can make to prevent heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, even if your family has a clean bill of health, you should be aware of other genetic factors that can increase your family’s risk. Taking all the precautionary measures may reduce any possible threat. Here are preventive steps that you can take to keep your heart healthy. 

Heart Healthy Screenings 

Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making healthy choices and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease. Since your risk can change over time, ask your provider what heart-healthy screenings are recommended at each annual visit.

Beach Cities Health District's Youth Programs in the news!

Thank you to Amber Pfister and the NBC California Live's team for coming out and sharing allcove Beach Cities and AdventurePlex with California!

Yara E., allcove Beach Cities Youth Advisory Group member, and Ali Steward, Chief Partnership Development Officer, spoke with NBC's California Live’s about all things allcove and Aja Jordan, Adventureplex Youth Facilities Manager spoke about the offerings at Adventureplex.

Growing Up BCHD

Written by Catherine Wong

BCHD Health Promotions and Communications Intern 

Beach Cities Health District does an exceptional job of supporting the youth of the Beach Cities community. As a girl who has grown up in Redondo Beach, I have watched as BCHD has transformed lives one by one. This includes mine! 

BCHD impacted my life was in elementary school on gardening day. It wasn’t my favorite day ever: my green thumb was severely lacking, and I hated getting dirt in my fingernails. I enjoyed setting leaves on fire with magnifying glasses more than checking out the vegetables in the plant beds. However, my attitude transformed when our teacher said we were to plant a bean plant! 

Moai Open House Week



Fostering deeper social connections can support our health and wellness. During our Moai Open House Week, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) invites the community to try out a new activity and meet new people by participating in our Moai social groups that get together regularly for walks, potlucks and conversations.

March 17 - March 22

Pre-registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Uy (Jackie.Uy@bchd.org). Moai Ambassadors will confirm your attendance and send you event details. For more information about moais, visit bchd.org/moai

Stuffed Eggplant

from Banana Leaf, a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant

This authentic and spicy curry recipe is made with tender and small eggplant in a peanut and coconut-based sauce from the Andhra cuisine.

Dementia Caregiver Support Groups  

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and in search of more support? Join BCHD social workers for an 8-week caregiver support group in Redondo Beach to connect with others, share your experience and receive support. We have two options available:  

Men's Caregiver Support Group 

(for male caregivers facilitated by Rudy Diaz, MSW)   

Wednesdays, 12 - 1:30 p.m., beginning February 7, 2024  

1200 Del Amo St., Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

QPR Suicide Prevention Training  

QPR Suicide Prevention Training helps individuals recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone to help. The training is aimed at equipping people with the knowledge and skills necessary to intervene and support someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.  

Learn skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope and refer them to someone who can formally assess and intervene. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a free Narcan (common brand name of naloxone) kit.  

February 27, 2024  

4 - 6 p.m.  

514 N. Prospect Ave.,  

Redondo Beach  

Lower Level – Beach Cities Room 

Hybrid Board of Directors Meetings



BCHD holds public board meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. 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, February 28

6:30 p.m.

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

(March 5 & 19)

10 – 11 a.m.

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

2nd Mondays, In person 

(March 11)

2 – 3 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room 

1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

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

(March 6)

4 – 4:30 p.m.

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, March 8, 2024  

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

Beach Cities Health District 

Beach Cities Room 

514 N. Prospect Ave.,  

Redondo Beach 

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

(March 12)

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

(March 12)

12:30 – 1 p.m.

teen Mental Health First Aid Training 

Beach Cities Health District is providing an opportunity for young people, ages 15-18, to be trained in teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA). Training is currently free to attend. 

tMHFA is a training program that teaches teens ages 15-18 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. 

Participants must: 

• Attend all three sessions to be certified. 
• Must be in 10^th, 11^th or 12th grade or between ages 15-18 to participate. 

Wednesdays, April 10, 17 and 24 

5 - 6:30 p.m. 

1200 Del Amo St., 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 one of two fitness facilities 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