Administrative
Report
H.8., File # 22-4468 Meeting Date: 7/12/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LUKE SMUDE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2207-051, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 2022 AS “SWIM, PADDLE, KAYAK FOR MENTAL HEALTH DAY” IN THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH IN SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH BAY CHILDREN’S
HEALTH CENTER FUNDRAISING WATER SPORTS EVENT FOR THE SOUTH BAY YOUTH
PROJECT TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH COASTAL WATERS AND IN APPRECIATION OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES’ EFFORTS TO PERMIT THE EVENT AND
PROVIDE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City has partnered with the County of Los Angeles, local water sports professionals, and businesses to create open water swim events for the purpose of activating the Redondo Beach coastal waters and demonstrating the capacity to sustain internationally recognized events locally.
The 2022 staging of the swim, paddle, kayak charity event, founded by Dr. Sasha Speer and sponsored by the South Bay Children’s Health Center (SBCHC), will mark the second year the official event has been held and will draw County residents of all ages to enhance mental health awareness and raise funds for the South Bay Youth project (SBYP). Adopting the Resolution declaring October 1, 2022 as “Swim, Paddle, Kayak for Mental Health Day” will formalize City support for the event and enhance the organizer’s ability to engage with the County of Los Angeles for event support.
BACKGROUND
The City supports the increased use of its coastal waters for recreation and sporting activities and seeks to formally recognize collaborations with local organizations and work in partnership with the County of Los Angeles to maintain, activate, and supervise local beaches. Declaring October 1, 2022 as Swim, Paddle, Kayak for Mental Health Day” will allow Dr. Speer to stage a multigenerational event to enhance mental health awareness and raise funds for the SBYP.
Dr. Speer was driven to create “Swim, Paddle, Kayak for Mental Health Day” following the passing of a friend’s son due to mental health issues during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. A lifelong swimmer, Dr. Speer understands the neurophysiological benefits of water sports and community and wanted to bring those together to help raise awareness and funding for local mental health organizations.
Funds raised by the 2022 event will be donated to the SBYP, which is a part of the SBCHC. An informal race raised $1,200 for the SBYP in 2020. The official inaugural race was held in 2021 and
H.8., File # 22-4468 Meeting Date: 7/12/2022
informal race raised $1,200 for the SBYP in 2020. The official inaugural race was held in 2021 and raised over $2,700 for the SBYP. Dr. Speer hopes to continue the growth of the event and has set a goal of raising $5,000 for the SBYP in 2022.
Since 1947, the South Bay Children’s Health Center (SBCHC) has served the children of the South Bay with hearing, vision, and mental health services. It expanded its mental health services in 2008 integrating the South Bay Youth Project SBYP, formerly run by the City of Redondo Beach. The SBYP allows the Center to offer a full range of child and youth focused mental health services in a clinical environment and at local schools.
The City recognizes the event partnership with Los Angeles County and appreciates their expertise in organizing and implementing the open water swim event. Approximately 100 swimmers, paddlers, and kayakers are expected to participate in the charity event. The course is set to leave from, and return to, Ruby Tower, just down the steps from Veterans Park, in Redondo Beach. Individuals wishing to learn more about, or register for, the event should visit:
<https://www.swimpaddlekayak.com>.
COORDINATION
The Resolution has been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with adopting the Resolution.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Reso - Proclaiming October 1, 2022 as “Swim, Paddle, Kayak for Mental Health Day”