It's time to make your voice heard - and share your experiences with the community - by joining one or more local boards and commissions.

The City of Manhattan Beach is accepting applications from now through April 17 for community-minded individuals to fill vacancies on city boards and commissions. There are vacancies on the Planning Commission (three members-at-large); the Board of Building Appeals (three members-at-large, qualified by experience and training); the Cultural Arts Commission (two seats; one member-at-large and one artist); the Library Commission (one member-at-large); the Parks and Recreation Commission (three seats; one member-at-large, one Manhattan Beach Unified School district nominee, and one Mira Costa High School nominee); and the Parking and Public Improvements Commission (two members-at-large and one business community representative).

To be considered for a board or commission seat, you must be a resident of Manhattan Beach and a registered voter. Boards and Commissions applications are available for pickup at City Hall or online at the links above. A complete Boards and Commission application must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office via e-mail, fax (310) 802-5051, or by mail or in person to Manhattan Beach City Hall.

Board and commission interviews will take place on April 25 in the City Council chambers. The City Council will review all applications and name members to the commissions on May 2. For more information, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (310) 802-5056.

The Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) Board of Directors is seeking qualified residents and, for the first time, high school students to serve on its advisory committees. Advisory committee meetings are generally held quarterly and scheduled for evenings.

BCHD is looking to fill vacancies on the Community Health Committee (which identifies and advises the board on community health and wellness concerns, monitors the availability of community health resources, and recommends areas for programs and services); the Strategic Planning Committee (which helps the board formulate and fulfill the vision, mission and goals of the BCHD); and the Finance Committee (which works with the board to ensure the financial health of the BCHD). 

Committee members must reside in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach. Residents who wish to be considered must complete an application – available at www.bchd.org/committee  – and submit a resume or curriculum vitae. High school students must complete a youth application and provide three letters of reference.

All applications are due by noon on June 1, 2017. Top candidates will be contacted for interviews and appointments will be announced in July. All terms begin July 1, 2017. Terms are two years for adult members and one year for high school students.

For questions about the process, contact Charlie Velasquez at [email protected]. High school students with questions should call Ali Steward at (310) 374-3426, ext. 194 or email [email protected].