Issuu

F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

W E LLN E S S H E AR T H E ALT H 101 G O RED FO R WO M EN LI F E + C U LTU R E B L AC K H IS T O RY M O N T H S T OWEL L L E ARN I N G C EN T ER

Love Where You Live

at Griffin Senior Living Communities

Thinking about selling your home this year? Rosemary can give you advice on improvements that will highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers. Although the structure itself is often the deciding factor, many steps must be taken to enhance your home’s features and increase the likelihood of it selling faster.

The annual Woman of the Year celebration is sponsored every year by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus as part of the Women’s History Month I am flattered to receive this honor and be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honorees. These women exemplify courage, dedication and a determination to build a better quality of life for our community, helping future generations face the challenges that are put in front of them. I am honored to be working alongside some of the most passionate community advocates and change-makers in California without which none of my goals could have been accomplished.

Let Rosemary use her award winning techniques to introduce a qualified buyer to your home. Innately understanding the finer points of caring for clients with high net worth, and even higher expectations, Rosemary masterfully unites sellers of the finest homes in Ventura County with quality buyers from across the globe.

Voted Readers Choice BEST Real Estate Agent for 2020

805.479.7653

rosemaryallison@aol.com www.callrosemary.com CalRE #00545184

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Cal RE Lic .#00545184.

Santa Rosa Valley Tuscan Inspired Estate

2860 Las Brisas | 5 beds | 4.5 baths | Santa Rosa Valley | $1,899,000 | 2860LasBrisas.com Conceived of the drama & the romance of an exquisite one-story Tuscan inspired Estate, spanning over 4600 square feet, located on over an acre in the exclusive gated Las Brisas neighborhood of Santa Rosa Valley. Distinguished architectural bearing & the use of enduring gleaming wood flooring throughout. Remodeled gourmet island kitchen with stainless appliances, granite kitchen counters. Fireplaces in family room, primary suite, and living room. This architectural masterpiece offers 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and powder room. Exhibiting extraordinary craftsmanship, and a stylistic confluence of modernity and sophistication that redefines all expectations including a show stopping temperature-controlled wine cellar. The masterful architecture offers luxury designed to seamlessly combine indoor and incredible outdoor living spaces with gorgeous bi-fold doors. The primary bedroom suite indulges the owner, with an enormous walk in closet, fireplace and luxurious remodeled bath, with huge separate shower. Rear yard replete with resort pool with spa, waterfalls, gas firepits, gazebo, garden with fruit trees, wine vineyard, custom made pizza oven and bocce ball court. Oversized 3 car garage and RV access. This is truly one of the most unique properties to grace the Santa Rosa Valley.

Coldwell Banker Realty 805.479.7653 | rosemaryallison@aol.com | www.callrosemary.com |

CalRE #00545184

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Random & Not So Random Thoughts

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com

YOU ARE READING THIS AT THE END OF JANUARY OR THE START OF FEBRU-

L AYO UT DESIGNER

ARY. It’s 2021 (whew—we made it!) and a nightmarish 2020 is hopefully in our rearview

Dana Rudolph

mirror and will not be coming back to haunt us. I am writing this on December 30, 2020,

AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

and praying that a much better 2021 is not just wishful thinking.

Kimberly Blaker, Alicia Doyle, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Kim Pagano

By February, the endless presidential campaign will have concluded with a new presi-

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

dent in the White House. As Americans, we will still be dealing with the pandemic and

Vincent Chavez

the health and economic consequences of a mismanaged response to that challenge. We owe the new administration our support and cooperation as individuals and as a community to do whatever is needed to finally halt the short- and long-term damage to our health and to our economy and just as importantly, our social fabric. Continued politicization of a deadly disease is self-defeating and just plain stupid. Now that I got all of that off my chest, let’s look at what members of our community have done to keep their torches burning in spite of all the restrictions. The arts community is a great example of creatives becoming even more creative. Pacific Festival Ballet could not stage their original live ballets or their annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Using all of their creative talent, they produced an original dance film, “A Holiday Angel.” In this we find a family celebrating a quarantined Christmas Eve. By the finale they realize that

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

we are all one world as the voice of hope rings out through the night. Likewise, 5-Star

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Theatricals produced “drive-in” events and New West Symphony produced online events

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

along with a Holocaust Remembrance Concert comprising a series of programs dedi-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

cated to Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating Jewish and non-Jewish victims.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Finally, many thanks to all of our educators, parents and children in our community’s public and private schools. They have persevered through what must feel like an endless struggle to maintain the learning excellence our community deserves. As you read this, vaccines will just be getting started, so all of the precautions we have

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Ben Malkin, Publisher ON THE COVER Georgian Lakeside at Griffin Living

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY GRIFFIN LIVING 4

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Proverbs 3:5-6 Malibu Coast Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

the US Postal Service to some of the Malibu Coast areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Malibu Coast Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 16 Celebrating Trailblazers Black History Month Spotlights Heroes

20 Griffin Living Home Is Where the Heart Is

24 Heart Matters What You Should Know About Heart Health

20 24

32 Go Red for Women Caring for the Women We Love

16 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Trend Setter

28 Local’s Choice 32 Giving Back

GET YOUR BACK, GET YOUR BACK

Varicose veins affect millions of Americans and its not just a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins can be a part of a painful debilitating condition called venous insuff iciency.

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Dr. James McPherson, with Southern California Vein Center, is a board certif ied Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon who provides the latest minimally invasive techniques and treatment options that address both the cosmetic and medical issues associated with varicose veins. These procedures are performed in Dr. McPherson’s off ice in less than an hour requiring little to no downtime.

» Heaviness » Easy bruising and bleeding » Non-healing ulcers » Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin) » Large, rope like veins

Treatment options include VenaCure EVLT, a minimally-invasive laser therapy for the treatment of large varicose veins with minimal scarring and a short recovery time and Varithena, an injectable foam non-surgical therapy.

Dr. James McPherson at Southern California Vein Center is dedicated to getting your legs healthy and beautiful again. Get your legs back, get your life back. Call our off ice today at 805-988-2033 for a FREE SCREENING “Se Habla Espanol” | www.SouthernCaliforniaVeinCenter.com

GOOD TIMES

Lights, Action and Camera! Safe Passage Heals Celebrates 20 Years Safe Passage Heals Founder and CEO Trish Steele emceed the black tie gala 20th Anniversary celebration, featuring an al fresco dinner and empowerment fashion show with dresses donated by Macy’s at a private estate in Dos Vientos Ranch. Hosted by Rick and Nadya Roussin and daughters Leilah and Neelah Shaikh, the event gathered organization supporters and sponsors. PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT CHAVEZ

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

VNSC Announces Expansion of Staff and Healthcare Vascular Neurology of Southern California is always looking services to a broad range of patients. Our practice has for ways to improve and diversify neurological healthcare. extensive reach in the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, In order to accomplish this endeavor Dr. Taqi has expanded with clinic locations in Thousand Oaks, West Hills, and his team by adding three physicians and a nurse Antelope Valley. We look forward to dedicating our efforts practitioner. With the additional staff at VNSC we are to help you and your family! Dr. M. Asif Taqi is an interventional The cutting-edge neurovascular able to provide comprehensive and targeted neurological and stroke neurologist who is an treatment is the only device cleared expert for treatment of brain by the FDA in a new category of aneurysms and blockages in brain temporary coil embolization assist devices for the treatment of brain and neck blood vesselsM. Asif Taqi, MD, FAHA aneurysms. For over decade, Dr. Taqi is a triple-board certified interventional and stroke neurologist. He is an expert in aawide range of Dr. Taqi has participated in national He did his initial research fellowship at procedures and treatments such as stroke treatment, brain aneurysm and embolization, carotid and intracranial international trials and been a Brown University in Rhode Island andand angioplasty, tumor embolization, kyphoplasty and brain stent placement AVM’s. Dr. Taqi’s primary investigator forgreatest several skill new went on to complete set his involves Neurology his ability to connect with his patients on a personal level as he is acutely aware of the physical technologies pertaining to stroke and residency training at the University of and emotional process healthcare can be. brain aneurysms. He has published Tennessee. He further completed a over 50 articles, abstracts and book clinical fellowship in Neurocritical Care, chapters on vascular diseases of Vascular Neurology, and Endovascular the brain. Raghav Aachi, MD, MS Surgical NeuroradiologyVenkat at Medical College of Wisconsin inDr. 2012 Dr. Taqi enjoys his personal life Aachi is a board-certified neurologist with additional specialization in vascular neurology. and professional life equally. He He completed medical school and training at Gandhi Medical College in India before coming is dedicated to providing excellent Dr. Taqi runs stroke programs at Los to the United States to earn a master’s degree in biological sciences Portland State and from comprehensive care University to his Robles Regional Medical Center and in Oregon. patients in this region. West Hills Hospital and Medical Center. He is a senior

M. Asif Taqi, MD. FAHA

member of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), Triple board certified in Neurology, Vascular neurology a fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) and a and Critical care neurology member of the Society of Vascular and Intervention Emanuela Sofroni, MD Recipient of the Outstanding Scholar Award for his Neurology (SVIN). achievements in clinical research Dr. Sofroni is a board-certified neurologist who specialized in Clinical Neurophysiology. Recipient of 40 under 40 award (EEGs) for Conejo for his She proficient at performing and analyzing electroencephalograms andValley electromyoIn 2019 Dr. Taqi treated theisfirst brain aneurysm patient in contribution to stroke care the USA with the minimally embolization gramsinvasive (EMGs).Comaneci Dr. Sofroni knew she wanted to be a doctor before she was even a teenager when assist device. she saw neuroscience save her father’s life through brain surgery.

Procedures Performed

•Vertebral Artery Stent and Angioplasty •Brain Aneurysm Embolization •Intracranial Stent and Angioplasty •Stroke Thrombectomy Hisham Salahuddin, MD •WADA Testing •AVM Embolization A board-certified in neuro-endovascular treatments. Dr. Salahuddin •Kyphoplasty •Tumor Embolizationneurologist specializing skill Angioplasty in treating •acute ischemic stroke, carotid stenosis, intracranial Embolization for Epistaxis •demonstrates Internal Carotidgreat Stent and and other malformations. He has shown leadership skills throughout his career •aneurysms Brachiocephalic and vascular Subclavian

Artery and of Angioplasty and is theStent Director the Comprehensive Stroke Program as Antelope Valley Hospital.

Conditions Treated

•Blockages in the brain and neck vessels (Carotid stenosis/vertebral stenosis and Intracranial stenosis) Kelsey Lindsey, NP • Stroke Ms. Lindsey is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner at VNSC. She began her medical career in 2010 by •Brain working bedside in theAneurysm intensive care unit. Ms. Lindsey became board certified by the American Association • Brain Atrio Venous Malformations (AVM) of Nurse Practitioners in 2019. She also has extensive experience working at a level two trauma center and • Compression fracture of a vertebral body certified stroke center which makes her an ideal health care provider for this patient population. •Headache West Hills Hospital & Medical Center

Los Robles Regional Medical Center 227 W. Janss Rd, Suite 125 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (805) 242-4884

www.vnsc.org

7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 600 West Hills, CA 91307 (805) 242-4884

AROUND TOWN

CELEBRATING SAFE PASSAGE

CASA PACIFICA HOLIDAY MIRACLE

Safe Passage Heals celebrated 20 years of

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and

success in providing hundreds of women and

Families received a check for $10,000 from the

children with safe passage from domestic abuse

Gene Haas Foundation to provide funding for

to a flourishing life. Founder and CEO Trish

gifts for children and families that Casa Pacifica

Steele emceed the black tie gala event, featur-

serves. Casa Pacifica serves over 400 children,

ing an al fresco dinner and empowerment fash-

youth and their families every day through

ion show with dresses donated by Macy’s at a

their residential and community-based ser-

private estate in Dos Vientos Ranch. Hosted by

vices. Services include providing presents and

Rick and Nadya Roussin and daughters Leilah

family baskets during the holidays. “Because

and Neelah Shaikh, the event gathered organiza-

of COVID-19 related challenges, many of the

tion supporters and sponsors, including Roussin

businesses we rely on to help us provide gifts

Capital Group, Diamond Realty, USRowPro,

are working remotely so they were unable

Malibu Estate Concierge and Kim Isaacson of

to participate in the same way they normally

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, for an eve-

do,” said Casa Pacifica’s Chief Development

ning of celebration. Pacific Festival Ballet per-

Officer, Carrie Hughes. “After sending out our

formed a live Christmas ballet, choreographed by

urgent plea, I received a call from Peter Zierhut

the talented Kim Maselli, Artistic Director of PFB,

of the Gene Haas Foundation and he simply

and Olivia Pucci and Abigail “Abby” Thompson

asked, ‘How much do you need?’ Gene Haas

entertained guests with songs, including, “Have

has been an incredible supporter of ours for a

Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Luisa Diaz

very long time—their partnership has provided

also sponsored the “Runway of Hope” with her

much-needed support for our programs every

Mi Amor Gala empowerment fashion show.

year, and they have certainly answered the call

SafePassageHeals.org

once again, enabling us to provide the holiday

PARAMOUNT RANCH REVIVAL

season all of our youth and families deserve.” CasaPacifica.org

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund, in cooperation with the National Park Service, recently launched “The Paramount Project,” a campaign to rebuild Paramount Ranch’s Western Town, which was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire. The fundraising event kicks off Feb. 13 with a movie screening at Paramount Ranch, an iconic location where hundreds of movies and TV shows have been filmed over the past century. Funds will benefit the $10 million restoration project being managed by NPS to build a second bridge to access the site, improving safety, and to restore the movie sets offering updated facilities to a modern movie industry. Recognized for stunning landscapes combined with movie history, Paramount Ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places. Movies and TV shows made at Paramount Ranch include “Marco Polo,” HBO’s “Westworld,” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” Once complete, the ranch will offer a trip down memory lane into 100 years of movie history, an

important community resource for weddings,

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

festivals and other events as well as a modern

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

facility for the next generation of movie makers.

com/MalibuCoast using the Get In Touch link and

For details, visit SamoFund.org.

let us know what you think.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

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TREND SETTER

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

FUN VALENTINE'S DAY PARTIES

FOR KIDS – AT SCHOOL OR HOME WHETHER YOU’RE HELPING WITH YOUR CHILD’S

impression within the heart-shaped area. Alternate col-

VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY AT SCHOOL OR PLAN-

ors and fingers until the whole area is filled with colorful

NING ONE AT HOME, THERE ARE SO MANY FUN,

fingerprints. When done, remove the top sheet, and you’ll

CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP KIDS BUSY AND MAKE

have a colorful heart image underneath.

THEIR PARTY A BLAST. Try some of these ideas for virtual or in-person activities kids are sure to love.

Valentine candle holder. Give each child a glass jar. Have them start by cutting red, white and pink tissue paper into small hearts or other shapes. Using a mixture of

CRAFTS

one part flour to two parts water and a paintbrush, paste

Heart suncatcher. Place a sheet of wax paper on the

the tissue shapes onto the jar overlapping each other until

table and offer red, pink and white tissue paper for kids to

the jar is completely covered.

cut into squares or other shapes. Next, lay a tissue square on the wax paper and brush it with liquid starch. Continue

GAMES

overlapping the pieces of tissue to create an 8” x 8” col-

Musical hearts. This game is played similar to musical

lage. When the collage is dry, carefully peel the tissue

chairs. Cut out enough hearts for the number of players.

away from the wax paper. Cut the collage into a big heart.

On each heart, write an action such as “rub your belly,”

Then put a single hole punch in the heart and thread a

“dance” and “pretend you’re an elephant.” When the

piece of yarn or ribbon through it to hang it.

music stops, everyone must act out the heart they landed

Heart structures. Provide each child a supply of

on. Adapt for a virtual setting by numbering the hearts and

gummy hearts and toothpicks, and let their creativity take

asking kids to pick a number when the music stops. They

over. They can build a house, sphere, rocket, airplane, or

can then act out the action assigned to each number.

whatever their imagination desires.

Pin the heart on the Tin Man. Draw the Tin Man on a

Finger paint Valentine. Fold a piece of paper in half

large sheet of poster board, then cut it out. Have each kid

and cut out a large heart. Next, place the paper with the

cut out a heart from construction paper. Then blindfold

big heart-shaped hole on top of another piece of paper.

and spin each child around and have them try to place the

Dip a thumb or finger into the paint and make a finger

heart on the Tin Man’s chest.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

Candy heart bingo. Buy a Valentine’s Day bingo game available through many online retailers. Then use candy hearts for the markers. Provide printable bingo cards for virtual gatherings. Valentine’s Day word find. Have each kid write “Valentine’s Day Cupid” on a sheet of paper. Then have them write down as many words as they can make from it. Offer prizes for the most words, longest word, and the most rhyming words.

+ Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime, Barbara Park and Denise Brunkas, ages 6-9 + Happy Love Day, Daniel Tiger! Becky Friedman and Jason Fruchter, ages 3-7 + Thomas in Town: Valentine’s Day in Vicarstown, Rev. W. Awdry, ages 3-7 + Dumpy’s Valentine, Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton, ages 4-7 + Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse, Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond, ages 4-8

BOOKS What would Valentine’s Day be without a special Valentine’s story or two? Read aloud to younger kids. If they’re readers, have each kid take a turn reading a page.

+ Ruby Valentine and the Sweet Surprise, Laurie B. Friedman and Lynne Avril, Agesa5-9 + Valentine Hearts: Holiday Poetry, Lee Bennett Hopkins, ages 4-8

Classic reads include the following: + Happy Valentine’s Day, Charlie Brown, Charles M. Schulz, ages 5-7 + Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine, Herman Parish and Lynne Avril, ages 4-8

Kimberly Blaker is the founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

TICLE KIM

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

L AK ER

YB RL

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATES TRAILBLAZERS

During the following decades, change happened gradually. Conservative Southern leaders sought ways to deprive African Americans, creating laws to keep them from voting and legalizing segregation. The Ku Klux Klan took matters into its own hands, capturing and hanging 3,224 men, women and children, mostly black, from 1889 to 1918. ORGANIZING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT In 1905, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote, “We claim for ourselves every single right that belongs to a freeborn American—political, civil, social; FOR NEARLY 250 YEARS, AMERICA HELD BLACK MEN,

and until we get these rights we will never cease to protest and

WOMEN AND CHILDREN AS SLAVES. Considered “property,”

assail the ears of America. The battle we wage is not for ourselves

they worked as servants and on plantations, not by choice and

but for all true Americans.”

for little compensation.

Out of his letter came a civil rights organization called the

Today, Black History Month acknowledges the history that con-

Niagara Movement. It lasted only five years, but it led to the

tributed to the persistent prejudice and injustice and celebrates

formation of the National Association for the Advancement of

African Americans who fought for freedom and civil rights.

Colored People (NAACP) in 1910. Around the mid-1900s, the pace of the civil rights movement

A Brief History

took off. In 1948, President Harry Truman created a Civil Rights

ABOLITION

Commission. He called for an end to school segregation and pro-

The legalized slave trade ended in 1808, but slaves continued to be

claimed a fair employment policy for federal workers. Over the next

smuggled into the United States and the millions already held in ser-

few years, state Supreme Courts heard school segregation cases.

vitude found no relief. A half-century later, most Northerners opposed

Not all were successful. But on May 17, 1954, the United States

the institution of slavery, but Southerners still relied on slaves to work

Supreme Court made a ruling. In Brown v. Board of Education of

their plantations. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln, who opposed expanding

Topeka, the Court ruled school segregation is unconstitutional.

slavery, was elected president despite opposition from the South. This

The next decade was turbulent. Many whites refused to accept

resulted in several southern states’ withdrawal from the union and

that black and white children would attend school together. There

their formation of the Confederate States of America.

were bus boycotts and other peaceful demonstrations by blacks

On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began. Although the war had many causes, in September 1862, Lincoln warned the Confederate states

and civil rights activists. There were also acts of violence by whites that favored segregation.

CONTINUED >

that all slaves would be declared free if the Confederates failed to return to the Union by January 1, 1863. When the date came, the Confederate States had not returned to the union and Lincoln immediately issued his Emancipation Proclamation. It declared all slaves held by the Confederates “shall be forever free of their servitude, and not again held as slaves.” Slaveholders released few slaves immediately, but two years later, the South surrendered, and the 13th Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery. All slaves were finally set free. SLOW CHANGE Many whites were displeased with the end of slavery. Some even believed whites were God’s chosen people. In 1867, a group called the Ku Klux Klan was formed to intimidate black Americans. In 1868, the 14th Amendment was ratified, giving U.S. citizenship to blacks and guaranteeing equal protection under the law. And in 1870, the 15th Amendment granted the right to vote. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Civil Rights Act in 1875, guaranteeing African Americans equal rights in public accommodations and jury duty. But the progress was short-lived. In 1883, the Supreme Court ruled the Act unconstitutional. CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

BLACK HISTORY MONTH (CONTINUED)

ROSA LEE PARKS (1913-2005) got arrested in 1955 after refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man. This led to the Montgomery bus boycott, which facilitated the national civil rights movement. In 1979, she won the Spingarn Medal for her courageous contribution. JAMES LEONARD FARMER (1920-99) founded the Congress of Then, in 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a new Civil Rights Act that outlawed discrimination in voting and public

Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942. He and his organization favored nonviolent protests.

accommodations. It also required fair employment practices. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed, barring the use of literacy

MALCOLM X (1925-65) became a Black Muslim minister after

and other tests as a requirement to vote.

he converted to Islam. In 1964, he formed the Organization of

Over the past half-century, African Americans have seen continued change and progress in the United States. Still, despite laws to

Afro-American Unity. He was assassinated in 1965, presumably by Black Muslims.

protect their rights, prejudice and discrimination endure. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. (1929-68) is one of America’s most noted civil rights leaders. His leadership included organizing the

Blazing the Trail Dedicated leaders challenged the system and led the way to

1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. Over the years, he was arrested 30 times for his peaceful civil rights activities. King’s extraordinary leadership led to the Civil Rights Act of 1965. He was

reform during the past 200 years. We celebrate a few of them here:

assassinated in 1968.

SOJOURNER TRUTH (1797?-1883) escaped slavery and became a

JOHN LEWIS (1940-2020) was an American politician, statesman

traveling preacher. A talented orator, in 1843, she became the first

and civil rights activist and leader who served in the United States

black woman to speak out against slavery.

House of Representatives from 1987 until his death in 2020. He was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

HARRIET TUBMAN (1820-1913) escaped slavery in 1849. She

from 1963 to 1966. Lewis was one of the “Big Six” leaders of groups

helped free more than 300 slaves through the Underground

who organized the 1963 March on Washington. He fulfilled many key

Railroad and served as a spy and a nurse during the Civil War.

roles in the civil rights movement and its actions to end legalized

Later she helped raise funds for African American schools and

racial segregation in the United States.

advocated for women’s rights. ANDREW YOUNG (1932) assisted in drafting the Civil Rights Act of BOOKER T. WASHINGTON (1856-1915) headed and expanded

1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also served as the first

the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, a college for black students.

African American U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

He believed that black economic independence was necessary to gain social equality. His autobiography, Up from Slavery, was published in 1901.

W.E.B. DU BOIS (1868-1963) founded the NAACP. His goals

efforts have made an impact—just as the collective contributions of

included ending segregation and the widespread lynching that was

people today can enact change for tomorrow.

taking place in the United States. He also visualized world change and authored many works, including Black Reconstruction (1935).

Kimberly Blaker is founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

THURGOOD MARSHALL (1908-93) was the first black United States Supreme Court judge. Before taking the seat, he served as director of the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Education Fund. Marshall appeared before the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education and other monumental civil rights cases.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

While each of these brave individuals played a crucial role in the movement, they couldn’t have done it alone. Millions of Americans throughout history have taken part in the cause. Their cumulative efforts have made an impact—just as the collective contributions of people today can enact change for tomorrow.

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

Griffin Living Builds Thriving Senior Communities

ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE

THE CONVERSATION STARTS WITH A FAMILIAR BUT DIF-

“Griffin Living starts with the customer and works backwards,”

FICULT TOPIC: WHERE WILL MY PARENTS GO WHEN THEY

says Paul E. Griffin III, President and CEO of Griffin Living. Griffin

NEED MORE HELP THAN THEY CAN GET AT HOME? Where will

Living has nine active projects across the country, including two

I go when I reach that point? In the past, senior housing has been

local developments: Varenita Westlake and Varenita Simi Valley.

a last resort—resisted until absolutely necessary. Griffin Living is

Both include a mix of assisted-living and memory-care units.

changing the landscape of senior housing by providing places for

As a fifth-generation real estate developer, Griffin has been in the

seniors to thrive in some of their best years—places with luxurious

business for three decades and developed $4 billion in projects. His

amenities where residents want to live and their families want to visit.

senior living business has two components: developing and manag-

In the place of dormitories and hospital-style rooms, Griffin

ing the communities and then providing care to residents.

Living builds state-of-the-art apartments with spacious bath-

“There is enormous unmet demand in the senior market,” empha-

rooms, living rooms, kitchens with modern appliances, and in-unit

sizes Griffin, adding that Baby Boomers are the biggest generation

washers and dryers.

of aging Americans yet, with the oldest of them turning 75 this year.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

“What is currently offered for them is not the level of quality that seniors want for themselves or that their loved ones want for them,” Griffin says. “Griffin Living is meeting those needs by developing senior housing with resort-style amenities and a range of onsite activities that encourage an active lifestyle.” LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION For a senior living development to thrive, the area needs families with aging parents to be close by. These seniors and their middle-aged children usually live in highly developed areas, which are the hardest places to get new projects approved. That’s part of what makes Griffin Living unique. “Griffin Living specializes in finding these locations, identifying suitable properties and working with local residents and stakeholders to solve all of the problems raised by development,” Griffin explains. Griffin Living also gets projects approved where other developers can’t, like with Varenita Westlake. “We see the development through and solve new problems that arise,” Griffin says. “People trust us and welcome us back to their communities for further development.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

GRIFFIN LIVING (CONTINUED) AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE Griffin Living makes it a priority to create energy in their senior housing communities. “We offer multiple activities going on in the building at any given time, which gives our residents an engaged and active lifestyle,” Griffin says. Residents can do everything from fitness classes in state-of-theart studios to watching cooking demonstrations, to listening to professional musicians or lectures. Visitors are always welcome to join. “Even if they do not participate in every event, being around activities happening is stimulating and social,” Griffin notes. Residents especially love the dining options at Griffin Living. “These are not dining commons, but restaurants with menus that vary every night. Residents eat whenever they want, at mealtimes in the dining room or any time at the bistro bar,” Griffin explains. “There are also themed dinners: one night there might be BBQ, the next wood-fired pizzas or carving stations. Sunday brunch with families is particularly popular, which features omelets and waffle stations.” SAFETY DURING THE PANDEMIC As people continue to navigate their lives during today’s challenging and uncertain times, Griffin Living is following CDC guidelines, practicing social distancing and wearing masks. Additionally, Griffin Living has invested $2 million per project to filter the air to N-95 mask standards. “These were underway before COVID19, but we appreciate having them all the more now,” says Griffin, adding that there are four complete air changes in apartment units every hour, ensuring that the air in the whole building is fresh, all the time. In other safety measures, “we require everyone who enters the building to have a temperature check at contactless stations,” Griffin says. Also, “we have installed powerful UV lights to disinfect all hightouch surfaces.” OFFSETTING ISOLATION With folks living at senior communities more isolated than ever, Griffin Living helps residents cope by making activities available via CCTV so that they can still participate without coming in person. “Family members are allowed to visit if they have been COVID tested and observing strict social distancing,” Griffin explains. The staff at Griffin Living have also been observing social distancing and forgoing seeing their own extended families to minimize chances of exposure. “We appreciate the sacrifice they are making to keep our residents safe,” says Griffin. Above all, “we believe that we are redefining the landscape of senior living,” Griffin adds. “Our communities are rooted in the honor and dignity of aging, and we prioritize features and amenities that cater to residents’ independent, active and vibrant lifestyles.” Varenita of Simi Valley is located at 3921 Cochran Street in Simi Valley; Varenita of Westlake is located at 95 Duesenberg Drive in Westlake Village. For more information about Griffin Living, call 818.965.7400 or visit GriffinLiving.com. 22

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

Innovating Active Senior Lifestyle Communities Griffinliving.com | Varenita.com

Dr. James McPherson

ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE

Dr. James McPherson Champions H e a r t H e a lt h

HEART DISEASE REMAINS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE UNITED STATES—WITH MORE PEOPLE DYING OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE THAN ALL FORMS OF CANCER COMBINED, WARNS DR. JAMES MCPHERSON, WHO PROVIDES STATE-OF-THE-ART CARE FOR PATIENTS AT CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGEONS OF VENTURA COUNTY. “Of cancers, the leading cause of cancer death is lung cancer,” explains Dr. McPherson, further emphasizing that there are many people walking around with heart and lung disease and they don’t know it. “The risk factors for both heart and lung disease are the same,” he notes, adding that the first symptom can be a major heart attack. Therefore, “it’s important to get a doctor who can examine you on an annual basis and order the appropriate tests. That way, patients can be alerted to small problems before they become bigger ones.” At Dr. McPherson’s practice—which specializes in early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of heart, lung and vascular disease—he performs all aspects of adult cardiothoracic surgery, from minimally invasive surgical treatments for lung cancer to open heart surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, aortic and mitral valve surgery, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Dr. McPherson is also skilled in traditional and minimally invasive surgical approaches, including robotic-assisted surgery for more precise results, less tissue damage, and faster recovery times.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

Dr. James McPherson

When it comes to heart health, “the biggest myth

+ YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

is that because you feel fine, nothing could possibly

Try to cut down on fatty foods and red meat. Eat more

be wrong,” he says. However, “there is a reason that

fish, skinless chicken and salad.

hypertension is called the ‘silent killer.’ If you are in a high risk category, you could be carrying a briefcase

+ EXERCISE.

full of dynamite and not know it.”

The pandemic has made going to the gym impossi-

What makes a person high risk? According to Dr.

ble. You can still exercise at home. I advise my patients

McPherson, contributing factors can include obesity,

to walk 15 to 20 minutes in the morning and another 15

diabetes, cigarette smoking, a stressful job or lifestyle,

to 20 minutes in the afternoon. Increase by five min-

family history or lack of exercise.

utes each week.

“If you have any of these things, you should not assume that you don’t have heart disease unless a

+ BE A CHAMPION OF YOUR OWN HEALTH.

doctor tells you that you don’t based on an exam and

During your next trip to the drugstore or supermarket,

testing,” he stresses.

buy a blood pressure monitor and a notebook. Start

Another misconception is women don’t get heart disease—which is simply “wrong.”

taking your blood pressure at home and recording it in the notebook. That notebook is now your health

“Not only do women get heart disease, because their

journal. Write down new medications, side effects and

symptoms are often less straightforward, they are

appointments. Doctors take you more seriously when

at higher risk of dying from a heart attack,” Dr.

they see that you take your health seriously.

McPherson says. Fortunately, there are some ways that people can

+ FIND A DOCTOR.

keep their heart healthy. Dr. McPherson offers the fol-

Someone you trust and feel comfortable visiting and

lowing insight:

being honest with. An annual exam, including a physical, EKG, chest X-ray and blood tests, is a great investment in your long-term health. Discovering a problem early can be important in avoiding major surgery.

it’s important to get a doctor who can examine you on an annual basis and order the appropriate tests. That way, patients can be alerted to small problems before they become bigger ones.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

DR. JAMES MCPHERSON (CONTINUED)

Dr. James McPherson

In additional tips, Dr. McPherson recommends the fol-

he emphasizes. Unfortunately, heart and lung disease

lowing should be avoided to help maintain a healthy heart:

does not take a break during the pandemic.

+ CIGARETTES.

did not get the virus have to deal with decreased

Number one risk factor for heart disease and lung cancer.

incomes, difficulty running a business, being at

“Getting the virus is bad enough. Those of us who

home and not having the outlet of our favorite bars + EXCESSIVE FATTY FOOD INTAKE. The fat goes in through the mouth and ends up lining your arteries.

or restaurants,” Dr. McPherson says. It all adds up to undue stress, he says. “After Hurricane Katrina, many people in Louisiana experienced an increase in heart disease, aortic dis-

+ TOXIC PEOPLE.

sections and stroke, all of which can be attributed

Stress is a very strong determinant of hypertension

to hypertension and stress. Underlying conditions

and heart disease. Take a good look at the people

increase your risk of a poor outcome if you contract

around you. Spend more time with those who uplift

the virus. Protect yourself by protecting your heart.”

you and less time with those who bring you down.

Above all, “be a champion of your own health— heart and lung disease are serious, but we can beat

For people who think it’s too late to make their heart

it. I am here to help.”

healthy, “I can tell you that it’s never too late to start investing in your health,” Dr. McPherson emphasizes. “Most of my surgical patients have gone beyond the

Dr. McPherson is the Medical Director of Cardiovas-

window of prevention. I tell patients who have had

cular and Thoracic Surgeons of Ventura County and

surgery to think of today as the first day of the “second

the Southern California Vein Center with locations at

half” of your life. Most conditions can be controlled,

1700 N. Rose Ave., Suite 420 in Oxnard; 805.988.2033

if not reversed. Partner with your doctor to get the

and 640 S. San Vicente Blvd., Suite 498, in Los

results you want.”

Angeles; 323.480.0275. For more information, visit

In today’s challenging and uncertain times, “the pandemic has increased all of our stress levels,”

https://www.venturacountyheartsurgery.com/ or https://www.southerncaliforniaveincenter.com/.

b e a c h a m p i o n o f y o u r o w n h e a lt h — heart and lung disease are serious, b u t w e c a n b e at i t. I a m h e r e t o h e l p.”

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

LOCAL’S CHOICE

Stowell Learning Center: Helping Students Thrive Despite the Pandemic

“IS THIS WHAT SCHOOL IS SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE?”

“They want clear and simple, direct answers,” she says,

A FOURTH GRADER AT STOWELL LEARNING CENTER

noting that so often parents know that everything isn’t

IN THOUSAND OAKS RECENTLY EXCLAIMED.

quite as it should be, but they can’t identify exactly what’s

After working for just a few weeks with Stowell Learning Center, the student’s entire world started to transform and she began to realize that school should be so much easier than it had been. Her experiences before and after training were dramatically different.

happening or what to do about it. Schools and traditional tutoring don’t seem to help in clarifying the picture. “At Stowell Learning Center, we take a completely different approach,” says Diep. The company builds underlying skills, or “the skills behind the skill.” For instance, the “skill” of reading is actually dependent

Center Director Sharon Diep recently identified one

on a dozen or more other skills that have to be in place

of the key ingredients that parents are looking for when

in order for reading to make sense. Once those skills are

“wrestling” with bright kids who are struggling in school.

strong and efficient, reading becomes a natural process.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

“The best news,” Diep reports, “is that those skills can be developed to make permanent changes.”

2. They miss information when listening or get very tired when listening. Auditory processing is a key to good listening. How the brain perceives and processes the infor-

HOW DOES A PARENT KNOW WHEN THE ANSWER IS

mation that comes in through the ears has a huge impact

WEAK UNDERLYING SKILLS?

on academic and social skills.

This pandemic has heightened the amount of attention

It’s assumed when a parent or teacher says something

students get from their parents. Some parents have been

that it is understood by the student. But one second grader

shocked to find how hard school really is for their kids.

came home and told his mom that his teacher had taught about “the bowels” that day. When mom asked for clarifica-

HERE ARE FIVE SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY NEED

tion about these “bowels,” the boy said, “You know, a, e, i, o,

SOME SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

u, and sometimes y.”

1. They have slow or poor reading. While your child

Now, that’s a cute story, but if it happens regularly, it may

may be able to get through some reading, it is harder and

indicate a problem with listening, or auditory processing, skills.

takes them longer than their peers. They may make many mistakes when reading.

3. They can’t remember or understand what they read. Both memory and comprehension are skills that can be strengthened and developed. These skills are vital to success with higher subject levels. It’s sometimes tricky to tell the difference between a reading problem and a memory or comprehension challenge. With the right measurement tools, it can be done. 4. They can’t “get it together” enough to finish assignments and get them turned in. This one really drives parents crazy! “He’s just not organized” may be covering up inefficient executive function skills. 5. They are working too hard or too long for the grades they get. They may finish their work and get it turned in, but it takes much longer than the other students. Teachers may accept the longer working time and tell parents not to worry because the work is correct. But that need for extra time will impact performance on tests and usually means there are some missing or inefficient skills keeping the student from working as efficiently as expected. Stowell Learning Center Thousand Oaks Director Sharon Diep summed it up this way: “We help students by making sure that all the skills they need for success are strong, efficient and permanent. Our graduates have gone from struggling, even failing grades, to academic and life successes that would have been impossible without the skills they gained here.” That little girl who finally understood how school is supposed to be is now on a road to lifelong success. Learn more at StowellCenter.com.

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

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GIVING BACK

Lilly Rocha

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

G O R E D F O R P R O M O T E S

W O M E N

S E L F - C A R E

LILLY ROCHA WAS A HIGH ACHIEVER WHO THOUGHT LITTLE OF HER WORKAHOLIC SCHEDULE. “I kept two suitcases packed at all times, so I could just fly home, pick up a suitcase and leave right away,” she said.

age she had a heart attack. She also learned later that

One morning, while at home, Lilly woke up with severe

nearly everyone in her mom’s family had heart disease, was

jaw and chest pain and numbness on the left side of her

struggling with high cholesterol and high blood pressure,

body. Despite the discomfort, she decided to go to work.

and in one case, required bypass surgery.

When a coworker suggested she could be having a heart

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It

attack and should go to a hospital, she didn’t believe him.

claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer com-

A heart attack survivor himself, he didn’t take no for an

bined, according to a 2019 report from the American Heart

answer and drove her to the ER.

Association, “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics,” pub-

Lilly, then 37, knew something was wrong but didn’t

lished in the journal Circulation (Jan. 31, 2019). Research

think a heart attack was possible and told her coworker to

shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women and

simply drop her off.

new data from a study published in the American Heart

“I told him, ‘Don’t worry about me, because that’s what we

Association’s Circulation (Feb. 19, 2019) suggests younger

do as women,’” she said. “I kept downplaying my symptoms.”

generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely

When Lilly finally saw a doctor a few hours later and

to be aware of their greatest health threat and know heart

learned how serious her condition was, she was shocked.

attack and stroke warning signs.

She spent a few days in the hospital and returned to work

“I didn’t have a clue what was going on,” Lilly said.

two weeks later, struggling to make sense of what hap-

“Looking back, all the symptoms were there. But you don’t

pened. It took two years for her to recover from the recur-

expect to have a heart attack at 37.”

rent angina and the emotional toll of her heart attack.

As an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s

Doctors still aren’t sure what caused Lilly to have a heart

Go Red for Women movement, Lilly shares her story to

attack, though they believe it’s likely a genetic link. Lilly’s

inspire women to take charge of their health and encourage

grandfather had died of a heart attack at age 37—the same

others to do the same.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

In celebration of Heart Month, Go Red for Women encourages women to take these heart-healthy steps: + BE AWARE. Starting at age 20, get screened for CVD risk factors. Know your numbers—the key

accelerate scientific discovery by contributing to

personal health numbers that help determine risk

health research through clinical trials, surveys,

for heart disease: total cholesterol, HDL (good)

focus groups and more.

cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. Know your family history and talk to

+ GO RED ON WEAR RED DAY, FEB. 5. Wear red

your doctor about heart disease.

to take a stand against cardiovascular disease and spread the word.

+ LIVE WELL. Even modest lifestyle changes can lower risk by as much as 80%. Make living a

For over 17 years, Go Red for Women has been a

healthy lifestyle a priority by moving more, eating

trusted, passionate and relevant force for change to

smart and managing blood pressure. Track your

eradicate heart disease and stroke in women. It is

physical activity, diet and blood pressure through

committed to the health and well-being of women

Check. Change. Control.

at every life stage and to removing the barriers women face to living a full, healthy life.

+ MAKE AN IMPACT. More research is needed to find new ways to treat, beat and prevent heart disease in women. Participating in research has never been easier or more important. Research Goes Red puts women in the driver’s seat to

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | February 2021

Learn more at GoRedForWomen.org.

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