Beyond
WINTER 2015
THE ACORN
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table of contents FEATURES
WINTER 2015
28 FORE! HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE LOCAL GREENS SCENE Youth golf, FootGolf, line drives that orbit the globe, it’s all happening on the links.
33 WE LOVE TO LAUGH
Readers sent in their favorite photos of laughing jags. The results will make you smile.
36 HEALTHY IS HOT
Look around. The latest trend among 20-somethings is living healthy. Who would have thought?
40 MAKE MINE SMOOTH
Fresh fruit and veggie smoothies offer the best and the sweetest of nature’s gifts to well-being.
43 DEPARTMENTS 10 WELCOME FROM BEYOND
Greetings from the publisher and editor.
WHO 14 FARMING LEAFY GREENS IS A FAMILY AFFAIR Four generations have cultivated the land, starting from scratch after the war years in internment camps.
16 BOUNCING BACK Tasha-Nicole Terani turned a tragic start as an abandoned infant into a flourishing career. ACORNUCOPIA 18 BEAUTY NATURALLY When you put clean ingredients in your body, you’re going to want clean beauty products on the outside.
WHAT 21 WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE? If consumers knew what they were eating, they might think twice before taking a bite.
14 ON THE COVER:
WHERE 26 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Workshops, classes, and books to feed your head with the latest info on how to stay well and thrive.
Cover photo by MICHAEL COONS
WHY 43 TAI CHI The ancient martial art offers healing and meditation to those who practice.
Daniel Stewart and Kelly Sparrman wrap up an exhilarating afternoon of exercise at El Matador State Beach north of Malibu.
8 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
HOW 46 TAP IT OUT Introduction to a simple technique that diffuses stress, especially geared to teens who face lots of it in their daily lives. WHEN 50 OUT AND ABOUT The community is bustling with interesting and fun things to do. Keep our calendar 24 on hand until spring flowers bloom. RESOURCES 65 A guide to the people and vendors mentioned in this issue. FINAL WORD
66 SUNSHINE
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Welcome
H
ello 2015! Beginnings feel good to me. They're filled with expectation and anticipation for what the New Year will bring both personally and professionally. Being a New Year’s Day baby, I especially feel revitalized. The good and the bad of 2014 are firmly put to rest. I can take what I have learned from the year, repeat what was successful and throw away what was not. My children are out of the house now so, much like when I started my adult life at 18, there is a rebirth as the focus reverts away from children and back to me and my husband. I think the transition to a two-person household has been more challenging for me than for my husband. He has filled his life with a multitude of hobbies and interests. I must confess, my girls were the focal point of my life—as was my husband—during their growing years. Now my young 20-something-year-olds have both made the great escape and moved to far corners of the country—Washington and New York states. I can take a hint and know I’ve done my job well. They are truly independent, as they should be. I am now learning so much from them. They are in tune with healthy living, cooking and exercising as are their friends. And they don’t just exercise, they find activities that are fun to incorporate into their lives, thus changing their lifestyles to healthy ones much earlier than my peers and I did. I really don’t remember the ’70s and ’80s as being the bastion of good health. With the Internet at their fingertips, my girls’ generation is much more educated and driven toward health than my friends and I were at their age. Just like you, I’ll be flipping through our Beyond pages, checking out the stress busters, signing up for some health workshops and trying some new activities that appeal to me. So here is to new beginnings . . . reflect, recharge, reboot.
Lisa Rule, Publisher lisabeyond@theacorn.com
P.S. My husband, Jim, and I have decided to transform a good portion of our yard into California meadow style, a waterwise landscape. We are taking advantage of the turf rebate, so we have 120 days to finish from our Dec. 18 approval date. We hope to share with you the result of our efforts in the next edition of Beyond the Acorn.
10 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
V
itality. It’s reflected in young faces, angled toward the sunshine, the ocean spray underfoot. We feel their energy and sense how they thrive with the gift of youth. But no generation has an exclusive on vitality. It’s a state of mind, body and spirit that says you are the best that you can be, no matter what your age or circumstances. In this issue of Beyond the Acorn we turn, once again, to the theme of Building a Better You and we approach it from several different angles. In our feature story, “Healthy Is Hot,” we examine a growing trend among 20-somethings: choosing good health as a lifestyle. Good food, regular exercise, meditation techniques all combine to help them begin adulthood squarely on the path to lifelong wellness. We also venture east with two stories that have roots in ancient Chinese medicine. Our tai chi article celebrates the martial art that so gracefully combines a combat art with the smooth dancelike flow that moves energy to where it will most benefit the body. We also introduce a relatively new technique with roots in acupressure. It’s called EFT and we’ve asked a lovely young lady to demonstrate a basic sequence that can be used to quickly address and alleviate daily stresses of the challenging teenage years. But the road to wellness is not all rosy. Another article sheds light on some of the food additives that are working against us in our quest to treat our bodies well. “What’s on Your Plate?” uncovers the sometimes ugly truth about the food industry. Definitely worth the read. But just so you don’t feel we’re leaving you with nowhere to turn, our writer offers suggestions that will help you make good food choices despite the industry norms. Our reader submission stories are becoming a Beyond tradition. This time we asked readers to submit photos of laughter—real from-the-belly laughs. Once again, you did not disappoint. Thanks for sharing yourselves. As always, that’s one of the things that make Beyond work so well—it’s for you, about you and includes you. In our quest to keep a good thing going, we’d like you to send us a photo from your home garden or your favorite outdoor hangout at home. I'm thinking prize flower photo or secluded hammock in the shade. Remember to include your name and phone number in case we need to reach you. We’ll feature your submissions in our next issue, which focuses on Outdoor Living. This is just a sampling of what this issue of Beyond has to offer. We’ll be back on your doorstep in April. Until then, here’s to a better you!
Leslie Gregory Haukoos Editor-in-Chief beyond@theacorn.com
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Beyond THE ACORN
PUBLISHER Lisa Rule EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leslie Gregory Haukoos ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Nick Oliveri CREATIVE DIRECTOR David McMartin ART DIRECTOR Timm Sinclair PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Richard Gillard EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eliav Appelbaum, Lisa Finn, Rick Hazeltine, Kyle Jorrey, Ela Lindsay, Erin Newman, Darleen Principe, Stephanie Sumell COPY EDITORS Idie Emery, Carol Pond, Erin Newman ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Sarah Ely, David Lopez, West Ma채tita, Karma Christine Salvato, Beth Thayer WEB DESIGNER Beth Thayer PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Coons, Joan Pahoyo
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Beyond the Acorn photographer Michael Coons goes to great lengths to get the best shot as Kelly Sparrman works her waistline.
Who
SAN MIGUEL PRODUCE HAS GROWN OUT OF SEEDS PLANTED FOUR GENERATIONS AGO BY THE NISHIMORI FAMILY PATRIARCHS
Three branches of the Nishimori family tree: Roy Nishimori, center, nephew Garrett Nishimori, left, and daughter-in-law Angee Lau Berk, all of whom work in the family company in Oxnard.
Farming Leafy Greens is a
Family Affair
Written by RICK HAZELTINE Photos by JOAN PAHOYO
G
arrett Nishimori says he got in on the cutting edge of the leafy greens movement as a sous chef at a shi shi restaurant in San Francisco. Or, as he puts it, “before kale was cool.” But a glance inside his family photo album belies a different story—farming is in Garrett’s genes. After the San Francisco restaurant closed, Garrett, 31, came home to Camarillo. Now he’s the fourth generation of the Nishimori family to farm in California, working for the company started by his uncle, Roy Nishimori, in 1975. Today, San Miguel Produce in Oxnard grows, harvests and packages specialty greens for markets and natural food stores including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market. Garrett, the company’s marketing manager and corporate chef, says the company has experienced double-digit growth year-over-year in kale. The cabbage-related green was more likely to be used as a garnish before people recognized its cooking potential and high-density nutrient content. Instead of occupying the edge, the vegetable is now front and center on many plates. With the kale boom, the spotlight has expanded to other often ignored greens such as chard. Consumers, especially on the west and east coasts, are embracing the greens movement. In response, San Miguel Produce is leasing land and opening a processing plant in Georgia, so they can get a fresher product to consumers in the east.
14 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Courtesy of NISHIMORI FAMILY
Roy Nishimori and one of his younger brothers are dressed in their finest at their mother’s family’s farm in Compton in the 1950s.
Although those in the know about cultural trends may think of kale as a “new” food, it’s actually been around for more than 2,000 years. It was the most eaten green vegetable in Europe until cabbages took the lead during the Middle Ages. Kale is in the same family as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. The superfood is native to the Mediterranean. Kale has become so popular worldwide that growers in some countries, such as Australia, can’t grow the vegetable fast enough to meet demand. Bejo Seeds, one of the world’s major seed suppliers, told England’s Daily Mail newspaper that it ran out of all varieties of kale seeds. Packed with essential vitamins A, C and K, one cup of kale has only 36 calories but almost two grams of protein. It has more than four times as much vitamin C than a cup of cooked spinach. Kale is purported to provide health benefits including lowering risk of heart disease, warding off cancer and improving bone health and digestion. Also, the vitamin A and C in kale can give you healthier skin and hair.
LEAFY GREENS ON PAGE 57
All Hail Kale
“Leafy greens are finally getting their day in the sun,” says Jan Berk, Roy’s wife and company vice president, who says Tuscan kale is especially popular but she sees bright futures for other greens as well. “Chards will evolve. They’re mild, easy to prepare—very approachable.” As a chef, Garrett says he is very aware of ingredients, and he believes that consumers are becoming more discerning as well. That’s one reason the company is expanding its offering of organic vegetables with plans to convert all of its leased land
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Who
Maneuvering a soccer ball is second nature to Tasha-Nicole Terani who broke seven world records for ball control. She shares her expertise by training kids who play the game.
c n i n u g back o B
Written by KYLE JORREY Photos by RICHARD GILLARD
“SOCCER IS LIKE THIS FLOWER THAT BLOSSOMED OUT OF A VERY SAD CHILDHOOD. THAT WAS ALL I EVER HAD.”
16 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Like a puppeteer with a marionette, TashaNicole Terani brings a soccer ball to life. Up, down, left, right, foot to heel, head to shoulder, the checkered sphere stays in constant motion, never touching the ground, never leaving its orbit around Terani’s slender 5-foot-10-inch frame. To watch her is to risk being hypnotized. For most of her life, Terani, like that soccer ball, lived in a state of flux, refusing to stop moving for fear she’d be forced to look back— at the mother who left her for dead, at the adopted family she left at age 13. “I don’t think you can get over it completely, but you channel it. I’m a master of channel-
ing, of turning my emotions into motivation,” she says. “I’ve done more than come to grips with it. I grabbed it and I’m running with it.” Today, Terani’s not only come to terms with her painful past but she’s paved a path for a prosperous future. She is the founder and CEO of the Every Child’s Dream Foundation, a nonprofit providing emotional and financial support to orphaned and abandoned babies worldwide, and the creator of a best-selling soccer DVD, “TNT Training System’s Soccer Ball Control with Tasha-Nicole.” “I couldn’t possibly be happier,” the Westlake Village resident says of her present life
with husband Amir (the pair married in 2009). “I went from a very underprivileged type of scene, worked so hard, and now I’m reaping the benefits.” Terani takes nothing for granted. Born in Tehran, Iran, in 1974 during a time of unrest leading to the country’s revolution, she was left to die in a covered trash can just weeks after birth. Miraculously, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy heard the tiny child’s cries and rescued her. She spent the next two years in an overcrowded Iranian orphanage, where babies were sometimes kept five to a crib and the well-being of the boys was placed ahead of the girls. Her first piece of good fortune came when a Newbury Park couple on business in Iran adopted her and brought her to live in the United States. Despite the love of her adopted family, the young girl struggled to fit into her new life. She found solace in two places: the family dog and a soccer ball, which she’d kick around in the backyard with her two older brothers. “Soccer is like this flower that blossomed out of a very sad childhood—that was all I ever had,” she says. “That was my
App ly
sanctuary, either being with animals or out on the soccer field.” It didn’t take long for Terani to figure out she could do things with a soccer ball that others couldn’t. She starred in club soccer and eventually at Westlake High School, but when the time came to pick a college, Terani took another route. She moved to Atlanta and spent the next seven years as a model, traveling the world and landing a few major gigs—including a spot in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition—but never feeling as if the profession truly suited her. When she found that path less than satisfying, she turned back to the game that had brought her so much happiness, eventually breaking five world records for ball control and going on to mentor and train thousands of kids around the nation and the globe. Few recognize Terani’s passion for paying it forward as much as her students. Though most of her time these days is dedicated to running her nonprofit and promoting her DVD, she still finds time to train the occasional youngster in the fine art of ball control.
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Once a week for 30 minutes, Terani meets 13-year-old Lexi Kerner at Bowfield Park in Thousand Oaks. Though their time together is brief, the teen soccer player says it’s valuable. “She helps me out with more than just soccer,” says Lexi, an eighth-grader. “She can relate to me more than my other coaches.” And she’s already picking up a few of Terani’s tricks. “At soccer practice the other day I was juggling the ball and everyone was watching me, trying to keep me going,” Lexi says. “It’s fun. I’ve gotten up to 75 touches (without the ball hitting the ground).” Terani accepted Lexi as a student after receiving a surprise call from Lexi's father. Jay Kerner knows the world record holder from the time she spent training Lexi’s older sister, Jordan, 19, when she was a preteen. “I think she’s amazing,” Kerner says of Terani. “Her passion for what she does and for her students is just amazing.” Often, when Lexi’s 30 minutes are up, Terani wants to keep working. “It’s not about the money for her,” Kerner says. “It’s about seeing her students succeed.”
Line your lips and swipe your eyelids with products that contain a cocktail of organic ingredients and premium antioxidants. We’ve rounded up some of the best toxinfree makeup and skincare elixirs that promise to keep your face—and our planet—looking and feeling great.
Acornucopia
Beauty Naturally Written By Lisa Finn
Satin Blush
Prepare to fall in love with B.L.A.C. Minerals’ satin blush. Choose from a variety of soft colors with tantalizing monikers like amethyst and raisin, toasty and glow. If the names don’t draw you in, the buttery soft powder will. Every color is made in small batches without any trace of harmful or irritating chemicals. $16 www.blacminerals.com
Active Light Under-Eye Concealer
Treat puffy eyes with this all-natural concealer. Not only does it blend beautifully into soft coverage, it also brightens and nourishes the delicate area with avocado and sunflower oil. Cucumber, white tea extract and buckwheat wax work together to soothe tired eyes, reduce puffiness and creases, and erase fatigue from your face. $27 www.janeiredale.com
Mattifying Powder
Studio 78 Paris delivers on point with a finishing powder made from natural mineral pigments and organic oils. It offers a matte finish free of shine, keeps your makeup looking fresh and brightens your face for hours. Typical face powder simply can’t compete with this tub of goodness. $43 www.nubonau.com
18 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
INTENSI.TEA Antioxidant Green Tea Face Cream
Rich without being heavy. That’s the creamy goodness you get from this hydrating cream made of coconut and olive oils, green tea, pomegranate oil and vitamin E. It moisturizes thirsty skin and does wonders for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. $50 http://purenaturaldiva.com/
Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Ultra hydrating, gluten- and parabenfree, Dedra lip glosses pretty-up your pout with a hearty dose of jojoba oil. The creamy texture creates sparkle without stickiness. These glosses are so smooth and moisturizing you’ll want to pop one in your purse and keep a spare in the car. $18 www.dedrabeauty.com
Anti-Acne and Restoring Face Elixir This facial serum reduces inflammation and restores skin’s natural pH levels. Essential oils wipe out bacteria, help prevent scarring and calm the complexion. Say hello to this facial elixir and bye-bye to blemishes. $15.50 www.olivebranchbodycare.com
Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara
This mascara features rice protein that evenly coats lashes for naturallooking length, definition and volume. Organic tapioca starch is what gives the boost, while aloe, cucumber and olive leaf extracts moisturize and soften. And, everything in the package, including the brush, is recyclable. $9.95 www.physiciansformula.com
Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Increase circulation in the tender area around the eyes while decreasing fine lines and wrinkles with this blend of anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants and nourishing rosehip oil. The cream works miracles under your favorite concealer. De-puffs and brightens during the day or while you sleep. You’ll love the quick absorption. $21 www.100percentpure.com
Barbary Fig Renewal Serum
This natural vitamin A treatment works while you sleep. Fatty acids 3 and 6 build collagen, create suppleness and rejuvenate skin. Pure guava oil acts as a natural retinol, and milk thistle seed and magnolia oil work in unison to brighten complexion. $125 www.labellafigurabeauty.com
WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 19
The Secret: Anti-Aging Facial Cleanser
Let’s just say this secret needs to get out. A mixture of organic aloe vera juice, fruit extracts, powerful antioxidants, avocado, coconut and argan oil works to wipe out impurities, hydrate skin and wash away the day’s makeup. In just a few uses it’ll become as important as your morning cup of java. $22.50 www.kellyteegardenorganics.com
Hydrating Mist
Spritz face (and hair—why not?) with this hydrating toner that leaves behind a glowing complexion. A blend of rosehip, ylang ylang, resveratrol grape seed oil and organic juices is perfect for all skin types . . . any time of the day. Refrigerate for a cool treat. $22 www.juicebeauty.com
Westlake Plaza is preparing for its big reveal, and we’re ready to show off some of our best features. Your favorite stores and restaurants - Sugar, Siany, Sweet Arleen’s, drybar, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Tuscany il Ristorante plus 80 more shops and restaurants - are rolling out the red carpet to welcome Mendocino Farms, Pearl District, Pressed Juicery, Les Boudoirs, Burro by Firefly, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon, The Sweat Shoppe and Core Power Yoga.
Mineral Powder Eye Shadow
With 53 eye-opening colors, in powders that can be used wet or dry, Zosimos mineral eye shadows make it easy to be creative. Because all-mineral powders do not support bacterial growth, these shadows have no expiration date, so go ahead, collect them all. Daylily, nutmeg and white hilite are the best bets in the lineup. $13.95 www.whitelotusliving.com
Mineral Radiance Mask Right in the heart of Westlake Village at Agoura Road & Westlake Boulevard
20 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Trilogy’s creamy clay mask draws out impurities and soaks up excess sebum within minutes. It glides on and rinses off easily for a firm, refreshed feeling. All-natural ingredients that include carrot and primrose oils, aloe vera, kaolin and pohutukawa help tone and repair. You deserve this 10-minute weekly retreat. $33 www.beautorium.com
What
WHAT'S On Your PLATE? PLATE Written by ELA LINDSAY
Photos by MICHAEL COONS
shopper strolling through the supermarket aisles is met with countless choices packaged in brightly colored boxes, bags and cans, all promising tantalizing tastes. Many of us choose our foods based on the sexy images printed on the packaging as well as the phrases claiming that the contents may “lower cholesterol,” “provide all the calcium we need” or “improve heart health.” Maybe a glance at the ingredients label will give the shopper more information about what they’re about to consume . . . and maybe not. Generally, we trust that government regulations are in place to protect us from harm. But if your diet includes processed foods and beverages, even those labeled “natural,” you’re still consuming ingredients that, at the very least may surprise you, like arsenic, bleach, carnauba wax and coal tar. Thousands of food additives approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been designated as “generally recognized as safe”—or GRAS. But some of those additives that have passed as “generally safe” are unsettling. Consider what’s included in the term “natural products and flavorings”—those that have been extracted from plant or animal matter. Castoreum, for example, is derived from secretions in beavers’ castor sacs. Natural? Technically, yes. But is it something most of us would consider edible? Yet castoreum is found in many products with added flavoring, such as candy, fruit-flavored drinks, gelatin, ice cream and yogurt. The yuck factor elevates a notch when consumers learn that some red food dyes are made from bugs. According
to WebMD.com, the red cochineal bug is used to add a “pink blush to candies, ice creams, yogurts, fruit juices, cheese and even butter.” Although the bug is considered a natural food coloring—listed on labels as cochineal extract or carmine—and it appears safe, it has been known to cause reactions in some people. Even staples like meat, bread and dairy products contain additives that make buying and eating nutritious food as tricky as maneuvering through a minefield. Trying to decipher what’s in sports drinks, sodas and snacks may make the discerning consumer ask what these strange ingredients are doing in our food. “The reason (additives) are put in processed food is to preserve color and for flavor enhancement,” says Dr. Sharon Norling, a Westlake Village physician who is nationally board-certified in integrative medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and medical acupuncture. Additives are used for other reasons as well: as preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, binders, fat replacers, texturizers and replacements for vitamins and minerals lost in processing. Who would have guessed that cooking sprays and canned
whipped cream contain nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas— the same gas that helps make engines run faster and patients relax at the dentist’s office. The gas is used as a propellant and in whipped cream to make the cream light and fluffy. Norling says there’s a price to pay for consuming these things. “People are becoming so toxic from the foods we’re eating that it’s causing or exacerbating all chronic illnesses,” she says. In her new book, “Your Doctor Is Wrong: Survival Guide for Dismissed, Misdiagnosed or Mistreated,” she writes: “The Environmental Protection Agency reported that 100 percent of human fat samples contain man-made chemicals.” That statistic could be a red flag for anyone concerned about their health. “Processed things can be made to look like food and actually not be food at all,” says registered dietician Gay Riley, founder of www.NetNutritionist.com. Many GRAS additives and chemicals don’t have to be listed on labels because they are, by virtue of their designation, considered safe to consume. Additives started appearing in our food supply just after World War II, when manufacturers began altering natural foods using processed, modified and sugar-laden ingredients to make them more attractive and tasty, and to give them a longer shelf life. Genetically modified organisms—GMOs—are a hotbed of
controversy. The documentary “Fed Up,” released in 2014, explores the issue of obesity in America. According to the film, in 1999 half of the U.S. soybean crop and 33 percent of the corn crop were genetically engineered. High-fructose corn syrup, a common sweetener, may play a role in inflammation, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Sugar can be addictive, but replacing it with artificial sweeteners can be even more harmful. Although the FDA’s job is to ensure the safety of the ingredients used in processed foods, its GRAS list contains dozens of items that many consumers, as well as professionals in the health field, find questionable. “Common sense should tell us chemicals that come from petroleum products, coal tar, arsenic, bleach, synthetic hormones and bromine should be avoided and are harmful,” says Riley. But UCLA integrative oncology specialist Carolyn Katzin says there is another side to the story, a purpose for having additives in our food supply.
HELP!
What’s safe? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s list of “Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 foods,” which helps consumers decide how to prioritize organic purchases, at ewg.org. Consult Fooducate.com, which offers a phone app so shoppers can scan food barcodes to determine if it’s genetically modified, processed or contains pesticides. Local markets, such as Whole Foods Market in Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills and Oxnard, offer a wealth of information and healthy options. According to Whole Foods spokesperson Hilary Maler, “Whole Foods Market’s quality standards for food prohibit artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives or hydrogenated fats.” Other health-oriented markets in the area are Erewhon Organic Grocer and Cafe in Calabasas, and Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.
Want One-on-One Help Choosing a Kaiser Permanente Health Care Plan? Whether you need to find a new plan or you’re looking to switch plans, we make it simple and stress-free. We will be happy to meet with you to answer all your questions and help you better understand any part of health care that you may find confusing. We offer small group seminars and one-on-one appointments. Learn more at shopkp.org or call 1 (877) 256-0537, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days a week.
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“Look at the more positive aspects . . . such as preventing fungus (and creating) low-water activity in foods, which prevents harmful microbes. Today we’re able to feed many (more people) because of food science and additives. Something like two-thirds of crops are lost due to spoilage, rats, etc., so there are trade-offs for the additives that make items more shelf-stable.” The British native says that America is actually more transparent about its food supply than England, where ingredients are listed by numbers as opposed to names, so shoppers have to either know the ingredients’ numbers or look them up. But since some of the food colorings and other additives used in the U.S. are not permitted in the European Union, consumers in Europe don’t need to be on the watch for many of the additives found on U.S. store shelves, Katzin says, adding that the French are particularly stringent. Why the FDA allows more additives in food than the EU does is up for debate. But Angana Shah, clinical dietitian at Keck Medical Center of USC, says, “These additives have not been banned in the U.S. as the FDA deems their use not to be unsafe.” She adds that this also applies to what is fed and injected into livestock and poultry for human consumption, such as artificial hormones rBGH and rBST. “These are synthetic hormones injected into cows to improve the quantity of milk. Arsenic additives are commonly added to poultry feed for the FDA-approved purposes of inducing faster weight gain on less feed and creating the perceived appearance of a healthy color in meat from chickens, turkeys and hogs,” she says. Stephanie Winnard, Pierce College adjunct assistant professor of psychology and a vegan cooking instructor certified in plantbased nutrition, brings up another food processing protocol: “It’s standard practice to bathe chicken carcasses in chlorine and to wash beef products in ammonia to attempt to kill harmful pathogens such as E. coli.” Now there’s a conundrum—using strong, toxic chemicals to keep the food supply safe from deadly pathogens. There’s no doubt that the issue of processed food and its additives is confusing and controversial. But the burden of eating healthfully ultimately lies on the shoulders of the consumers, who may feel PLATE ON PAGE 59
24 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
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Where sleep
heart health
balance
memory
Whole Health
exercise
nutrition
Written by ERIN NEWMAN
Knowledge is power
Take charge of your health. We’ve rounded up local spots that offer workshops, lectures and classes to help you optimize your well-being.
FEED YOUR HEAD WITH INFORMATION. ARM YOURSELF WITH KNOW-HOW. STAY HEALTHY AND AT YOUR BEST.
California Health & Longevity Institute California Health & Longevity Institute provides a variety of workshops. Several classes on life balance help students find happiness while pursuing their life goals. Nutrition workshops offer myth-busting concepts about diet, weight management and healthy foods. The Wellness Kitchen is one of the more popular destinations at CHLI, where registered dietitian-chefs host fun, social dining experiences that offer practical help on choosing and preparing delicious healthy meals. The center also offers various fitness assessments, including performance testing, body composition, posture and movement. Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village (888) 575-1114 www.chli.com Camarillo Health Care District Camarillo Health Care District’s quarterly magazine, Healthy Attitudes, lists a full schedule of classes and workshops offered to help residents live a healthful life. A sampling of class topics include thyroid health, diabetes prevention, sleep problems, mindfulness, food sensitivities and vegan cooking. Camarillo Health Care District also offers various health screenings, including those for osteoporosis and bone density, skin cancer, health awareness (diabetes, stroke and cholesterol), dental, memory and hearing. The schedule of classes is available by request or on the district’s website. (See page 46 for a story on CHD's class for teens dealing with stress.) 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Ste. 117, Camarillo (805) 388-1952, ext. 100 www.camhealth.com
26 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Courtesy of CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE
Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center Stop by The Oaks mall on the third and fourth Thursdays of the month, January through October, for free community seminars hosted by Los Robles Hospital. Throughout the year the Health Chats cover a number of topics such as eye care, cardiac care and nutrition. Meetings take place in front of the Macy’s Men’s and Home department store on the first floor. Los Robles also offers events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and H2U (Health to You), which includes screenings linked to a scheduled topic at 2:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. 215 W. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks (877) 888-5746 www.losrobleshospital.com/calendar Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente offers healthy-living classes on various topics. The free six-week Healthier Living workshop touches on various things that will help you live a happier, healthier life, including stress management, diet, exercise and communicating with your physician. Kaiser’s Women’s Wellness Series is a quarterly interactive lecture series, open to the public and focusing on a different topic each quarter—this year skin, memory, headache treatment and happiness are scheduled. Call (818) 719-2359 to reserve a spot. Also, a variety of programs are offered to help with weight management. Events vary by location and some are for Kaiser Permanente members only. 5601 De Soto Ave., Woodland Hills 365 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks 3900 Alamo St., Simi Valley (818) 719-4305 www.kp.org KNOWLEDGE ON PAGE 60
Great ideas for cooking healthy
It’s here and it’s wonderful! The newly published cookbook from Paulette Lambert, Director of Nutrition for the California Health & Longevity Institute, is brimming with simple recipes designed to maximize health and achieve ideal body weight. Available for $24.99 at the CHLI guest services desk, www.chli.com, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
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! e r o F
WRITTEN BY ELIAV APPELBAUM
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL COONS
Highlights from the Local Greens XX BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Start ’em early for a lifetime of golf
P
atrick Mikenas, 16, started playing golf when he was in sixth grade through coach Dan Martin’s advanced player program at Rustic Canyon Golf Course in Moorpark. He’s still hooked on the game and so are many of his peers. “In the past two years, golf (has become) more popular with us kids,” Patrick says. “A lot of my friends play it now. . . . I’m seeing more kids practicing. More people want to try something new.” “Playing with friends is a big part of it,” says Christian Wennes, a 15-year-old freshman at Oaks Christian High School. “I enjoy traveling to play great golf courses around the country. It’s something I can keep doing when I’m 70. My grandpa (Howie Wennes) is 75, and he still plays. He loves it.” “Kids can take lesson after lesson,” says Oaks Christian coach Mary Sweeney. “But to really learn the sport, they have to play the sport. They have to be on a golf course.” And though some golf courses can be intimidating for the novice golfer, a little creative thinking can help coaches overcome that obstacle. When Sweeney and fellow coach Dan Martin train 8- to 10-year-old kids at Rustic Canyon Golf Course in Moorpark in the summer, they’ll place cones at 200-yard markers. The imposing distance between the tee and cup is shorter and less daunting. Suddenly, these young players have a realistic chance of making par. Practice doesn’t make perfect in golf, but that’s fine with Jesse-James Haraden, a 17-year-old junior at Oaks Christian. “There’s never a day you play perfect,” she says. “There’s always room for improvement which is kind of good and bad. I know for me and (teammate Brigitte Dunne), we have to keep improving and we’re always hungry for more. . . . I love the aspect that you have to stay positive. In the end, golf is all mental. It’s all about your mental game. If you have one bad hole, shake it off and keep going.” Kids can get a start on the greens at golf camps, held at many local courses. For the competitive player, PGA youth leagues that play at Wood Ranch, Calabasas, Rustic Canyon and Los Robles might be just the ticket. Also, many area high schools—both public and private—have golf teams. Oak Park fielded its first girls’ golf team this year and Westlake High boys’ team took the state championship last spring.
Scene
Christian “Cheeks”Wennes follows through on his putt as coach Mary Sweeney, flanked by Brigitte Dunne and Jett Thorson, offers moral support. WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 29
Coach to the kids
Oaks Christian’s Mary Sweeney doesn’t just coach—she inspires
It’s a glorious fall afternoon at Westlake Golf Course. School’s out and restless teenagers trickle from the Oaks Christian campus to the putting green. Mary Sweeney is 60, but she fits right in with this crowd of kids, offering encouragement and pointers to each player. Sweeney is head coach of the boys’ and girls’ middle school teams at Oaks Christian and an assistant coach for the girls’ high school squad. At practice, she crouches to watch the students’ putts, examining each muscle twitch while putts roll toward the cup. Sweeney is the quintessential players’ coach. She relishes being known as the “no-cut coach” and was devastated when Oaks Christian forced her to limit middle school rosters to 32 golfers after the 2012 season. She takes players to In-N-Out Burger after matches and joins youngsters for 18 holes on the weekends. She’ll tell players to hum their favorite song while on the links, and she smiles afterward when they eagerly tell her they finished with lifetime-best scores. She sends emails and texts to current and former players after matches. “She always tells me to stay confident, keep calm and keep playing my game,” says Christian Wennes, a 15-year-old Oaks Christian freshman. Sweeney has a gift for making kids be-
Sweeney gets a closer look as Christian Wennes settles into his shot. Below, Jesse-James Haraden and her coach discuss approach strategies. Right, Brigitte Dunne shares a light moment with Sweeney.
World's longest drive Cary Schuman still holds the Guinness World Record, 20 years later Cary Schuman sets up the tee shot and strikes the golf ball into outer space. The ball is still orbiting Earth. Watching Schuman drive a golf ball is akin to witnessing Michael Jordan dunk a basketball, George Carlin tell a joke or
30 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Jimi Hendrix play electric guitar. The greats always deliver. Schuman, 61, of Calabasas holds the Guinness World Record for longest drive: 463 yards, 10 inches, which he set in 1995 at the Royal Fox Golf Club in St. Charles, Ill.
“It was the perfect swing at the perfect moment,” he recalls. “It felt like slow motion.” Schuman was 42 when he set the Guinness record—his previous best, set in 1989, was 411 yards, 32¼ inches—and he can still hammer the ball 400 yards with his red, white and blue driver. Schuman’s prowess with a golf club has taken him to places he could only dream of exploring. He has played golf with two U.S. presidents—Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton—and he has played on courses all
Courtesy of CALIFORNIA FOOTGOLF ASSOCIATION
lieve in themselves. She tells them to turn off the “voice of doom.” “The toughest thing to teach them is to stay positive,” she says. “Don’t let a bad shot get you down. Stay in the moment. “You just have to make them believe.” Sweeney, an Oak Park resident, grew up in Santa Monica, one of four children of Joan and Roger Laverty Jr. Her father served in World War II but first he played for the Stanford University football team in the 1941 Rose Bowl win against Nebraska and was drafted by the NFL’s New York Giants. When Sweeney was 13, her parents and a family friend were the only survivors of a Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, plane crash in April 1967. “The doctors told my mom she’d never
over the world. Schuman, who played Fred Brill on television's “Happy Days,” is trying to get his own sitcom on the air. It’s called “The Golf Father.” Think “Caddyshack” meets “The Godfather.” Now the world record holder is sharing his knowledge of golf. He participates in long-drive clinics, corporate outings and charity golf tournaments. He relishes teaching children (often at no charge) about the game. “I want to keep helping kids,” Schuman says. “Golf kids are our future.”
walk again. She said, ‘Watch me,’” Sweeney says. “She swam every day for two years. She did walk again—and she played golf. My dad had to relearn how to read and write again, but they both made it back.” Her love of the sport drives Sweeney today. That passion started at home when she was a little girl. Her parents told her to believe in herself and she shares that message every day. It is a message of love. “My passion becomes their passion,” Sweeney says. “I love being around kids. They’re fun, and they keep me young. “Every year I keep saying this is going to be my last year. Then you get new kids who are so excited—and you fall in love with the kids all over again. “As long as the kids want to learn golf, I’m there to coach them.”
FootGolf The hot new craze that’s sweeping the links
There’s golf. There’s disc golf. And now there’s FootGolf. FootGolf is the latest outdoor game to hit our sports-obsessed country. It’s a combination of— what else?—soccer and golf. FootGolf is essentially golf with a soccer ball. Here’s a quick breakdown of the sport: Players must kick a regulationsize soccer ball into a hole with the fewest number of kicks, or strokes, as possible. There’s a tee box, a green, bunkers and hazards—just like in golf. Games go nine or 18 holes per round. Cups are 21 inches in diameter, and holes are shorter than they are in golf, since most people can’t boom the ball like Team USA superstar goalkeeper Tim Howard. The cost is reasonable: Most rounds are $10 per adult. Lindero Country Club in Agoura Hills, Saticoy Regional Golf Course in Ventura and River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard are local courses opening up their facilities to FootGolf aficionados as well as curious newcomers to the game. Lindero began offering FootGolf in August last year. Approximately 200 courses in 35 states around the United States are making fairways available for the relatively green sport. For serious enthusiasts, there are several footgolf leagues. WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 31
WHERE TO PLAY
PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUBS For those ready to immerse themselves in the lifestyle, here are a few private country clubs.
When you’re ready to hit the links, check out these golf courses, all welcome the public. Tierra Rejada Golf Club 15187 Tierra Rejada Road www.tierrarejadagolf.com (805) 531-9300
Camarillo Camarillo Springs Golf Course 791 Camarillo Springs Road www.camarillospringsgolf.com (805) 484-1075
Oxnard/Ventura Buenaventura Golf Course 5882 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura www.buenaventuragolf.com (805) 677-6772
Sterling Hills Golf Club 901 Sterling Hills Drive www.sterlinghillsgolf.com (805) 604-1234
•
Olivas Links 3750 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura www.olivaslinks.com (805) 677-6770
Conejo Valley Lindero Country Club 5719 Lake Lindero Drive, Agoura Hills www.linderocc.com (818) 889-1158
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Los Robles Greens Golf Course 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks www.losroblesgreens.com (805) 495-6421
River Ridge Golf Course 2401 West Vineyard Ave., Oxnard www.riverrridge-golfclub.com (805) 983-4653
•
Saticoy Regional Golf Course 1025 S. Wells Road, Ventura (805) 647-6678 www.saticoygc.com
Westlake Golf Course 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village www.westlakegc.com (818) 889-0770 Malibu Malibu Golf Club 901 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu www.themalibugolfclub.com (818) 889-6680 Moorpark Moorpark Country Club 11800 Championship Drive www.moorparkgolf.com (805) 532-2834
32 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Simi Valley Lost Canyons Golf Club 3301 Lost Canyons Drive www.lostcanyons.com (805) 522-4653 Simi Hills Golf Course 5031 Alamo St. www.simihillsgolf.com (805) 522-0803 Sinaloa Golf Course 980 Madera Road www.sinaloagolf.com (805) 581-2662
• These courses offer FootGolf.
Calabasas/Woodland Hills Calabasas Country Club 4515 Park Entrada, Calabasas www.calabasasgolf.com (818) 222-8111 Woodland Hills Country Club 21150 Dumetz Road, Woodland Hills www.woodlandhillscc.org (818) 347-1511 Camarillo Las Posas Country Club 955 Fairway Drive www.lasposascc.com (805) 388-2901 Leisure Village Golf 200 Leisure Village Drive www.leisurevillage.org (805) 484-2861 Spanish Hills Golf & Country Club 999 Crestview Avenue www.spanishhillscc.com (805) 388-5000 Conejo Valley North Ranch Country Club 4761 Valley Spring Drive, Westlake Village www.northranchcc.org (818) 889-3531 Sherwood Country Club 320 W. Stafford Road, Thousand Oaks www.sherwoodcountryclub.com (805) 496-3036 Sunset Hills Country Club 4155 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks www.sunsethillsclub.com (805) 495-5407 Simi Valley Wood Ranch Country Club 301 Wood Ranch Parkway www.woodranchgc.com (805) 527-9663
3.
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We l ve
5.
to
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laugh
Beyond readers heeded our call and sent in their laughs. 1. Ela Lindsay 2. Sofia Perolizzi 3. Karen Carman and Lisa Cronin 4. Miriam McQuerrey and Deborah Gow 5. Ross Haukoos and Erin Gaines 6. Liam Menslage
WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 33
1.
2.
Laugh and the world laughs with you. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox Wilco
5.
7. 1. Robbie Smith 2. Marylou Faris with Josh and Joanie 3. Chris and Rebecca Degioanni * 4. Mayam Bani * 5. Tania and Michael McErlane * 6. Amber Rule and Averi Noosinow 7. Elee and Susan Snowden 8. Cathy Dickson and Chrissy Cooper * 9. Bree Alatorre
* Courtesy of JOEY CARMAN PHOTOGRAPHY 34 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER | WINTER 2015 2015
3.
Laugh your way to well-being By Ela Lindsay
We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine. Along with lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormone levels and improving cardiac health, laughing also offers a decent abdominal workout. Fifteen minutes of laughter burns about 10 to 40 calories. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, which leads to a general sense of well-being. As a result, laughter yoga and laughing classes have sprung up all over the country. Here are some local classes where you can laugh your way to better health.
4.
Laughter Yoga, Relaxation and Meditation Goebel Adult Community Center 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks 5 to 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 28 through March 11 $60; for ages 18 and up (805) 381-2744 Laughter Yoga Camarillo Yoga Center 5800 Santa Rosa Road, Ste. 127, Camarillo 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Saturdays Free; everyone welcome (805) 484-8810 Laugh Your Way to Well Being Borchard Community Center 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park 6:15 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 28 through March 4 $50; 18 and up www.crpd.org (805) 381-2791 8. 6. 9.
Newbury Park Laughter Club Conejo Valley High School auditorium 1872 Newbury Road, Newbury Park 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays Free Call Mary Watson at (805) 376-9641 Go to BeyondTheAcorn.com for even more laughs. If you’d like to be part of the next issue of Beyond, send us a photo of your favorite spot in your home garden. Send to: beyond@theacorn.com.
WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 35
Hot 36 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
Agoura High School alumna Kelly Sparrman and Daniel Stewart from Santa Clarita make the most of a winter afternoon at El Matador State Beach just north of Malibu. As professional performers, both Kelly and Daniel try to keep themselves looking and feeling their very best. Written by STEPHANIE SUMELL Photos by MICHAEL COONS
FOR MILLENNIALS, IT'S TRENDY TO BE FIT
C
rista Scott kicks off her day by drinking a mixture of hot water, freshsqueezed lemon juice and apple cider
vinegar. “This helps to detox the liver and it gives me a great boost of energy,” the 26-year-old says. “I also drink about a gallon of water a day (because) staying hydrated is key.” Scott, an ambassador for Gnarly Nutrition, a natural sports supplement company, is one of many young adults who have made their health a priority. Now more than ever, men and women in their 20s and 30s are taking steps to live longer and healthier lives—something they hope will prevent them from having to make dramatic lifestyle changes later on. Many millennials take pride in making choices that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health. Those choices might include taking a regular exercise class, researching a food or product before consuming it or simply climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator. “More people are becoming educated about the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle,” Scott says. “In a time when health
insurance costs are skyrocketing and cancer is around every corner, I believe people are starting to become more concerned with their own health and (illness) prevention.”
Millennial movement
Maybe that's why a diet of nutrient-rich foods—coupled with regular exercise—is the norm for 20- and 30-somethings who have chosen to live healthy. Raymond Martherus, the marketing director for Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins, says the chain of health food stores is attracting more young people than ever before. “The values of the store haven’t changed. We aren’t specifically targeting younger people. But we see more and more of them shopping in our stores.” He says many customers have inherited healthy eating habits from their parents. “It’s how these younger people have grown up and who they’ve grown up with. Many of them were taught to reach for the apple instead of the chips.” And that’s not taking into account the chic factor of eating right. According to a report by the State of WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 37
We try to keep abreast of trends. It’s important to understand what students are into at the moment. — Deborah Gravelle CSUCI
Obesity, a nonprofit that disseminates information on the condition, California now has the fifth-lowest adult obesity rate in the nation. “California is the look-good, feel-good state,” Martherus says. “A lot of the health movements come out of California.” He says people in California often set a precedent for those in other states. “Being an innovator or an early adopter is part of what makes eating healthy foods cool. It’s being one of the first to use a product, whether it’s kale or quinoa, before it becomes commonplace,” Martherus says. “Eat38 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
ing right is infectious. Once someone sees someone else that looks good and feels good, they want to create a similar lifestyle.” Those sorts of intentions have prompted universities across the nation to offer programs and services that promote health. Deborah Gravelle, the director of wellness promotion and education programs at CSU Channel Islands, says the university strives to help students develop and maintain healthy habits. The school offers regular yoga, meditation, aerobics and other classes in its recreation center, and professionals are on site to
address any and all mental and emotional issues students might experience. “It’s about the whole person,” Gravelle says. “Our ultimate goal is to address the body, mind and soul.” To do that the university strives to stay up-to-date on the services students want and need. Gravelle says students are becoming increasingly vocal about the importance of having exercise classes on campus. “We try to keep abreast of trends. It’s important to understand what students are into at the moment.” Gravelle says CSU Channel Islands expects the wellness promotion and education programs to grow over time. The university is one of many to invest time and money into health-related ventures. CSUN’s new $59-million student recreation center includes an indoor jogging track, a rock climbing wall, workout equipment, basketball courts, outdoor pools and several exercise studios. The center was designed to meet the growing demand for gym space among students who are interested in exercise for more than just burning calories or building muscle. Cal Lutheran has new and improved rec facilities as well—an aquatics center that doubles as the official training site for the U.S. Olympic water polo team, a two-story football and soccer stadium, and the Forrest Fitness Center, which offers advanced training facilities for the student body. Activities that engage the body and the mind are becoming increasingly popular among young adults. Yoga, for example, has become a mainstay for many in their 20s and 30s who want to combat the negative impact daily stressors have on their health. Sri Hari Moss, the co-owner of Yoga Upstairs in Agoura Hills, says his classes combine different styles of yoga to meet the needs of his students—people of all ages and ability levels. “A lot of the students in their late 20s and 30s are starting to feel the aging process,” Moss says. “They are starting to get sore backs and sore necks, and they want to do something about it.” The teacher describes yoga as the “union between ourselves and God.” “Yoga is the ability to still the mind so that it doesn’t fluctuate from one thing to
another,” he says. “Once you can control the mind, you find that it alleviates a lot of the suffering we have in our lives.” Moss says many of his older clients tell him they wish they had started practicing yoga earlier. “The best time to start a yoga practice was 20 years ago. The next best time is now,” Moss says.
Living the lifestyle
Yoga and other activities are often just one aspect of what is, for many, an entire way of life. Clothing and equipment companies are contributing to the cool factor associated with being healthy by creating products that are both functional and stylish. Lululemon Athletica, an upscale brand of active wear, has opened almost 300 stores since it was established in 1998.
The best time to start a yoga practice was 20 years ago. The next best time is now. — Sri Hari Moss Yoga Upstairs
HEALTHY IS HOT ON PAGE 62 WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 39
Styled by LESLIE GREGORY HAUKOOS Photos by MICHAEL COONS
h t o o Sm E N I M E MAK
THESE FROZEN CONCOCTIONS PACK A HEALTHY PUNCH
Fresh. Fast. Simple. Seasonal.
Smoothies are everything just shy of the answer to life itself—at least the healthy life. “People want to eat healthy, but it only works if it tastes good,” says Art Tracewell, one of three owners of Blenders in the Grass. Simple but true. Even the most ardent desire to live healthy is apt to fade unless it’s fueled by flavors that have you running back for more. And smoothies offer just that: fresh, yummy goodness that is the result of creative combinations of an endless variety of fruits and veggies. A timely trend indeed. “More and more folks (are) turning to healthy foods due to weight and diet constraints, health issues and the overall design to live healthier,” says Felicia Gonzalez, spokesperson for Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies. “We use the best fruits, fresh vegetables and
Have you had your
Shot
today?
A shot of freshly cut wheatgrass juice packs a wallop of goodness that the body can efficiently absorb and put to good use. “One ounce of wheatgrass juice has the same nutritional value as 2½ pounds of other garden vegetables,” according to Blenders in the Grass. Wheatgrass contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids needed by the human body. When it’s cut and juiced immediately before being consumed the enzymes, which help break down and eliminate wastes, are still live and at their most beneficial. The tiny green blades get their intense green color from chlorophyll, which has antioxidant properties, helping to keep free radicals in check. And the plant hormone abscisic acid, embraced by the alternative medicine community as a weapon against cancer, is plentiful in wheatgrass. Can your tequila shot top that? 40 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
natural ingredients for our smoothies so they are not only refreshing and tasty, they are also packed with flavor and healthful nutrients.” Robeks was launched by L.A. native David Robertson in 1995 and now has over 100 stores nationwide. Smoothies are like drinking your daily vitamin pill, only more fun. The three longtime friends who started Blenders in the Grass some 20 years ago say their company grew out of a mutual desire to find low-fat, high energy complete meals. Tracewell, his childhood friend Scott Webber and a college buddy Keric Brown opened their first Blenders in the Grass in Isla Vista in 1995. They now have 12 locations with more on the horizon. Blenders and Robeks agreed to share some of their secret smoothie recipes—their way of paying it forward and spreading goodness here and Beyond.
Blenders in the Grass
The Original Smoothie
8 2 ½ 8
oz. fresh squeezed orange juice scoops nonfat frozen vanilla yogurt fresh banana oz. frozen strawberries
Blenders in the Grass
Tropical Kale Smoothie
8 ½ 8 1 1 2
oz. fresh pineapple juice fresh banana oz. frozen peaches scoop pineapple sherbet scoop frozen nonfat vanilla yogurt cups shredded kale
Spartan Berry Smoothie 5 1 3 3
Create the perfect smoothie at home—just choose one of these mouthwatering recipes, combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth and thick, pour into glass and serve immediately. When you feel daring, try dreaming up your own and share it on facebook.com/BeyondTheAcorn. The possibilities are endless . . .
Pitaya Smoothie
Robeks
D o - It - Y o ur self
oz. raspberry juice ice cream scoop Greek yogurt oz. frozen or fresh blueberries oz. ice
2 2 1 2
pitayas,* scooped out of skin bananas cup frozen or fresh pineapple cups coconut water
* a variation of dragon fruit
Tropical Kale Smoothie, the Original Smoothie and a Pitaya Smoothie, all prepared by Blenders in the Grass, Camarillo. See Resources on page 65 for nearby Blenders in the Grass and Robeks locations.
WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 41
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TAI
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HI
Why
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“Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid.”
W
— Lao Tzu Chinese philosopher 604-531 B.C.
Written by DARLEEN PRINCIPE
ater. Softness. Gentleness. It’s no coincidence that these same terms come into play when practicing tai chi, the slow and graceful Chinese martial art whose original philosophies and techniques can be traced back to ancient Taoist monks. It’s true that tai chi has come a long way since then. Today it is widely regarded in the U.S. as a “moving meditation,” similar to yoga and associated more with exercise and wellness than philosophy, selfdefense and martial arts. But the basic principles of the old teachings remain the same. Like water, qi—the spirit or vital energy present in people and all living things, according to traditional Chinese culture—must flow freely in order to be strong. And the practice of tai chi, which promotes balance between mind and body (and between the opposite forces of yin and yang) allows for that free flow of energy.
WINTER 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 43
Kurtis Fujita, teacher and owner at Tiger Crane Kung Fu in Simi Valley, puts it in less esoteric terms: If qi is like a person’s battery, then tai chi is like charging that battery. “When you really try to pinpoint it, you’re bringing up your vitality,” he says. “That encompasses everything—self-awareness, breathing, physical ability—how vital you are. People who practice tai chi are vital well into old age.” Going with the flow Characterized by slow, deliberate movements, tai chi employs stable stances and focused, meditative breathing. Unlike most forms of exercise or sport, it is less about pushing physical limits and more about moving within the natural range of motion. In other words, if you can only move your foot or stretch out your arm so far while still keeping balance, then that’s as far as you need to go, and everything else will fall into place naturally. All tai chi movements are gentle and yielding instead of being aggressive; they teach one how to “go with the flow,” says Fujita, who’s been practicing Chinese martial arts for about 20 years. The slow and soft movements make tai chi a safe and particularly ideal exercise for those with health conditions that affect the joints, such as arthritis. In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21 people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis—an autoimmune disorder that results in chronic joint inflammation—practiced tai chi for one hour twice a week for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, all participants reported significant improvements in balance and grip strength. TAI CHI ON PAGE 64
Ancient Martial Art
T’ai chi ch’uan, more commonly known in the U.S. by the shortened name tai chi, is an ancient Chinese martial art that some believe was developed as early as the 12th century. Translated literally, tai means “great” or “large,” and chi— not to be confused with the qi that refers to one’s life force or energy in traditional Chinese culture—means “biggest” or “most ultimate.” Combined with chuan, which means “fist” or “boxing,” widely accepted translations of the martial art’s name include “supreme ultimate boxing” or “grand ultimate fist.” Like many elements of ancient cultures, the origin of tai chi is particularly difficult to trace. Oral histories passed down through generations credited Taoist monks in the 12th century with formulating the basic philosophies and techniques of the practice. Yet according to Peter M. Wayne, a longtime teacher of tai chi and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, the earliest references to the martial art did not appear in the documented historical record until the 1700s. Throughout the 1800s, it was taught to the Chinese military as a fighting art. During the 1900s tai chi evolved into a national exercise, sport and even a performing art. Only in the past 50 years has tai chi made its way into the West. Today, while the practice it is still characterized by slow, graceful movements, tai chi in the U.S. is more associated with wellness and exercise than self-defense.
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}
Tai Chi classes can be found at park and rec departments, senior centers and some martial arts studios. You can also find classes offered in yoga studios, at churches and through meetup.com. Camarillo Camarillo Health Care District
3639 E. Las Posas Road, Ste. 117, Camarillo (805) 388-1952 | www.camhealth.com
Camarillo Yoga Center
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Ste 127, Camarillo (805) 484-8810 | www.camarilloyoga.com
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Simi Valley Senior Center
3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley (805) 583-6363 | www.simivalley.org/seniorcenter
Tiger Crane Kung Fu
1733 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805) 341-4696 | www.tigercrane.net
Yoga Nook
4449 Cochran St., Simi Valley (805) 390-8175 | www.yoganook.com
Conejo Valley Agoura Karate
30317 Canwood Road #37, Agoura Hills (818) 707-0332 | www.agourakarate.com
Conejo Valley Adult School
1025 Old Farm Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 497-2761 | www.conejoadultschool.org
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How
Tapit
Out
EYEBROW
SIDE OF EYE
Simple Strategies for Coping with Stress Written by LESLIE GREGORY HAUKOOS Photos by MICHAEL COONS
EFT What’s it all about?
M
1
SPOT KARATE CHOP or SORE
Springer demonstrates SETUP STATEMENT Sydney is broken into three a basic EFT sequence which ing yourself, “On a ask by in main components. Beg stress do I feel about scale of 0 to 10, how much tapping the side of tly this topic?” Then, while gen spot), state the sore or p cho ate your hand (the kar . mation For example: issue and a personal affir ut my math exam, abo s “Even though I’m nervou elf.” mys I love and accept
46 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
odern life is stressful. Teens especially can feel squeezed by today’s pressure to succeed, to fit in, to plan their futures, to maneuver through a web of social expectations, to make choices about things they may not yet be ready to evaluate. Of course there is no single path to diffusing stress, but the folks at the Camarillo Health Care District offer a class especially for teens that can be part of a comprehensive strategy for stress busting. It uses a relatively new technique based on the principles of acupressure. Although Emotional Freedom Technique, (EFT) was developed in the 1990s, its roots reach deep in the 5,000-yearold practice of acupuncture and Chinese
UNDER EYE
2
UNDER NOSE
REMINDER PHRASE Next, continue to gently tap through the sequence of pressure points shown above while repeating the issue and your conscious response to it—aloud if possible. While stating the issue and your chosen response, gently tap each of the pressure points in the sequence beginning with the eyebrow, moving to the side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose and through the entire sequence, which continues on the following page. Five or six gentle taps at each spot will do it, and it’s up to you whether you use one hand or two. Once you have completed the statement, begin it again, all the while tapping through the sequence.
mind-body medicine that uses energy flow (called qi) in the body to diagnose and treat illness. In a simple technique designed to help diffuse stress, conquer phobias and overcome fears, EFT uses various combinations of acupressure points coupled with affirmative statements. It has been called “acupuncture without the needles.” The technique is an offshoot of another energy psychology called Thought Field Therapy (TFT). TFT, developed by clinical psychologist Roger Callahan, Ph.D in the 1980s, utilized specific acupressure points to address individual ailments. In the 1990s Stanford-educated engineer Gary Craig simplified the process by defining a sequence of pressure points that could address whatever ailed you. This change made it easy to practice at home. Demonstrated here is a basic EFT sequence.
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CHIN
UNDER ARM
COLLARBONE
REMINDER PHRASE (continued) Repeat the Reminder Phrase continuously as you move on to tapping the chin, the collarbone, under the arm, the forehead, finishing with the top of the head. As you progress through the sequence, begin to tell yourself how you will choose to react to the situation. A more advanced EFT, called “choice,” takes the technique to the next level. For example, if the Setup Statement was “Even though I’m nervous about my math exam, I love and accept myself,” the choice affirmation sounds like this: “Even though I have this huge math exam, I choose to be calm and confident about it.”
“There is no purpose to worry.” — Kim Kolb
EFT instructor
Aref Bhuiya, m.d.
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3
FOREHEAD
TOP OF HEAD
TEST IT/BREATHE/REPEAT AS NEEDED Once you’ve finished tapping through the sequence, pause a moment. Ask yourself, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how much stress do I feel about this issue now?” Compare with the number you began with. If your stress has not yet decreased to a level of 0 or 1, take a deep breath and begin the sequence again. Continue to repeat the whole process until your stress level has reached a level 0 or 1. You may find that, as you state the issue causing you stress and your conscious response to it, your statement evolves. You may even find your insight into the issue changing as you: tap through it. In subsequent rounds, feel free to adjust the Setup Phrase to reflect that you are specifically addressing the part of the problem that remains.
Empowering Teens
“My goal is to not have repeat business,” says Kim Kolb, life coach, personal trainer and instructor of the EFT class for teens at Camarillo Health Care District. Her objective is to empower students to deal with stress on their own, any time, any place, throughout their lives, using this simple technique and the strategies that stem from it. Though there are many reasons to practice EFT, Kim says it comes down to two main points: First, EFT redirects when our instinctive response to a situation is fight-or-flight. “One of the best things EFT does is to keep our reaction in the area of the brain that allows us to stay calm and react with a clear head.” Second, EFT opens up energy flow meridians, or qi, that get crimped “like a garden hose.” Although the class is specifically for teens who must maneuver through a labyrinth of stressful situations each day, EFT is equally effective for adults and can even be used with small children. For the little ones, though, you’d restate the reminder phrase to say something like, “Even though that kid at preschool isn’t nice to me, I’m a good person.” Camarillo Health Care District’s next EFT class for teens begins January 24. For information, visit www.camhealth.com.
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When
The New Year is brimming with promise and, as always, there’s a whole lot happening around town. Here are a few highlights.
OUT AND ABOUT JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 30 Channel Islands Whale Watching Trips 4151 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard Excursions available around Channel Islands National Park and the National Marine Sanctuary for sightings of blue, humpback, orca, finback and gray whales. Visit www.channelislandssportfishing.com/ whalewatching
Gold sculptures by local artist on display THROUGH FEBRUARY 4 “A Dream of Utopia” Sculpture Installation by Gerald Zwers 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday At Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture at California Lutheran University in the Soiland Humanities Center on the south side of Memorial Parkway on the Thousand Oaks campus. Features over 1,000 gold sculptures of heroic figures by Santa Paula artist. Visit www.CalLutheran.edu/ kwan_fong
Brandon’s Buddies Free Kids Club 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gates Canyon Park 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Calabasas Features integrated play, face painting, arts and crafts, entertainment and treats. Kids with and without disabilities and their families can participate. Club meets every month, usually the first Saturday,
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at the fully-accessible playground. Check schedule for any cancellation dates. Call (818) 222-8118 Visit www.kenproject.com MONDAY, JANUARY 19 Martin Luther King Freedom March and Celebration 8 a.m. March at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., Oxnard followed by 9 a.m. celebration at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center 800 Hobson Way Tickets: $7 at PAC box office or at www.etix.com. Call (805) 486-2424 Visit www.mlkventuracounty.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Conejo Senior Volunteer Program’s Inaugural Wellness Fest 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Goebel Adult Community Center 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Health and wellness-related exhibitors and community services representatives. Also food, service and prizes. Free admission; advance ticket will guarantee free lunch and resource directory. Tickets available at Goebel front desk. Call (805) 381-2742 Email csvp@crpd.org Amazing Automobiles: The Ultimate Car Exhibit and Movie Night at the Reagan Library 5 to 7 p.m. tour of the exhibit 7 to 9 p.m. screening of “Batman.” Automobiles include the Batmobile, cars from movies and stars’ own wheels including Elvis Presley, Elton John, Steve McQueen, Pope John Paul II. Food will be sold throughout the movie. Advance tickets are $14.99; no tickets will be sold at the door. Call (805) 522-2977 Visit www.reaganlibrary.gov SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Flea market at Ventura County Fairgrounds 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early bird admission available from 6 to 9 a.m. at $10. Kids under 12 are free with an adult. Regular admission price of $5 starts at 9 a.m. No pets allowed. Visit www.rgcshows.com
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Taking care of the caregiver SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Conejo Cares Caregiver Recognition Day 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Los Robles Greens, 299 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks Event honors and celebrates family caregivers. Open to anyone caring for an older adult. Registration at 9:30 a.m. features coffee and conversation with other caregivers. Program includes a meditation, discussion about “The Cards I’ve Been Dealt;” T.O., WLV and Agoura mayors will honor caregivers. Conejo Cares is hosted by the cities of Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, the Greater Conejo Chamber of Commerce and Senior Concerns. Senior Concerns, a private, nonprofit organization since 1975, serves seniors in Ventura and western Los Angeles counties, their caregivers and families by developing and administering quality-of-life programs, resources, educational outreach and raising funds. It aims to keep families together and seniors active and in their homes by offering affordable options. Programs are offered without regard for the ability to pay. Free to those who bring a photo of the person in their care. Call (805) 497-0189 Visit www.SeniorConcerns.org
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Inaugural “Nun Run” 5K and 1 Mile Run 8 a.m. Starts at Sisters of Notre Dame Center, 1776 Hendrix Ave., and finishes at La Reina High School, 106 W. Janss Road, both in Thousand Oaks. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and ability levels. Professional chip timing technology provided to 5K runners. Participants get a free T-shirt and pancake breakfast. Proceeds go to the Sisters of Notre Dame Life and Ministry Fund. Visit www.sndca.org/nunrun FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 THROUGH FEBRUARY 16 Washington Generals Face Harlem Globetrotters in Greater Los Angeles The boys are back in all of their wacky ways. Games runs through Feb. 16 as follows: Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario; Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. Galen
St. John’s Seminary is
Celebrating 75 Years!
Join us at St. John’s Seminary in 2015 Annual Open House | Saturday, April 18, 2015 Ordination Mass and Brunch | Saturday, May 30, 2015 Distinguished Alumni Dinner | Saturday, September 12, 2015 Sunday Mass @ St. John’s Seminary | Returning in 2015! Email us at advancement@stjohnsem.edu for the schedule I WILL GIVE YOU SHEPHERDS
THE STORY OF
S T. J O H N ’ S S E M I NA RY By Joe Garner
Learn more about St. John’s Seminary with the commemorative book I Will Give You Shepherds, by best-selling author Joe Garner. For information visit www.stjohns75th.com.
Center, LA; Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Saddleback Gym, Mission Viejo; Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Honda Center, Anaheim; Feb. 15 at 12:30 and 5:45 p.m. at Staples Center, LA; Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at Honda Center. A military member will be honored at each game. Globetrotters will sign autographs and take photos with fans. Tickets are available at harlemglobetrotters.com and the respective arena box offices. Visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Discovery Center Science Speaker Series 7:30 to 9 p.m. Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. The Science Of Blue: Understanding Ancient Artifacts by Dr. Giacomo Chiari, Getty Conservation Institute. Adults $15 single or $60 for the series; students, teachers, seniors $10. Tickets available from the Civic Arts Plaza box office or www.ticketmaster.com. Call (805) 449-2700 Visit www.sciencespeakerseries.org SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Sweetheart’s Dinner and Dance at the Reagan Library 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will dine at tables for two. Event includes a three-course meal with hors d’oeuvres and a glass of champagne and dancing to live music. Tour the museum from 6 to 9 p.m. and the Air Force One Pavilion from 6 to 10 p.m. Call (805) 577-4057 Visit www.reaganlibrary.gov FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Greater Conejo Valley Chamber’s Recognition Gala 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Four Seasons Hotel, 2 Dole Drive, Westlake Village Gala honoring chamber members and volunteers will include cocktail hour, three-course dinner with live entertainment and awards. Visit www.conejochamber.org/pages/ChairmansClubInfo. SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Spring Arts and Crafts Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park Also runs Sunday, March 8. Features more than 100 vendors, handmade crafts, food trucks. Free admission. Call (805) 381-2791 Email boc@crpd.org
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FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Carpe Diem Conference 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo For parents and professionals who care for children with emotional challenges. Information will focus on relationshipbuilding. Also a Resource Fair. Visit www.VenturaCountyselpa.com Santa Barbara International Orchid Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Earl Warren Show Grounds 3400 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara One of the largest annual orchid shows in the U.S. Runs through Sun., March 15. Admission is $12; seniors and students with ID are $10. Children 12 and under are free with paying adult. Visit www.sborchidshow.com SATURDAY, MARCH 14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade 10 a.m. Main Street, downtown Ventura Ventura Elks Lodge 1430 will present the
parade. Free for spectators. Visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas Free admission. Games for kids, Irish band, dancers, raffle baskets, lunch. Call (818) 880-2993 Visit www.ahccc.org YMCA Hiji Family 5K/10K Run/Walk 7:30 to 10 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m. Camarillo Family YMCA, 3111 Village at the Park Drive, Camarillo Registration includes swag bag, entertainment, vendor booths, treats, and a silent auction. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each age group, with special attention given to kids. Benefits the Y’s Campaign for Youth and Families. Visit www.ciymca.org/camarillo TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Leprechaun’s Lucky Gold Hunt for Kids 4 to 5:30 p.m. 2525 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks
Children will search for gold coins hidden in the park, then turn them in for fun prizes. Call (805) 381-2793 Visit www.crpd.org/programs SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Spring Spectacular at America’s Teaching Zoo, Moorpark College 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark Also runs Sun., March 22, Sat. and Sun., March 28, 29 and April 4 and 5 Features four shows at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.; kids’ zone, VIP tours, raffle and 3 p.m. Creature Feature with guest animal appearances from other facilities. $10 adults; $8 kids and seniors Call (805) 378-1441 Visit www.moorparkcollege.edu/zoo SATURDAY, MARCH 21 City of Calabasas Arbor Day Celebration 9:30 a.m. to noon Gates Canyon Park 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Calabasas Free admission. Call Marina Issakhani at (818) 224-1600 Email missakhani@cityofcalabasas.com
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SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Superstars of the Year 2:30 to 5 p.m. Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks Honors youth, volunteers and staff, and will include music and performing arts by club members, celebrity guests. Free entrance, parking, snacks and beverages. Call (818) 706-0905 Register at www.bgcconejo.org SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Great Race of Agoura Half Marathons, 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run 6 a.m. Chumash Park, 5550 Medea Valley Drive, Agoura Hills Expo will be March 26 and 27. Visit www.greatraceofagoura.com SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Spring Egg Hunt and Arts and Crafts Show 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mae Boyar Park 130 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park Free admission. Vendors and craft show.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Calabasas City’s Earth Day Celebration/ Green Expo 2 to 5 p.m. Las Virgenes Creek on Agoura Road, Calabasas A day of education, celebration and action for the natural world. Visit www.cityofcalabasas.com SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Scandinavian Festival 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and continues 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday Kingsmen Park at Cal Lutheran University 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks Music, dancing, food, lectures, demonstration, vendors and an on-site Viking encampment and Sami Village. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for teenagers. Children are free. Discounted tickets available at scandinavianfest.org. Email scanfestival@callutheran.edu SUNDAY, APRIL 19 “Aut2Run!” Charity Race 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cal State Channel Islands One University Drive, Camarillo Features a 10K trail run at 7:30 a.m., 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m., 15K “Hero Run” and a Fun-K at 10:30 a.m. Open to competitive runners, casual walkers and families. Proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Ventura County. Visit www.aut2run.org. To submit an event for the next Beyond calendar, send information to Lindsay.Ela@ gmail.com before Feb. 28. The next calendar will cover events taking place from April through July.
LEAFY GREENS FROM PAGE 15
Courtesy of NISHIMORI FAMILY
to be pesticide free. Land has to be free from pesticide use for three years before any crops grown on it can be certified as organic. “People decided they want to eat healthy. They started asking, ‘Where is my food coming from? Who is growing my food?’” Garrett says. That’s where the Nishimori family story comes in.
Family farm
The Nishimori farming roots go back to Japan, where founder Roy Nishimori’s grandfather worked the land near Hiroshima before immigrating to the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century. Both Roy’s paternal and maternal grandparents were farmers when they came to the United States, soon establishing themselves as prosperous farmers on leased land in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Then came December 7, 1941. Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and Japanese-Americans were sent to internment camps. The Nishimori side of Roy’s family was sent to a camp in Jerome, Ark., and his mother’s family was taken to one in Gila River, Ariz.
After the war, both families returned to Southern California and restarted their farming businesses from the ground up. Roy’s parents married sometime after the war and in 1959, the young family moved to Oxnard, where Roy’s father and his brother started Nishimori Brothers.
A very young Roy Nishimori ponders the fertile farmland, perhaps envisioning his bright future as a grower.
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Not that Roy planned to follow in their footsteps. “It was a period of time when I told myself as a teenager, ‘No, I don’t want to be a farmer,’” Roy says in a video about the family. But in his late 20s, Roy had a change of heart and asked his father if he could come back and learn how to farm. He joined the family business in Leafy greens 1972 and four years later started are finally Miguel Progetting their San duce. day in “I always felt the sun. comfortable on the farm, I always felt — Jan Berk that was a good life,” Roy says. “I always felt it was very noble, it was valuable.”
A new generation
As children, Garrett and his cousins would help out on the farm. His job was boxing the greens after they had been If you have always wanted to meditate, packaged. But when he graduated from but weren’t sure how to start, Camarillo High School, farming was not visit our Mindfulness Page at www.camarilloyoga.com on his to-do list. Garrett attended UC Berkeley and As featured on the cover of Time and Scientific American magazines, regular then culinary school in the Bay Area. AfMindfulness practice has been scientifically proven to positively affect how your brain processes stress. Mindfulness has been successfully utilized in treating physical ter a few years as a chef, he came home to & emotional challenges from heart disease to anxiety and depression, but in our Camarillo. That was four years ago, and fast-paced culture, managing stress is a tool everyone needs! now Garrett is fully entrenched in the family business working as marketing manager Audrey Walzer, Director of the Camarillo Yoga Center has helped hundreds of and corporate chef. Called back to the Ventura County residents learn the fundamentals of non-religious Mindfulness farm, much like his uncle. Meditation, with the support of a group setting. Learn specific strategies for cultivating mindful awareness, and creating peace of mind, with reading “I saw my mother and my father and and guided meditation tracks to help you practice at home. their families involved with it. It was something that was dear to them,” Roy says. Camarillo Yoga Center Voted “I always saw them be very happy, too. “Ventura County’s Best” 5800 Santa Rosa Rd., #127 • 805.484.8810 “That’s an important thing for families 2012 2014 www.camarilloyoga.com to stay together.” 58 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
PLATE FROM PAGE 24
overwhelmed by the urgency to become knowledgeable about a highly technical subject that even the experts can’t agree on. How can the concerned consumer make truly healthy choices without having to first earn a Ph.D. in chemistry or medicine? “If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it,” says Westlake Village certified life and health coach Bonnie Jarvis. Propylene glycol, for instance, a form of antifreeze used to maintain moisture in foods, has come under fire. Although it is toxic in high amounts, it’s still been given GRAS status. There is good news on the horizon. The tide on food additives might finally be turning. Panda Kroll, a civil litigator and adjunct faculty member in biotechnology law and regulation at Cal State Channel Islands’ Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics, says, “An exploding number of class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of consumer groups against food manufacturers, claiming that foods containing additives that are labeled as ‘natural’ are misleading and deceptive.” While those lawsuits slog their way through the courts, most experts agree that reading and deciphering food labels is crucial, and it’s best to choose food that is unprocessed, organic or farm-fresh. Shah’s recommendation: “Avoid highly processed and preprepared foods, which, for the most part, contain additives. Consumption of nutrition-dense and natural foods should be a priority.”
Jarvis recommends sticking with nature’s packaging. “Stay away from processed foods and eat ones in their natural form because fresh foods like broccoli and peaches are already packaged in a way that provides the right micronutrients to nourish the body.”
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KNOWLEDGE FROM PAGE 27
UCLA Health UCLA Health has become a presence in the area by pairing with community partners such as nonprofits, service organizations, YMCAs and Cal Lutheran University to provide talks by UCLA physicians who volunteer their time to educate the public. Lecture topics include aging parents, maintaining heart health, understanding supplements, cancer breakthroughs, brain health, and antibiotic and vaccine information. A women’s health conference, staged by UCLA’s OB-GYN group, is held in the spring in the Conejo Valley. Locations and phone numbers vary, but more information can be found by signing up for UCLA Health’s newsletter and calendar, Vital Signs. uclahealth.org/calendar Dignity Health-St. John’s Dignity Health-St. John’s reaches out to the community by providing health and wellness information including weight and pulse checks and general health screenings such as blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and online cardiac-risk assessments. Some events, such as a women and heart disease workshop, are offered through a partnership with the Camarillo Library; others, such as a women’s health oncology lecture series, will be held at a conference venue. Call the event hotline for details at (888) 263-1350 or visit www.stjohnshealth. org. Dignity-St. John’s has two locations: St. John’s Regional Medical Center 1600 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital 2309 Antonio Ave., Camarillo Simi Valley Hospital -Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, an Adventist Health facility, focuses its attention on providing physicians to senior centers for presentations on a variety of health and wellness topics. Contact the Simi Valley Senior Center or Moorpark Senior Center for more information. 2975 N. Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley (805) 955-6000 www.adventisthealth.org
Community Resources
Parks and recreation departments, adult schools and senior centers offer a great selection of health and wellness classes. Check directly with them to see if any new events are on tap.
Calabasas Savvy Seniors This active senior hangout offers courses on diet, bone health, meditation, stress reduction and memory training. 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas (818) 880-6461 www.cityofcalabasas.com/ savvy-seniors.html
Goebel Adult Community Center Nutrition education, foot care and a wellness fest are scheduled at the Goebel Center. Health screenings include blood pressure, hearing and vision. 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2744 www.crpd.org
Conejo Recreation and Park District Wellness 101, food relationships and back care are current offerings. 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-6471 www.crpd.org
Moorpark Active Adult Center The adult center offers screenings for hearing, vision and balance as well as educational seminars provided by Simi Valley Hospital and Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. 799 Moorpark Ave., Moorpark (805) 517-6261 www.moorparkca.gov/200/Active-Adult-Center
Conejo Valley Adult School Food education classes include Simple and Sane Detox, and Meatless Mondays. Conjeo Valley Adult School also offers meditation, body alignment principles, essential oils, aromatherapy and reflexology. 1025 Old Farm Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 497-2761 www.conejoadultschool.org
Simi Valley Senior Center Screenings for hearing, vision and balance, and seminars on a variety of topics provided by Simi Valley Hospital physicians take place at the Simi Valley Senior Center. 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley (805) 583-6363 www.simivalley.org/seniorcenter
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The company has capitalized on the idea that workout clothes aren’t just for the gym or yoga studio. Jessica Easter, an area community manager for the company, says its customers “have a finger on the pulse” of the latest trends in music, art and style. “We make products that can be worn to the studio, at the studio and maybe even out to dinner following a sweaty class,” she says. Easter says because of their busy lifestyles people “value functional fashion and are looking for technically beautiful clothing that takes them from studio to street and back again.” And, for many, an oversize T-shirt and holey tennis shoes just won’t cut it. “People are becoming more aware of the benefits of living a healthier, happier, more fun life,” Easter says. “With that increase of awareness, there is a greater need for (active wear) designed for any sweaty pursuit.” Those sweaty pursuits are what many would consider to be the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. And, what is healthy? It depends whom you ask.
Elisa Rega, 28, says she believes food has changed radically in the last 30 years. She believes many foods—especially those that are processed—contain harmful ingredients. So Rega tries to eat organic, home-cooked meals that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein to avoid feeling lethargic. “I believe the food industry . . . is constantly trying to trip you into thinking something is healthy when it’s really not. The word ‘natural’ will be written all over a box, but it actually means nothing.” She says that's why people need to pay attention to what they consume so they don’t fall prey to baseless marketing ploys. She uses information from books, magazines and articles on the Internet to make smart food choices. Hint: It can’t be bought at a drive-thru. “There is so much information on the Internet,” Rega says. “Anyone can educate themselves if they want to.” And many do. Rega is one of many young consumers whose preference for fresh, locally grown foods that are free of additives has changed and will continue to change the
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READERS: We want to hear from you. For April’s issue of Beyond, send us a photo of your favorite spot in your home garden. Send to: beyond@theacorn.com
Beyond THE ACORN
beyondsales@theacorn.com • (818) 706-0266
Courtesy of LEE CHOO, CSUN Photographer
food industry. “It wasn’t until I got to college and started feeding myself that I had to take responsibility and make my own decisions,” she says. “If I’m at a party or if it’s free, I’ll eat anything you put in front of me. But if I go out and buy something, I try to buy mostly organic foods that make me feel good.” She isn’t alone. Scott, a long-distance runner, says a healthy lifestyle will never go out of style. The Ventura resident, whose research on the benefits of outdoor exercise has been published in three scientific journals, says she tries to live a balanced life by preparing her own meals, practicing yoga regularly, climbing rocks, lifting weights and taking time to relax and meditate each day. “We are all human,” Scott says. “You should focus on daily activities and habits that improve your quality of life while at the same time allowing yourself to indulge every once in a while.” Scott is not an anomaly. Her active lifestyle aligns with a greater cultural shift that does not diminish the importance of health and well-being but lays the groundwork for a brighter future.
Students work out in the new rec center on the CSUN campus, a $59-million investment in health and wellness. State-of-the-art fitness centers are popping up on college campuses everywhere.
Developing healthy habits early will decrease the risk of suffering from diabetes, cancer and other life-threatening diseases later on. “I think the more focus we place on healthy living, the more we will benefit in the long run,” Scott says. “We will be more
productive at work, have richer relationships, and the cost of healthcare will significantly drop. Health and fitness is a vital tool in prevention of illness.” From the millennials’ perspective, that’s pretty cool.
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TAI CHI FROM PAGE 45
They also reported far less joint pain and fewer swollen joints and were better able to manage their pain. Tai chi has also proven to be beneficial for those suffering from a host of other ailments. According to an article in the August 2014 Clinical Rehabilitation journal, tai chi improved balance and decreased the risk of falling in patients with Parkinson’s disease. In November 2014, UCLA researchers published a study that found tai chi reduced inflammation in breast cancer survivors, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. High blood pressure, hypertension, chronic dizziness, heart disease and stroke—when it comes to the healing power of tai chi, the list goes on. But the practice is not only beneficial to the sick or elderly. “Regardless of age, there’s an increase of balance—emotionally and physically—that you get from tai chi,” says Fujita. “There’s awareness, self-defense, self-control and coordination. . . . All those things are going to improve anybody at any age’s standard of living.” Beyond exercise Kimiko Kuwamoto, who’s been teaching
tai chi throughout the Conejo Valley for 14 years, says that since taking up the practice she’s been less stressed and more at peace in her daily life. “I just fell in love with tai chi—the beauty of its motion,” she says. “It’s exercise, but it’s not exercise. Once you get to know the form, you relax and you can just be in a peaceful state.” Kuwamoto says that while the majority of her students are elderly, they often tell her they wish they had started while they were young. Many young people find basic tai chi to be too slow, she says, but they may not realize there are other, more dynamic forms of the art. Besides the most commonly taught Yangstyle tai chi, there’s are also the fan form and sword form, which look more like dance than meditation. Regardless of the style—the major ones include Yang, Chen, Wu, Hao and Sun—both Kuwamoto and Fujita say that tai chi is much more than just an exercise, and true to its philosophy of balance, whatever a practitioner puts into it, they get back equally in benefits. “If you put in a day’s work, you will get the benefits of a day’s work,” Fujita says. “It’s completely up to you and how much you want from it.”
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Resources
Recipes for a Healthier You” CHLI, Four Seasons Hotel Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village (818) 575-1114 www.chli.com
WHO Page 14 “Farming Leafy Greens is a Family Affair” www.sanmiguelproduce.com www.cutnclean.com
FEATURE STORIES Page 28 “Fore! Highlights from the Local Greens Scene” Westlake Golf Course 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village (818) 889-0770
Page 16 “Bouncing Back” “TNT Training System’s Soccer Ball Control with Tasha-Nicole” tntsoccersystem.com www.everychildsdream.net WHAT Page 21 “What's on Your Plate?” “Your Doctor is Wrong” by Sharon Norling www.amazon.com WHERE Page 26 “Knowledge is Power” “The Wellness Kitchen: Fresh, Flavorful
Page 30 “World’s Longest Drive” Cary Schuman (818) 264-5444 Page 31 “FootGolf” American FootGolf League (AFGL) www.AFGL.us California FootGolf Association www.footgolfcalifornia.com U.S. FootGolf Association (USFGA) www.usfootgolfassociation.org
Page 33 “We Love to Laugh” www.laughteryogaamerica.com Page 36 “Healthy is Hot” Kelly Sparrman http://kellysparrman.wix.com/ksparr Daniel Stewart www.danielstewart.me Page 40 “Make Mine Smooth” Blenders in the Grass: www.drinkblenders.com Camarillo: 2508-C Las Posas Road (805) 482-4507 Oxnard: 1225 S. Victoria Ave. (805) 985-0380 Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies: www.robeks.com Camarillo: 612 Las Posas Road (805) 445-1416 Canoga Park: 6600 Topanga Cyn. Blvd. (818) 716-8100 HOW Page 46 “Tap it Out” www.camhealth.com
EAR NOSE THROAT HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF YOUR LIFE
Quality, personal and compassionate care from West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat & Hearing and Balance Center. MEET OUR AUDIOLOGISTS
Gregory Frazer, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, ABA, NBC-HIS -Director of Audiology Carissa Bennett, AuD, CCC-A - Audiologist/Director of Operations Lance Nelson, AuD, CCC-A - Audiologist and Co-Director Emily Darchangelo, AuD, CCC-A - Audiologist Jennifer Kwast, MA, CCC-A - Audiologist Janna Cline-Chanes, MS, CCC-A - Audiologist Erin Richardson, AuD, CCC-A - Audiologist John Davis, AuD - Audiologist Hang Lam, AuD - Audiologist
MEET OUR PHYSICIANS
Marty E. Wareham, M.D. G. Scott Voorman, M.D., F.A.C.S. Jaesung Lee, M.D., F.A.C.S. Abhay M. Vaidya, M.D. S. Tricia Kho, M.D. Nicholas Fettman, M.D.
• Hearing Aid Consultations • Hearing Aid Services/Repairs • Hearing Aid Fittings
Patients of All Ages Welcome
• Hearing Testing • Balance & Dizziness Testing • Ear Disorders
• Balance Disorders • Nasal/Sinus Disorders • Swallowing/Voice Disorders
• Snoring/SleepApnea • Head & Neck Disorders (Thyroid/Salivary Glands)
Convenient Locations • www.westcoastent.org • www.wchearing.com
CAMARILLO
2438 N. Ponderosa Dr. #C110 805 484-5929
OXNARD
1700 N. Rose Ave #460 805 983-0395
SIMI VALLEY
2876 N. Sycamore #303 805 527-7320
THOUSAND OAKS 301 Moorpark Road 805 379-9646
Final Word
Sunshine
“SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS MAKES ME HAPPY . . .”
—John Denver
M
any of us are looking for that silver bullet to solve our physical and mental problems. The lure of our electronic world calls to young and old, keeping us indoors much more than ever before. One of the unintended side effects is the rise in vitamin D deficiency. A lack of vitamin D may contribute to depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment as we get older, severe asthma in children, and cancer. As a result, some people take prescribed medications, selfmedicate with liquor and illicit drugs, or turn to medical procedures to address the health issues. Before your health suffers, how about starting with simple prevention? You don’t need to tan to get enough sunshine to produce adequate vitamin D. Just spend some time during the day exposing your bare skin to the sunlight. And if you just can’t bear to keep electronics out of the equation, get an app like dminder, which gives you a rough idea about when those crucial UV-B rays are ideal in your area. Or . . . just walk out of that front door, plop yourself on the grass and bask in some golden rays. You will feel better for it—just don’t get burned.
—L. Rule
66 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | WINTER 2015
N OW G N I S LEA
Calabasas’ Premier Active Adult Apartment Community (55+) • Brand New • Multiple Floor Plans (up to 1,470 sq. ft.) • Outdoor Pool, Spa, BBQ Area • Fully Loaded Chef’s Kitchen • Pet Friendly
Daily Concierge Services • Complimentary Housekeeping Resort-Style Controlled Access Community *Age restricted – must be 55 and older
Open 7 Days a W eek 9am – 6pm
855-249-8288
26705 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas, CA 91301 • www.horizonsatcalabasas.com
Our doctors come highly recommended– by their patients. No matter how impressive a doctor’s qualifications may be, there’s confidence in knowing they’re also recommended by their patients. At St. John’s Hospitals, we’re proud of our partnership with Dignity Health Medical Group and top doctors throughout Ventura County. And we’re here to help you find a doctor you’ll tell your family and friends about. Find a physician you’d recommend at stjohnshealth.org/openenrollment.
St. John’s Regional Medical Center
St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital
Dignity Health Medical Group -Ventura