Video displaying scenes from White Sands La Jolla, a HumanGood Life Plan Community in La Jolla, California

Marilyn and Bob

A Journey from North to South

After living in a community in San Francisco, Marilyn and Bob decided to move to White Sands to take advantage of the glorious beaches, climate and proximity to family. Their choice of community living reflects their belief in the importance of connection, wellness and sustainability.

The to White Sands move happened quite by accident. While visiting family in San Diego, they were encouraged to take a tour of White Sands La Jolla. “As soon as we walked through the doors and saw the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, we were hooked,” says Marilyn. “The idea of being close to family, coupled with the beauty of White Sands, was too enticing to pass up.”

For Bob, moving to White Sands also opened new opportunities for him to pursue his passion for the environment. Bob is an active member of the green committee, an initiative that focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the community. “Being environmentally conscious is a way of life for me,” Bob says. “I love being involved in many of the green committee’s projects that contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.” Through the committee, Bob initiated a program in which residents can donate gently used clothing to local homeless shelters. Bob is also a pioneer in sports psychology and has written several bestselling books.

For Marilyn, an educator and family therapist, retirement has provided her an opportunity to expand and grow. At 65, she became a certified yoga instructor, embraced a vegan lifestyle and began teaching yoga classes at the community.

She and Bob are also strong supporters of the arts and enjoy community trips to the local La Jolla Playhouse and The Old Globe. Marilyn returned to school for an MFA in playwriting and has had her plays produced and read internationally. Marilyn’s next adventure? She is currently writing a memoir, Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.

“Through the richness of White Sands programs both within the community and outside, we have quickly felt like locals,” Bob says. “Our story is a testament to the power of Life Plan Communities to not only provide an engaging lifestyle but also to foster connections with new friends and family. We are living proof that, with the right environment, this next chapter in your life can be a time of growth, passion and meaningful engagement with the world around you.”

Sue and CS

The Joy of Living Fully

For Sue and CS, life has truly come full circle. As newlyweds, they moved from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, to La Jolla, California, for CS to pursue his postdoctoral research at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation — now Scripps Research Institute — for two years. They lived in a one-bedroom apartment by the beach in La Jolla.

CS taught at Rutgers University for most of his career, but after 50-plus years, they are delighted to rejuvenate their youth by returning to La Jolla to enjoy the ocean view and the sunny, warm weather. “It’s truly like living our youth all over again, and we couldn’t be happier,” Sue says. “White Sands offers an environment where we can remain active, engaged and connected with our peers.”

What Sue and CS quickly found to be true of White Sands is that it gives people the space and freedom to be inspired and explore their interests through the 50-plus committees offered and the opportunity to start their own. And that’s what both CS and Sue did. With a career in cancer research and dietary disease prevention, CS is passionate about sharing the latest research in nutrition and healthy eating with residents, so he started the food/nutrition information committee.

CS and Sue regularly participate in the Chef’s Coffee Chat, where residents are invited to discuss their dietary preferences, concerns and suggestions. CS and Sue both agree that dining brings people together, so they loved the idea of the community table, which offers a welcoming space for residents who want to meet new people or reinforce the sense of belonging that White Sands fosters every day.

Sue, whose first career was as a registered dietitian and who taught food and nutrition in college, complements CS’s efforts with her expertise. However, in middle age, Sue decided to pursue a legal career. She became a deputy attorney general of New Jersey and later had her own law practice before being appointed by the New Jersey governor to be a judge of workers’ compensation.

At White Sands, Sue helped to initiate the tag team (and then became its chair), helping residents who want a specially designed name tag made by another White Sands resident to make the move as inviting as possible. 

CS is involved in the green committee and participates in Great Decisions for Concerned Seniors Making a Difference, a discussion group focused on global issues. He is a professor emeritus at Rutgers University, where he teaches a course called Diet, Nutrition and Disease Prevention.

At White Sands, Sue and CS have found a community that not only allows them to reconnect with their past but also to thrive in the present. Whether it’s through their leadership in promoting healthy living, their participation in intellectual and physical activities, or simply sharing a meal with new friends, they embody the vibrant and flourishing life that White Sands offers.

Carolyn and Cliff

Purpose, Passion and Public Service

Carolyn and Cliff have lived a life deeply rooted in community involvement, a shared love of nature and a passion for protecting our planet. Since moving to White Sands in October 2021, they have become cherished members of the community, bringing their energy, experience and compassion to everything they do.

Cliff serves as the medical director of the Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic. His distinguished career in orthopedics has given him the opportunity to make significant contributions to advancements in joint replacement and cartilage research.

As a “Sea Bee” at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (located just minutes from White Sands) he patrols the trails, maintains them and ensures that the park remains a sanctuary for future generations. He has also contributed his time to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Stay Cool for Grandkids, an initiative that educates children on environmental principles, working with the National Audubon Society to bring eco awareness into elementary and middle schools.

Carolyn, too, has built a legacy of service and has dedicated herself to various volunteer activities, including being a Junior League member and holding board positions for organizations such as the Family Literacy Foundation and United Through Reading. Her passion for education, the environment and community development has been evident throughout her life. She sings in the La Jolla Presbyterian Church Choir and also volunteers with Stay Cool for Grandkids and Elizabeth Hospice. Additionally, as a docent at Torrey Pines, she shares her love of nature with visitors.

The two are also very active on the green committee at White Sands. “We are both very passionate about protecting our environment and love the fact that we can participate in the green committee at White Sands,” says Cliff. “Whether it’s initiatives involving recycling, composting or energy conservation, it’s important that we all do our part to help protect our environment.”

Outside of their professional and volunteer commitments, Carolyn enjoys regular visits to the White Sands fitness center, while Cliff plays competitive tennis at a local tennis club. Together, they share a love for hiking, biking and traveling. Carolyn and Cliff both agree: “We are so thankful to be living at White Sands. It’s the perfect place to help us stay active, engaged and passionate about what truly matters in life.”

Suz and Bella

Balancing the Desert and the Sea

After nearly four decades of marriage, Susan (“Suz”) and Bella have mastered the art of balancing two lives across two inspiring landscapes. Dividing their time (for now!) between the vibrant art community of Tucson, Arizona, and the exciting yet serene, oceanfront community of White Sands, the couple find joy in each place’s unique energy. 

Transitioning from a larger home in Tucson to a White Sands studio apartment was an adjustment, but Suz and Bella quickly embraced the simplicity of the lifestyle. “It’s freeing,” Suz reflects. “When we are here, we’re actively engaged with the wonderful community while enjoying our personal independence in this gorgeous place.”

Trained as an actor and member of the Actors’ Equity Association, Suz built a life in theater both onstage and behind the scenes. As The Invisible Theatre’s managing artistic director emeritus and guest artist, she embodies the theatre’s spirit, mentoring countless actors who she considers family while continuing her acting, directing, teaching and producing career.

 Suz’s artistic journey took an unexpected yet thrilling turn when she brought the legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head to life onstage. The award-winning A Conversation with Edith Head premiered at The Invisible Theatre in 2002 and continues to tour. While in La Jolla, she is also part of the White Sands Readers Theater and looks forward to many opportunities in the San Diego theatre community. For more than 20 years, Suz has also brought joy to many as she performs as a clown in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Bella, who has been a chiropractor for over 40 years, has an innate desire to help others and has made many international journeys in that pursuit with Physicians for Social Responsibility. Bella adjusts patients twice a week at her practice in Tucson and gives free chiropractic services to all Invisible Theatre artists, earning her the name “Chiropractor to the Stars.” While she is at White Sands, she will often provide some friendly advice to other residents about how to work out those nagging knots and looks forward to a full life that embraces her passion for travel, nature and preserving the environment.

“I thrive on intellectual stimulation, reading scientific works and furthering my understanding of the human body and wellness,” says Bella. “Suz and I are delighted by the range of talented residents at White Sands, many of whom come from arts, literature and science backgrounds.”

Balancing time between Tucson and White Sands lets Suz and Bella enjoy the best of both worlds: the energy of the desert and the calm of the coast. For the couple, the move to White Sands is about embracing a new beginning that continues to inspire and fulfill their lives.