April 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monican Celebrates 107th Birthday:

Perhaps Santa Monica’s oldest centenarian, Virginia Davis celebrated her 107th birthday on Thursday and attributes her longevity to simple living and an active lifestyle.

Calling California home for most of her adult life, Davis has lived in Santa Monica for the past 16 years, moving from West Los Angeles where she spent 70 years after relocating with her husband when they got married.

He worked in motion pictures, she was a waitress.

“It was hard back then,” Davis explained. “Everyday he [my husband] would have to get up and go and wait in the labor line to be called. And the pay wasn’t much at all. I was making 25 cents an hour, and I didn’t believe in tips – I didn’t think it was right to take other people’s money.”

Relaxing in a comfy armchair in her sun-lit corner apartment, Davis explained that apart from technology, she doesn’t think times have really changed all that much.

Born Oct. 16, 1907, Davis grew up in Delaware, and to an easy way of life.

“Things were really simple then,” Davis said. “Simple foods. We cooked everything ourselves, you didn’t just go out and buy everything.

“We started our day with oatmeal, and ate vegetables and good clean food,” habits that she keeps to this day.

“I still eat a bowl of oatmeal in the morning,” she laughed. “And lots of green vegetables too.”

After suffering two falls at age 105, Davis now relies on her care giver to help her get out and about, but she still does her daily leg exercises, although she should be doing more, according to Davis; eight leg lifts and side legs lifts at least once a day.

Davis also insists on walking around her house and up until two years ago would walk everywhere – for groceries, to pay utilities, and to attend social gatherings and events.

Davis also worked until she was 90 and still attends installations, seminars and events at the nearby Masonic center, although with a little less regularity than in previous years.

“I am getting older!” Davis said, adding that although she has been relatively illness free, and the first time that she went to see a doctor was at 80 years old as she thought she should get a check-up, her body is getting a bit tired.

Not tired enough however to stop her enjoying her favorite ice cream, Neapolitan, with regularity and reading the newspaper and watching a little TV as part of her daily schedule.

Davis also usually attends an annual combined seniors dinner each year and has been crowned the over 90s queen for the past three years in a row.

“Last year my king was 103!” she grinned, “he was quite handsome too!”

He was not single however, “No, he has an 80-year-old wife!” Davis laughed.

Last week Davis was out watching President Obama’s motorcade and his arrival at Cross Campus, right by her home.

A Secret Service officer approached her and presented her with a pin “from the President,” she explained.

Wearing the pin with pride, Davis has her doubts that it came directly from President Obama himself, but treasures it none-the-less, keeping up with politics and local happenings on a regular basis.

“I got a hand-written letter from the President at the time when I turned 100,” Davis explained, adding that she is waiting for a letter from President Obama too.

Davis has no major celebrations planned for her 107th birthday, perhaps just her daughter and a few friends may visit.

“I was never really much for birthdays,” Davis said with a shrug. “The last party I had was a surprise party for my 16th birthday, that was a lot of fun back then.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Hands Off the Phone: SMPD Launches Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

One Text Could Cost You: SMPD Goes Into Heightened Alert in April The Santa Monica Police Department is stepping up...

Board of Supervisors Votes to Break from LAHSA, Create Independent County Homeless Department

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

With Billions on the Line, LA County Moves to Centralize Homeless Response Los Angeles County is making a dramatic shift...

Montalvo Custom Tailors Offers Complimentary Wardrobe Recovery Services to Fire Victims

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Tailoring Confidence: Montalvo Helps Residents Rebuild Wardrobes with Grace Montalvo Custom Tailors, a staple of luxury menswear in Los Angeles...

Caruso Sets Expected Timeline for Palisades Village Reopening: Report

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Caruso recently told a local outlet that bringing life back to the village is essential Palisades Village remains closed in...

County Moves to Clear Fire Debris from Unresponsive Properties

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

The County plans to launch additional efforts, using data and community partners to reach roughly 1,000 unresponsive owners The Los...

County Report Finds Malibu School District Proposal Fails to Meet Standards: SMMUSD

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The LACOE feasibility study stems from a 2017 petition by the City of Malibu to form its own school district...

Nonprofit Warns of Heavy Metal Contamination in Santa Monica Bay

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The contamination is linked to storm runoff carrying toxic debris from burned structures and scorched land in the Palisades, Topanga,...

(Video) Spending an Afternoon at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Go To Pacpark.com For Tickets and More Information. Go To https://t.co/PUWlOc89JQ For Tickets and More Information.#amusementpark #rides #rollercoaster #summer #spring...

Matū Kai to Debut in Brentwood With Grass Fed Wagyu and Global Flair This Week

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Farm-To-Fork Beef, Wood-Fired Flavors, and Sustainability Meet on San Vicente The team behind Beverly Hills’ acclaimed steakhouse Matū will soon...

USC Launches Free Soil Testing to Assess Post-Fire Contamination

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Residents Can Submit Samples to Check for Lead and Other Toxins A new program led by researchers at the University...

Los Angeles County’s Measure A Raises Sales Tax On April 1, And It’s No Joke

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Culver City, and Malibu Will See Higher Increases Starting April 1, Los Angeles County residents will...

Malibu Schedules Two Key Public Meetings for Wildfire Recovery and Insurance Guidance

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

City Officials to Provide Technical Support and Insurance Market Updates at Two Meetings Malibu residents affected by recent wildfires are...

Santa Monica Launches Public Search for New City Manager

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Nationwide Job Posting Seeks Leader to Guide City’s Future The City of Santa Monica has officially launched a nationwide search...

Palisades Youth Soccer Team Fundraises to Compete in Sweden Tournament

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The team is raising funds through GoFundMe, with donations aimed at covering travel costs, accommodations, and fees A youth soccer...

Seven-Bedroom Venice Pad on Shell Ave. Hits Market at Under $7M

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The home sits on a 5,740-square-foot lot and includes a two-car garage A newly listed property in Venice, featuring modern...