July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

A July 4 Birthday To Remember: Local Resident Turns 100 Today:

Century. That word is more than just an insurance company; It’s 100 years. In the U.S. alone from 1915-2015, four generations passed, there were two world wars and the cold war, as well as Vietnam and Korea, among others. The country went from the roaring ‘20s to the Great Depression to McCarthyism to Civil Rights, and everywhere in between. Now imagine living through all of it.

Well, that is exactly the case for West Los Angeles resident Pauline Alchian, who, like the Oliver Stone movie, was born on the 4th of July.

Alchian has managed to live a century, being born in 1915, and going to interview her, it was quite an experience. Her single story house almost seemed like it was lost in time, with shag carpeting and architecture that was decidedly 1960’s, almost looking like the house from The Brady Bunch.

Upon being let into her home by her nurse, it was shocking how spry this woman was. She had bright blue eyes that seemed to pierce into whatever she was looking at. Despite using a walker, she was able to keep a decent pace, leading me to a couch across from the kitchen to sit down for the interview. Ultimately, it went well, except for her tendency to stare off into space, which was frightening, but she ultimately made it through the interview.

Pauline Alchian was married to a man (who shall remain unnamed), who was a statistical officer for the Air Force during World War II, and was a statistics professor at UCLA after that for 50 years. She had her first child in 1943, and the second in 1946. When asked about her children, Alchian leaned in, as if she didn’t want her children to hear, and said, “I had my first child because I wanted to make sure we had a child in the event that (he) didn’t return. Our second came when he returned.” Apparently a boy and a girl were ideal for them.

When asked what her favorite decade was in the 20th century, Alchian replied, “Anything that includes 1939.” This was the year she married her husband.

“The month Germany invaded Poland was the month we got married, which meant he was going to spend quite a bit of time in the Air Force,” she said.

When asked about her secret to her longevity, Alchian replied, “It happened faster than I thought it would” and, “I have no answer for that.” Which, while unsatisfying, is more or less accurate. People don’t seem to will themselves to keep alive as they near their centennial, but it happens anyway. All that society can do is look at the common denominators of people who have happened to make it to a century.

According to US News, common threads of centenarians include being female, (82.8 percent of them being female as of 2010), less diversity (82.5 percent of them being white), and living with others, among other factors. Another theory is a lack of stress. After speaking with Alchian, it seemed that her life was a pleasant one with a happy marriage and healthy kids, and she seemed like a happy woman.

All in all, this woman has managed to live for an entire century, and she seemed to have a grand old time. Witnessing that much history is truly a feat.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...