OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
June 2025 NEWSLETTER
UC San Diego’s Shake Table is Making Buildings Safer
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
Following Building Safety Month in May, we’re spotlighting the groundbreaking work being done at UC San Diego’s earthquake shake table, one of the world’s largest and most advanced earthquake simulators. Over the past 20 years, full-scale tests at this facility have transformed how buildings, bridges, and other structures are designed, leading to improved building codes, retrofit guidelines, and safer construction practices across the country.
From testing soft story retrofits to evaluating the resilience of concrete garages, elevators, and facades, the shake table is helping engineers and policymakers better understand how structures respond to seismic events. This summer, researchers will test a 10 story cold formed steel building, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in earthquake safe design. At Optimum Seismic, we support and applaud the research that helps shape safer communities. This work is a powerful reminder of why proactive retrofitting, especially for vulnerable structures like soft story buildings, is so essential.
Knock, knock, knocking on your door – the Julian earthquake in southern California issues reminder to be prepared
Those who live in California know it is earthquake country, and they need to be prepared. But how prepared? Should you plan to rely on your neighbor’s generator and stocked garage freezer for food? Do you really need three or more days of water? Trust us, you don’t want to shake your head after a large quake, saying ‘if only I had …’.
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FEMA Earthquake Retrofit Grants Canceled, Schiff Warns
The Trump administration has canceled $33 million worth of federal funds meant to help pay for earthquake retrofits in California — sparking “grave concern” and a call to reconsider from one of the state’s highest elected officials.
In a letter dated Wednesday, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) urged U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the funds, which would’ve been used to strengthen between 750 and 1,500 apartment buildings.
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Turkey Earthquake: Powerful 5.8 magnitude
Tourists in western Turkey and the Greek islands were shaken awake on Monday night as a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the popular holiday destination of Rhodes.
At least one person has died in Turkey, while dozens of people sustained injuries as panicked locals tried to jump off their buildings, according to local reports.
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May 22, strongest quake recorded strikes Chile
On May 22, 1960, the strongest earthquake recorded struck southern Chile. The magnitude 9.5 quake claimed 1,655 lives, left 2 million homeless and triggered a tsunami responsible for over 230 additional deaths in Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines.
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Optimum Seismic Joins AAGLA at Income Property Management Expo
Earlier this month, Optimum Seismic had the opportunity to attend the Income Property Management Expo alongside AAGLA. It was a great day connecting with property owners, managers, and industry professionals to discuss Seismic Retrofitting and SB-721 balcony inspection compliance. We’re proud to support proactive solutions that protect residents and strengthen California’s multifamily housing.
If you missed us at the show and would like to learn more about our services, feel free to reach out!
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Earthquake Retrofitting A-Z
The Optimum Seismic team has been one of the leading engineering and construction companies dealing with earthquake retrofits and renovations in California since 1984. We are available to help with analysis or construction of your project.
Contact Optimum Seismic to set up your complimentary property assessment today. Call (833) 978-7664.
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Events June 2025
- To be announced soon
