Few would consider a brewery as a source of earthquake resilience lessons, but Anheuser-Busch has substantial experience in this area. After its Van Nuys brewery sustained significant damage in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake, the company invested $11 million to retrofit the site’s structures for future seismic events—a decision that proved […]
San Diego is known for its coastline and mild climate, but it also faces real earthquake risk due to nearby fault systems. Across Southern California, the likelihood of a major earthquake remains significant, yet many households and property owners are still unprepared for a large seismic event.
This is an important […]
Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters, and in regions like California and the Pacific Northwest, the risk remains constant. Experts continue to warn about the potential for major events along fault systems such as the Cascadia subduction zone and the San Andreas Fault, both of which could cause […]
A major earthquake would not only damage buildings and infrastructure, but could also deepen California’s existing housing challenges. With a large number of residents already experiencing housing instability, a significant seismic event could displace even more people and place additional strain on communities […]
LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Over 100 Los Angeles County business and non-profit leaders gathered recently for a reception themed ‘Discovering YMCA LA’ at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Glendale.
Hosted by Glendale residents Ali Sahabi and his wife, Aida Ekmekjyan, business colleagues and friends were invited to the special event highlighting how […]
Many older apartment buildings contain hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos. While these substances may not always be visible, they can pose serious risks to both human health and the environment if not handled properly.
Unfortunately, some property owners underestimate these dangers or attempt to remove these materials without following […]
Earthquakes are an ever-present reality in California. Yet amid the demands of daily life, it’s easy for seismic preparedness to slip to the bottom of the priority list—until a major event reminds us of the risks we face.
As communities across the region continue to grow and evolve, now is the […]
OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
April 2026 NEWSLETTER
If the 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck today, these cities would get no advance warning
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County are one of Southern California’s most iconic natural landmarks, providing a dramatic and beautiful backdrop to communities throughout the region.
Stretching from the Whittier Fault in the north to the Santa Margarita River in the south, the range includes several prominent peaks. Among the […]
During an earthquake, the ground moves suddenly and forcefully, placing extreme stress on buildings. When structures are not properly designed or reinforced, elements such as walls, facades, parapets, ceilings, and other components can fail, creating serious safety hazards for occupants and pedestrians.
Why Does This Matter?
It matters because never before have […]
