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 […]
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.
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 […]
If you live or work in Southern California, you’re well aware that seismic activity is a constant reality. Earthquakes, both large and small, continue to serve as reminders of the region’s vulnerability and the importance of preparing buildings to withstand future events.
It can be a little frightening, feeling the ground […]
Insurance may help with financial recovery, but seismic retrofits help protect lives, buildings, and long-term investments. As an apartment owner, you’ve worked hard to build your assets. Ongoing research continues to reinforce Southern California’s seismic risk, making proactive measures like seismic retrofitting an essential step in protecting both people and […]
OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
March 2026 NEWSLETTER
Lessons from One of America’s Most Powerful Earthquakes
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Northridge earthquake demonstrated how quickly seismic shaking can lead to widespread damage. In just seconds, the 1994 quake caused extensive structural failures across Southern California. Experts caution that future earthquakes could be larger and more damaging, placing even greater strain on older buildings. Seismic retrofitting is one of the […]
For apartment owners, protecting residents and preserving property value in the event of a major earthquake is essential. A properly designed and executed seismic retrofit improves building safety, reduces potential damage, and helps protect long-term rental income. However, not all retrofit projects deliver the same results. Choosing a qualified and […]
How would a massive earthquake impact California’s housing shortage?
The answer is obvious. A major earthquake that hits densely-populated urban areas would make California’s housing shortage much worse.
Such an earthquake could take a heavy toll on California’s affordable housing supply, particularly the older, soft-story apartment buildings that are most at-risk of […]
OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
February 2026 NEWSLETTER
Turning Earthquake Data Into Safer Communities
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Berkeley Seismological Laboratory at UC Berkeley continues to advance earthquake safety through […]
