Ali Sahabi, GEC

About Ali Sahabi

Recently appointed to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ Transition Team, Ali Sahabi, previously received the California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for taking a sustainable approach toward community development and environmental restoration in the 543-acre Dos Lagos mixed-use development in Corona, CA. A licensed General Engineering Contractor (GEC), Sahabi is an expert in building resilience and sustainability. He is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Optimum Seismic, Inc., which has completed more than 3,500 structural retrofit and adaptive reuse projects for multifamily residential, commercial, and industrial buildings throughout California. Contact Optimum Seismic at 323 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com to learn more about your adaptive reuse options for your building.
9 April, 2026

Ali Sahabi brings together over 100 business and community leaders for ‘Discovering YMCA LA’ Reception

By |2026-04-14T23:32:17+00:00April 9th, 2026|Press Release|

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 […]

3 April, 2026

Lead & Asbestos: Do It Right, Make It Safe

By |2026-04-17T18:07:44+00:00April 3rd, 2026|Apartment Building, asbestos, Building Safety, lead, SDCAA|

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 […]

2 April, 2026

Is Los Angeles Ready for the Next Big Earthquake?

By |2026-04-17T17:58:05+00:00April 2nd, 2026|AAGLA, Apartment Building, Apartment Buildings Earthquake Safety, Soft Story Seismic Retrofit|

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 […]

1 April, 2026

If the 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck today, these cities would get no advance warning

By |2026-04-14T23:26:24+00:00April 1st, 2026|Seismic Waves|

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.

If […]

1 April, 2026

Do the Santa Ana Mountains Mark a Major Earthquake Fault?

By |2026-04-17T17:49:39+00:00April 1st, 2026|AAOC, earthquake fault, earthquake preparedness, Earthquake Protection, Earthquake Resilience|

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 […]

3 March, 2026

How Buildings Are Damaged During Earthquakes

By |2026-03-19T00:06:51+00:00March 3rd, 2026|AAGLA, earthquake damage|

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 […]

2 March, 2026

Three Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Seismic Retrofit

By |2026-03-19T00:03:47+00:00March 2nd, 2026|AAOC, apartments seismic retrofit, Seismic Retrofit, Soft Story Seismic Retrofit|

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 […]

1 March, 2026

Protect Your Property Before the Next Earthquake

By |2026-03-19T00:02:18+00:00March 1st, 2026|Earthquake Insurance, earthquake preparedness, Earthquake Protection, SDCAA|

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 […]

4 February, 2026

Seismic Retrofits: A Proven Safety Measure Against Major Earthquakes

By |2026-03-09T18:25:34+00:00February 4th, 2026|Earthquake Retrofit, SDCAA, Seismic Retrofit|

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 […]

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