Californians are all too familiar with earthquakes. But how much do we really know about the risks they present to us? Understanding these threats is important, particularly when buildings are essential to your livelihood. Wonder how much you really know? Try taking this little quiz, for starters.
Los Angeles County suffered more than $100 million in damage to public property from the barrage of fierce atmospheric river storms that battered the state in early 2023. Costs associated with that damage include debris removal, road and bridge repair and flood damage to buildings – including a sink hole […]
Many building professionals and professional organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council, have come to believe that building reuse and adaptive reuse are positive steps toward achieving LEED certification for a building.[i]
These beliefs are based on numerous studies and ample evidence that reuse, renovation, and adaptive reuse are […]
Staggering environmental consequences of demolition and construction debris are leading construction and development firms, as well as government agencies and industry organizations, to advocate for waste reduction and recycling.
Total building-related demolition and construction waste in the nation is estimated to be 135.5 million tons — a figure that represents, at […]
Sixty miles up the 405 freeway stands the sprawling 95-acre Anheuser-Busch brewery where, since 1954, some of the world’s most famous beer labels are made: Budweiser, Bud Light and more recent labels like Bud Ice, Kirin Ichiban and Chelada.
That Van Nuys facility today is a testament to the financial benefits […]
There are few remaining survivors of the infamous 1933 Long Beach Earthquake, but Poly High School remains a storied reminder of that tragedy: the timing of which – at 5:56 p.m. – saved the lives of hundreds if not thousands of children because classes were not in session.
This month marks […]
Combatting climate change is becoming serious business in the U.S. and California with ambitious initiatives designed to curb our dependence on fossil fuels that promote global warming.
In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law sweeping legislation to accelerate the state’s transition to 90% clean energy by 2035 and achieve carbon […]
Optimum Seismic, Inc. will be a major sponsor of the California Special Districts Association’s Emergency Preparedness Summit 2023. The virtual summit is a professional development program presented by the USC Price EXED Forum from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.
Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, D-Pomona, chair of the Assembly […]
Wood-framed, soft-story apartment buildings were an iconic part of Southern California’s rapid growth and car-crazed culture prior to 1980. With an open ground floor for parking, and dwelling units stacked above, they maximized land use at the expense of safety.
These structures have since been shown to be among a community’s […]
What are the odds a major earthquake will damage your San Diego apartment building, other commercial structure or even your home?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazus modeling shows 120,000 buildings could suffer moderate to complete damage – with 8,000 beyond repair – and another 36,000 households could be displaced.
How does […]
