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 a major earthquake like the 1906 San Francisco event were to occur today, many nearby cities would still receive little to no advance warning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, areas closest to the epicenter would begin shaking before alerts could even be delivered, while locations farther away might receive only a few seconds of warning. Although early warning systems like ShakeAlert provide valuable time to take protective action, the reality is that earthquakes strike quickly, and warning time is often limited.
This serves as an important reminder that early warning systems alone are not enough. The most effective way to protect lives and property is to ensure buildings are structurally prepared before an earthquake occurs. Seismic retrofitting helps strengthen vulnerable structures, reduce damage, and improve safety when strong shaking happens. Taking proactive steps today can make a significant difference when the next earthquake strikes.
When Tokyo’s next big earthquake hits, could global markets crash?
Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, some of which have become defining disasters of modern history — from the devastating 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and ensuing fires to the 2011 magnitude 9.1 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Although the physical devastation from such events is well documented, the potential for global financial fallout has been overlooked.
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Scientists just mapped mysterious earthquakes deep inside Earth
Scientists at Stanford have unveiled the first-ever global map of rare earthquakes that rumble deep within Earth’s mantle rather than its crust. Long debated and notoriously difficult to confirm, these elusive quakes turn out to cluster in regions like the Himalayas and near the Bering Strait. By developing a breakthrough method that distinguishes mantle quakes using subtle differences in seismic waves, researchers identified hundreds of these hidden tremors worldwide.
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Essential items every earthquake emergency kit needs
Earthquakes are a fact of life for residents in California. People are urged to keep emergency supply kits, also known as go bags, ready and at hand for when “the big one” strikes. Here is what emergency management officials say every kit should include.
Go bags should have enough supplies to last at least three days, according to the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, and each individual in a household should have their own. Separate emergency kits should also be left in vehicles in case a major earthquake occurs while away from home and on the road, the California Earthquake Authority recommends.
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How Buildings Are Damaged During Earthquakes
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 property.
San Diego’s Earthquake Threat: The Numbers Don’t Lie
A major earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault could cause widespread devastation. The Engineering and Environmental Research Institute (EERI) projects that a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in San Diego would result in:+
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Optimum Seismic Now
Ali Sahabi brings together over 100 business and community leaders for “Discovering YMCA LA’ Reception
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 YMCA LA uplifts communities throughout the County — serving as not just a vital resource, but a true gathering place that builds a sense of community.
“We believe that it is very important for business and community leaders, as well as government officials, to be aware of and support the vital role YMCA plays in communities throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area,” says Sahabi. “The YMCA supports stronger, healthier families, provides facilities and activities for youth, adults and seniors, and is a source of critical help in times of emergency. Ongoing financial support from businesses and community members makes providing this outstanding level of community service possible throughout the year.”
Sahabi, who is the Chief Operating Officer of Optimum Seismic, Inc., arranged the reception for key business and community leaders to learn about the important role The YMCA LA plays as the center for community well-being across the region. He has been on the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Board of Directors for six years. Sahabi also serves on the Boards of the Los Angeles County Business Federation and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and is a Past President of the Building Industry Association’s Baldy View Chapter.
