Optimum Seismic, Inc. February 2022 Newsletter
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
California’s new balcony inspection laws reflect young survivor’s courageous advocacy after collapse
Consider the story of Aoife Beary, an incredibly brave young Irish woman who advocated for better balcony safety. She testified before the State Legislature on behalf of her friends, many of whom died or were injured alongside her in a terrifying balcony collapse in Berkeley in 2015.
Beary died recently at age 27, but her legacy lives on in legislation that requires regular inspections and repairs of balconies, decks, stairways and other elevated outdoor structures. The balcony that severely injured Beary and killed her friends was weakened by extreme dry rot due to improper water protection and substandard materials.
Inspections must be completed by Jan. 1, 2025. If you have questions about how this law applies to your building, Optimum Seismic is happy to help. Click here to learn more.
Woman’s death a reminder of need for balcony inspections
Aoife Beary, who survived a fatal Berkeley balcony collapse in 2015 has died at 27. She advocated for improving safety of elevated outdoor structures. Since the collapse, California has enacted laws requiring inspections and repairs to ensure safety.
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North San Diego County rattled by ‘jolting’ quake
North San Diego County was shaken when a 4.0 earthquake struck early Sunday morning. “It was really powerful,” said Valerie Mitchell of Vista. “Little earthquakes, it moves the blinds. No problem. But this knocked stuff off the walls. It was knocking stuff off tables.”
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San Fernando’s 1971 earthquake anniversary Feb. 9
A deadly 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck the densely populated San Fernando area of Los Angeles, leaving massive destruction in its wake. The earthquake resulted in 65 deaths and more than 2,000 people injured. Property losses totaled more than half a billion dollars.
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Cascadia quake, long overdue, could ravage Oregon
The megathrust quake is more than 100 years overdue. When it strikes, it can overwhelm emergency responders, destroy infrastructure and buildings, and cut communications, and power. Sewer and water service may out for a year. Are you ready?
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Washington voters to decide tax to protect schools from tsunamis
Washington and Oregon have been working to retrofit schools to withstand earthquakes. But the cost of relocating low-lying schools to withstand tsunamis may fall on local taxpayers. A school bond election underway will test voter appetite to pay taxes for safer schools.
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Optimum Seismic Featured on LA Channel 35
Optimum Seismic Co-Founder Ali Sahabi has been interviewed by LA CityView 35. The award-winning cable television show covers significant topics in Los Angeles.
Optimum Seismic completes structural safety and renovation projects On Time and On Budget!
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Japan braced for second jolt following 6.6 magnitude quake
Building damage was widespread following a recent 6.6-magnitude earthquake in Japan, Residents braced for an equally devastating aftershock. “Be ready for another one,” the Japan Meteorological Society warned, noting major quakes usually trigger significant aftershocks.
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How to prepare for (and survive) a major earthquake
Thousands of people reportedly die from earthquakes in any given year. This figure is tragic because many deaths could be prevented by better engineering. We know how to build earthquake-resistant structures, but those practices are not used in many areas.
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Upcoming Events
Several Earthquake Retrofit sessions for apartment owners and monthly Resilience Advantage webinars are scheduled by Optimum Seismic to help protect our communities. Check the Optimum Seismic website for details.
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