OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
July 2025 NEWSLETTER
Resilience Movement Growing Stronger
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
On April 18, 1906, a powerful magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California, triggering one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. The San Andreas Fault ruptured along 270 miles, causing violent shaking from Los Angeles to Oregon. In San Francisco alone, the quake and ensuing fires destroyed over 28,000 buildings, left 250,000 people homeless, and caused more than 3,000 deaths. The tragedy not only reshaped the city physically but also laid the foundation for modern seismic research through the development of the elastic rebound theory.
Today, more than a century later, California remains vulnerable to similar seismic events. As we reflect on the devastation of 1906, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparing our buildings for the next big quake. Seismic retrofitting is one of the most effective ways to strengthen older structures, protect lives, and reduce the risk of catastrophic loss. Now is the time to take action before the ground starts shaking again.
These 24 city-owned San Francisco buildings could collapse in a major earthquake
When the next major earthquake strikes, at least 24 of San Francisco’s city-owned buildings could collapse, and over two dozen more could suffer major damage. The at-risk buildings include the Hall of Justice — where tens of thousands of San Franciscans report for jury duty each year — as well as multiple fire stations, police stations and homeless shelters.
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An earthquake devastated Santa Barbara 100 years ago. It holds urgent lessons for the next ‘Big One’
One hundred years ago today, downtown Santa Barbara was devastated by an earthquake centered just offshore.
The main commercial district, State Street, was in ruins. Some buildings completely collapsed — the vulnerability in their designs laid bare by the power of Mother Nature. Around a dozen people died.
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Scientists discover a new type of earthquake and it’s man made
A new kind of earthquake has been detected in western Canada, one that shakes the ground slower and longer than typical seismic events. These earthquakes, recorded during hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas in British Columbia’s Montney Shale formation, challenge what scientists thought they knew about how injected fluids can trigger earthquakes.
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Greece Struggles to Revive Santorini Tourism
Greece is confronting a critical tourism challenge as thousands of residents abandon the world-renowned island of Santorini following months of unsettling seismic activity. Despite expert assurances that earthquake tremors have subsided and the island is now stable, fear and uncertainty have driven over six thousand people to seek safety on the mainland.
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Tears and tenacity for Humbolt quake survivors
Towns near the recent 6.4 magnitude quake near Eureka has people picking up the pieces of their lives to move on. Some shed tears, others display tenacity as they ponder their next steps. As many as 150 families lost their homes.
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Optimum joins the Pasadena Chamber Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction with U.S. Representative Judy Chu
Optimum Seismic was proud to join the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce for its Inaugural Gala and Silent Auction on Friday, June 27, at the elegant Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. The evening celebrated the installation of Frank Girardot as Chair of the Board and honored Katelyn Barchowsky for her dedicated leadership. With a vibrant cocktail reception, a lively silent auction, and a festive dinner program attended by civic and business leaders, including U.S. Representative Judy Chu, the event was a true celebration of community, leadership, and partnership.
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Earthquake Retrofitting Company in Southern California
The Optimum Seismic team has been one of the leading engineering and construction companies dealing with earthquake retrofits and renovations in California since 1984. We are available to help with analysis or construction of your project.
Contact Optimum Seismic to set up your complimentary property assessment today. Call (833) 978-7664.
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Events July 2025
- To be announced soon
