California
Special California quakes: Preparing for the big one
Southern California has experienced a series of earthquakes in recent months, reminding us of the dynamic and often volatile seismic nature of the state. California’s landscape is shaped by multiple faults capable of producing powerful earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault extends about 800 miles from Cape Mendocino to the Mexican border. This geological feature has been responsible for some of the most devastating earthquakes in the state’s history.
However, the southern section of the San Andreas Fault has not recorded a major earthquake in over 300 years, according to Geoscientist and Civil Engineer Ignacio Sepulveda. According to Sepulveda, that area typically experiences a major earthquake every 140-150 years, which means that an earthquake could happen at any time.
Historical Earthquakes
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.9, remains one of the most significant seismic events in U.S. history.
It is estimated that more than 3,000 people died and around 28,000 buildings were destroyed, with tremors lasting between 45 and 60 seconds. The earthquake was felt from southern Oregon to southern Los Angeles and as far as Nevada.
Devastation and destruction following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake
Click on the left and right arrows to slide through images in the gallery above.
More recently, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (magnitude 6.9) in Northern California caused 63 deaths and approximately $6 billion in damages.
In Southern California, the 1994 Northridge earthquake (magnitude 6.7) resulted in nearly 60 fatalities and damaged over 112,000 buildings, with estimated damages of up to $20 billion.
Northridge Earthquake: Photos From the Days Following the Shaking
Click on the left and right arrows to slide through images in the gallery above.
Technological Advances
Recent advances in earthquake monitoring and early warning systems offer some hope. The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) network, with nearly 1,000 stations on the West Coast, can detect even the slightest changes in the Earth’s crust with millimeter-level precision. This data feeds into early warning systems like ShakeAlert and MyShake, potentially providing crucial seconds of warning before a strong tremor begins.
Additionally, researchers at UC San Diego are testing innovative building designs using sustainable materials like laminated wood, which can be more resilient during seismic events. UC San Diego created the tallest building ever tested in an earthquake simulator. The Tallwood project, a 10-story wooden structure, was tested on UC San Diego’s shake table in May 2023.
Although earthquakes remain a constant risk in California, ongoing research, improved construction techniques, and better preparedness can help mitigate their impact. As seismologists continue to refine their understanding and forecasting abilities, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for the possibility of the next major earthquake.
Did you know that aftershocks can be forecasted following a major earthquake?
After a major earthquake, aftershocks can cause additional damage and make rescue and recovery efforts more dangerous. For this reason, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) publishes aftershock forecasts. While individual aftershocks cannot be predicted, scientists can forecast the general behavior of aftershock sequences using statistical methods and historical data from areas with similar geology. These forecasts are calculated for earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater in the U.S. and its territories, using tools like seismographs and GPS to estimate the magnitude and probability of aftershocks.
Aftershock forecasts provide crucial information that can save lives in affected communities. Emergency services use these forecasts to make decisions about when to conduct inspections of damaged buildings and carry out search and rescue operations. As communities rebuild and recover, being informed about the potential for aftershocks can make a significant difference in safety. Larger earthquakes tend to produce more aftershocks, and data measured by the regional seismic network is essential for estimating their magnitude and probability.
Preparation and Protection
As earthquakes remain an unpredictable threat, preparation is key. Experts recommend:
- Create an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and important documents.
- Develop a family communication plan.
- Secure heavy furniture and objects that could fall during an earthquake.
- Identify safe spots in each room to take cover.
For homeowners, additional measures can be taken to protect the property:
- Reinforce the house’s foundation—The California Earthquake Authority provides guidance and potential grant programs for this purpose.
- Consider earthquake insurance—Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover earthquake damage. Separate policies are available, but only about 13% of California homeowners currently have such coverage.
Did you feel it?
If you ever feel seismic movements, keep in mind that it’s important to report it, as earthquake reports are crucial for scientists studying earthquakes and tectonic activity.
Report an earthquake here.
By analyzing seismic waves, scientists can detect unusual patterns in the Earth’s crust that may indicate the presence of unknown faults. Studying seismic movements allows scientists to understand how faults behave, including how they break and interact, which can reveal new fault systems.
The State of California has confirmed that Social Security beneficiaries will receive an increase in their payments beginning December 30, 2024. This 2.5% increase is part of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) applied across the United States for 2025. The COLA is based on inflation rates to ensure beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power.
The December 30, 2024 Payment
The first payment reflecting this increase will be for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Normally scheduled for January 1, this payment has been moved to December 30 due to the New Year’s Day holiday. This adjustment benefits millions in California and across the country, particularly those who rely on these funds for basic needs.
Types of Social Security Benefits
The Social Security program encompasses several types of benefits, all of which will see the 2.5% increase:
- Retirement Benefits: For individuals who have reached retirement age and contributed to the system during their working years.
- Disability Insurance (SSDI): For individuals unable to work due to a long-term disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities.
- Survivor Benefits: Payments made to family members of deceased workers.
January 2025 Payment Schedule
Social Security payments are distributed based on the beneficiary’s birthdate. Here is the schedule for January 2025:
- January 3: Payments for those who receive benefits before May 1997 or who also receive SSI.
- January 8: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- January 15: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- January 22: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
The COLA increase will be reflected in all these payments.
Impact in California and Nationwide
California, home to more than 6 million Social Security beneficiaries, will see a significant impact from this adjustment. However, the increase is a nationwide policy benefiting over 70 million recipients across the United States.
This adjustment aims to ease the financial burden on Americans as they face rising living costs, reinforcing the commitment to support the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
For more details about your payments, you can visit the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
Squirrels are omnivores, eating nuts, fruit, small insects — and according to a study published in the Journal of Ethology — voles.
Sonja Wild, UC Davis
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Sonja Wild, UC Davis
Squirrels are omnivores, eating nuts, fruit, small insects — and according to a study published in the Journal of Ethology — voles.
Sonja Wild, UC Davis
Squirrels are on the hunt in the California Bay Area.
Their target: local voles.
In a study published in the Journal of Ethology, a group of California ground squirrels were found hunting, killing and eating a vole. Lead researcher and behavioral ecologist Jennifer Smith from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire says her team witnessed this behavior in the twelfth year of a long term study.
The local vole population boomed this year. It was five to six times bigger than normal, Smith says the squirrels took advantage of that.
But this behavior is not new. “There’s been accumulating evidence of one or two events within a species of a red squirrel taking a sparrow,” she says, also noting, “They tend to go, try to take chickens.”
But these accounts have been thought to be one-offs, generally.
With this study, the squirrels’ entire process was captured via video — and shown to be a regular part of these squirrels’ behavior.
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This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson and Jordan-Marie Smith and edited by Rebecca Ramirez, Christopher Intagliata and Ashley Brown. Tyler Jones checked the facts.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is always revealing for the best boys basketball teams in California and final days of the 2024 calendar year should be no different.
The Damien Classic and Torrey Pines Holiday Classic always present a window of what is in store for the rest of the season and separates the contenders and pretenders. Next weekend at the HoopHall Classic West in Gilbert (Ariz.), Jan. 2-4, will also give the elite teams time to strut their stuff.
There are nine teams among California’s Top 25 still unbeaten at Christmas, a pretty high number, including top-ranked St. John Bosco, No. 6 Riordan and No. 8 De La Salle and No. 9 Montgomery.
Note: Only teams that play for a CIF State California title were considered for this rankings, thus eliminating Prolific Prep of Napa Christian, which can and will play for a mythical national title. Notes and rankings below from Southern Section teams supplied by SBLive’s Tarek Fattal.
The Braves win their Trinity League opener over Orange Lutheran without Brandon McCoy and Elzie Harrington. Christian Collins and Max Ellis led the way. Next up: Platinum Division in Classic at Damien.
Roosevelt wins the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, beating Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks in the final. Brayden Burries scored 26 points and Issac Williamson had 19.
Nik Khamenia notches 26 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a convincing win over JSerra, a team expected to earn an Open Division berth.
Notre Dame suffers its first loss in the Tarkanian Classic final to Roosevelt despite Tyran Stokes scoring 20 points. Lino Mark played just four minutes in an attempt to play while injured. (TYRAN STOKES DEBUT)
Four more wins started with 90-65 blowout of defending state D2 champion Oakland Tech behind 33 points and 10 points from Tounde Yessoufou, and a combined 45 from Julius and Malcolm Price along with Gunner Morinini. Yessoufou is averaging 29.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Won the Gridley Classic with wins over Branson (68-27), Clovis North (54-52) and previous No. 6 Salesian (52-51) thanks in part to tournament MVP Andrew Hilman (19 points). Texas Tech-bound Jasir Rencher and Irvine signee Nex Emeneke was also All-Tourney.
Pride lost their first regular-season game since 2022, 52-51 to Riordan, in finals of the Gridley Classic. Salesian missed two free throws with 1.2 seconds to play.
Win over Santa Margarita (61-57) to win the Vountour Classic was team’s most impressive. David Balogun, a rapidly improving 6-6 post, scored 29 to lead the way. Since then breathers over Mountain House (67-35), La Salle (76-26) and Sacred Heart Cathedral (79-39).
The Aztecs from San Diego won five games last week, including four at the Tarkanian Classic to take the Nike Division championship behind division’s Most Outstanding Player J.J. Sanchez, who had 22 points in the finals.
Eagles’ only loss comes this week to unbeaten NorCal power De La Salle, but bounces back with a win over Murrieta Valley.
Trailblazers beat Millikan 87-33 this past week.
The Lions get a taste of Open Division-level hoops in a 65-50 loss to Harvard-Westlake.
Redondo Union is picking up Open Division playoff buzz.
La Mirada has been idle since Dec. 14.
Coach Paul Tait is enthused by the play of sophomore point guard Dominic Loehle.
After lopsided win over St. Augustine (77-54), recorded tough wins over Sage Creek (75-66), Mission Hills (67-59) and La Jolla Country Day (80-68).
Monarchs have won five of their last six.
Pius went 2-2 at the Tarkanian Classic.
Jasone Crowe Jr. is averaging 37 points per game.
Had won four straight before losing 63-54 to Brophy College Prep of Phoenix Ariz. (63-54).
Quality win over Pacifica Christian of Orange County without Jeremiah Hampton was impressive. JJ Harris and Louis Bond impressed.
Canyon has won five straight. Brandon Benjamin averaging 30+ points a game.
Damien without big man Nate Garcia (injured).
Twelve straight wins isn’t a bad way to start the season. Defense a big key, holding opponents under 50 seven times, including three straight games limiting opponents to 49 in wins over Riverside poly (61-49), Salesian Los Angeles (93-49) and Wiseburn-Da Vinci (61-49).
Cougars last win came against Long Beach Poly on Dec. 14.
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