Hi Lowell. The earliest earthquake in southern California for which reliable historic data are available occurred July 13, 1769, only 219 years ago. Geologists know, however, that multitudes of earthquakes have had to occur over the previous millions of years in southern California while the regional geologic framework evolved. Members of the Portola expedition recorded an earthquake in 1769 while camped along the Santa Ana River, a short distance from the Elsinore-Whittier fault zone. The causative fault for the earthquake, however, has not been determined. Since 1769, many damaging and potentially damaging earthquakes have occurred in southern California at widely separated localities on land and offshore. Little is known of the effects of the earlier of these earthquakes because the area was sparsely populated until about 1875, and there were no earth scientists to study them. For example, little data was recorded from a strong earthquake that struck the Los Angeles region in 1855.

In few of this recent activity in the Los Angeles area I wonder if the quake of 1855 is on the verge of reoccurring. At present time there is nothing to suggest that the quake of 1855 centered in this area, but the lack of strong quakes recorded in this area may be but one indication that time is near for the next one. Anyway there is not much one can do, but to put ones feet up, sit back and wait and see what is in the offering. It seems I’m getting real good at doing that these days. Take Care…Don in creepy town