Hi Mary,

The residents of Parkfield take pride in their participation in the Earthquake Prediction Project. They don't worry about earthquakes, but rather take it in their stride when they occur. They love to have visitors come and understand what the project is about and are more than willing to share anything they know about the project or their own earthquake experiences.

But as for a reduction in property values, it has had no effect at all. A year ago I looked into purchasing a little corner lot, the one that has the two-part train sitting on it. I wanted to have the lot to set up a place to educate the public on the earthquake preparedness and the project. But even in Parkfield, the price was steep. There was no way to install a sewage system as the lot of too small, the water had to be borrowed, which is an accepted standard in the area and yet this very small lot, including the train was $175,000. Hardly a bargain. I told them I didn't want the train, but they weren't willing to move it to sell the lot. I don't think there are even 20 homes or lots inside of the town area which one could purchase if it was up for sale. Thus, values stay high as the demand is greater than the property available.

One of the greatest problems in Parkfield is that it is so expensive to have Internet connections that those in town who had it a few years ago had to give it up. There are no Internet providers within the area, so all Internet use is by long distance charges. They are impoverished in Internet life. There is also no mail delivery by the post office. It is collected in San Miguel and the person who picks it up delivers it to the residents. It's an unpaid job.

When Duane Hamman left Parkfield, one of the greatest assets in this project was lost. He was the only person who worked directly on the project and was willing to give his time to teach visitors about what the experiment intentions are and how preparedness plays a large roll in it. To me he was the shining symbol, of what a spokesperson for this town was and how marvelous and amazing it is. I miss him greatly. Though Donalee Thomason has more or less taken over part of this sharing, it is not with the same fervor Duane expressed.

Part of Parkfield now lives in me. It is a place I love very much. The people are warm hearted, friendly and thankful. The roving minister arrives for Thursday night sermons in the tiny town hall. He's very much in demand so Thursday is his night to visit. I may not be blessed in many things, but I am in the love I have received and returned in Parkfield. It will always be thought of as my refuge from a torrid world and a place I pray will one day, have some recognition for the scientific endeavors by such people as Tom McEvilly in a more public way.

I would very much love to see a PBS Special done on this entire project, the residents, the work, the successes and the failures. What once was and what is currently underway. It is not dead, dying or forgotten, but still alive with renewed activity and the search for the holy grail is still in full force.

Petra

• The Seismic Safety Zone