Hi All,

Here's a detailed report of the events which took place on 10/1/69 in and near Santa Rosa from the twin earthquakes of 5.6 and 5.7 occurred about two hours apart. I would like to invite all of you to read the full report which highlights all of the information as I think you'll come to the same question I have; how will Santa Rosa ever survive a 7.0 earthquake which is expected.... Petra

Mr. Huffman, who submitted the introductory paragraphs, was able to give us this interesting account of "how it was" the night of the quake, because he was there.
The astonished residents of Santa Rosa gave no thought to epicenters, magnitudes, or faults in those first moments when the onslaught of the quake at 9:56 p.m. plunged their pitching dwellings into darkness. Each individual lived those few moments intensely there in the overwhelming grip of the natural events which had so suddenly seized him.
First came the state of dumfounded bewilderment, before recognition that the increasing rumble of his vibrating dwelling and the clatter of falling books, dishes, lamps and even television sets meant an earthquake was occurring. Then, moments of fear as the tempo of shaking reached its peak and the thought of loved ones, falling debris, and injury entered his mind. Parents groped and staggered their way into darkened bedrooms to rescue their now awakened children. Persons stumbled to get outside onto their lawns and as they did so, saw the skyline flashing eerily as, in neighborhood after neighborhood, the lights flashed rapidly on and off before finally going out. Drivers were jerked about by automobiles suddenly bucking unmanageably, some even swerving into adjacent lanes.
Electric power was restored in most areas quickly, but some remained dark until well after the second main tremor at 11:19 p.m. Telephone lines were jammed and service often irregular as relatives tried to contact one another and others sought information.

http://www.johnmartin.com/earthquakes/eqpapers/00000016.htm

• Twin Quakes 1969 Paper