Hi Canie,

So far, so good. We have been really fortunate since the 1906 quake in not having a massive death toll in CA from a large earthquake.

Frankly, I really can't see that we are so far behind building codes. A single story, frame structure does quite well, even in a powerful earthquake and we do have to accept that there is no such thing as an earthquake proof structure. We all live with risks and earthquakes really are not the highest life threatening risks in life. We chose to live in earthquake country, just like people who live where tornadoes occur. Actually those in tornado country have far greater problems with damage and loss of life than we do. Technology has saved a lot of lives in those area's, but it isn't perfect nor is the weather so finite and predictable that we can save everyone all of the time.

We should also remember that we are the government. It is by and for the people. We make the laws by appointing people to represent our interests. We can chose to motivate them to be more interested in our needs or simply be complacent and point fingers at them. We have the power to make a changes, so let us not unilateraly dismiss our abilities or place blame so easily on others we appoint. As you know, if they don't do well, they are outta here.

For those of us who chose knowingly to live in a place which occasionally has powerful earthquakes, we cannot blame anyone but ourselves if things don't go well. We can leave at any time we wish. We can also chose to become aware, prepare and be ready. It is up to us.

Petra