So I know this is slightly off topic but worth mentioning in the bigger realm of disaster prepardness.

So as many of you may have tuned into the 3 hour drama that took place over the skies of Los Angeles you were aware of the Jetblue A320 that had a mishap w/ its nosegear. The plane spent the better part of 3 hours circling off of Long Beach to A) burn off fuel and B) figure out what airport could accomodate this emergency (Long Beach, LAX or Edwards AFB).

So after decision was made to go LAX I was very impressed with the city's response. THis PROBABLY was the first potential situation since 94 Northridge that the city had to think on its feet and fast.

I watched on live tv as over 20 Rescue Ambulances from all neighborhoods (Venice, Brentwood, S. Central, Hollywood, Westwood, Downtown, etc) were deployed along w/ 10 Fire Companies and 4 helicopters. In addition LAPD went into total tac alert and deployed 20 black and whites as well. This was simultaneous to a full out response down in Long Beach (for 2 hours nobody knew if this plane would maybe still go there instead of LAX). Also all hosptials on westside said there were alerted and ready for all casualties. Edwards AFB and Miramar in San Diego also all went on full alert. So not an earthquake and somewhat concentrated but all the same a full out excercise. It kind of reassured me that our professional emergency services peeps are ready for the next earthquake in LA.

Luckily it was a good ending, but still allowed for our local emergency services to get their feet wet outside of a drill environment.