The SAF may 'rule the roost', but during those long periods of quiescence, the plates are still moving. Ground deformation continues. Strain will still build on those other faults. But I think we all know that.

My point is that there are many smaller faults all across the region, even IN the LA basin proper, that have the potential for enormous damage. For example, the Newport-Inglewood, Whittier, Palos Verdes, Verdugo, Raymond, San Joaquin, and Puente Hills faults are all in the basin and capable of 6.5+ quakes.

I have a shake map scenario for a Puente Hills 7.1 and it is NOT pretty. I'd take the San Andreas any day over that scenario. Let's just say that most of the upper LA Basin is red.

Brian