Hi Everyone,

So my nerves are finally calming down after yesterday's jolt. I'd like to share some observations before and after:

I check that CA state map of quakes daily. In the past year there have been micro quakes here and there in LA every now and then, although there are periods of zero activity in the basin with the bulk being in the desert, Ventura, Grapevine and C. CA. Within the last week I did notice several micro quakes breaking out on the map from Northridge to Encino to Century City down south of LAX. On Friday I looked at the map and the basin looked a bit like a cluster of an acne breakout on a teenager's cheek with all the little blue and yellow dots. While I didn't jump to a conclusion I found it interesting.

So yesterday we get this 4.2 and the aftershock sequence has not exceeded anything over 2 (w/ the exception of the initial 2.8) and the cluster of micro quakes continues from the Valley to the west of the epicenter (see Michael's post about aftershocks migrating west) Even SCEC made a comment about the recent rash of micro quakes preceeding yesterdays quake.

So...here is my concern and question. I vowed never to go to Berkland's website again (no offense to anyone who supports it, just a personal opinion) but I thought, what the heck, lets see what they all think over there. 99% was the usual LA is doomed, etc. etc. But one post did catch my eye. There is a woman over there claiming that this quake, its location and aftershock pattern is similar to what scientists have seen before before bigger events. Her post, well not substantiated with any proof, quote, or valid source, did seem intelligent and well written enough that I was wondering if she REALLY DID HEAR something from someone on the inside.

So anyone have an opinion or more info than what the official scientific community has offered so far?

While Cal Tech will full out deny that they are seeing this as a precursor, I look back now on Loma Prieta and those of us who follow science know for a fact that those 2 years of 5 and 4s in and around the area had USGS on alert at all times, whether they admitted this to the media or not. Turns out, the weren't wrong and now the same situation maybe playing out in the N. Bay. So, again, knowing that seismologists don't predict, but do feel concern, I'm wondering if anyone at Caltech is keeping a concerned eye on the basin tonight. Any thoughts?