DAGNY - you are correct on all counts.

So if we follow your logic one step further - the '94 Northridge quake now switches the stress to another fault line. YES, I would say that this makes a LOT of sense. Our problem is ... we don't know the next fault line to go. The fault with the LONG BEACH quake is already overdue again, and will trigger major damage, especially if it ruptures further north (Newport-Inglewood fault line). BUT several other faults are also past-due.

To be honest, I will not be surprised if L.A. gets hit by TWO significant earthquakes in the next couple of years. So much stress has built up, that would hardly be a surprise.

Unfortunately the PEOPLE living here in L.A. are at an all-time LOW with regards to earthquake preparation. The fact that we have gone 21 years since the Northridge quake has lulled everyone into false security. Very few people have enough water to last more than a couple of days.

Pete