CITYWIDE — While Santa Monica’s newest buildings should stand the test of time, not to mention a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the city still has a long way to go in terms of taking on a temblor.
As for the city’s buildings constructed more than three years ago — which total in the hundreds, maybe thousands — the majority still need to be brought up to code in order to endure a major earthquake, according to city officials.
While the 1994 Northridge earthquake presented an opportunity for City Hall to toughen up its own buildings within Santa Monica, records show there is still a long way to go before a citywide overhaul to retrofit structures is complete.
Ben Yousefi, assistant building official, explained that there are several types of buildings in Santa Monica, many of which may require varying degrees of attention before they meet City Hall’s most recent seismic standards — put into effect three years ago.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 21, 2005. Read the original PDF.