new doubts on wtc collapse, page-100

rattled in california Rattled in California

June 18, 2005

Four significant earthquakes in less than a week have led many Californians to become jittery, with some stocking up on water, food, cash and even insurance, an anecdotal survey found Friday.

But seismologists say clusters of quakes are not unheard of and do not necessarily mean the big one is coming soon.

After several years of relative seismic calm, the recent quakes are a not-so-gentle reminder that the ground in the Golden State is never as solid as it seems.

Let's recall the bad vibrations:

# A 5.2-magnitude temblor Sunday about 90 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

# A 7.2 quake Tuesday under the Pacific Ocean off Eureka in northern California -- that prompted a tsunami warning.

# Two quakes Thursday that were 10 hours and about 700 miles apart: one of magnitude 4.9 in San Bernardino County and a 6.6 one later, also centered off the northern California coast.

Some studies have suggested that the San Andreas fault, which leveled much of San Francisco in 1906 and extends more than 800 miles through California, may be about to release pent-up energy.

But that's not a consensus opinion -- earthquakes just aren't that predictable, and a few jolts don't necessarily mean a huge quake is next.

Still, the thought of all that shaking has led some people to make sure their pets are mellow in case the earth moves. They're taking their dogs to the vet for tranquilizer shots.

"The ones that are frantic are usually the ones with owners that are frantic, too," said Marilyn Lilla, 58, who works at the General Dog and Cat Hospital in San Bernardino.