Search

Lookout Staff

July 29 – An earthquake that shook the Los Angeles region late Tuesday morning seems to have done little or no damage to Santa Monica, City officials said.

The 5.4 temblor, which struck at 11:42 a.m., swayed highrises in Downtown LA and western sections of the City. The quake, which had its epicenter 29 miles east-southeast of Downtown near Chino Hills, seemed to rattle nerves but resulted in no reported injuries.

Santa Monica City Hall was evacuated and an inspection of the 70-year-old structure by the Public Works Director and a building officer found only “a small gas leak that was handled,” said Kate Vernez, an assistant to the City Manager.

“What’s good is that everybody is prepared,” Vernez said. “We know the drill.”

The Police Department Watch Commander on duty early Monday afternoon said there had been no calls of damage or injuries.

“Nobody’s been calling,” he said.

The quake, which was followed by several smaller aftershocks, was felt as far south as San Diego and as far east as Las Vegas, according to media reports.

There was only minor damage reported after the quake. In Downtown Los Angeles, there was no damage to City Hall, which was retrofitted at the cost of $300 million.

The City Council, which was meeting Tuesday, adjourned for 15 minutes. Across Los Angeles, schools were evacuated.