November 8, 2007

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

Where were you last Tuesday night when we had the 5.6 magnitude earthquake? How did you feel? When do you expect the big one? (Asked at Almaden Plaza)

“I was outside getting out of the car after soccer practice. I saw my garage moving and then realized what it was. My dad thought it was bad; he almost wanted to get out of the house. I think it will come on Christmas Day.”

Ali Walkley, 14
Almaden
Eighth grader at Holy Spirit School


“I was on my girlfriend’s couch on the computer sitting with her roommate and we both accused the other of shaking the couch. This is the beginning of the big one, which will happen in two to three years. It’s a wake-up call for the Bay Area.”

Adam Cantando, 24
Almaden
Paving contractor


“I was in my house and I was studying for a history test. It didn’t scare me. Actually, I thought it was pretty cool. My science book says 25 years. These are pre-shocks. The faults need to accumulate more stress and tension.”

Kishan Emens, 11
Almaden
Sixth grader at Challenger School


“At my new house with my friends. We all ran to the doorframe. I was surprised, but it wasn’t a big deal. Honestly, I think it will happen really soon in less than a year."

Maria Cook, 19
Almaden
Nanny


“I was at home, watching TV. It scared the kids, one of my daughter’s friends started crying. We just moved here from Chicago. I have no idea, but one of my kid’s friends expects it to happen in a month.”

Allison Anders
San Jose
Homemaker


“I was in Las Vegas. It didn’t scare me at all. I didn’t even know about it until my wife called.”

Bob Longinetti
Almaden
Real estate developer and manager


"At home, just walking out of the babies’ room. I’m from England and I’ve never experienced one before. It was scary, but it didn’t wake the babies. It [the big one] is a little worrying. We aren’t prepared, just grab stuff and run."

Sally Cumming, 37
Almaden
Homemaker


“I was reading to my children in bed. I wasn’t here for Loma Prieta, but I’ve been through smaller ones. It was my kids’ first one and it was unsettling for them. But I have relatives that lived through Hurricanes Andrew and Ivan. I’d take an earthquake over a hurricane any day after their stories. I think another 80 years in 2070”

Liz Williams, 42
Almaden
Interior designer


“I was in San Francisco in a restaurant on the water. It was very short and very mild. It rolled and then there was a shock. It was still and then there was another tiny shock. I have no idea. Hopefully, it won’t happen soon.”

Sandy Martin
Almaden
Help take care of grandkids