California Dreaming – Written by Jane Hammons

A 6.0 sent most to their closets, pantries, and hallways, wherever they stored earthquake supplies to check their water, food and first aid kits.

In 1989, The Loma Prieta—a 7.0—flattened a section of the Interstate through Oakland, killing 42, burned up much of the Marina District in San Francisco, killing four, and here in Santa Cruz claimed three while demolishing historic buildings along the Pacific Garden Mall.

This morning two children were swept away at Ocean Beach. Six tourists at Point Lobos, lined up for that classic California shot—backs to the incoming waves—all gone. Seven car pile up at Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 claimed the lives of surfers racing toward the killer Mavericks-style waves at Half Moon Bay.

The high surf advisory cleared swimmers from the beach. Attractions shut down. But there he is, riding high, the gondola all to himself. He thinks he’s immortal. The gargoyles think otherwise.

Words: 151