Continue reading »]]> There is a serious lack of awareness of the real-time conditions on the Western Power Grid and there are three different grids on the continent, that can go down during an Electromagnetic Pulse from an incoming solar storm, man-made nuclear event or a major earthquake. This power grid of which California is part of provides electricity for millions of different functions and covers the following states: OR, WA, CA, NV, ID, MT, WY, CO, UT, AZ and NM. A joint federal report recommended that transmission operators perform improvements of our western grid and the coordination of emergencies between utilities. This has not been accomplished.

One-seven-hour blackout forced flights to be cancelled at San Diego International Airport, snarled traffic across the entire region even longer and cut water supplies. Think what a large or mega earthquake would do. Are you ready to take care of yourself or assist some other deserving person for at least seven days? This September 8, 2011 event  included the loss of 4300 megawatts of generation included the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Transmission operators were ignorant of how a neighbor’s grid would impact their own. Operators need more training and a better understanding of how even transmission lines UNDER 100 kilovolts can affect larger operations. Better knowledge of the western system might have empowered operators to take action to prevent this major blackout from cascading throughout southern California.

Real-time problems after a single electromagnetic attack on our aging grid can and will wipe out most if not all electronic devices not wrapped up in aluminum foil Faraday cages and within hours send us back to function as the early settlers in the 1800′s. The damage will be worse than 9/11/2001. Imagine a world where no one has electrical power, most vehicles will not start, no phone calls, no internet, all commerce comes to a complete and instant halt. You cannot purchase water, food, toilet paper, coffin nails or alcoholic beverages. And yes, it will really happen, the $64,000 question is when.

Cyber expert David Chalk says that a complete and catastrophic failure of the energy grid is definitely going to occur within the next three years if not sooner and few are aware of this. “We are in a state of crisis,” he says. Even “smart” technology is highly vulnerable to any attack or earthquake. Does the federal government know about all this? Most certainly and they are doing nothing for the masses. All monies are being diverted to planning World War III. My money is on a massive solar storm caused by the incoming heavy mass object before a human-oriented nuclear event takes place.

Seriously, does anyone have a two-room tent with flooring and tall enough for a 6′ 3″ husband to stand in to spare?

Continue reading »]]> Thirteen months have passed since the Japan disaster and a U.S. Senator now says we’re in big trouble. The irony of course, is that we’ve been in big trouble since March 17, 2011 when the air currents brought the first plume of radioactive materials to our west coast.

The effects of radiation on health are tremendous and you should do everything you can right now to prevent those life-threatening issues and prepare to mitigate what you can’t. A nutritious, organic (not the same as natural) diet should help prevent personal health disaster later.

Raw food specialists have stated that radioactive fallout which includes cesium-137, iodine-131, strontium and other long lived by-products of an explosion will descend on North America by March 22nd, a date already past. Wash off your produce, fruits and vegetables with food grade hydrogen peroxide from a health food store, it’s safe and effective. Milk and rain water samples in California already show radioactive fallout contamination. Initial symptoms of radiation poisoning are nausea, deep fatigue, followed by vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea and skin lesions.

Unacceptable levels of radiation have already been found in the kelp beds off the seaside community of Santa Monica CA. The seaweed from Corona Del Mar contains 40,000,000 bcq/kg of radioactive iodine. Reports last week indicate radioactive pollen flying around Southern California and you are inhaling this! Wash your clothes frequently and change and shower the minute you walk in the door.

There are two types of radiation: non-ionizing and ionizing. The former are such as infrared like night vision. Cellphone radiation and microwave energy  that some people use to heat or cook their food and water with and destroy all nutritive value. Ionizing radiation includes x-rays, gamma rays which travel great distances and goes through just about anything, instantly and effectively incinerating it and alpha or beta particles. The length of time you are exposed is critical in prevention or treatment of illness.

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to increase official “safe” radiation levels by factors of thousands to accomodate the uncontrollable flow of radioactive fallout and not unduly frighten the public. This is a clear sign of how harmful the current allowances already are for our air, water and food. Mainstream media is failing to report that the radioactive iodine has a short half-life of eight days whereas cesium has a half-life of 30 years.

There are technologies available now that you can access that will protect your personally owned home. They are businesses in radiation shielding using lead or similiar nano technologies. It is the most cost-efficient radiation and shielding material available for use in countering the effects of x-ray and gamma rays. You have choices in lead paint, lead-lined drywall, lead-lined doors and house and window frames. There is lovely leaded glass for those solariums and greenhouse indoor gardens.

Keep on eye on that “Live Radiation Monitor” in West los Angeles, informative.

Continue reading »]]> This little known fault apparently may have a much more historical and imminent impact on us here in Southern California than the well known and anxiety-producing San Andreas (that is said to begin unzipping from the Salton Sea when that over-due event occurs).

A very favorite website of mine that alerts me to much timely and accurate news not covered in the mainstream, explained why the April 23rd, 3.9 earthquake in Laguna Niguel in Orange County is of significance to us here in Los Angeles. In a nutshell, this fault line was discovered only 13 years ago and runs along the coast from Newport Beach and Costa Mesa to San Juan Capistrano, hideously close to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station or S.O.N.G.S, which is still off-line and may cause black-outs if not properly repaired and functional by this summer. It’s called the San Joaquin Hills Thrust and while similiar to the fault that triggered the Northridge quake 18 years ago and unlike the San Andreas that can be seen from the surface, the fracture in the earth’s crust that makes up the Hills Thrust is entirely underground. Because it isn’t visible at ground level, it is perhaps more dangerous because it is unclear where the boundaries are. Scientists weren’t aware of the blind thrust faults that triggered the Northridge or Whittier Narrows quakes until after the ground began shaking.

The April 23rd temblor should serve as a “wake up” or “prepare” call to all Orange County residents whom mistakely believe that quakes are a Los Angeles problem…not so. The San Joaquin Hills Thrust fault is capable of generating a magnitude 7 or greater quake (this would be right in line with a dream warning my husband and I had on April 15 where a severe pre-dawn shaker woke us, destroyed our building and some new ones here in Hollywood. We were told to “stand ready” every morning now with extra water, food and the works for a month, no water, no electricity for the duration). Orange County’s last major destructive quake was in 1933 when the region was sparsley populated. The same situation does not exist now. Scientists discovered San Joaquin Hills Thrust Fault after noticing widespread evidence of old sea life indicating that this area had once been deep underwater. In Hollywood alone there are 20,000 people packed into one square mile that choose to be here for work, family, whatever and need to take steps to “be prepared, not scared”.

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                                          March 2011

                                                CA   v.    City   of   Los   Angeles

                                                                                               U. S.  District   Court   of   California

                                                                                                                  Legal   Brief

The City of Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Plan was challenged for it’s failure to accommodate disabled persons under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

California was the lead plaintiff representing over 800,000 individuals living within the City of Los Angeles. It claims that LA’s 200+ page Emergency Operations Plan fails to address how the City will meet the unique needs of disabled individuals in the event of a long emergency. For example, LA’s plan refers to over 200 shelter sites but only a few sites are ADA compliant. The other proposed sites have not even been assessed for compliance. The City has not  acted on the recommendations by the ADA which made a number of remarks suggesting that the American Red Cross was responsible for all shelter and care of disabled individuals in event of an emergency despite the lack of official record of any such agreement.

California argued that it was entitled to summary judgement on all legal claims because the City admitted that as part of their emergency plans that it had NOT included any provisions for disabled individuals and as such placed those people at higher risk of mortality in a protracted emergency event. The City argued that it had not engaged in any discriminatory actions and there was no known evidence that a disabled person had requested or was refused reasonable accomodation by the City.

Following a brief discussion about the rationale behind the arguements, the court found that the lack of adopting the ADA recommendations placed unnecessary additional burdens on disabled individuals because the City failed to address their special needs. The court further stated that the City imperiled disabled individuals because they would not know which available shelters were: wheel-chair accessible, had a TTY / TDD available, was equipped with Braille, had breathing apparatus, a dialysis machine (as hospitals will be overwhelmed) or any other number of devices. Service animals go anywhere by state and federal law regardless of anyone’s fear, dirt or allergy factors. NOR was there any City plan to so much as notify those with impairments if they didn’t have / couldn’t afford those personalized assistive devices (no, they aren’t all free), to inform them of the need to evacuate or if there was no responsible caregiver supervising.

The very purpose of an Emergency Plan is to anticipate the future needs of ALL residents and failing to address those needs of disabled but otherwise productive individuals constituted unlawful discrimination. However unfortunate it was, the court did not detail how the City would rectify all the deficiencies. The ruling focused only on the absence of distinct plans to address the disabled needs.

February 11, 2012 – A landmark decision with national implications that the City violated federal law, the ADA, by failing to plan for and meet emergency needs of all it’s residents in planning for natural disasters. The ruling was the first such decision in the country.  Further, Dr. Lucy Jones, “The Earthquake Lady”, as she is locally known, spoke at one of the Los Angeles City Council meeting that month to discuss the necessary but tedious subject of building codes. While she was well greeted, it is unknown what was actually accomplished. As Dr. Jones mentions, “We have a fear of earthquakes, partly because they create a feeling of being out of control and we’re afraid of dying in them. It’s the aftermath and our comfort that we need to prepare for. Denial costs not only lives but minds.”

Continue reading »]]> Not a pleasant subject but one that needs to be addressed as most of us here in California either know of or are related to such an individual.

There are those in age across the board who have chosen to insulate themselves against a coming disaster, won’t even speak of the subject. Abusive language is often used against them by family members that have become impatient and frustrated. Well-intentioned friends and others who try to strike up a meaningful conversation with them because these delicate individuals choose to ignore something imminent and dangerous that could cost them their lives.

At last count there were 3 million Prepper Americans and growing who are taking serious measures to live off-grid for an extended period of time. A large number of Californians are among those who choose not to prepare for anything. Among the rationals are:

1) I can’t afford to buy or stock up on emergency supplies.
2) I don’t know what I should do.
3) I don’t think anything bad will really happen.
4) I don’t have time.
5) I’m too old to start or care
6) Other people are preparing for me.
7) My faith alone will see me through.
8 ) I can’t stand the thought.
9) I can’t do anything to prepare and am ready to die if this is it.
10) I live high enough, I’m safe (not unless you’re 100 miles inland and 2,000 feet up).

Are these thoughts, signs, of an underlying fragility? It certainly appears so, what else makes perfect sense? However, there is plenty of outright denial especially when a visual is staring you right in the face. We seldom or never have had such issues here in California which we are now directly facing, both natural and of human origin. The expectation that the “government will take care of me/us in an emergency” is simply not true. Emergency Preparedness is now an individual effort, prepare to care for yourself for at least seven days, longer if you can. So, what is to be done with someone that refuses to prepare? Very little in the end, unless there is a responsible caregiver whom also needs to take care of themselves, don’t forget. One can not be forced to do something.

Let’s point out yesterday’s large earthquakes in Indonesia, Mexico and Oregon, Los Angeles didn’t move…another pair of 6.0 quakes struck just after midnight, today the 12th, in the ”Gulf of California” (looked more like in Mexico on the map but nevertheless, new quakes). The tectonic pressure is growing under Los Angeles with each incident that occurs around it, but the City doesn’t have an experience, this isn’t normal and it’s going to have consequences. Geological experts are predicting a 10.0 or greater megaquake in the very near future on Nature’s schedule.

The number of disabled in California can only be estimated, as every day new diagnoses are made and the numbers rise. It is thought however, that one in five residents have reported some level of lack of function whether on SSDI, SSI or not. And while it is a depressing thought, the reality of developing a disability increases with age and / or occupation. This is a fact of life. Next week, Part 2, “What Is the City of Los Angeles …?

Continue reading »]]> California seems to have the greatest number of green neighborhoods: downtown Oakland, urban EcoVillage in downtown Los Angeles, Arcata, Central Valley, Wine Country and the first senior neighborhood.

What does sustainable living mean anyway?

It is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individuals use of Earth’s natural resources and their own resources in daily personal choices and decisions. They reduce their carbon footprint by altering their methods of transportation by riding a bicycle or walking, use of solar energy, their diet – eating their own homegrown organic foods and poultry. These people try to live in a way consistent with the natural balance of and respect for our symbiotic relationship with Earth’s natural ecology and life cycles. The three pillars of sustainability are: social, environmental and economic. The history of this way of living began in 1954 with a publication called “Living The Good Life”. This topic includes shelter made from certain earth-friendly materials ( there is quite a list), burnable fuel from organic matter, ways to lessen environmental impacts from agricultural practices, water use from indoor home appliances, outdoor water usage and natural conservation.

It also means different things to different people. What does it mean to you and what can you change about your and your families routines?

One example of a sustainable neighborhood is “611 Oakland Ecovillage” in downtown, where else, Oakland. Dan Antonioli purchased that historic urban property in April 2000. The goal was to create a community-based facility that values living green with investments in the arts, music, media, social justice, themed-dinners and a highly valued, highly developed sense of humor. And in general one of the healthiest possible places to live in the new millenia. Since then, 611 EcoVillage has evolved into a community that shares basic foods, chores, monthly meetings, consensus decision making (sounds like Boonesville to me) and all that goes into making an independent common run.

Laytonville in Northern California is another exciting project on a much greater scale. Roads are actually built using earth-friendly materials, individual houses and grounds are in place with renewable energy systems and playgrounds for children and animals.

Sustainability can not happen by itself. People must consciously and actively commit to participate in such practices, we would all be the better off for it. Such things as hanging the wash out to air dry instead of impatiently wanting our suits from the dry cleaners, and sheets and undergarments dry right this very minute. Compost your waste products when you can. Most people think of an ecovillage or house as off the grid, a food self-reliant community in a remote area…not so. Sustainability can be practiced anywhere by a determined person, even in the cities like New York and Los Angeles downtown. If you own your domicile you may be growing your own organic rooftop garden and using solar panels. Where we walk occasionally with the dogs we found a little fenced in organic community garden in the midst of the city, actively cared for and harvested.

Continue reading »]]> With all the recent news on the Internet regarding dormant volcanoes that are waking now, day and night. And the accompanying uptick in earthquakes around us here, I realized I should make this the next entry. Our state is the fifth largest economy in the world and the devastation that we will endure will affect not only us but be felt worldwide. The various levels of government will be unable to help us at that time as we are overdue for a major, multi-tiered event.

On February 13, 2012 Northern California experienced a 5.5 magnitude earthquake which caused the Southwest to move slightly, while I can’t explain this nor have the space technically, the source is credible. U.S.G.S. now only picks up shakers 6.0 and up and sends out email alerts, Cal-Tech monitors the smaller ones that you need to look for. Space also prohibits listing them all.

There are four different dormant volcanic chains showing unexpected activity and they are all interconnected underground: CA, UT, NV and OR. A sizeable (8.0 – 10.0+) can be expected at any time from any one or more of these mountains coming to life. Along with these long-dormant volcanoes coughing to life with one longer-lasting and harder earthquake after another. Until with a full eruption of smoke, ashfall, lava and sulphurically-scented gases, will come the inevitable oceanic event: the mega-tsunami.

I was asked recently by an individual who knows of my long-term emergency management experience if anyone has any idea when this tremendous act of God will occur. The answer of course is “No”, there is no way to be confident in giving such a response and to try to predict is foolish, we’ve all seen the unfortunate results of that. Most people believe that  the scientific evidence points to the last quarter of this year. The ” whatever-is-coming-I can’t-do-anything-about-it ” mentality is most defeatist. It’s o.k. to be afraid and to admit it, just don’t let it paralyze you into not taking any positive action as soon as possible. Don’t discount your dreams, many people are having them now, they just might tell you something important.

Make sure that your pre-packed duffel bags are loaded with your rotated essentials: wind-up flashlite/radio with backup batteries, water with filtration lid, food bars, goggles, dust masks for you and your animals, hat, a wet washcloth, well-stocked first aid kit, eyewashes, extra long sleeved shirt and jeans, boots, rope, pocketknife, extra medications.  Don’t forget supplies for your precious animals, have a bag for them too, don’t leave them behind to die. There are precautions to take for your home too but by this point in time evacuation is probably in order.

Continue reading »]]> While the islands and Island countries are much more likely to experience a post-quake tsunami, the west coast is quite open to the danger. In fact, just late last year we here in Los Angeles were introduced to our first Tsunami Alert System Test on broadcast television, we were so surprised. What does the government know that we don’t? Here in Hollywood we are only eighteen miles inland and 250 feet in elevation, we’re dead.

Last year, as many will remember, CA did experience one earthquake that did create a decided 8-foot swell along the coastal communities of Crescent City, Santa Cruz and a couple of other small townships enough to warrant state and federal emergency declarations. This event did serve as a reminder that yes, California with it’s best weather and locale, has a vulnerability to such incidents. Now while our state claims to be a world leader in emergency preparation and response efforts, I do question this in the face of the current declining economy, what isn’t being repaired right now and other certain factors.

The advance preparedness measures that we take responsibility for as individuals ARE the ones that will save us, our families and maybe our properties in the end. Take the time now to learn your risks, whatever they may be and minimize them now. It’s the old adage, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, it just might save your life.” As another for instance, Mexico’s earthquake, a good shaker turned 800 homes into rubble in the Pacific side. I had read about a 9.0 bruiser that was predicted for March 22 at what I understood to be 5:00 a.m. here. Time told, as it will, I think in my humble opinion, that that was the earthquake expected, many details matched closely.

What are you doing to shelter-in-place for what’s coming? What kind of help do you need? How ready are you to leave your house in 10 minutes with vital documents?

No discussion on emergency preparedness is complete without exploring what people with special needs require e.g. hard-of hearing folk, the wheelchair bound, etc. Our very special best friends – service dogs, cats – our beloved pets. I hope to cover these in the following weeks.

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View the map for all American Preppers Network and Partner meetup groups.

Scroll past the map for a listing.

Humboldt County Preppers http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=247&t=22004

Central California

SF Bay Area Preppers:
http://www.meetup.com/SFBayPreppers/

Southern California

Antelope Valley Preppers: http://www.meetup.com/PalmdalePreppers/

Hollywood Preppers:

Inland Empire Preppers: http://www.meetup.com/InlandEmpire-Preppers/

San Diego Preppers:  http://www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Preppers/

Temecula/Murrieta Preppers: www.meetup.com/MurrietaPreppers

Whittier Preppers: http://www.meetup.com/WhittierPreppers/