We are better off than the people were in the Bay Area at the turn of the (20th) century. But, there is plenty of risk spread around for smaller events in inhabited areas.

Almost all the chimneys were down. There was substantial damage to masonry buildings, some collapses, and there was some slight damage to frame buildings.

Downtown San Jose got creamed.

There are still places where you can see evidence of the 1906 earthquake. You just have to know where to look.

I don’t think we quite have it nailed down, but it would appear the recurrence time for the 1906 event is 200 years. So, it looks like we are safe for a while from a...