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News Briefs
Quake is evidence of a nearby fault
An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 and an epicenter just south of Saratoga Nov. 18 was a subtle reminder from one of the city's closest neighbors, the San Andreas Fault.
No damage or injuries were reported to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Westside Substation in Saratoga. However, local officials used the incident as an opportunity to urge residents to once again prepare for bigger quakes.
"It's inevitable," said Susan Garcia, spokeswoman for the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park. "It's a good time to look at your home and make sure things are bolted down and that the water heater is strapped."
More than 500 residents throughout the Bay Area told the Geological Survey that they felt the quake. Centered 9 miles under a location near Skyline Drive, people as far away as Richmond and Martinez sensed the temblor.
Garcia said the feedback Nov. 18 from communities spread around the Bay Area demonstrated how the area's multiple faults have a broad effect.
"We don't like to focus on the faults that are just around you," Garcia said.
In Saratoga, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristin Davis said she was perched on a ladder in her Azule Crossing shop when the quake hit just before noon.
"I heard this strange noise and I thought someone had walked into the store," said Davis. "It was like a big bang, but there was no roll."
While there were several small aftershocks in the 1.5 magnitude range, they were too mild to be felt.
Davis said last week that she had not received any calls at the Chamber from business owners startled by the quake.
Safety center process continues
An ad-hoc committee composed of local public agencies and citizens is close to selecting an architect for preliminary drawings of a Village public safety center.
On Nov. 19, committee members interviewed principals from three local design firms in an effort to recommend an architect to the city council on Dec. 5.
The center would potentially incorporate fire, sheriff's and U.S. Postal Service facilities near those agencies' present buildings in the Village.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
