All That It’s Cracked Up to Be

Terry Wilcox’s project involving a one-acre-sized slab placed over the San Andreas Fault would be one I’d be willing to back if I had the means (“The Crack-Up,” by Michael Walker, Palm Latitudes, Dec. 3). Californians greatly fear earthquakes because they’ve been bombarded by silly myths. No, our state is not going to fall into the ocean, nor is the ground going to open up and swallow us. Those back East stand a far greater danger from the immense power of tornadoes.

Perhaps such a display as Wilcox’s would bring enthusiasm to future prospective seismologists. There will always be earthquakes in California; the state is geologically alive. But instead of living in fear, we should cherish a great learning opportunity such as this.

Dennis Chamberlain

Hollywood