When the quake hit, I was driving to work on Hollywood Boulevard. Was stopped at a red light at Highland when the shaking started. My car began rocking side to side vigorously — like a boat in choppy water. I looked around to see if something had hit me. The rocking stopped, then started again even more strongly. I blamed it on bad urban planning and the light rail tunnel that was probably beneath me.

Walking into my office at LALIFF (www.latinofilom.org) I found my co-workers freaking out, crying and talking about the quake. We’re a crew of mainly South Americans who all sit at large glass desks next to panoramic windows in an old Hollywood highrise — not much protection for “duck and cover” tactics.

Tried to phone the familia, but most of my local calls wouldn’t go thru. It wasn’t such a big deal. I was surprised it was a 5.8 since the Northridge quake was a lot worse and only 6.1. At lease the freeway didn’t crumble this time…jaja!

Luv y Besos,
— La Pocha ;-)

My mom was in the shower and shouted “apagen ese pinche temblor. Me estoy banando!”

True story.

the quake was a joke, a true californian didn’t freak out but mocked the whimpy quake.

I work in Goleta, CA (near Santa Barbara) and I felt it.. it was kind of cool but the girl next to me freaked out - we all just told my pregnant manager to stop walking around cause she was making the earth shake.