Editorial: What happens to Los Angeles when we survive the Big One but our buildings don't?

When the Big One - or even just the next Northridge-sized quake - hits Los Angeles, you will probably survive it. Between existing seismic codes for new construction and the ongoing mandatory retrofitting of concrete and soft-story wood buildings in the city of Los Angeles and beyond, most buildings should withstand a catastrophic earthquake well enough for you to make your way out of the wreckage when the shaking stops.

But those standards