Old buildings need to be 'earthquakeproofed' as well

The past several years have shown us just how volatile Mother Nature can get in Southern California.

In this geographic location we don't have to deal with blizzards, hurricanes or tornadoes. However, the citizens of Simi Valley are very aware that the city is prone to such natural phenomena as wildfire, earthquake and high winds. In fact, we have been reminded of this with the California wildfires quite recently.

I believe that in this constantly growing community, the amendments to the building code dealing with earthquakes, wildfires and high winds in Simi Valley are necessary and beneficial and, when in effect, will hopefully fulfill their purpose to prevent damage and destruction from such catastrophe.

However, the previous article even states that these standards will be applied only to new projects. Although the city is growing, should the emphasis be put purely on new projects alone?

There are thousands of other buildings and homes in Simi Valley that were built before these new standards and still stand to serve the members of the community.

I feel that there should be renovation projects going handinhand with the new codes to make these older buildings as safe and up-to-date as the new projects in town, being able to reach the same standards, such as replacing the roofs of homes that have wood shake shingles.

After all, what would Simi Valley be without many of the older buildings and homes that made the town what it is? Katie Stevenson Simi Valley