Mayor Newsom Announces 20th Anniversary of Loma Prieta Earthquake Commemoration Events
Mayor highlights The Big Rumble events and National Preparedness Month
www.thebigrumble.org
17 September 2009 -- San Francisco, CA: Mayor Newsom today announced the City’s plans to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake through a series of events called The Big Rumble (www.thebigrumble.org). Newsom was joined by California Emergency Management Agency Secretary Matt Bettenhausen, who also highlighted September as National Preparedness Month.
“While the events of October 17, 1989 serve as a stark reminder of our region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, they also provide an opportunity to reinvigorate our commitment to making emergency preparedness an everyday part of our lives,” said Mayor Newsom. “The Big Rumble community events give us an opportunity to honor the heroism of 1989 while sharing our commitment to preparedness with our friends and neighbors.”
“The Governor has always said public safety is our number one job in government and the coordination and cooperation on display today is vital to making that happen. I applaud San Francisco’s efforts to make citizens more aware and involved. A culture of preparedness among Californians will greatly improve our abilities to save lives and property during any natural or man-made disaster,” said Secretary Bettenhausen.
The Big Rumble is a week-long series of special events designed to connect our communities with preparedness resources. It is a partnership between the non-profit organization Committed 2 Community and the City and County of San Francisco. City departments with a major role in coordinating the events include the Department of Emergency Management, Department of Public Health, San Francisco Fire Department, and the Office of the City Administrator.
From October 13-17, The Big Rumble events will take place at large City venues and at smaller venues in various neighborhoods. Below is a list of scheduled events.
October 13, 2009 @ 3:30pm-7pm
The Big Rumble Panel Discussion and Reception
San Francisco City Hall – North Light Court
This event is the kickoff to the week’s The Big Rumble activities. The program will begin with the panel discussing advances in emergency management and infrastructure protection that have occurred since the Loma Prieta earthquake. The evening will close with a presentation reflecting on what happened in 1989. Panel participants include city officials, first responders, earthquake experts and other private sector representatives who play a role in disaster response. The panel will be moderated by TV
personality and Academy of Art Communications Chair Jan Yanehiro.
October 15, 2009 @ 10:15 am
The Great California ShakeOut Drill
Locations Citywide
San Francisco will join millions of Californians in a statewide Drop, Cover and Hold Drill. The purpose of the drill is to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes, and to get prepared at work, school, and home. City departments, businesses, schools and other partners are expected to participate. For more information, go to
October 17, 2009
The Big Rumble Preparedness Fairs & Neighborhood Block Parties Fairs in the Bayview, Marina, Mission and Sunset Block parties in various neighborhoods throughout the City
A series of neighborhood events, including resource fairs and block parties, will be held throughout the City. The City is partnering with the community to build resource fairs that will bring preparedness information, displays, activities, entertainment and giveaways to the public. The block parties will serve as localized gathering spots for neighbors to rally around the important topic of preparedness. “Block Party Toolkits” will be provided to assist in the development and promotion of the parties. Each organizer will receive a “Host Kit” with preparedness information, activities, games and giveaways.
October 17, 2009 @ 4:30pm-5:30pm
Marina Earthquake Monument Announcement and Closing Ceremony
Marina Green
Notable dignitaries and neighborhood residents are scheduled to participate in a closing ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the earthquake. The event organizers, a Marina District community group, will announce the commencement of fundraising efforts to build a monument in honor of the San Francisco Fire Department. For more information about the memorial, go to www.mEQm.org.
For more information about the upcoming events, please go to www.TheBigRumble.org. For comprehensive emergency preparedness tips, please visit San Francisco’s official preparedness resource website, www.72hours.org.
Follow us and join the conversation on Twitter using the following hashtags: #BigRumble and #SFDEMPrep. These hashtags will be active until the end of October.
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