June 22, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Brace, Bolt, and Protect: How California’s Earthquake Retrofit Grants Work

Earthquake Retrofit Funds Available: See If Your Home Qualifies

California homeowners can now register for grants to help retrofit their houses against earthquakes through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, which is now open for registration, state officials announced. You can register here

The EBB program provides financial assistance for homeowners to strengthen the foundations of wood-framed homes built before 1980 with raised foundations, reducing the risk of severe earthquake damage. Grants of up to $3,000 are available, and income-qualified homeowners—those earning $89,040 or less annually—can receive an additional grant of up to $7,000.

Seismic retrofits under this program typically involve two primary methods: “brace and bolt” or “bolt-only,” depending on the home’s existing foundation structure.

In a brace and bolt retrofit, plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing is used to reinforce “cripple walls,” which are short walls found between the foundation and the home’s wood frame. Anchor bolts or foundation plates are then installed to firmly attach the home’s wooden frame to its concrete foundation, significantly enhancing stability.

A bolt-only retrofit is appropriate for homes without cripple walls, where the wooden frame rests directly on the foundation. This simpler procedure involves securing the home’s wooden frame directly to its foundation using anchor bolts or foundation plates.

The program also emphasizes the importance of properly securing water heaters to prevent them from shifting or toppling during earthquakes, a common issue leading to gas, water, or electrical damage.

Homeowners can hire licensed contractors listed in the EBB’s Contractor Directory. All contractors in the directory are California-licensed general contractors trained by FEMA in seismic retrofitting. Experienced homeowners may opt to perform the retrofit themselves as owner-builders, although labor costs and purchased tools are not reimbursable.

<>Related Posts

Malibu Traffic Delays Expected: REPORT

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

The warning applies to the first weekend of summer Transportation officials are warning travelers on the Pacific Coast Highway through...

Strongman to Pull 34,680-Pound Bus at Santa Monica Pier

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Licis, also the 2022 “Arnold Strongman Classic” champion, will undertake the feat to showcase his strength  Strongman Martins Licis, the...

All Aboard to LAX: Metro Opens Game-Changing Transit Hub Ahead of Global Events

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

 New LAX/Metro Transit Center Comes Closer to Connecting Metro Directly to LAX The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)...

New Leadership at Samohi: Jane Han Named House Principal

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Equity-Focused Educator Joins Samohi Leadership Team By Diana Bouchaaya, SMMUSD Communications Specialist The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board...

Food Fight on the Venice Boardwalk: Chefs Stand Up for Immigrants with Food

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Turk’s Pizza Party Rallies Top Local Eateries for an Immigrant Rights Fundraiser In a bold display of culinary activism, Turk’s...

Weekend Lane Closures on PCH in Malibu Could Snarl Summer Beach Traffic

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Army Corps Work Triggers Weekend Closure on Pacific Coast Highway Motorists traveling along Pacific Coast Highway this weekend should prepare...

SMC Gallery to Showcase Faculty Art in Virtual Exhibition

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

The online event will feature works by seven Emeritus faculty artists. The Santa Monica College Emeritus Art Gallery will host...

(Video) Where great minds grow at The Willows Community School

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The Willows, a DK-8 co-educational school, enrolls 474 students from 57+ zip codes annually. As a balanced, progressive educational leader, experiential learning,...

Film Review: The Life of Chuck

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE LIFE OF CHUCKRated R110 MinutesReleased June 6th A  heartfelt movie of lie, love, friendship and loss, delivered in...

THIS WEEKEND: Five Outdoor Concerts for Make Music Day Comes to Santa Monica

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The global event, inspired by France’s Fête de la Musique, unites communities through music and is observed in over 800...

(Video) The Guest List Collab Dinner with Chef Raphael Lunetta and Chef Alan Wong

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Held at Marelle Restaurant at The Sandbourne Hotel in Santa Monica. An Incredible mix of Hawaiian and Santa Monica’s flavors...

Jeni’s Drops Goose-Inspired Ice Cream Flavor to Kick Off Summer of Sweetness

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Goose Tracks Is a Nod to the Jam-Band’s Live Magic + Super Fun Times Flavors Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is...

Santa Monica’s ‘Summer Soulstice’ Festival Returns with Music, Classic Cars, and Family Fun

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The event, featuring music, a PRIDE-themed bingo, a car show and a beer garden, spans Main Street from Strand Street...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

For More Information, Go to Aplustree.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/oL7U8M4k7B pic.twitter.com/fCAYMCsLXU — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) June 19,...

(Video) See Inside Voodoo Doughnuts’ New Venice Beach Shop

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle....