Is cleaning up after earthquakes the new norm in Ferndale?

In recent years, the community of Ferndale, located in Humboldt County, California, has been facing a peculiar pattern of significant earthquakes occurring consistently in December. The most recent quake struck on a Thursday, causing disturbances and damage to local establishments, including The Farmer Daughter where Rayah Sanchez worked. She recounted the chaotic experience during the quake, describing the ceiling as appearing 'like jelly' and the floor covered in glass. Fortunately, the minimal damage allowed businesses to remain operational, demonstrating the local community's resilience. In December 2021 and 2022, the town also faced strong quakes, leading local residents and businesses to adapt to these natural occurrences. Preparations became necessary as the community learned to brace for the possibility of such seismic events yearly. For example, Bob Land shared that during the most recent quake he lost a window and glass tops from display cases, yet he was not discouraged, stating that the door would be fixed soon. This proactive attitude highlighted a collective acknowledgment among locals that they must maintain readiness against the unpredictable nature of earthquakes. As Christmas approaches, Ferndale’s residents have even taken specific measures to minimize damage, such as cabling Christmas trees to walls in their homes and businesses. Bob Oaks, another community member, even joked about this becoming a new annual tradition, underscoring a remarkable shift in local culture due to repeated seismic activity. Residents are coming to terms with the reality of these earthquakes, with preparations becoming part of the December landscape. Overall, the impact of these natural disasters goes beyond the immediate physical damage and influences community relationships, emergency readiness, and emotional resilience within Ferndale. The ongoing tradition of cleaning up after quakes reflects both a challenge and a testament to the community's strength, as they find ways to protect themselves and their businesses each December. As they move into another December, there’s a palpable sense of apprehension about what mother nature might bring next.