Thirty years ago today, at 4:57 a.m., residents throughout southern California were suddenly awakened by a 7.3 earthquake, with an epicenter in Landers. The entire staff of Z107.7 soon assembled at the radio station to get updates on damage and provide information to listeners. The Yucca Valley Bowl and movie theater were completely destroyed; there were fires in the Country Club Mobile Home Park; power was out throughout the Basin. All public communication, except Z107.7, was down.
The most tragic news was the death of a 3-year-old boy in Yucca Valley who died when stones from a fireplace fell on him. Aftershocks were felt for days, including the largest — a 6.5 quake in Big Bear just three hours after the Landers quake. Calls starting coming in to the radio station asking for help — people were stranded, without food, water, and diapers! Listeners started bringing supplies to the radio station, and local four-wheelers, the Red Cross, and others stepped up to help in any way they can. This 30th anniversary of the Landers earthquake is a good reminder to prepare for earthquakes.
LINK: Hi Desert Magazine – The Little Radio Station That Could – June 28th, 1992
