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Are we ready? I doubt it. Governor Schwarzenegger has asked the federal government for $90 million to improve some of the most critical levees in the Delta and the Central Valley. If granted, this would amount to a down-payment on the $1.3 billion in repairs officials say it will take just to bring the levee system up to basic standards, according to a Los Angeles Times report on September 19. And of course, sea-level rise driven by global warming is likely to make this even more difficult in the future. After every natural disaster, California ramps up its level of readiness, but there are still gaping holes. For instance, just a few weeks ago the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the city’s fire hydrants use a different gauge hose connector than every other fire department in the region, which would make it difficult for firefighters from other cities to come to San Francisco’s aid during a disaster.

There is still plenty to do to prepare for, and in some cases to prevent, disasters. In my neighborhood and in my office, the lesson of Hurricane Katrina seems to be: “After the deluge, you’re on your own,” at least for a while. We will be updating our earthquake kit soon. I hope our city, state, and federal governments will do the same.

—Sam Schuchat is the executive officer of the Coastal Conservancy.

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