Description

Seismologist Julian Lozos guides you through Bernal’s bedrock community, revealing how this area survived two earthquakes.

Starting Location

401 Cortland Ave

Duration

35 minutes

Map Image

Description

San Francisco is a geologically messy city built on sand, landfill and bedrock, and sits squarely between two of California's major faults: the San Andreas and the Hayward. So when artist-musician turned seismologist Julian Lozos moved to the city, he found a place in Bernal, which is built on bedrock. In exploring and studying his new neighborhood he discovered that it's one of the few places in the city with exposed bedrock. He also came to appreciate Bernal's earthquake history, and loves the amazing views from the top of Bernal Hill that reveal how the Bay Area's landscape has been shaped by faults. And while no scientist can predict earthquakes, Dr. Lozos believes properly preparing for an earthquake can help alleviate our fear of them.

Tips & Hours

• Wear sturdy shoes with good tread.
• Bring a jacket as it can get very windy at the top of Bernal Hill.
• This scenic Detour is best enjoyed during daylight hours.
• This is an advanced walk which includes steep inclines and a steep downhill dirt path.
• Bernal Heights Park is a dog friendly park so feel free to bring your fluffy friend.

Credits

Narrator

Julian C. Lozos

Head of Content

Heather Schuster

Executive Producer

Kim Kantner

Producer

Megan Peterson

Associate Producer

Adriana Franco

Editor

Connor Stock

Sound Design

Julian Kwasneski 

Costas Dafnis

Music Supervision

Mikael Sandgren

Image Credits

• Cover photo: Stan Pechner 

• Navigation photos: Adriana Franco 

• Archival Images: Library of Congress Online Archive of California

Special Thanks

Bernal History Project Vicky Walker

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