Earthquake Shakes Biola

On Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 11:42:15 AM, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake centered near Chino shook Southern California. Biola felt the quake, however, minimal damage occurred to buildings.

All Biola buildings had been checked by late afternoon and only minimal damage occurred, such as cracks in stucco and doors not closing completely. There was no structural damage, according to Chris Reyes, manager of environmental systems.

“Buildings are designed to move,” said Reyes, regarding the little damage. “There were only cosmetic cracks.”

According to Brian Phillips, senior director of facilities services, some of the damage noted may not even be from the earthquake, but was not noticed before Tuesday.

John Ojeisekhoba,
 deputy chief of campus safety, seemed pleased with the campus’ response.

“Most people evacuated Metzger in a timely fashion and responded well,” said Ojeisekhoba. “Campus safety officers and all the staff began assessing campus right away.”

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at