"Everything you need to know to survive the next big earthquake!" Recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile keep reminding us that we are overdue for an earthquake in our area. Are you ready? Do you know what it takes to survive ‘The Big One’? Knowledge and preparation are key to survival in the event of an earthquake. Local expert John Bwarie will tell us how to be a survivor and what you can do to prepare yourself and your family. About John Bwarie John Bwarie is the Deputy District Director for Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith, who represents Northwest Los Angeles, including Northridge & Chatsworth. In this role, he is responsible for economic and community development, working with businesses, non-profits, chambers of commerce, neighborhood councils, schools, and other community groups. Mr. Bwarie coordinated Los Angeles’ International Earthquake Conference and was member of the Great Southern California ShakeOut executive steering committee. Mr. Bwarie is regarded as an expert in community building strategies and coalition building across multiple interest groups. He has served on dozens of boards in the last 7 years, serves on many boards including the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, The Valley Leadership Institute, and CSUN’s SFV Economic Research Center. John was named one of the "40 under 40" in the San Fernando Valley by the SFV Business Journal for his contributions to business. He also acts as an advisor to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, Heritage Square Museum, and many other community groups. John has helped start schools, launch non-profits, and develop leadership programs in Los Angeles. He worked for Mayor James Hahn as the Director for the San Fernando Valley where he oversaw almost half of the City’s square mileage and about one third of the residents. John graduated from UC San Diego, where he helped start the University’s charter school: the Preuss School UCSD. John lives in Los Angeles and is the author of the novel, Nobody Walks in LA. | 
