In the Bay Area we know that a major earthquake is not a question of if, but when? The goal of the CORE Citywide Exercise is to improve neighborhood team safety.  We will rely on neighborhood CORE volunteers to help us quickly assess damage so we can get aid to the hardest hit areas and injured neighbors.  CORE encourages representatives from each neighborhood CORE group to attend so that they will be better prepared.

All CORE Groups are encouraged to participate, regardless of experience level.  The CORE Program will provide support for all groups, from entry level to more experienced neighborhoods.  Individuals who are not participating with a neighborhood group can still participate during the exercise by taking steps to make their own homes a safer place.

CORE Training is offered on a regular basis.  Public classes are available year round as well as private classes in your neighborhood.  For more information or to register for classes visit and to learn more about CORE and the annual Citywide Exercise, visit https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/readyoakland

The Swan’s Market Cohousing CORE group established in 2001 has participated in every Citywide Exercise!  Current leader Marilyn Chin has seen the ups and downs of participation every year and admits it is difficult to keep residents engaged and she is always trying to change it up so they will come.  Just like a fire drill, it is good to refresh yourself on what to do, says Chin.  When you act as incident commander you see the big picture and how important it is.  With 20 condos, communication is key.  Marilyn has developed a radio games communication net with other complexes in the neighborhood.  We have tested it once and it worked well.  Developing a regular test schedule is proving to be a challenge.  Congratulations to Swan’s Market Cohousing for their continued efforts in preparing and practicing their community resilience over the last 21 years! (Excerpted from CORE’s 25th Anniversary Edition: April 2015 newsletter and slightly corrected)