VAN NUYS : Quake Center Offers Open House, Food

The Earthquake Service Center in Van Nuys will hold an open house and free barbecue today beginning at 10 a.m. to acquaint the public with its operations and staff members.

The center, at 6939 Van Nuys Blvd., is operated jointly by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is designed to provide long-term local, state and federal assistance and information to individuals and businesses.

“The primary focus of the open house is to inform the public that the center is here for them, whether or not they have applied for disaster assistance,” said Joseph Castel, a FEMA spokesman. “There are many services at the center that can assist people with earthquake preparedness, crisis counseling, aging services, the state employment development department and an educational video tape library.”

The center--and nine others throughout the area--are still accepting applications for assistance. The deadline is July 18.

Coffee and pastries will be served from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the barbecue in the parking lot behind the building. A photo exhibit of the Jan. 17 Northridge quake also will be on display.