@ Ekkis: I have to agree that getting out of the city in an emergency is going to be a tremendous challenge if all the infrastructure is in place and possibly impossible if the infrastructure is destroyed by earthquakes (imagine numerous overpasses collapsed across the city and getting out other than on foot, bike or boat would be impossible). That said, I think it would be wise to develop numerous layers of escape planning for your situation. The ability to shelter in place for 4-6 weeks would be one layer. A major cache or weekend getaway-style retreat in the San Gabriels would be a good second line of defense to escape the city, give you a chance to resupply, and continue moving if necessary. Finally, having a destination you could bug out to would be great, but early warning would be key. This means both keeping an eye on the news and getting important information immediately with something like
Emergency Emails sent to your phone via text. Learning to sail and having a well stocked sailboat just might be the best survival escape route imaginable for your situation.
Other forums to explore are:
Life after the crash Almost too big for its own good and easy to get lost if you don't find your own corner in the community.
Survival monkey Pretty gun oriented bunch without much focus on the little things like food.
Survival Blog A blend between a blog and a forum, but Rawles runs the place. A good guy, but a bit heavy on religion, politics and guns for me.
Frugal Squirrel Nice folks, I haven't explored much, a little religious for me.
No BS survival forum Their words, not mine. A bit of a one man band. No community whatsoever.
There's dozens more, those are just the one's I've found most useful for various things.
@ JEBROWN: Did you ever see any of the wreckage from the 1971 Hughes Airwest crash site? If so, shoot me a PM, I have some questions on a personal note. Thanks.
@ everyone: I'm also interested in networking with locals. Perhaps not so much for a retreat as for mutual aid and support if things go downhill. I wouldn't mind jointly acquiring a piece of vacation property in south-central Colorado that had some "enhancements" but unless things go way more caddywampus than I'm picturing, I think staying in a community where I have connections is my best bet.