Long Beach, California, Earthquake March 10, 1933. Jefferson Junior High School.
Photo from Capt. T.J. Maher, Coast and Geodetic Survey, courtesy U.S. Geological Survey

March 10, 1933 - Long Beach Earthquake, California, US
A 6.3 - 6.4 Ms magnitude earthquake strikes southern California.
Damage to older, unreinforced masonry buildings is extensive; numerous school buildings collapse.
Fortunately, the earthquake does not occur while school is in session.

The earthquake led to the passage of the Field Act,
which requires the State of California to approve all school design.