In the words of Liliane Burkhard, the lead author behind the new study, "Southern California faces a significant and growing seismic risk, and the time to prepare is now and not after the next earthquake." The San Andreas Fault, as seen from above in San Luis Obispo County, California. A recent study says that the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault lines are under more stress than at any point in the past 1,000 years. Here’s what that means. It’s been a long-held fear for many Californians.