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The safest housing in the Hayward area were built in the ‘20s and ‘30s.
They get lots of cracked plaster, but the building remains safe, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
The stuff built from ‘72 onward is way too rigid, and in a major quake will likely have the foundation destroyed because the frame of the building is rigid. (new and “improved”)
Ugh...not that old.
Not sure what was done to the house by the original owner (who still lives there) but supposedly they did some things to “earthquake proof” the house. I tend to agree with you that it likely will have major damage—I just hope he is OK if and when quake occurs. Probably better he be home tho than out—he has lots of prepping stuff—first aid, water, and food stored.