Think you’re referring to the Loma Prieta in Oct 89 (during World Serious in SF) was a 6.9 on Richter. Also its epicenter was closer to a densely populated area, causing deaths, structural damage, etc.
While today’s quake affected a broader area and overall far larger population, the center is not that close to a major metro area, closest being DC (or Richmond). And, from what I heard an expert say on the radio this afternoon, the way quakes rock/roll is different on the East vs West Coast.