VICTORVILLE • Imagine knowing that an earthquake is coming a few seconds — even a minute or more — before the shaking starts.

It may be possible in coming years with a new alert system. People might even be able to receive it on their cell phones.

The first test of the system is scheduled to begin later this year in Southern California. It involves a small group of test users including emergency response groups, utilities and transportation agencies.

A coordinator for the project — called Earthquake Early Warning System — says the Cajon Pass is one of the areas of concerns.

“A lot of lifelines go through there — traffic, power lines and pipe lines,” said Doug Given, U.S. Geological Survey’s earthquake early warning coordinator. “And the San Andreas fault goes through there.”

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It seems like everything can be done on your cell phone these days — from checking e-mails and surfing the Internet to finding nearby restaurants and unlocking your car.

Users of smartphones, such as Apple’s popular iPhone, download tens and hundreds of applications to make their life more convenient. But only a few will think about creating their own.

Shawn Irvin did just that — and with ease.

The 20-year-old computer information systems major from Apple Valley has recently developed an iPhone app that provides news and information about California State Polytechnic University Pomona, where he attends college. Irvin said he believes that his app, Cal Poly Pomona Central, is the first of its kind among California State University system schools.

“I had been working on iPhone apps for my job and I just wanted to get more experience,” Irvin said. “I basically made that for myself. If I need it, I’m sure there are a lot of people who need it on campus.”

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