Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. Los Angeles, California.

1977		Ogden Standard-Examiner (UT) 14 Aug. 96/3: Highway ptrolmen across the nation from New York (Dirty Side) to Los Angeles (Shaky City) are monitoring citizen band radio channels.
1982		L.A. Times 18 May 1/2: The band [...] used money from its numerous live dates to finance the single on its own Shaky City label.
1998		‘California Earthquake Preparedness Month Events by Community’ on Office of Emerency Services Calif. 🌐 ‘Living in Shaky City Fair’ on April 15 will provide occupants with information on preparedness from such government agencies as the Los Angeles City Fire and Police departments, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, as well as the Southern California Gas Company.
2015		L.A. Times 10 Oct. 22/4: Fictional Business Name(s) Shaky City 2311 - Southwest Drive, Los Angeles.

2. San Francisco, California.

1994		Palo Alto Weekly 13 Apr. 🌐 And at least some former San Franciscans frightened by the earthquake took Palo Alto up on its post-temblor promotion aimed at convincing shaky city dwellers to move down the ‘safe’ Peninsula.
c.2003		‘Truck Talk’ at ZietnerandSons.com 🌐 Shaky City n. drivers’ nickname for San Francisco, CA.