Mountain Communities Rocked by Overnight Earthquake

4.6 magnitude quake shakes San Lorenzo Valley, causing minor damage and disruption

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dramatic landscape painting in muted tones, with a mountain range obscured by thick fog and mist, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment in the face of a sudden earthquake.A powerful earthquake in the Santa Cruz Mountains serves as a sobering reminder of the region's seismic risks and the need for ongoing preparedness.Felton Today

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the San Lorenzo Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California early Thursday morning, jolting residents awake and causing minor damage to homes and businesses. The quake, centered just southeast of Boulder Creek, brought back memories of past natural disasters for some locals and prompted emergency response, though no major injuries were reported.

Why it matters

While the earthquake was relatively moderate in magnitude, it served as a stark reminder of the seismic risks facing mountain communities in the region, which are prone to periodic tremors. The incident highlighted the need for earthquake preparedness and the ability of even smaller quakes to disrupt daily life and unsettle residents.

The details

The quake struck around 1:30 a.m., shaking homes and dislodging items like drawers and perfume bottles. Residents in Ben Lomond, Felton, and other nearby towns raced outside, following earthquake safety protocols they had learned from past experiences. Some reported their pets becoming agitated. While there were no major injuries, firefighters did respond to one non-emergency call of a homeowner who became trapped outside their home due to a stuck entrance.

  • The earthquake struck around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Residents reported the shaking lasted for approximately 30-45 seconds.

The players

Sherlyn Alvarez

A 24-year-old Ben Lomond resident who was awakened by the quake, which reminded her of a past earthquake she experienced in Mexico City.

David Hofvendahl

A 64-year-old Felton resident who was awake at the time of the earthquake and described it as "kind of fascinating."

Trent Morrison

A 27-year-old Michigan resident visiting the area who was staying in a "tiny mini-house" that shook significantly during the quake, which was his first earthquake experience.

Dave Valentine

A 73-year-old Ben Lomond resident whose dog Lulu woke him up during the earthquake, which he said "bothered her while it was going on."

Cyndi Jarvis

A 76-year-old resident who lives closer to the earthquake's epicenter and was watching the news when the shaking began, which she found "frightening."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This one freaked me out. The house shook more.”

— Sherlyn Alvarez, Resident

“There's absolutely nothing you can do. It was kind of fascinating.”

— David Hofvendahl, Resident

“It felt like the house was gonna fall down.”

— Trent Morrison, Visitor

“It bothered her while it was going on.”

— Dave Valentine, Resident

“It was frightening to me.”

— Cyndi Jarvis, Resident

What’s next

Local authorities will continue to assess any damage from the earthquake and provide updates to residents. Seismologists will also analyze the data to better understand the fault activity in the region.

The takeaway

This earthquake serves as a reminder for mountain communities in the Santa Cruz area to remain vigilant about earthquake preparedness, as the region is prone to periodic tremors that can disrupt daily life, even if they don't cause major damage. Residents should review their emergency plans and supplies to ensure they are ready for the next seismic event.