3.5-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Off Rancho Palos Verdes Coast

The quake struck about 14 miles west of the coastline on Sunday night.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 3.5-magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, California late Sunday night, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake struck around 9:40 p.m. just over 14 miles off the coast, near Catalina Island.

Why it matters

Earthquakes, even relatively small ones, are always noteworthy events in earthquake-prone California. This quake, while relatively minor, serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the need for preparedness.

The details

The 3.5-magnitude quake struck about 14 miles west of the Rancho Palos Verdes coastline, near Catalina Island. The USGS reported the quake occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Sunday night.

  • The earthquake struck at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

United States Geological Survey

The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government that studies the landscape of the U.S., its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it.

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The takeaway

This earthquake, while relatively small, is a reminder that California remains seismically active and that residents should be prepared for the possibility of larger quakes in the future.