Updated: 5.2 Earthquake Shakes San Diego Area Monday Morning

Updated: 5.2 Earthquake Shakes San Diego Area Monday Morning \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Julian in San Diego County Monday morning, rattling homes and businesses but causing no serious injuries or major damage. The quake was felt as far as Los Angeles and followed by smaller aftershocks. Officials warned of falling rocks and urged caution on local roads.

Quick Looks

• A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Julian at 10:08 a.m. Monday.
• Epicenter was located in San Diego County, just miles from Julian, a small mountain town.
• Shaking was felt from the Mexico border to Los Angeles County, 120 miles away.
• No injuries or major structural damage reported, officials confirmed.
• Rockslides and debris impacted roads, particularly along State Route 76.
• Several aftershocks followed, and a 3.5 quake the day before is now considered a foreshock.
• Schoolchildren evacuated buildings as a precaution during the shaking.
• Local shops saw minor damage, including fallen picture frames and dishes.
• The quake originated 8.3 miles deep near the Elsinore fault zone.
• ShakeAlert gave some residents a brief advance warning.

Deep Look

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California late Monday morning, startling residents across the region and causing minor disruptions in the mountain town of Julian, located in San Diego County. Though the quake rattled nerves and dislodged items from shelves, authorities confirmed no serious injuries or major damage occurred.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake struck at 10:08 a.m. local time, with its epicenter about two miles (4 kilometers) from Julian. This historic gold rush-era town, home to roughly 1,500 people and known for its apple pies and rustic tourism, lies in a mountainous area northeast of San Diego. The quake was felt widely across the region—up to 120 miles (193 kilometers) north in Los Angeles County, where reports of light shaking also surfaced.

The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 8.3 miles (13.4 kilometers), originated near the Elsinore fault zone, a major branch of the broader San Andreas fault system. According to Dr. Lucy Jones, one of Southern California’s leading seismologists, the area regularly experiences seismic activity. In fact, she noted that a 3.5-magnitude quake on Sunday—felt in the same region—was likely a foreshock to Monday’s larger temblor.

Residents and business owners in Julian were among the first to feel the jolt. Paul Nelson, owner of the Eagle Mining Co., said the shaking was strong enough to worry him that the building’s vintage windows might break. “They were shaking pretty good, but they didn’t crack,” he said. While picture frames fell from the gift shop’s counter, the mine’s tunnels remained intact, and fortunately, no tourists were inside at the time.

Nelson recalled that Sunday’s foreshock occurred while visitors were touring the former gold mine, but said the group remained calm. “It was short and quick,” he added. Monday’s event lasted a bit longer but similarly didn’t cause any structural concerns.

Nearby businesses reported minor damage as well. At the Julian Cafe & Bakery, owner Riley Ozuna said a few cups fell to the floor but noted that everything was otherwise normal. “Everything is OK,” she told reporters.

In response to the quake, Caltrans crews were dispatched to inspect roads for landslides and falling debris, particularly in rural mountainous areas prone to rockslides. State Route 76, northwest of Julian, saw boulders tumble onto the roadway, and officials cautioned drivers to remain alert for possible obstructions.

Captain Thomas Shoots of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said students in local schools were briefly evacuated as a precautionary measure. “There was a lot of shaking and rattling around,” he said. “But thankfully everything seems to be back to normal.”

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed that they received no emergency calls related to damage or injury, though they are continuing to monitor the situation.

The ShakeAlert early warning system, developed by the USGS, sent notifications to some residents seconds before the shaking began, depending on their proximity and the speed of their mobile network. Others reported receiving alerts after the tremors had stopped—a reminder that while early warning systems are a step forward in disaster preparedness, they are still being refined.

Despite the quake’s moderate magnitude, its location near populated areas and its depth made it widely felt but not destructive—a common characteristic of seismic activity along the Elsinore fault system, which is one of California’s more active fault zones. On average, the region experiences at least one quake of magnitude 4.0 or higher each year.

Earthquake experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness, even for relatively small events like this one. Emergency kits, communication plans, and building assessments remain critical tools in helping residents and businesses reduce risk.

Monday’s event served as a timely reminder that seismic activity remains a constant presence in California, where earthquakes can strike without warning, even in quieter rural towns like Julian.

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