JULIAN, Calif. — A powerful 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck San Diego County Monday morning, shaking homes, businesses, and nerves across the region. The epicenter was located just 2.5 miles south of the mountain town of Julian, near William Heise County Park, where residents reported intense shaking and minor damage.
Ashley Carter, who lives near the park, was working from home when the earthquake hit.
“It just started going. It was getting worse, and then I got up and ran after the dog and we headed outside,” Carter said.
The quake sent items flying in her home and knocked kitchen lights and ceramic figurines to the ground. Despite the mess, she says there was no major damage.
“There was a lot going on, a lot of movement with some items flying around. It wasn’t safe to be inside,” she added. “It felt like an eternity, maybe 20 or 30 seconds.”
In the town’s business district, Dylan Carneiro, the manager at Mountain Spirits Liquor, was left sweeping up broken glass from shattered bottles that fell during the quake. He estimates the damage at around $500 to $600.
“Once I stopped hearing the bottles popping and everything, my first thought was just to get outside and onto the street and away from the buildings, of course,” Carneiro said.
Others felt the quake miles away, including Troy Wensel, who was out on a motorcycle ride in Descanso when the ground started to move.
At first, I could feel it under my feet, and I could hear it, and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, is a big semi going by? he recalled. “But then I realized there was no way, and then it got worse, and I could literally feel myself going up and down. It was crazy.”
This one comes one day after a 3.5 magnitude quake hit the same area about 3 miles south of Julian.
Early warning systems like the SD Emergency and MyShake apps appear to have worked as intended, providing about 5 to 10 seconds of lead time for those who received alerts.
No injuries have been reported, and while the quake caused a scare and some property damage, emergency crews say the region avoided a more serious outcome. Aftershocks have followed, and residents are advised to remain cautious and check emergency supplies.
