You’re sitting there, maybe with a coffee or just scrolling your phone, and suddenly the floor does that weird, jelly-like shimmy. Or maybe you just saw a notification pop up and thought, "Wait, was that near me?" If you're asking where in California was the earthquake, you’re definitely not alone. California basically lives on a geological treadmill that never stops.
Honestly, the answer changes by the hour. On any given day, the Golden State averages dozens of tiny tremors that most of us never even feel. But today, things have been a bit more vocal in specific corners of the state.
The Most Recent Shaking: Coso Junction and Central CA
If you felt a rattle this afternoon, January 17, 2026, you likely have the Inyo County area to thank. A 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit near Coso Junction around 2:43 p.m. It wasn't a "house-falling-down" event, but at a shallow depth of just about 3 miles, it was enough to make people in the immediate vicinity look up from their lunch.
This wasn't a solo act. A whole swarm of micro-quakes followed in the same spot, ranging from magnitude 0.8 up to 1.6. It’s like the earth had a tiny coughing fit.
Meanwhile, over in Central California, Tres Pinos has been busy too. Earlier today, a 2.9 magnitude tremor was recorded about 15 km south of town. These are the kinds of quakes that usually get labeled as "nuisances"—enough to rattle some glassware but not much else.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Trump Revoking Mayorkas Secret Service Protection
Recent Notable Activity (Last 24-48 Hours)
- Avenal: This area has been surprisingly active. We saw a 4.3 magnitude quake pop off near Avenal late Friday night/early Saturday morning. That one was felt across a much wider footprint in the Central Valley.
- The Geysers: As usual, Northern California’s geothermal hub near Cobb is constantly humming. Several small quakes between 1.5 and 2.4 have been popping off there all day.
- Grapevine: Just a few days ago, a 3.0 magnitude event shook the area near Grapevine, North-Northwest of the Tejon Pass.
Why Does It Keep Shaking Right There?
You’ve probably heard of the San Andreas Fault. It’s the big celebrity of California geology. But the truth is, the state is a spiderweb of cracks.
The activity in Coso Junction is actually part of the Eastern California Shear Zone. It's a region where the crust is being pulled and twisted in ways that aren't quite as famous as the San Andreas but are just as capable of making noise. The 2019 Ridgecrest sequence was a massive reminder of that.
Then you have The Geysers. The shaking there is often "induced seismic activity." Basically, because of the geothermal power plants injecting water into the hot rocks underground to create steam, the earth settles and cracks more frequently than it might otherwise. It’s mostly harmless, but it keeps the seismographs at UC Berkeley very busy.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Quakes
A lot of folks think that a bunch of small "pre-shocks" are a good thing because they "release pressure" and prevent the big one.
👉 See also: Franklin D Roosevelt Civil Rights Record: Why It Is Way More Complicated Than You Think
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that’s not really how it works.
Dr. Lucy Jones, the legendary seismologist, has pointed out many times that it would take thousands of magnitude 3.0 quakes to equal the energy of one magnitude 7.0. These little guys are more like a reminder that the plates are moving, not a safety valve that saves us from the future.
Another misconception? That "earthquake weather" exists. It doesn't. Earthquakes happen miles underground; they don't care if it's 100 degrees or pouring rain.
Where the Next One Might Be
If we look at the data from the USGS and recent studies published late in 2025, there is a lot of focus on the Cascadia Subduction Zone up north and its potential to "trigger" the Northern San Andreas.
✨ Don't miss: 39 Carl St and Kevin Lau: What Actually Happened at the Cole Valley Property
A study from October 2025 suggested that a major event in the Pacific Northwest could actually leap-frog down into California. While that sounds like a movie plot, it's a real-world scenario that emergency planners in places like Eureka and San Francisco are taking very seriously.
What You Should Actually Do Now
Knowing where in California was the earthquake is great for trivia, but it's better for preparation. If you felt today's shaking, take it as a "gentle" nudge to do a quick check.
- Check your water heater. Is it strapped down? If not, a magnitude 6.0 will turn it into a 50-gallon wrecking ball.
- Update your "Go Bag." Check the expiration dates on those granola bars and the batteries in your flashlight.
- Download MyShake. It’s the official California early warning app. It can give you a few precious seconds of warning before the waves reach your house.
California is beautiful, but the ground is restless. Staying informed isn't about being scared; it's about being ready for the next time the jelly starts to shimmy.
Actionable Next Steps:
Head over to the USGS "Did You Feel It?" page if you felt today’s 3.1 or 4.3 quakes. Your data helps scientists map out exactly how different soils in California respond to shaking, which directly impacts building codes and safety measures for your neighborhood. After that, take five minutes to secure any heavy mirrors or bookshelves—those are the biggest risks in the moderate quakes we see most often.