VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – A jolt of early-morning shaking briefly stirred residents across Ventura County just after 3:20 a.m. Pacific time Wednesday, October 22. The U.S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck about 6 kilometers north of Santa Paula, roughly 15 kilometers deep beneath the hills near Sulphur Springs.
The quake was felt across Santa Paula, Ventura, Ojai, and parts of Oxnard and Camarillo. Light vibrations were also reported in Thousand Oaks and even portions of the San Fernando Valley, though no damage or injuries have been reported at this time. Most residents described the shaking as a single quick jolt — strong enough to rattle windows and nudge hanging fixtures but too brief to cause structural concern.
According to seismologists with the California Integrated Seismic Network, the event appears to be part of typical background activity along the Transverse Ranges fault system, which includes several smaller, complex faults capable of moderate shaking. The quake’s depth — about 15.7 kilometers — likely helped limit surface impact.
Authorities remind residents that even small quakes serve as good readiness reminders. Check emergency kits, review family plans, and secure heavy furniture and wall hangings. Minor aftershocks may follow within the next 24 hours, though none are expected to exceed the initial tremor’s strength.
To be fair, this morning’s quake was modest by California standards, but it caught many off guard during pre-dawn quiet. The quick shake underscores the region’s seismic reality — calm most days, yet always poised for a reminder beneath the surface.
As Wednesday progresses, weather remains calm and sunny across Ventura County — a stable backdrop following a brief rumble that started the day with a literal shake.
