Tres Pinos, Calif. – A minor earthquake shook parts of San Benito County early Sunday when a magnitude 2.7 tremor struck just south of Tres Pinos. The shallow quake was recorded at a depth of 1.8 kilometers, making it noticeable to residents across nearby communities despite its modest strength.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and the California Integrated Seismic Network, the quake hit at 12:17 a.m. local time, about 15 kilometers south of Tres Pinos. Reports of light shaking came in from Hollister, Soledad, and as far north as Salinas, though no damage or injuries have been reported.
The quake’s proximity to the Calaveras Fault highlights the region’s ongoing seismic activity. Small quakes are common in this stretch of Central California, which sits near several active fault lines. Emergency officials remind residents to keep earthquake kits stocked and review drop, cover, and hold procedures in case of stronger seismic activity.
While Sunday’s tremor was minor, monitoring continues, and officials say aftershocks cannot be ruled out. Residents who felt shaking are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system to help track quake intensity.
