Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Earthquake with 4.3 magnitude strikes near Fontana
A map shows the location of where an earthquake struck near Fontana.
(
USGS
)
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck about 5 miles from Fontana around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and was felt around Southern California.
Some people likely received an early warning from the U.S. Geological Survey’s system.
People reported feeling light shaking in Koreatown and Pasadena. Noticeable aftershocks were reported in Riverside.
There was a magnitude 3.1 aftershock a few minutes after the earthquake, according to Caltech seismologist Gabrielle Tepp.
Support for LAist comes from
Tepp said the area around Thursday's shaking has a history of quakes. There was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake close to where today's earthquake hit last year, according to Tepp. The largest earthquake in the area was a 5.2 magnitude quake in 1970.
Lucy Jones, an earthquake and disaster expert, wrote on social media platform Bluesky about the quake's location and fault: "Looks like a small swarm in the Fontana trend. This M4.2 had a few foreshocks including a M3.0. The Fontana trend is a NE-striking lineation of earthquakes under the sediments of the San Bernardino Valley. We believe it is one of the left-lateral striking faults that are south of the San Gabriels."
Yes Southern California, that was an earthquake you just felt. Today's reminder that California is earthquake country. Preliminary estimate M4.4 north of Riverside, near town of Muscoy. If you felt it please let us know. https://t.co/USSP959D2r pic.twitter.com/LwTqNx2iMc
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) July 31, 2025
Damage from the quake appears to have been minimal. The San Bernardino County Fire Department had not received reports of damage or injuries in the immediate aftermath, according to spokesperson Ryan Beckers.
" It gave us a pretty good little jolt for a few seconds," Beckers said from the Fire Department's headquarters in San Bernardino.
He said any earthquake is a reminder to residents that they should be prepared for an even bigger jolt.
We have earthquake resources
We don't want to scare you, but the Big One is coming. We don't know when, but we know it'll be at least 44 times stronger than Northridge and 11 times stronger than the Ridgecrest quakes in 2019. To help you get prepared, we've compiled a handy reading list:
- Your guide to surviving the Big One
- For earthquakes, forget the 'go-bag.' Here's how to prepare
- How to not get life-threatening diarrhea after a major earthquake
- 10 earthquake-related questions to ask your landlord immediately
- How to prepare for an earthquake if you have a disability
Listen to our podcast
Listen
• 31:11
The Big One: The Earthquake
You’re at Union Station when the big one hits. The next two minutes are terrifying. By the time you make your way outside, the Los Angeles you know is gone. Experience what the first hours after a massive earthquake could be like.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding. -
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California.
Best of LAist