Calif. Keeps Itself in the Mother Nature News; Moderately Strong Quake Jolts Central Part of State

Not to be outdone by all the hurricanes that have hit Florida and surrounding areas over the last month, a 6.0 earthquake shook along the San Andreas Fault in Central California Tuesday morning, getting the attention of the town of Paso Robles and others nearby.

The U.S. Geological Survey reportedly noted about a dozen quakes, starting with a 10:15 a.m. shaking at a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, followed by several moderate aftershocks in quick succession.

The quake was centered 21 miles northeast of Paso Robles and seven miles southeast of the town of Parkfield in Monterey County. Local authorities did not immediately report any major damage or injuries, but area police were sending patrols to the area after receiving calls from a number of people.

According to the USGS, the quake was noticed by people along a 350-mile long area, journeying north into the Bay Area and south to Los Angeles.

Nine months ago, a strong 6.5 earthquake caused two deaths and demolished historic buildings in downtown Paso Robles.