4.6 magnitude earthquake hits the Bay Area early this morning

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Santa Cruz Mountains near Boulder Creek at 1:41 a.m., rattling the Bay Area and prompting widespread alerts via the ShakeAlert system. While no major damage or injuries were reported, stores in Boulder Creek saw items knocked off shelves, and boulders were dislodged on Big Basin Highway, prompting safety warnings. The quake, initially reported at 5.0, was downgraded by the USGS, and officials expect possible minor aftershocks. Meanwhile, California faces growing concerns over water scarcity, with 40% of the state now abnormally dry and the worst snowpack survey in history. Experts urge a rethinking of reservoir management in light of climate change. On the policy front, President Trump is pressuring the EPA to rank insurers based on their wildfire response, targeting State Farm amid criticism from fire survivors. Simultaneously, cuts to CalFresh are impacting over 70,000 immigrants, sparking calls for emergency state funding. In community news, the Red Cross is launching free smoke alarm installations through its Sound the Alarm initiative, and a youth art project in the East Bay is exploring themes of belonging and identity. The episode also covers rising retirement savings goals, a new anti-vaping campaign in California, and San Francisco’s continued recognition as one of America’s healthiest and happiest cities.