Bay Area Shaken By Earthquake

An earthquake shook the San Francisco Bay Area Tuesday afternoon, jarring residents from Monterey Bay to Sacramento.

The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 4.8 and the epicenter 10 miles east of San Jose on the Calaveras Fault.

“It was a jolt, followed by a lot of rolling,” said Myna Bushman, a computer supervisor at the county building in Santa Cruz.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injury, according to Michelle Lloyd of the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system stopped service while they checked tracks and other equipment. No damage was reported.

“My desk shimmied from side to side,” said Brian Elston, 30, a travel agent in San Francisco. “It was like standing on a curb when a bus goes by. That kind of shake.”

In the San Francisco offices of The Associated Press, on the third floor of a 29-story office and apartment building, the quake was felt as a mild swaying that lasted about five seconds.

Callers to local radio and television stations reported minor damage - pictures knocked from walls, broken china - but no serious damage was reported.

The quake tossed some items off shelves in a San Jose supermarket.

“Those shelves were just bouncing,” said Matt Eskelsen, manager of a Safeway store. “I felt the ground move and I could really see the shelves shaking.”

Also in San Jose, the trial of the man accused of killing Polly Klaas came to an abrupt halt. A series of short, sharp jolts was felt, followed by a gentle swaying.

As spectators looked nervously at the ceiling, deputies whisked defendant Richard Allen Davis through a side door.

“There will be a short recess,” another deputy called, drawing laughter.