In brief: Quake shakes California county

SAN FRANCISCO – Residents of Northern California’s Humboldt County were rocked by a magnitude-5.9 earthquake Thursday, but officials said there were no immediate reports of major injury or damage from the second large temblor to hit the area within a month.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake struck at 12:20 p.m. about 35 miles northwest of the community of Petrolia and nearly 50 miles west of Eureka. The shaking was felt within a 150-mile radius, as far north as southern Oregon and as far south as Sonoma County, according to the USGS Web site.

Local officials and residents reported feeling a rolling sensation that caused items to fall from walls and shelves. Many said the movement didn’t feel nearly as severe as the magnitude-6.5 quake that struck the same region Jan. 9 and caused more than $40 million in damage.

Eureka Fire Chief Eric Smith said crews were checking on structures that were damaged in the previous earthquake to make sure they’re secure.

Phil Smith-Hanes, the county spokesman, said its Office of Emergency Services had not received any reports of major damage or injuries. “At first blush, it doesn’t look like it’s a big deal,” he said.

Bases will stock morning-after pill

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon for the first time will require military bases worldwide to offer emergency contraception or the so-called morning-after pill, a military spokeswoman said Thursday.

The decision follows a recommendation by an independent panel of doctors and pharmacists in November, said Defense Department spokeswoman Cynthia Smith. The panel determined that emergency contraception should be added to the military’s list of medications that must be stocked at each facility.

Shark attack kills surfer in Florida

STUART, Fla. – Sharks have killed a kite surfer off an Atlantic beach in a rare fatal attack in Florida waters.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said a lifeguard first saw 38-year-old Stephen Howard Schafer in distress Wednesday about 500 yards from shore, near the town of Stuart.

The lifeguard paddled out and found sharks encircling Schafer. The lifeguard put Schafer on his rescue board and paddled back to shore. Paramedics took Schafer to a hospital, where he later died.

While swimmers and surfers often receive minor bites in Florida, officials say fatal shark attacks are extremely rare.

It was Florida’s first fatal shark attack in five years.