Magnitude 4.6 earthquake strikes Santa Cruz Mountains overnight
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Boulder Creek at 1:41 a.m. at a depth of about 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The agency initially estimated the magnitude at 5.1 before downgrading it to 4.6. Residents in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, San Ramon and Walnut Creek reported noticeable shaking. USGS data shows a 60% probability of an aftershock of magnitude 3.0 or higher within the next week. No reports of serious damage or injuries have been received.
72,000 immigrants in California lose CalFresh food benefits
Restrictions on CalFresh (SNAP) participation for certain categories of legal immigrants took effect April 1 in California, affecting refugees, asylum seekers and human trafficking victims. The changes stem from federal law H.R. 1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), according to KQED. The California Department of Social Services estimates the restrictions will affect about 72,000 people statewide. In Alameda County, 5,400 residents fall under the new law, KALW reported. Current recipients will retain benefits until their next recertification.
17-year-old dies in stabbing near Milpitas high school
A fight between several teenagers near Milpitas High School on Vienna Drive left a 17-year-old dead March 31, Milpitas police said. Jarred Cavan died from stab wounds at a hospital after the 3:50 p.m. altercation. His 16-year-old girlfriend tried to stop the attack and sustained cuts, according to KTVU. The suspect, another 17-year-old Milpitas resident, remained at the scene and surrendered to police. He faces charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Man dies after fight in Concord school parking lot
A man died at a hospital after a fight involving several adults in the parking lot of Sun Terrace Elementary School on April 1, Concord police said. Officers responding to the 5:20 p.m. incident found the man unconscious. All participants in the altercation have been identified and are cooperating with investigators, ABC7 and CBS San Francisco reported. No suspects are being sought.
California snowpack drops to 18% of normal — second-lowest in 75 years
April snow surveys at Phillips Station found no measurable snow for the first time in 11 years, the Department of Water Resources reported. Statewide snowpack stands at 18% of normal — the second-lowest reading in 75 years, exceeded only by 2015. The Northern Sierra Nevada measures just 6% of normal. An unusually warm March melted snow several weeks ahead of schedule. State reservoirs remain at average levels due to reserves from previous years.
FAA bans parallel landings at SFO, increasing flight delays
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed an indefinite ban on simultaneous landings on SFO’s parallel runways, which are separated by 750 feet. Combined with a six-month runway repair project, the restriction will reduce airport capacity from 54 to 36 flights per hour, Reuters reported. SFO estimates up to 25% of arriving flights will face delays of 30 minutes or more. United Airlines has begun revising its schedule.
San Francisco’s Allbirds sold for $39 million after $4 billion valuation
Shoe company Allbirds signed an agreement to sell its assets and intellectual property to American Exchange Group for $39 million, Bloomberg and TechCrunch reported. The San Francisco-based company raised $348 million in its 2021 IPO and reached a valuation exceeding $4 billion. Allbirds plans to liquidate after the deal closes in the second quarter of 2026.
California gas prices hit $5.89 per gallon
The average price of gasoline in California reached $5.89 per gallon on April 1, $1.83 above the national average of $4.06, according to AAA data. Ten counties in the state recorded prices above $6, Newsweek reported. The increase stems from shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz due to Middle East military actions and the closure of two refineries — Phillips 66 and Valero — that provided about 17% of the state’s refining capacity.
Sources: USGS, KTVU, ABC7, CBS San Francisco, NBC Bay Area, KRON4, KQED, KALW, Oaklandside, California Department of Water Resources, FAA, Reuters, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Axios, AAA, Newsweek