Quake rattles Laguna Beach

No damage was reported after an earthquake of 5.4 shook Laguna Beach, as well as most of Southern California, at 11:42 a.m. Tuesday.

The quake was centered in Chino Hills, east of Laguna, according to California Institute of Technology’s earthquake website. Initial reports measured it at 5.8, but it was quickly downgraded.

The quake was the strongest in the area since the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake, seismic experts said.

The quake was felt in a wide area from Arizona to Nevada, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Near the epicenter, windows shattered and stucco cracked, but no injuries were reported.

Offices in downtown Laguna Beach emptied out as people tried to get away from windows and the possibility of falling debris.

The heaviest shaking lasted for 15 seconds, according to Caltech. Many reported their nerves being rattled by the temblor, more so than objects.

The quake was a nonevent for Laguna Beach police, and no one called for assistance or to report a problem, said Sgt. Jason Kravetz.

“It was very quiet,” Kravetz said.

City firefighters moved fire equipment out of stations in case of collapse.

At the city’s art festivals, the shaking was felt by visitors and artists, but no one was evacuated, said Gioia Hagopian, spokeswoman for the Festival of Arts.

Sawdust glass artists were concerned about their pieces, but nothing was damaged, said spokeswoman Cynthia Fung.

Kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs on Laguna Canyon Road were participating in an Olympic-style competition in their gym at the time of the quake.

After creating Pageant of the Masters-style living pictures with toilet paper-wrapped mummies, the kids sat down to be judged.

When the shaking began soon after, the kids were calmly led by staff and older kids out into the adjacent playground.

The Laguna Beach Fire Department spoke with club representatives after the temblor to inform them that in the future, due to the club’s newly renovated building, they would be able to keep their club members indoors during quakes.

— Candice Baker contributed to this story.

CINDY FRAZIER is city editor of the Coastline Pilot. She can be contacted at (949) 494-2087 or cindy.frazier@latimes.com.