Community Corner
Powerful Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel, Sex Trafficking Sting, Bay Area Quake: CA In Brief
Here are California's headlines you might have missed while you were prepping for the holiday.
A powerful Christmas Eve storm drove headlines across California on Wednesday, bringing flash flooding, road closures, downed trees and power outages as an atmospheric river swept through the state and disrupted holiday travel from the Bay Area to San Diego.
In Northern California, a magnitude earthquake near San Ramon marked the latest in a swarm of more than 300 quakes recorded since November, while fallen telephone poles near Interstate 580 snarled traffic and a fire at a Peninsula PG&E substation left more than 21,000 customers without power.
In Marin County, authorities announced homicide charges against three teens in a fatal stabbing case as storm-related road closures and downed trees prompted early-morning alerts.
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Southern California saw the brunt of the storm’s impacts, with flooding shutting down stretches of Interstate 5, evacuation warnings issued in San Bernardino County, tornado warnings briefly posted in Los Angeles County and widespread travel delays reported ahead of Christmas. California’s National Guard remained on standby as emergency crews responded to mudslides, flooded roadways and power outages.
Elsewhere, San Diego County officials announced 10 arrests and 19 recoveries in a multi-agency sex trafficking sting, while authorities across the state reported fatal crashes, major fentanyl seizures, beach closures due to sewage contamination and child sex abuse charges in Orange County.
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Communities also marked the holiday with fundraisers, charitable events and unexpected moments — from a nearly $100,000 casino jackpot win to thousands of stuffed animals tossed onto the ice at a minor league hockey game.
Here are the headlines you might have missed today:
San Ramon Hit With Christmas Eve Earthquake, The Latest Of More Than 300 Since November
Another quake struck Wednesday morning.
A three-day, multi-agency operation across San Diego county led to felony pimping charges, misdemeanor citations for alleged sex buyers.
1 Killed, 1 Injured In 2-Vehicle Crash In North County
The fatal crash happened in the San Elijo community of San Marcos, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
SDG&E Urges Residents To Stay Away From Downed Power Lines Amid Rainy Weather
SDG&E advised residents to always assume downed lines are energized, keep a safe distance and never touch them.
Powerful Holiday Storm Lashes SoCal And Brings Flash Floods, Mudslides
CA's National Guard remained on standby on Christmas Eve in the event of disaster as the storm disrupted travel and caused hazards.
Fallen Telephone Poles Disrupt Traffic Near I-580
The southbound lane of Vasco Road has been closed for hours due to fallen telephone poles. CHP said it is trying to get AT&T to respond.
Player Wins Nearly $100K Jackpot Ahead Of Holidays At Sycuan Casino Resort
The winner played on a slot machine called the Mayan Chief Boosted Great Stacks, according to the El Cajon-based casino.
2 San Diego Area Beach Closures Ordered Ahead Of Holidays
The public is advised to avoid water contact in areas under advisories as the water is impacted by sewage and may cause illness.
Fire Damages Restaurant In Oceanside
Crews prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining businesses throughout the commercial strip mall, officials said.
Flooding Shuts Down 5 Freeway
Flooding caused traffic to come to a standstill Wednesday morning on the 5 Freeway.
Tornado Warning Issued In LA County As Atmospheric River Hits
As a "severe thunderstorm" moved through LA County Wednesday morning, meteorologists warned of possible tornados.
DUI Suspect Charged Months After High School Tennis Star’s Death In Manhattan Beach
A DUI suspect has been charged months after Manhattan Beach police say she hit and killed a high school tennis star.
Millions Of Californians Gain Access To In Vitro Fertilization Under New Law
In vitro fertilization costs thousands of dollars and is often too expensive for many people struggling to conceive.
SMC Man Who Walked Across America Embarks on 24-Hour Walk for Injured Brother
The man said he will walk continuously for 24 hours to raise funds for his 9-year-old brother's brain injury rehabilitation.
21K Without Power Due To Fire At Peninsula PG&E Substation
This is the second fire recently in the Bay Area to cause major outages.
3 Teens Charged In Homicide Case In Marin County: Prosecutors
Officers arrested three teens after a man was stabbed to death, police said.
Road Closed, Possible Evacuations In SMC Due To Flooding: Police
Police sent out an alert at 5:20 a.m. and knocked on neighbors doors to warn them of possible evacuations.
Congested Roads, Long Airport Wait Times Predicted For CA Holiday Travel
Christmas week is expected to have heavier traffic than New Year's week, and highways and airports are forecasted to be especially busy.
Roads Closed In Marin County Due To Downed Tree: Police
Police sent out an alert at 5:09 a.m.
New Doctor's Office Opens Claiming To Offer More Personalized Healthcare In Redwood City
The doctor said her new practice will provide more attentiveness and time for each individual patient.
Santa Tracker 2025: When St Nick Arrives In Riverside County
Riverside County residents can keep an eye on Santa's travels overnight.
Floodwater has severely impacted Highway 2 and State Route 138.
Letters, Packages Scatter Across RivCo Roadway On Christmas Eve
A mail truck that "shook violently" before it toppled left a mess on this stretch of Corona roadway on Christmas Eve. Here's what happened.
Wildomar City Hall Takes Christmas, New Year's Vacation Amid Winter Storm
The city of Wildomar alerted residents that the city will be closed, though departments will remain on alert during the winter storm.
IE Youth Soccer Player Shot At Victorville Event: Fundraiser Underway For Her Recovery
"She was an innocent bystander just there to watch a movie when these teenagers started an argument with other kids" led to the shooting."
'Safety Is Murrieta's Top Priority' City Declares Heading Into 2026
The City of Murrieta, and the police department, has addressed the concerns of area residents after multiple alarming incidents.
Temecula Sporting Goods Store Closes Its Doors Permanently On Christmas Eve
"Thank you to everyone that has been a part of our journey," a sign in the window reads.
Wrightwood Evacuation Warning, SIG Alerts On Inland Empire Freeways Amid Christmas Eve Storm
CHP dispatch alerted drivers to closed freeway lanes on I-10, I-15 and SR-60, objects in the road and even a car fire on Christmas Eve.
Over 20K Stuffed Animals Collected In Teddy Bear Toss At Minor League Hockey Game
The Coachella Valley Firebirds held the beloved Teddy Bear Toss over the weekend, a massive contribution to kids in need this Christmas.
Friends and loved ones are seeking assistance for a Murrieta family who lost everything in a weekend mobile home fire. Heres' how to help.
Deer Heads And Daydreams: A Shop Where Every Corner Tells A Story
Treasure hunters, designers, and nostalgic shoppers give objects a new home and purpose at Hudson Street Vintage.
Home Fire Displaces Family Of 6
An early-morning fire in left six people without shelter for the holiday.
Investigation Continues: County D.A. Inspector Involved in Fatal Highway 4 Crash
Authorities are still investigating the fatal accident involving a senior Contra Costa District Attorney inspector and a man on Highway 4.
Home-Delivery Narcotics: Illegal Narcotics Disguised As Herbs Shipped From Peru
A tip from U.S. Customs and Border Protection led police to substances disguised as herbs and teas: SRPD.
Traffic Stop Turns Into Fentanyl Bust
A traffic stop led police to a large fentanyl seizure enough for 50,000 lethal doses: Santa Rosa Police Department.
Coast Highway Shut Down Due To Downed Tree In Laguna Beach
South Coast Highway was shut down in both directions Wednesday morning amid heavy rains.
OC Kids Gymnastics Coach Faces Child Sex Charges
The Orange County man currently coaches at Ultimate Ninjas Gym in Anaheim Hills, authorities say.
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