On Friday, a 3.4-magnitude earthquake struck the San Jose area at around 3:15 p.m., with its epicenter located about 5 miles northeast of Alum Rock. No injuries or damages were reported. This quake follows a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Southern California near Malibu on Thursday, which was also felt widely but caused no significant damage. The Southern California quake was the 14th of magnitude 4 or greater this year, surpassing the previous record set in 1988. The frequent seismic activity has prompted experts to emphasize earthquake preparedness, although they note that the increased rate may still be a random occurrence. Residents are advised to follow safety protocols during quakes, such as dropping to the ground, covering their heads, and holding on to shelter.