Ojai earthquake shakes local businesses

OJAI, Calif. – While families were getting stocked up for hurricane Hilary, neighbors in Ventura County were startled by the 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Ojai on Sunday.

"We saw the poles starting to shake," said resident Mariana Lara Flores of Ventura.

"And all of a sudden I felt this big jolt," said resident Tom Giles of Ventura.

"Shock or like whoa what's happening," said resident Beckett McDowell of Ojai.

Amomong those hardest hit by the quake included local businesses in downtown Ojai.

"I was startled, and I’m still sort of a little shaken up about it," said owner Vaness Hillrogers of Noted.

Bill McGrew of the Ojai Beverage Company has his hands full cleaning up the mess caused by the earthquake.

"Sounded like thunder at first I was like oh okay cause of the rain outside … but then everything started shaking," said McGrew.

Owners of the wine business said despite the damage cause by earthquake, they decided stay open during their regular hours.

"I was shocked because I was not … because the earthquake came so suddenly right … usually like there’s something I kind of signifies … more of a warning … but this time around it was like oh … thunder and everything just … shook," said McGrew.

One of the most expensive liquor bottles selling for $900 broke during the quake.

"This is a tequila bottle and the Popped off, so then that all the liquids ... I’m very relieved that nobody was hurt," said McGrew.

"It was definitely the biggest Earthquake ever been in," said Mc Dowell.

"Hopefully we’re safe and I’m gonna try to stay downstairs because my room is upstairs," said Flores.

"And I hope that everybody stays well and prepares for the next fun event living here in California," said Giles.

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