The 24 most important California stories of 2024: Earthquakes, pandas, hurricanes and more

CALIFORNIA – The year is coming to an end, so we're taking a look at some of the biggest stories from around California over the past year.

As we pause to reflect on 2024, we remember breaking news, from severe weather to the lucky player who purchased a $1.08 billion jackpot Powerball ticket.

There have been major changes in the Golden State, including business closures and election results. And there were stories that brought smiles to our faces, like the return of pandas to Southern California.

Find out what's happening across California for free with the latest updates from Patch.

Take a look at some of our top stories for 2024 from California Patch sites.

1. Kindergarten in critical condition after California school shooting

Find out what's happening across California for free with the latest updates from Patch.

Police said the shooter died of self-inflicted wounds.

2. A black bear killed a woman in the first known fatal attack in California

A woman found dead in her Sierra County home last year had been mauled to death by a black bear, an autopsy concluded.

3. CA proposals: what worked, what failed, and what they mean for the country

Voters decided on 10 proposals that would affect everything from rent control to public safety.

4. Cal firefighter jailed on suspicion of starting 5 fires

A Cal Fire engineer is suspected of starting the fires while he was off duty, Cal Fire said.

Mookie Betts (50) and Freddie Freeman (5) of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after scoring against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning in Game 5 of the World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. Photo credit: AP Photo/Seth Winnie

5. The Dodgers win the World Series with a historic victory

The Champions came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Yankees in front of an amazing Yankee Stadium.

6. Earthquakes shake SoCal: Could something bigger be happening?

Since the beginning of the year, five “major earthquakes” have occurred in California. Two hit this past week.

7. Governor Newsom declares a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as safety concerns grow in the Portuguese Bend community of Rancho Palos Verdes.

8. Hana Kobayashi willingly missed her flight and crossed the Mexico border: LAPD

A Hawaii woman who apparently disappeared after missing a connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport is believed to be in Mexico, police said.

Inside the “Rise of the Resistance” area at Disneyland, vehicles are propelled across large shiny black floors. Credit: Ashley Ludwig

9. Human remains scattered on a Disneyland ride prompt closure and horror

After waiting hours in the Happiest Place on Earth for a seat on Galaxy's Edge's “Rise of the Resistance” ride, fans were forced to abandon the ride.

10. Newsom declares a state of emergency after flooding in San Diego County

The announcement will help support recovery efforts after heavy rains caused widespread flooding across the region.

11. Northern lights are possible in NorCal after a massive solar flare

The X9.0 solar flare was stronger than the X8.7 flare in May that pushed the aurora near the country's southern border.

Shen Bao is a 4-year-old female panda. Credit: Christina Hook

12. Panda-monium returns to the San Diego Zoo with the pair's first public appearance

Yun Quan and Xin Bao are the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years.

13. Price hikes at In-N-Out, Burger King and others with $20 minimum wage

As California's new $20 fast-food minimum wage goes into effect, prices are starting to rise at some restaurant chains, according to reports.

14. Rare “doomsday fish” found in the deep sea in Southern California

Although no relationship has been proven, oarfish have a legendary reputation as predictors of natural disasters such as earthquakes.

15. See how California counties voted in Trump vs. Harris race

Preliminary data showed that more than half of California's counties favored Donald Trump in this election, including nine counties that flipped to red.

A group of eastern tropical orcas in the Pacific Ocean near Dana Point. Credit: Laura Lopez for Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching

16. Something “unprecedented” is happening with killer whales off the coast of California

A pod of killer whales has been spotted in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean in coastal waters from San Diego to Ventura.

17. Store closings increase in California: See a list of retailers closing their doors

The increase in store closings over the past year comes in part as the industry adapts to a shift in consumer shopping to online outlets.

18. A tornado was reported in California, and the first tornado warning was issued for San Francisco

A historic hurricane warning has been issued for San Francisco as powerful storms move across Northern California on Saturday. A tornado hit Scotts Valley.

19. Trump's arrest may have prevented the assassination attempt: Sharif

Al-Sharif said he believed deputies prevented a third assassination attempt, but the man they arrested told local media he supported Trump.

20. Tsunami warning canceled after major earthquakes in Northern California

A tsunami warning has been issued after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of California.

Authorities, store owners and teens, alike, aren't quite sure why these unruly gatherings are occurring with increasing frequency in malls across California. Credit: Rachel Barnes

21. Why are crowds of teenagers storming malls in California?

Authorities, store owners and teens, alike, aren't quite sure why these unruly gatherings are occurring with increasing frequency in California malls.

22. Why could the $30 million heist only happen in Los Angeles?

The $30 million Easter Sunday heist was a unique crime in Los Angeles, and one that won't be easy to solve, according to one expert.

A helicopter drops water on the Park Fire near Butte Meadows, California, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. AP Photo/Nic Coury

23. Wildfire burns 400,000 acres, making it among the 10 largest fires in California history

The Park Fire in Northern California burned an area larger than Los Angeles. Find out where it fell among the massive California wildfires.

24. Winning a $1 billion Powerball ticket sold in California

The ticket, sold at a convenience store in Los Angeles, was the only ticket nationwide to match all six numbers in Wednesday's drawing.

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