Top 24 CA Stories Of 2024: Earthquakes, Pandas, Tornado, World Series And More

CALIFORNIA — The year has almost come to a close, so we are taking a look back at some of the top stories from across California over the past year.

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

There were big changes in the Golden State, including business closures and election results. And there were stories that brought smiles to our faces such as pandas returning to Southern California.

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

1. 2 Kindergarteners In Critical Condition After CA School Shooting

The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

2. Black Bear Killed Woman In CA's 1st Known Fatal Attack

An autopsy determined a woman found dead in her Sierra County home last year was mauled to death by a black bear.

3. CA Propositions: What Passed, What Failed And What It Means For The State

Voters decided on 10 propositions that will influence everything from rent control to public safety.

4. Cal Fire Firefighter Jailed On Suspicion Of Starting 5 Fires

The Cal Fire apparatus engineer is suspected of starting the fires when he was off-duty, Cal Fire said.

5. Dodgers Win World Series With Historic Comeback Victory

The champions managed to come back from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Yankees in front of a stunned Yankee Stadium.

6. Earthquakes Rock SoCal: Could 'Something Bigger' Be Coming?

Since the start of the year, there have been five "significant earthquakes" in California. Two struck this past week.

7. Governor Newsom Declares State Of Emergency In Rancho Palos Verdes

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

8. Hannah Kobayashi Willingly Missed Flight, Crossed Mexico Border: LAPD

A Hawaiian woman who seemingly disappeared after missing a connecting flight at LAX is believed to be in Mexico, police say.

9. Human Remains Scattered On Disneyland Ride Prompts Closure, Horror

After waiting hours at the Happiest Place on Earth for a seat on 'Rise of the Resistance' at Galaxy's Edge, fans were forced from the ride.

10. Newsom Proclaims State Of Emergency After Flooding In San Diego County

The proclamation will help support recovery efforts after heavy rain caused widespread flooding across the region.

• Also see: San Diegans Face Aftermath Of 'Thousand-Year Storm'

11. Northern Lights Possible In NorCal After Massive Solar Flare

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

• Also see: 'Severe' Geomagnetic Storm Could Send Northern Lights Over CA

12. Panda-monium Returns To The San Diego Zoo With Pair's Public Debut

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao are the first pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years.

13. Prices Spike At In-N-Out, Burger King And More With $20 Minimum Wage

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

14. Rare Deep-Sea 'Doomsday Fish' Found In Southern California

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

• Also see: Second Rare Deep-Sea 'Doomsday Fish' Found In San Diego County

15. See How CA Counties Voted In Trump Vs. Harris Race

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

• Also see: Kamala Harris Wins CA But Loses U.S. To Trump In Presidential Bid

16. Something 'Unprecedented' Is Happening With Orcas Off The CA Coast

A pod of Eastern Tropical Pacific orcas has been spotted in the coastal waters from San Diego to Ventura.

17. Store Closures Surge In CA: See List Of Retailers Shutting Doors

An increase in store closures over last year comes in part as the industry adjusts to a shift in consumer shopping to online outlets.

• Also see: X, SpaceX Will Leave CA Over New Law Surrounding LGBTQ Students: Musk

18. Tornado Reported In CA, 1st Tornado Warning Issued In San Francisco

An historic tornado warning was issued for San Francisco as powerful storms moved across northern CA Saturday, a tornado hit Scotts Valley.

• Also see: 5 Injured In Tornado That Ripped Through Scotts Valley

19. Trump Rally Arrest May Have Prevented Assassination Attempt: Sheriff

The sheriff said he believed deputies prevented a third assassination attempt, but the man they arrested told local media he supports Trump.

20. Tsunami Warning Canceled After Large Earthquakes Shake Northern CA

A tsunami warning was issued after a magnitude 7 earthquake was recorded off the California coast.

• Also see: Tsunami Wake-Up Call: Millions Of Californians Live In The Danger Zone

21. Why Mass Mobs Of Teens Are Storming California Malls

Authorities, shop owners and teens, alike aren't quite sure why these unruly gatherings are happening with increasing frequency at CA malls.

22. Why The $30 Million Cash Heist Could Only Happen In LA

The $30 million Easter heist was a uniquely Los Angeles crime, and solving it won't be a slam dunk, according to one expert.

23. Wildfire Scorches 400K Acres, Ranking Among 10 Largest In CA History

The Park Fire in Northern California has burned an area larger than Los Angeles. See where it falls among California's megafires.

24. Winning $1B Powerball Ticket Sold In California

The ticket, sold at a mini market in Los Angeles, was the only ticket across the country to match all six numbers in Wednesday's draw.

• Also see: CA's $1.08 Billion Powerball Ticket Winner Revealed