History of California in Timeline
California, a western U.S. state on the Pacific coast, shares borders with Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico's Baja California. With a population nearing 39 million and spanning 163,696 square miles, it's the most populous and third-largest U.S. state, making it North America's most populated subnational entity.
1900: California's Population Boom Begins
At the dawn of the 20th century, in 1900, California's population was less than one million. This marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth.
1900: Beginning of California's Century-Long Population Growth
California's population experienced a steady and significant increase for over a century, from 1900 to 2020.
1906: San Francisco Earthquake Devastates City
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
1909: Establishment of KCBS Radio Station
KCBS (AM), one of the oldest radio stations in the United States still operating, was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1909.
1911: Outlawing of Native American Controlled Burns
In 1911, California outlawed the traditional Native American practice of controlled burns, marking a shift in fire management policies that has since been reconsidered.
July 10, 1913: Record-Breaking Heat in Death Valley
On July 10, 1913, Death Valley, California, earned its reputation as the hottest place on Earth when the highest temperature ever recorded globally, a scorching 134 °F (56.7 °C), was measured.
1913: Alien Land Act Targets Asian Immigrants
In 1913, California enacted the Alien Land Act, which barred Asian immigrants from owning land, highlighting discriminatory practices against these communities.
1928: St. Francis Dam Collapse Causes Catastrophic Flooding
The 1928 St. Francis Dam flood, another tragic event, resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and remains etched in California's history as a reminder of infrastructure failures.
1932: Los Angeles Hosts Summer Olympics
Los Angeles held the Summer Olympics in 1932, marking the first time California hosted this prestigious international sporting event.
1936: San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Opens
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, often called the "Bay Bridge", was finished in 1936. This double-decked bridge, a crucial transportation route, carries a huge number of vehicles daily and features the world's largest diameter bore tunnel used for transportation.
January 20, 1937: California's Record Low Temperature
In stark contrast to its scorching deserts, California experienced its coldest temperature on record on January 20, 1937, when the mercury plummeted to −45 °F (−43 °C) in Boca.
1937: Golden Gate Bridge Opens
In 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge, a notable landmark in California, opened to the public. With a main span of 4,200 feet, it held the title of the world's longest suspension bridge at the time.
1939: End of Exclusive Republican Governorship
From 1899 to 1939, California saw an uninterrupted period of Republican governors. However, this era came to an end in 1939, marking a shift in the state's political dynamics.
1940: California's Shifting Demographics
The 1940 Census revealed a changing California, with its population comprising 6% Hispanic, 2.4% Asian, and 90% non-Hispanic white, illustrating the growing diversity of the state.
1940: Start of Consistent Population Growth in California
Between 1940 and 2020, California witnessed a period of rapid population expansion, consistently adding approximately 400,000 individuals annually.
1940: Arroyo Seco Parkway Opens
The year 1940 marked the opening of the Arroyo Seco Parkway, a roadway that connects Los Angeles and Pasadena. As the first freeway built in the Western United States, it signified a pivotal moment in transportation history. It was later expanded to include the Four Level Interchange in downtown Los Angeles, known as the first stack interchange.
1952: Republican dominance in California begins
In 1952, California started a trend of leaning Republican in presidential elections, with the party securing the state's electoral votes in nine out of ten elections until 1988.
1960: Master Plan for Higher Education
Recognizing the need for accessible education, the California government adopted the California Master Plan for Higher Education in 1960, aiming to create an effective public education system.
1960: Squaw Valley Hosts Winter Olympics
Squaw Valley Ski Resort, now known as Palisades Tahoe, hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960, making California the only US state to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
1964: Exception in Republican dominance
In the 1964 presidential election, California diverged from its Republican-leaning pattern by voting for the Democratic candidate, marking the only exception between 1952 and 1988.
1964: Golden Gate Bridge Loses Title
The Golden Gate Bridge, after holding the title of the world's longest suspension bridge for 27 years, lost its status in 1964 when a longer suspension bridge was built.
1965: California Becomes Most Populous State
By 1965, fueled by decades of migration, California's population had surged to become the largest in the United States.
1970: California's Changing Demographics
In 1970, non-Hispanic whites constituted 80% of California's population. However, this demographic group experienced a decline in the following decades.
1974: California's Farming-Related Sales Begin to Surge
Farming-related sales in California began their upward trajectory in 1974, starting at $7.3 billion.
1976: California Reinstates Capital Punishment
California reinstated the death penalty in 1976, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to criminal justice. This reinstatement paved the way for the resumption of executions in the state after a hiatus.
1978: Proposition 13 Limits Property Taxes
In 1978, California voters approved Proposition 13, a landmark measure that significantly restricted the state's ability to increase property taxes. This taxpayer revolt reflected growing concerns about rising property taxes and their impact on homeowners.
1980: Start of California's Prison Population Increase
In 1980, California's prison system housed 25,000 inmates. This marked the beginning of a significant increase in the state's prison population, a trend that would continue in the following decades.
1984: Los Angeles Hosts Summer Olympics for the Second Time
In 1984, Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics for the second time, solidifying California's status as a hub for international sporting events.
1986: English as California's Official Language
In 1986, Proposition 63 was passed by California voters, establishing English as the state's official language. This proposition reflected the growing English-only movement of the time.
1986: Impact of Proposition 63 on Spanish Language Rights
The passage of Proposition 63 in 1986 had significant implications for Spanish language rights in California. It revoked the official status of Spanish and led to the termination of Spanish language instruction in schools.
1988: End of Republican dominance in California
The year 1988 marked the last time California voted for a Republican presidential candidate before a shift to Democratic preferences starting in 1992.
1990: Rise of Democratic Candidates in California
Since 1990, California has consistently elected Democratic candidates to various federal, state, and local offices. This trend highlights the Democratic Party's dominance in the state's political landscape during this period.
1992: Democratic winning streak in California begins
Starting in 1992, California began consistently voting Democratic in presidential elections, a trend that has continued for at least eight consecutive elections.
1992: Rodney King Riots Expose Racial Tensions
The 1992 Rodney King riots, sparked by the acquittal of police officers in the beating of Rodney King, brought to light the deep-seated racial tensions and inequality in Los Angeles.
1994: California Hosts FIFA World Cup Matches
California played a significant role in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, with the Rose Bowl hosting eight matches, including the final, and Stanford Stadium hosting six matches.
1996: California High-Speed Rail Authority Established
The California state legislature took a significant step in 1996 by creating the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for a high-speed rail system in the state, this move laid the groundwork for future developments in high-speed rail travel in California.
December 1997: Endangered Plant Species Listed
By December 1997, the gravity of threats to California's diverse flora was evident with 85 plant species officially listed as either threatened or endangered, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
1998: California's State Spending at $56 Billion
State spending in California commenced at $56 billion in 1998.
2000: California Veterans Population in 2000
The year 2000 saw California home to a significant number of veterans, with a recorded 2,569,340 individuals having served in the United States military. This figure reflects the state's historical contribution to the nation's armed forces.
2000: California's Changing Demographics
By 2000, the Hispanic population in California had grown to 32% of the state's total population. This marked a significant increase from previous decades and highlighted the state's changing demographics.
2001: California's Energy Crisis
In 2001, California faced a severe energy crisis characterized by rolling blackouts, skyrocketing power rates, and the need to import electricity from neighboring states. Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company faced intense scrutiny for their roles in the crisis.
2002: Californians Under-Represented in the Military
Data analysis from 2002 revealed that the proportion of Californians serving in the military was lower than what would be expected based on the state's population. This under-representation in the armed forces indicated a potential disparity between the state's population and its participation in military service.
April 2003: Endangered and Threatened Species Listed
By April 2003, California witnessed a significant number of its native species facing threats, with 118 animals and 181 plants officially recognized as endangered or threatened on the federal list.
April 2003: Bighorn Sheep Endangered
In April 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially listed the bighorn sheep, found in the high Arctic region of California, as an endangered species.
2004: California's Farming-Related Sales Quadruple
By 2004, California's farming-related sales had experienced a fourfold increase, reaching almost $31 billion.
2004: Proposition 71 Funds Stem Cell Research
California voters passed Proposition 71 in 2004, authorizing state funding for stem cell research. This decision positioned California as a leading state in stem cell research, showcasing its commitment to scientific advancement in this field.
2005: San Joaquin Valley Identified as Economically Depressed
A 2005 report by the Congressional Research Service highlighted the San Joaquin Valley as one of the most economically disadvantaged regions in the United States, comparable to Appalachia.
2005: Housing Bubble Inflates
By 2005, housing prices in California's urban areas had soared, with a modest home costing half a million dollars or more, a stark contrast to the $25,000 price tag in the 1960s. This surge was driven by speculation and loose lending practices.
2005: California Leads the Nation in Student Enrollment
In 2005, California had over 6.2 million students enrolled in schools, surpassing the total population of 36 states and indicating one of the highest projected enrollments in the US.
2005: Peak of Illegal Border Crossings
The year 2005 marked a peak in the number of migrants apprehended while attempting to cross the Mexican border into the Southwest region, with a staggering 1.1 million arrests.
2006: Last Execution in California
California carried out its last execution in 2006, marking a pause in the state's use of capital punishment. Despite the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, California has conducted a relatively limited number of executions.
2006: California's Exports Reach $127 Billion
In 2006, California exported $127 billion worth of goods.
2006: Jewish Population in California
The American Jewish Year Book estimated the Jewish population in California to be around 1,194,190 in 2006.
2006: Last use of the death penalty in California
The death penalty in California has not been utilized since 2006, although the state retains the legal authority to do so.
2007: California's Exports Rise to $134 Billion
California witnessed a growth in exports to $134 billion in 2007.
2007: Housing Market Crash
The housing bubble burst between 2007 and 2008, causing a dramatic crash in prices. This led to a wave of foreclosures, wiping out billions in property values and significantly impacting financial institutions and investors.
2007: Democratic majority in California's House delegation
In 2007, Democrats held a significant majority in California's House delegation during the 110th United States Congress, with a 34–19 lead over Republicans.
2007: Linguistic Diversity in California's Agricultural Workforce
A survey conducted between 2007 and 2009 revealed the presence of 23 different indigenous languages spoken by farmworkers in California. This highlighted the linguistic diversity within the state's agricultural sector.
2007: Peak of California's Prison Population
By 2007, the inmate population in California prisons had surged to over 170,000, highlighting a dramatic increase from the 25,000 inmates recorded in 1980. This peak in prison population brought to light important concerns about the state's criminal justice system and its capacity to house inmates.
November 2008: California High-Speed Rail Approved
In November 2008, California voters granted approval for Proposition 1A, a plan to create a high-speed rail system connecting major population centers across the state. This marked a significant step towards establishing an extensive high-speed rail network in California.
2008: Proposition 8 Bans Gay Marriage
California voters approved Proposition 8 in 2008, effectively banning same-sex marriage in the state. This decision ignited significant controversy and legal challenges, ultimately leading to the overturning of the ban.
2008: California's Exports Surge to $144 Billion
California's exports reached $144 billion in 2008, a significant increase from $134 billion in 2007 and $127 billion in 2006, with vehicles, computers, and electronic products leading the way.
2008: Passage of Proposition 20
In 2008, California voters approved Proposition 20, establishing a 14-member independent commission responsible for redrawing electoral districts, aiming to reduce gerrymandering.
2008: California's Farms and Ranches Generate $36.2 Billion
In 2008, California's 81,500 farms and ranches collectively produced $36.2 billion in revenue from their products.
2008: Religious Demographics of California
In 2008, a larger proportion of Californians identified with a religious group compared to 2014. Catholics comprised 31% of the population, Evangelical Protestants accounted for 18%, and Mainline Protestants represented 14%.
2009: Linguistic Diversity in California's Agricultural Workforce
By 2009, a survey had identified 23 distinct indigenous languages spoken among California's farmworkers, underscoring the rich linguistic tapestry of the state's agricultural workforce.
2009: U.S. Department of Defense Presence in California
Data from 2009 showed that the U.S. Department of Defense maintained a significant presence in California. This included a total of 117,806 active duty service members representing various branches of the military, in addition to a substantial civilian workforce.
June 8, 2010: Proposition 14 Passes
On June 8, 2010, California saw the approval of Proposition 14, a measure that brought about a substantial change in the state's primary election process. The most significant change brought by Proposition 14 was the introduction of a top-two primary system for most elected offices in California.
September 2010: Increase in Endangered and Threatened Species
The number of endangered and threatened species in California continued to rise, reaching 123 animals and 178 plants on the federal list by September 2010.
2010: California Veterans Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 1,942,775 veterans residing in California. This number included a significant portion who had served during periods of armed conflict, highlighting the sacrifices made by these individuals.
2010: Los Angeles County Leads in Military Recruitment
In 2010, Los Angeles County distinguished itself by having the highest number of military recruits among all counties in the United States, with 1,437 individuals enlisting. This statistic highlighted the county's significant contribution to the nation's military forces.
2010: California Residents Top Average Credit Score
In 2010, California residents secured the highest average credit score among all states, reaching 754.
2010: California-Born Residents Become Majority
For the first time since the California Gold Rush, residents born within California became the majority demographic in the state, marking a significant shift in the state's population composition.
2010: Proposition 14 Changes Primary Election Process
California's political landscape underwent a significant shift in 2010 with the passage of Proposition 14. This measure implemented a top-two primary system for most elected offices, allowing the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election.
2010: Largest Religious Denominations in California
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA), the Catholic Church had the highest number of adherents in California in 2010, with 10,233,334 members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints followed with 763,818 members, and the Southern Baptist Convention had 489,953 members.
2010: End of California's Century-Long Population Growth
After a century of consistent population growth from 1900 to 2020, California's population growth slowed down significantly in the 1990s, eventually culminating in a period of population decline.
January 2011: California's Total Debt Reaches $265 Billion
California's total debt reached a staggering $265 billion in January 2011.
2011: California's Changing Demographics
In 2011, California had the largest minority population in the US, comprising 60% of the state's population. This marked a significant shift in demographics, with non-Hispanic whites declining from 80% of the population in 1970 to 40% in 2011.
2011: Shift in Immigration Patterns
In 2011, a total of 277,304 immigrants arrived in California, with a notable shift in origin, with 57% coming from Asian countries, surpassing the 22% from Latin American countries. This marked a change from previous years where Latin American immigration was dominant.
2011: Drought Grips California
Starting in 2011, California experienced a severe and prolonged drought that persisted until 2017, becoming the worst drought in the state's recorded history.
2011: Decline in Illegal Border Crossings
By 2011, the number of migrants arrested for illegally crossing the Mexican border in the Southwest region decreased substantially to 367,000, reflecting changes in immigration patterns and enforcement efforts.
2011: Minority Majority Among Young Californians
By 2011, a significant demographic shift was observed among California's youngest residents, with 75.1% of the population under the age of one classified as minorities. This signifies that at least one parent in this age group did not identify as non-Hispanic white.
2011: California's Top Agricultural Products by Value
According to the USDA in 2011, milk and cream, shelled almonds, and grapes were the three most valuable agricultural products in California.
2012: Democrats gain seats with new districting system
Following the implementation of a new districting system in 2012, Democrats gained four additional seats in California's House delegation, increasing their majority to 38–15.
2012: California's Student-to-Employee Ratio in Education
In 2012, California's K-12 public schools had a student-to-employee ratio of 0.102, ranking 48th in the US, while paying the 7th highest salary per employee at $49,000.
2012: Proposition 30 Introduces New Tax Measures
Proposition 30, passed in 2012, implemented a maximum marginal income tax rate of 13.3% in California, along with a minimum state sales tax of 7.5%.
June 27, 2013: Governor Jerry Brown Signs Balanced Budget
On June 27, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown approved a balanced budget for California, a first for the state in many years, although a debt of $132 billion remained.
2013: San Onofre Nuclear Plant Ceases Operations
The San Onofre nuclear power plant in California was decommissioned in 2013.
2014: Religious Demographics of California
In 2014, the Catholic Church constituted the largest religious denomination in California, with 28% of the population identifying as Catholic. Evangelical Protestants made up 20%, while Mainline Protestants represented 10% of the population.
2015: High-Speed Rail Construction Begins
Construction on the first phase of California's ambitious high-speed rail project commenced in 2015, marking a tangible step towards realizing the vision of a statewide high-speed rail network.
2016: California's Democratic Lean in 2016 Election
In the 2016 United States presidential election, California solidified its position as a predominantly Democratic state, securing the third-highest percentage of votes for the Democratic candidate. This result demonstrated the state's strong alignment with the Democratic Party's platform and values.
2016: Proposition 55 Extends Certain Tax Provisions
Proposition 55, approved in 2016, extended some tax measures introduced by Proposition 30, while allowing the minimum state sales tax to return to 7.25%.
2016: Shift in Orange County's political alignment
In the 2016 elections, Orange County, California, traditionally a Republican stronghold, began voting in favor of Democratic candidates, indicating a political shift.
2016: Reversal of Bilingual Education Ban in California
In 2016, California voters approved Proposition 58, which overturned the ban on bilingual education that had been in place since 1986. This proposition aimed to promote language diversity and improve educational opportunities for English learners.
2016: California's K-12 Spending Ranked 22nd Nationally
In 2016, California ranked 22nd in the nation for K-12 public school per-pupil spending, with $11,500 per student compared to the national average of $11,800.
2017: California's Poverty Rate Stands at 13.3%
As of 2017, California's official poverty rate was 13.3%.
2017: The Mystery of California's Name
In 2017, a state legislative document acknowledged the existence of "numerous theories" regarding the origin and meaning of "California." The only certainty is its appearance on a map by 1541, attributed to a Spanish navigator.
2017: Reversion to Previous Sales Tax Rate
The minimum state sales tax in California reverted to 7.25% in 2017.
2017: Drought Persists
The severe drought that began in 2011 continued to grip California until 2017, marking a period of extreme water scarcity.
2018: Democratic dominance in California's House delegation
In the 2018 midterm elections, Democrats won 46 out of 53 House seats in California, significantly strengthening their majority over Republicans.
2018: California's Nominal GDP Exceeds All But Four Countries
By 2018, California's nominal GDP had surpassed that of all but four countries globally.
2018: Ethnic Composition of California
Data from 2018 reveals the ethnic composition of California's population: 60.7% identified as non-Hispanic (regardless of race), while 39.3% identified as Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Notably, Hispanics constituted the largest single ethnic group in the state during this period.
2018: Continued Democratic trend in Orange County
The 2018 elections further confirmed Orange County's political shift as a majority of votes were cast for Democratic candidates, reflecting a demographic and ideological change.
2018: Devastating Wildfires Ravage California
The 2018 wildfire season proved to be the deadliest and most destructive in California's history, underscoring the growing threat of wildfires fueled by climate change.
2019: Yes California Postpones Independence Referendum
The Yes California movement, advocating for California's independence, had planned to hold an independence referendum in 2019. However, the movement decided to postpone these plans. This postponement highlights the challenges faced by independence movements in securing enough support to achieve their goals.
2019: California Leads the Nation in Millionaire Households
California boasted 1,042,027 millionaire households in 2019, more than any other state.
2019: California Ranks Second in Life Expectancy
In 2019, California held the position of having the second-highest life expectancy among all U.S. states, with an average life span of 80.9 years.
January 26, 2020: First Confirmed COVID-19 Case in California
On January 26, 2020, one of the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States was identified in California, marking the beginning of the pandemic's impact on the state.
March 4, 2020: State of Emergency Declared
As the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, California declared a state of emergency on March 4, 2020, triggering a series of measures to contain the virus.
March 19, 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Issued
In a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, California implemented a mandatory statewide stay-at-home order on March 19, 2020, significantly impacting daily life and the economy.
April 1, 2020: California Population Reaches 39.54 Million
As of April 1, 2020, the population of California was recorded at 39.54 million according to the United States Census Bureau.
July 2020: Start of Population Decline in California
Starting July 2020, California began to experience a decline in its population, marking a significant shift in the state's demographic trends after a long period of growth.
November 2020: California Voters Reject Affirmative Action
In November 2020, California voters rejected a ballot measure that aimed to reinstate affirmative action policies in the state. This decision reflected a continued debate over affirmative action and its role in education and employment.
2020: California's Democratic Lean in 2020 Election
California once again affirmed its status as a Democratic stronghold in the 2020 United States presidential election, garnering the sixth-highest percentage of votes for the Democratic candidate. This outcome underscored the enduring strength of the Democratic Party in the state's political landscape.
2020: California Apologizes for Japanese American Internment
In a significant step towards reconciliation, California issued a formal apology in 2020 for the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.
January 2021: Stay-at-Home Order Lifted
Following a period of strict restrictions, California's statewide stay-at-home order, put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, was lifted in January 2021.
September 2021: California's Employment Figures
As of September 2021, California recorded a total non-farm employment of 16,677,800 across 966,224 employer establishments.
2021: Language Diversity in California
According to the 2021 American Community Survey, 56.08% of California residents aged 5 and older spoke only English at home, while 43.92% were multilingual. Among those speaking another language at home, 60.35% were proficient in English.
2021: High Out-Migration from California
Between 2021 and 2022, California experienced a substantial outflow of residents, with 818,000 individuals moving out of the state, citing factors like high living costs, taxes, and business environment as primary reasons.
2021: California's Per Capita GDP Ranks Fourth
California achieved a per capita GDP of $85,546 in 2021, securing the fourth position in the US.
2021: Prevalence of Spanish in California
In 2021, Spanish was the second most spoken language in California after English, spoken by 28.18% of the population. Spanish has a long history in California, dating back to 1542, and has significantly influenced the state's culture.
2021: Religious Identification in California
The Public Religion Research Institute's 2021 American Values Survey collected data on religious self-identification in California, providing insights into the religious landscape of the state.
February 13, 2022: Super Bowl LVI in California
Super Bowl LVI took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 13, 2022. This marked the thirteenth time California hosted the Super Bowl, showcasing the state's prominence in professional sports.
September 2022: California's Unemployment Rate at 3.9%
In September 2022, California's unemployment rate stood at 3.9%.
October 2022: Party Registration Statistics
In October 2022, data on party registration by county in California was released. This information provides insights into the political landscape of the state and the distribution of registered voters across different political parties.
October 2022: Voter registration statistics in California
In October 2022, California reported 21,940,274 registered voters out of 26,876,800 eligible individuals, with Democrats, Republicans, and No Party Preference being the largest groups.
2022: California Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Goals
The Clean Energy, Jobs and Affordability Act of 2022 committed California to operating on 100% clean, renewable energy by 2035, with SB 1203 further mandating net-zero operations for all state agencies.
2022: Progress in Indigenous Cultural Revitalization
The year 2022 saw significant progress in efforts to revitalize indigenous cultures and languages among California's tribes, including some land returns to indigenous stewardship.
2022: California's Homeless Population at 171,521
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its Annual Homeless Assessment Report, indicating an estimated 171,521 homeless individuals in California.
2022: Ancestry of Californians
In 2022, the American Community Survey provided insights into the ancestral background of Californians, revealing the following proportions based on self-reported data: 32.4% Mexican, 6.6% German, 6.1% English, 5.6% Irish, 4.9% Chinese, 4.3% Filipino, 4% Central American (predominantly Salvadoran and Guatemalan), 3.4% Italian, 2.8% American, and 2.5% Indian.
2022: Revival of Controlled Burns
In 2022, California took a significant step towards embracing traditional ecological knowledge by initiating a program to revive controlled burns, a practice historically used by Native Americans for forest management, which had been outlawed in 1911.
2022: Continued High Out-Migration from California
Between 2021 and 2022, California experienced a substantial outflow of residents, with 818,000 individuals moving out of the state, citing factors like high living costs, taxes, and business environment as primary reasons.
2022: Racial Demographics of California
According to data from the United States Census Bureau in 2022, the racial makeup of California's population, allowing for multiple identifications, was as follows: 56.5% White (including Hispanic Whites), 33.7% non-Hispanic White, 18.1% Asian, 7.3% Black or African American, 3.2% Native American and Alaska Native, 0.9% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 34.3% identifying with some other race.
2022: Recognition of Indigenous Practices
In 2022, the California government formally recognized the benefits of controlled burning, a practice long employed by indigenous peoples to manage ecosystems and mitigate the impact of large wildfires.
February 2023: State of Emergency Lifted
After more than three years, California's state of emergency, declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was officially lifted in February 2023.
July 2023: California's Population Decline Reaches 433,000
By July 2023, the cumulative population decline in California since July 2020 reached 433,000, a significant demographic shift attributed to factors like outward migration.
2023: High-Speed Rail Included in Passenger Rail Plan
California's updated integrated passenger rail master plan for 2023 incorporates the high-speed rail system, reinforcing its commitment to the project and highlighting its importance in the state's transportation future.
July 1, 2024: Mountain House Became California's 483rd Incorporated Municipality
On July 1, 2024, Mountain House earned the distinction of becoming California's most recently incorporated municipality, marking a significant milestone as the state's 483rd city.
2024: California's Economic Powerhouse
In 2024, California boasted the largest economy of any U.S. state, with a gross state product of $4.0 trillion, making it the largest sub-national economy globally. Its agricultural industry, notably dairy, almonds, and grapes, led the nation in output.
2024: California's Gross State Product Reaches New Heights
In 2024, California's gross state product (GSP) hit $4.0 trillion, the highest in the United States, with $102,500 per capita.
2028: Los Angeles to Host Summer Olympics for the Third Time
Los Angeles was selected to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, making it the fourth time California will have held the Olympic Games.
2030: First High-Speed Rail Segment Projected Completion
The initial 171-mile segment of California's high-speed rail system is slated for completion and operation by 2030. This segment represents a significant portion of the overall project and is expected to revolutionize travel within the state.
2030: Sunset of Temporary Tax Brackets
The top income tax brackets implemented under Proposition 55 are set to expire at the end of 2030.
2035: Target for Clean Energy Operations
California aims to transition its operations to entirely clean, renewable energy sources by 2035.
2050: Potential for 100% Renewable Energy Supply
Experts suggest it's feasible for California to achieve a 100% renewable energy supply, encompassing heating, cooling, and mobility, by 2050.
2060: California's Changing Demographics
Projections for 2060 indicate that the Hispanic population in California is expected to reach 49%, primarily attributed to domestic births rather than immigration.