As 2024 concludes, we reflect on the pivotal events that shaped our nation, state and local communities. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most impactful stories from the past year.
National Headlines:
- 2024 Presidential Election:
Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s victory made him as the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland. The election was characterized by high voter turnout and intense partisan divisions, with Trump securing key swing states to achieve a 312 to 226 Electoral College win.
- Supreme Court Rules on Key Affirmative Action Case:
In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action policies in college admissions, ruling them unconstitutional. The case, brought against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, argued that such policies unfairly discriminated against certain racial groups. The ruling has far-reaching implications for diversity initiatives nationwide and sparked significant public debate. Colleges and universities are now exploring race-neutral alternatives to maintain diverse student populations.
- AI Regulation Legislation:
Congress passed landmark legislation regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the private sector. The new laws aim to ensure ethical applications of AI, address concerns about algorithmic bias, and protect employment in industries susceptible to automation. This move represents a significant step toward managing the societal impacts of rapidly advancing technologies.
Statewide Stories:
- California’s Water Landscape in 2024:
After consecutive years of drought, California experienced significant precipitation in late 2023 and early 2024, replenishing reservoirs and improving water supplies. The Sierra Nevada snowpack reached above-average levels, contributing to healthier water reserves. Additionally, California voters approved Prop 4 in Nov. 2024, authorizing $10 billion in general obligation bonds for water infrastructure, wildfire prevention and protection of communities and natural lands from climate risks.
- Wildfires Ravage Northern California:
An unprecedented wildfire season devastated significant areas of Northern and Southern California, leading to mass evacuations and significant property damage. Firefighters, supported by international crews and advanced technology, battled the blazes well into the autumn months. In response, the state allocated substantial funds for forest management and community recovery initiatives.
- High-Speed Rail Project Advances:
California’s high-speed rail project made notable progress in 2024. Construction continued on the Central Valley segment, with significant developments such as the completion of the Hanford Viaduct, the largest construction site in the system. The project aims to connect major urban centers, promoting sustainable transportation across the state.
Inland Empire Developments:
- Rialto Voters Spotlight Water Issues:
Rialto voters turned out in large numbers for the 2024 Water Board election, signaling growing awareness of water management issues. Lynn Summers, a local permaculturalist and farmer, ran for the Division I seat on the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Board, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement in her campaign. While Summers secured a notable 22.9% of the vote, the incumbent, June Hayes, retained her seat with 47.3%. This election underscored the region’s focus on long-term water resilience amid California’s ongoing challenges with drought and resource management.
- RIPA Report Highlights Racial Disparities in Inland Empire Policing
In Nov., the Inland Valley News reported on data released under California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA), revealing significant racial disparities in police stops within the Inland Empire. The report indicated that Black and Latino individuals were disproportionately targeted in traffic and pedestrian stops compared to their white counterparts. Community leaders and advocacy groups have called for increased transparency and reforms in law enforcement practices to address these inequities. Local police departments have acknowledged the findings and expressed a commitment to implementing bias training and policy changes aimed at fostering equitable policing in the region.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives in the Inland Empire:
Cities across the Inland Empire, including Riverside, San Bernardino and Fontana, launched new affordable housing projects to address the region’s housing crisis. These initiatives aim to provide relief for low-income families and combat homelessness, with local advocacy groups playing a crucial role in promoting equitable housing access.
Looking Ahead:
The events of 2024 have significantly influenced the trajectory of our nation, state, and local communities. As we transition into 2025, the resilience, innovation, and advocacy demonstrated this year will continue to shape our collective future.
