1. California became a state: On December 22, 1849, California officially became a state, marking a major milestone in its history as a territory. The state was admitted as the 31st state in the union, after a period of rapid growth in population due to the gold rush.

2. The first cable car system: On December 22, 1877, the first cable car system in the world was opened in San Francisco. The system was designed by Andrew S. Hallidie, who had witnessed a horse-drawn carriage accident on a steep hill in the city and decided to create a safer and more efficient means of transportation. The cable car system quickly became a symbol of the city and remains in operation today.

3. An earthquake strikes: On December 22, 2003, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the central coast of California. The quake caused significant damage but fortunately no fatalities were reported. The area affected by the quake included San Simeon and Paso Robles, both popular tourist destinations.

4. California's first public school: On December 22, 1852, the San Francisco Board of Education established California's first public school. The school was located at Stockton and Clay Streets and initially had just two teachers and 57 students. Today, California's public school system is one of the largest in the country and serves millions of students.

5. A record heat wave: On December 22, 2004, California experienced one of its hottest Decembers on record. Temperatures in some areas of the state reached into the high 80s and low 90s, causing air conditioners to be turned on during the holiday season. This event was a significant departure from the typical cool and rainy weather associated with the winter months in California.