It's only been 12 months, but the end of 2022 is very different from its start.

In January, students and faculty members socially distanced in a single-file line waited for their turn to take a COVID-19 test inside the Peery Family Center at Palo Alto High School. We were in the midst of a severe omicron wave.

That scene stands in stark contrast to the packed election results party at The Patio in downtown Palo Alto, where candidates and their supporters gathered 10 months later on Nov. 8.

Between these two scenes were historic moments peppered throughout the year, such as the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, which was seeking renewed tribal recognition after their status was removed from the Federal Register in 1927. They're counting on new genetic evidence and a state bill, California Senate Joint Resolution 13, to regain their recognition.

For the first time in two decades, nurses from Stanford and Lucile Packard Children's hospitals went on strike. Thousands joined together to demand greater staffing, mental health and wellness support and increased wages and benefits after more than two years of being on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

And for the first time ever, a ballet studio put down roots in East Palo Alto. Mannakin Theater and Dance company's new En Avant School of Dance opened the doors to its permanent location in East Palo Alto in March after operating in makeshift spaces for the past five years. In its first fall session, there were already around 100 students enrolled in classes.

Here are 14 moments captured behind the camera lens that tell distinct stories from this year. Take a look.

Palo Alto Online is taking one last look at 2022 all this week. If you missed any parts of our series, view the stories below.

• The best, worst and craziest Palo Alto news of 2022

From beavers to brazen crimes to long-awaited resolutions, 2022 was a year when we could finally think about something other than COVID-19.

• Did you pay attention to local news in 2022? Find out with our quiz.

Bigger and better than ever, our year-end news quiz is returning for a third time, giving Palo Alto Weekly readers a chance to look back on the past 12 months in local headlines.

• Our favorite bites and beverages of 2022

Between the Peninsula's newcomers and longtime establishments (as well as some that are now out of business).

Our staff and contributors reflected on the past 12 months and compiled our favorite drinks and dishes of 2022.

• With newfound spirit of cooperation, Palo Alto ends the year on a bright note

In 2022, Palo Alto saw a strong resurgence from a period of austerity, uncertainty and, for many, isolation.

• 2022 rewind: The year's 10 most clicked-on stories

From pod housing to a rare turtle-dove sighting, look back at the Palo Alto area happenings that made headlines.

• The best, the worst and the most memorable movies of 2022

There's still a bounty of great films to discover from a year of cinema at theaters and home.

• A by-the-numbers look at 2022 real estate in Palo Alto

The city's most and least expensive home sales this year surpassed that of 2021.