LOS ANGELES, CA – As we approach the end of 2021, we’re taking a look back at some of the most-read news of the year in Los Angeles.
In a year that started with a deadly coronavirus surge and ends the same way, we remember the lives lost in the pandemic and the beloved businesses that had to close. But we also celebrate the spirit of determination and unity behind Herculean efforts to vaccinate more than 6 million Angelenos. And we thank the people who made our days more beautiful during this difficult time.
We take a look back at the introduction of vaccines and the mandates that have led to hundreds of thousands of vaccinations, as well as protests and lawsuits.
We also remember stories of a mysterious sonic boom, an unusual teacher’s pet, a groundbreaking wolf, a heroic mother, and a wedding cracker named Tom Hanks.
Here are some of the most-read patch stories in Los Angeles County in 2021:
Mysterious Sonic Boom rattles SoCal – Los Angeles
Widespread reports of an earthquake turned out to be a Sonic Boom, sending shock waves across Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Coyote enters the Northridge classroom on the first day of school
The Parish School of Notre-Dame de Lourdes received an unusual new student on its first day of class.
Almost 500 unvaccinated LAUSD employees lose their jobs
The workers make up less than 1 percent of the district’s workforce and can be reinstated after vaccination.
Watch: Tom Hanks crashes the couple’s beach wedding in Santa Monica
Tom Hanks crashed a Santa Monica wedding and asked if he could pose for a photo with the new couple.
Man stabbed to death without mask in grocery store: police
A man was stabbed to death after arguing with a grocery store security guard for not wearing a mask.
‘No Is Beautiful’ mural debut in Venice
A poet and artist share a simple message with Venice: “No is beautiful”.
Yes, Meghan really worked at Humphrey Yogart
Former Meghan Markle told Oprah Winfrey that she built her work ethic with the Sherman Oaks-based company in the ’90s.
The story goes on
Gray Wolf makes record trip to Southern California – Patch
A gray wolf has been spotted in Ventura County marking the furthest south that a wolf has seen in a century, wildlife officials said.
COVID-19 Vaccine Required For Bars And Breweries In LA County
Los Angeles County’s bars, breweries and nightclubs must have their first dose of vaccine by October 7th.
Mother celebrated because she had saved her son from the mountain lion
Community members celebrate a mother who saved her son and debate wildlife policy after Thursday’s mountain lion attack.
Restaurant Monrovia included in the Bib Gourmand list of the Michelin Guide
The Bib Gourmand highlights restaurants that offer delicious food and exceptional service at affordable prices.
LAUSD withdraws from vaccination mandate for students – Patch
December 14, 2021 – The Los Angeles Unified School District will postpone enforcement of its student vaccination mandate from January through Fall 2022.
Southern California News Group journalists win a 64-19 union vote
The union effort spanned 11 newsrooms across southern California, including the Daily News, Register and Star-News.
Monrovia wants to pay residents and workers to ride bicycles
Monrovia’s Biking for Bucks program offers up to $ 350 worth of refunds to anyone who purchases a new bike.
Halyna Hutchins shot dead by Alec Baldwin while filming
Halyna Hutchins, a Los Angeles-based cinematographer, died on the set of Rust on Thursday when a prop gun fired a bullet.
LA County is taking the next steps to return Bruce’s beach to the descendants
Los Angeles County’s Board of Directors has taken the first step to return Bruce’s Beach to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce.
Police thwart potential smash-and-grave in SoCal Mall
Santa Monica police say an attempted robbery was stopped at a local mall.
Kim Kardashian West and Pete Davidson dine at the Santa Monica Spot
This new couple stepped into a favorite Santa Monica restaurant.
Healing House Den Mother opens in Venice
Den Mother, a new pharmacy and wellness location, opens next to Butcher’s Daughter on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Bonin recall: group says they have 39,000 signatures to force the vote
The group pushing for Los Angeles councilman Mike Bonin to be removed say they have enough signatures to initiate a removal.
Former LA prosecutor supports legal action against Gascon
Two former LA County district attorneys supported a DA deputy union complaint against DA Gascon.
Belcampo closes months after allegations of mislabelled meat
Just months after a butcher revealed that the meat from the sustainable meat company is non-local and non-organic, Belcampo is over.
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair returns with a new spirit
“It’s a celebration of our community and our resilience.”
Scientists reveal major DDT pollution along the Los Angeles coastline
Researchers share survey results from a DDT poison dump off the coast of Southern California near Rancho Palos Verdes and Catalina.
Photos: Before and after the homeless camps leave the promenade of Venice
More than 211 people have moved to apartments from the Venice Beach boardwalk. These are the before and after photos.
Beverly Hills faces a class action lawsuit for racial profiling
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump will answer for the arrest of 106 black people against the city of Beverly Hills.
Will Malibu Leave the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District?
Malibu and Santa Monica residents discussed a potential divorce in the district. No decision has been made yet.
Nonprofit will fill gaps in responding to gas leaks at Aliso, County
A new nonprofit will address the permanent health effects of the 2015 gas leak in Aliso Canyon.
Anti-vaccine protesters take on students and parents
During an anti-vaccine rally on Wednesday in Hawthorne Elementary, protesters followed children and their parents on their way to school.
USC sees more reports of sexual assault; Students protest in line
USC announces further reports of sexual assault as students continue to protest and urge administration to do better.
Disneyland reopens for the city of Anaheim on a monumental day
Disneyland Resort is reopening to guests after being closed for more than a year. “This is the beginning of our economic recovery,” says Mayor Harry Sidhu.
Orange County beaches closed due to 126K “catastrophic” oil spill
The OC Health Care Agency rated the area’s beaches after a 126,000 gallon oil spill occurred in OC waters in October.
Home invasion caught on camera by ‘real housewife’ Dorit Kemsley
Police are hoping someone will recognize the three men who broke into Dorit Kemsley’s house and threatened to kill the reality TV star.
This article originally appeared on the Los Angeles Patch
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