Community Corner
24 CA Stories From 2024 That Will Make You Smile
Californians have received awards, saved lives, won medals, and more. Patch has curated some of this year's positive and uplifting stories.
CALIFORNIA — The news isn't always bad — far from it. Across the Golden State, residents received awards, saved lives, won medals, inspired change and taught us how to make the world a better place in 2024.
As we look back on the year, here are some of the stories that made us smile.
1. 'A Person Is Still Alive Today': Firefighters Commended For Rescue
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
After a "high-risk rescue" from a burning Walnut Creek home, the victim is still alive today, a fire official said.
2. Bay Area's Amit Elor Claims Gold At Paris Olympics, Makes History
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The 20-year-old from Walnut Creek makes history as the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
3. Bay Area Native Becomes 1st Woman To Win Napa To Sonoma Half Marathon
Liza Reichert, a mother of three, made history as the first woman to win the race overall. See photos from the event that attracted 5,000.
Janet Coppedge hit it big on a Scratchers ticket at the A&A Gas and Food Mart on Amador Valley Boulevard.
5. Fire Captain's Disc Toss Saves Man From Flooded San Diego River
The rescue was one of many firefighters and lifeguards performed after heavy rain caused widespread flooding across the region.
6. Former Long Beach Detective Wins $44.3 Million Powerball Jackpot
A former LA County police detective and avid lottery player won a life changing $44.3 million Powerball jackpot.
7. How Good Samaritans Saved Boy From Tuesday's Amber Alert
Two young women searched for the kidnapped 4-year-old boy and helped return him safely to his parents.
8. Jennifer Turpin Finds 'Happily Ever After:' Gothic Wedding Details
Seven years after the 13 Turpin siblings escaped the Perris house of horrors, the eldest daughter married "the love of her life."
9. Lifeguards Honored With Medals Of Valor For Heroic Rescue
Two lifeguards were awarded Medals of Valor for their efforts in rescuing a person drowning in the ocean during dangerous conditions.
10. Man Rescued From Drowning By Fast-Acting Deputies In Malibu
Four deputies who helped save a man from drowning earned commendations from the city of Malibu recently.
11. Mayor Honors Carlsbad Family For Giving Rescue Pup A Home
"This act of kindness is an example of how everyone should respect and love all animals," the commendation noted.
12. Missing WWII Airman's Remains Found After 80 Years: Military
Military agencies were able to find the remains of Thomas V. Kelly, Jr., who was killed in March 1944 in the Pacific.
13. Newsom Seeks Posthumous Pardon For North Bay Medal of Honor Recipient
U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Allen "Butch" Penry returned from Vietnam when there was little understanding of PTSD, the governor's office said.
The Bay Area native is now a philanthropist and author, but her indelible gold medal look from the 1992 Olympics has been recreated as a Barbie doll.
15. Praying Street Vendor Goes Viral In the South Bay: Report
A fruit vendor's moment of faith before starting his workday went viral on TikTok, helping him in his goal to provide for his family.
16. Remains Of Fallen WWII Sergeant Come Home To IE After 80 Years
The remains of Tech Sgt. Donald V. Banta of Los Angeles arrive July 25 at Ontario International Airport. He was killed in action in 1944.
17. San Diego Blood Donor Inducted Into Blood Donation Hall Of Fame
"Ray exemplifies selflessness and generosity as a blood donor," San Diego Blood Bank spokesperson Claudine Van Gonka told Patch.
18. San Diego Girl Scout Honored For Saving Classmate's Life
"Her story serves as a powerful example of how Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead, and a reminder of the difference one person can make."
19. Santa Rosa Man Whose Goats Were Stolen Gets Help From Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri
In the North Bay, there is a widespread search for three goats stolen from a Santa Rosa home in the middle of the day.
20. SDPD Officer Gets Purple Heart For 2005 Iraq War Service
Francisco Roman Jr. received the military commendation at Camp Pendleton.
21. SoCal Rallies For Mountain Biker Seriously Injured In Murrieta Crash
A supporter said the injured rider is a veteran, a Cub Scout leader, a local chef, and a dedicated husband and father.Events
22. SoCal Woman Wins Gold In Surfing At Olympics
An Orange County surfer beat out the best of the best, clinching the women's surfing gold medal.
23. World's Oldest Woman, Born In SF, Celebrates 117th Birthday
Maria Branyas Morera was born in San Francisco in 1907 and returned with her family to Spain in 1915.
24. Young Stroke Survivor Fights To Become Pilates Teacher In South OC
At just 27-years-old, the south Orange County woman suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed. Today, she's reclaiming her life.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
