Top 25 CA Stories Of 2025: The Fires, Protests, Special Election, Immigration Raids, World Series And More

Take a look back at some of the top stories from across California over the past year.

25 Most Memorable CA Animal Stories Of 2025

Patch has curated some of this year's most adorable and interesting animal stories.

2 Ski Patrollers Caught In Mammoth Avalanche

Both patrollers were hospitalized, with one sustaining serious injuries, the resort said Friday morning.

25 Incredible Reader Images From 2025: California In Photos

From fiery ocean sunsets to bobcats to egrets to vineyards to the Golden Gate Bridge, here are some incredible images you shared with us.

Powerful Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel, Sex Trafficking Sting, Bay Area Quake: CA In Brief

Here are California's headlines you might have missed while you were prepping for the holiday.

25 CA Stories From 2025 That Will Make You Smile

Californians received awards, saved lives, won lotteries and more. Patch curated some of this year's positive and uplifting stories.

10 California Nonprofits You Can Support This 2025 Holiday Season

From helping former gang members to trying to rid the world's oceans of plastic, these nonprofits work year-round.

Christmas Eve Powerball Jackpot Climbs To $1.7B: What To Know In California

If won, the jackpot would become the fourth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

Great Horned Owl Embedded In Vehicle Grill Rescued In SoCal

It took about 30 minutes to remove the owl.

California’s Weirdest Stories Of 2025

From mortuary mishaps, cult murder cases, neon blue pigs and a Labubu heist, Patch reported on this year's strangest happenings.

Betty Reid Soskin, Oldest National Park Service Ranger, Dies At 104

"She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave," her family wrote on social media Sunday.

Powerball Jackpot Rises To $1.1 Billion For Monday's Drawing

The estimated jackpot is the 12th largest lottery jackpot in American pick.

CA Community Ranked Nation's Best Place To Live For Older Adults

The AARP released its 2025 rankings of the top communities, and one California city leads the list, which includes four Golden State cities.

Trafficked Teen Rescued | Costco Controversy | 6 Hurt In Explosion | Porch Pirates Caught: Patch PM

ALSO: Wounded Squirrel Rescued; Youth Charity Exec Took Money For 49ers Seats: DOJ; Teen Car Thieves Caught; 120 Drivers Cited In One Town.

Powerball Jackpot Hits $1B: When To Buy Tickets In CA For Next Drawing

The jackpot could soar even higher before Saturday night’s drawing.

Northern Lights May Be Visible In CA Tonight: Report

A solar storm is expected to power the lights across many northern states, and maybe even California, according to a news report.

Powerball Jackpot Grows To $875M In CA

The jackpot for Monday's drawing is the seventh-largest jackpot in the history of the Powerball game.

These Are The Most Fun Cities In CA In 2025: Report

WalletHub considered entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs.

No Prison For Woman Who Live-Streamed Mom's Slaying | Fake Talent Scout Lures Girl: PD | Top Eatery: Patch PM

ALSO: Two bodies found on BART; Notorious reckless-driver caught; False earthquake alert; Woman saved from fire that killed cats

CA Residents Without REAL ID To Face New Fee

Air travelers who haven’t yet gotten their REAL IDs will be charged a fee beginning in February.

CA City Becomes First To Ban Pickleball: Report

This wealthy, coastal town said their pickleball scene became a "madhouse."

How To See The Child Supermoon In CA And Upcoming Geminid, Ursid Meteor Showers

December 2025 is ideal for night sky viewing in California with the final supermoon of the year known as the Cold Moon or Child Moon.

Raccoons Are Showing Signs Of Domestication In CA, Study Says

A new study suggests city raccoons’ steady access to human garbage may be making them increasingly tolerant of people.

Restored Volkswagen "Magic Bus" That Somehow Survived Major California Wildfire Makes Public Debut

A vintage blue VW bus became an unlikely symbol of resilience after it survived a California wildfire and made its public debut this week.

Kitten Rescued | Controversial Toilets | Employees Win Back Stolen Wages | Teen 3D Ghost Gunmaker: Patch PM

ALSO: Car plows through building; Man sentenced for child sex crimes; Couple recoups stolen wages; Pesticide company settles.

Earthquake Rattles Central California: Did You Feel It?

The quake hit at 9:54 a.m., about five miles west of Templeton, according to USGS.

Patch Readers Split On ‘6–7’. Have You Heard The Phrase?

The phrase is being called out on school campuses seemingly nationwide. Have you heard it? Take our survey.

Baby Sea Otter Is Reunited With Mother In Central California After Dramatic Rescue

After the baby and mom became separated, she determinedly followed the rescuers' boat as when they blasted audio of the pup crying.

Judge Bars Trump From Immediately Cutting Funding To The University Of California

A judge cited a playbook of initiating civil rights investigations to justify cutting funding to bring universities "to their knees."

Mega Millions Jackpot Grows To Almost $1B For Friday’s Drawing: What To Know In CA

The massive jackpot grew after no one matched all six numbers in Tuesday's drawing.

Student Shot At School | 'Heinous Killer' Convicted | Soccer Star Dies | Storm Flooding: Patch PM

ALSO: Waymo robotaxis on freeways; Earthquake rattles Bay Area; Storm not over; Air travel delays and cancellations; Shooting at college.

Every Generation Is Moving Away From California: Report

The Golden State ​is losing residents faster than any other state in the​ country, according to a new report.

The Government Shutdown Prompts The Cancellation Of Some Veterans Day Events

The longest federal government shutdown on record is curtailing and outright canceling parades, ceremonies and other Veterans Day events.

Mega Millions Jackpot Grows To $843M For Friday's Drawing: What To Know In CA

The massive jackpot, which has a cash value of $391.7 million, grew after no one matched all six numbers in Tuesday's drawing.

Daylight Saving Time Ending Soon In CA: Here's When To Turn Clocks Back

As daylight hours dwindle, Californians will adjust their clocks soon. Here's what to expect and when.

These Stinky, Dangerous Ancient Trees Torment Californians With Stench Each Fall

The chemical that causes the smell is also prevalent in the smell of vomit and rancid butter.

12 CA Cities Rank Among The Top 50 Safest In America: Report

WalletHub compared 182 cities across three key dimensions: home and community safety, natural-disaster risk, and financial safety.

Major Change Affecting Social Security Payments In CA For 2026

Social Security recipients in California will get a cost of living increase in 2026. See what it means for monthly payments.

Home And Auto Insurance Rates Skyrocket In CA: What's The Response?

The financial burden of home and auto insurance premiums has ignited public outcry.

Harvest Moon Starts A Trio Of Supermoons: What To Know In CA

It's a potentially stunning season for the skies in the Golden State.