Community Corner
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.
The year has almost come to a close, so we are taking a look back at some of the top stories from across California over the past year.
As we pause to reflect on 2025, we remember breaking news stories, from a massive earthquake triggering a tsunami advisory for California to some of the most destructive wildfires in the Golden State's history.
There were big changes in the state, including business closures and special election results. And there were stories that brought smiles to our faces such as the dazzling northern lights being seen as far south as Southern California, as well as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announcing their engagement.
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Take a look back at some of our top stories of 2025 from California Patch sites.
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The man accused of starting the fire has European roots, lived in one of the priciest neighborhoods in the U.S. and drove for Uber.
The crash set homes and vehicles on fire and forced evacuations in the area.
3. 21 Children Removed From LA County Couple Accused Of Tricking Surrogate Mothers: Report
Police are investigating child abuse claims against an Arcadia couple who reportedly hired surrogate mothers to carry children for them.
4. Adoring Throng Lines Streets Of LA To Salute Champion Dodgers
More than 200,000 people attended last year's World Series parade, and officials said even more were expected this year.
5. Artillery Explodes Over I-5, Hitting CHP Vehicles Near Camp Pendleton
The interstate was closed at the time, as artillery was set to be fired as part of a Marine celebration, but one round exploded early.
6. Baby Allegedly Kidnapped, Mother Attacked Outside SoCal Shopping Center: Police
An infant was kidnapped from a Yucaipa Big 5 Sporting Goods store. Now his parents are organizing a search to help find their son.
7. Beach Boys Founder Brian Wilson Dies At 82
Brian Wilson, a giant of modern music and driving force of The Beach Boys, has died at 82.
8. CBS Cancels 'Late Show With Stephen Colbert' Days After He Joked About 'Big Fat Bribe' To Trump
CBS' late-night show is coming to an end over three decades after it first aired.
9. Celebrity Homes Burn To The Ground In Palisades Fire: Reports
Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton were among the stars who lost homes, according to reports.
Also see:
The ordinance will limit federal immigration officers from conducting raids on municipal property.
11. Federal Government Shuts Down: What To Know In CA
Federal workers from California are expected to be furloughed or fired amid a federal government shutdown.
Also see:
- House Votes To End Shutdown: See How CA Delegation Voted
- Lawmakers Move To End Shutdown: CA Senators Vow Fight
12. Gene Hackman's Wife's Phone Calls Change Authorities' Conclusions About Their Deaths
Gene Hackman's wife and caretaker, Betsy Arakawa, canceled her own doctor's appointment because she had to take care of him.
13. In-N-Out Owner Leaving CA: 'Doing Business Is Not Easy Here'
The iconic California chain is launching an eastern office in Tennessee.
14. Jimmy Kimmel's Show Suspended By ABC Over Comments About Charlie Kirk
The move comes the same day Nexstar Media Group Inc. announced its ABC-affiliated stations would pre-empt the show starting Wednesday night.
15. Lakers To Be Sold For $10B In Largest Ever U.S. Sports Team Sale: Report
The Lakers' $10 billion sale will mark the largest-ever sale of a U.S. professional sports team.
16. Major Pharmacy Closes All CA Locations Amid Bankruptcy
The company has information available for those who need to obtain immunization and prescription records.
17. Northern Lights Seen Across CA: Powerful Solar Storm Peaks Wednesday For Another Chance To See
Check out amazing pictures of aurora displays caused by a powerful geomagnetic storm. They were seen overnight as far south as SoCal.
18. Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath Legend, Dead At 76
The musician's death came weeks after his farewell show.
19. Prop. 50 Passes In California: Rebuke Of Trump, Victory For Newsom
See live results for Tuesday's Statewide Special Election.
20. San Diego Agrees To Pay $30M To Settle Suit Of Teen's Shooting Death By SDPD
His family's attorneys believe the proposed settlement may be the largest paid in a case stemming from a police killing in U.S. history.
21. Something Alarming Is Happening To Gray Whales Off California's Coast
"There are warning signs there that we've seen before," one expert said.
The singer and NFL player are planning to tie the knot.
23. 'They Left The Lawnmower Running.' ICE Agents Swarm Gardeners In SoCal Neighborhood
Immigration agents tossed cell phones, keys inside vehicles, leaving lawn mowers running as they plucked workers from yards, homeowners say.
24. Trump Must End National Guard Deployment In LA And Return Control To Newsom, Judge Orders
The Trump administration's federalization of the California National Guard has created a "national police force," the judge wrote.
25. West Coast Upgraded To Tsunami Advisory After Massive Russian Earthquake
The earthquake triggered a tsunami in Siberia, and smaller waves are expected to reach California around midnight.
More Stories:
- Bodies Of 2 Men Found Submerged In Tesla, Below I-5 In Laguna Niguel
- County Accuses Bay Area Sheriff Of Affair With Staffer And Punishing Whistleblowers
- Gramma The Galapagos Tortoise, Oldest Animal At San Diego Zoo, Dies
- Husband Confesses To Murdering Wife, Digging Up And Raping Her Corpse
- 'MAGA Invasion' Planned At Disneyland For 2026
- Man Swept Into Ocean At Same State Park Where Dad And 7-Year-Old Daughter Died
- Owner Of North County Pet Cremation Business That Abruptly Closed Arrested
- San Diego Officer Becomes Nation's Only Amputee Motorcycle Cop
- 'Shattered In An Instant:' Murrieta Grandmother Survives Brutal Attack. A Community Gathers To Support Her
- Singer D4vd Is Suspect In Death Of Girl Found Dismembered In His Tesla: Reports
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