California's Must-See Photos: 2015

By AUTUMN JOHNSON (Patch Staff)

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words” and we think these dramatic photos elicit some powerful emotions as well.

Here’s a sampling of a few of the incredible photos featured on Patch sites across California this year. Some of these shots will make you cry, some will make you laugh, and some deserve serious scrutiny.

Unbelievable Scenes From Monstrous Rocky Fire

• Evacuations now at 13,000-plus residents from some 5,000 homes in Northern California’s Lake, Colusa and Yolo counties. See latest photos.

Is This One of Pleasanton’s Legendary Ghosts Captured on Camera?

• One spooky hotel apparition seemed curious about a group of amateur ghost hunters. What do YOU see?

East Bay Community Remembers, Says Goodbye to Slain Hayward Sergeant

• “He stopped evil at night. Protected residents from that evil while they slept,” fellow Sgt. Brian Maloney said. Video of the procession.

PHOTO: Curious Kitty Caught in Tight Spot Brought to Police for Help

• A cat in a serious quandary was taken to the Hayward Police Department Monday and is now recovering at the local shelter.

Buckle Up for Safety! Sea Lion Pup Gets a Ride Back to the Ocean

• Sheriff’s deputies picked up a hitchhiker and took him home--to the surf.

Ghostly Tradition Leads to Unforgettable Fairytale Marriage Proposal

• Did she say yes?

Photo of the Week: Little Guy, Big Fan

• Patch reader Ally Daggy Nurisio shared this sweet photo of Traffic Officer Matt Kroutil spending some with one of Pleasanton youngest citizens.

MUST SEE: ’Lucky’ Tourist Saved in Dramatic Cliff Rescue Near Golden Gate

• Marin County officials say the man clung to the wrist of a stranger, dangling some 300 feet above the San Franciso Bay before he was rescued

Photo of the Week: Livermore’s Golden Aurora

• Livermore resident John Krzesinski shared this incredible shot of the sunrise near Highway 84 in Livermore.‎

Young Woman in Need of Double Lung Transplant: ‘Meeting Taylor Swift Was Best Moment Ever’

• Tiffany Rich’s dream to meet her “inspiration” came true thanks to an online media campaign and the kindness of the pop superstar.

Photo of the Week: Elusive Livermore Resident Caught on Camera

• Patch reader Cathie Cryer Brown was lucky enough to capture a shot of this gorgeous fox spotted in the Arroyo.

Incredible Rescue: Distraught Woman Trying to Jump Off Livermore Overpass Saved By Police, Fire

• An officer held the woman by her fingertips through the chain link fence until firefighters were able to secure her to the fencing.

Berkeley’s Bounty of Butterflies: Photo

• Hundreds of Monarch butterflies were recently spotted at the Aquatic Park in Berkeley.

How A Teen Who Can’t Mountain Climb Got His Name On Top Of Mt. Everest

• The San Ramon Valley High School student’s name is displayed on a flag on the world’s tallest peak, thanks to a special expedition.

Photo of the Week: Dramatic Moment During Sycamore Grove Fire

• Check out this spectacular shot of Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighter Matt Thau during a training burn.

From SoCal:

Shooting Spree in San Bernardino Leaves At Least 14 Dead, 17 Injured

• Following one of the most deadly shootings in the history of the state, 14 local families’ lives were forever changed. As most people planned for the holidays, these families planned funerals.

Cats Of the Internet Bow Down To California Cougar’s Epic Stunt

• Not your typical cat-stuck-on-pole story. We knew cats could climb, but this is incredible.

‘We Card Everyone’ -- Even Sea Lions -- in Newport Beach Bar

• Add this to the list of the oddest places in California to come across a

Wearing Just His Underwear, Motorcycle Rider Turns Heads

• The man was spotted fueling up in Beaumont.

Thousands of Tuna Crabs Swarm SD Beaches

• The pelagic -- or tuna crabs -- were first spotted in Pacific Beach and have been moving further north, lured by El Nino waters.

Did She Say Yes? Rare SoCal Snowstorm Prompts This Beautiful Wedding Proposal Story [PHOTO]

• Snowfall in Temecula made for some especially significant memories for some families. Here’s one.

150-Pound Mountain Lion Caught Roaming at Temecula Mall

• The large cat was spotted near the shopping center. Sadly, officials say it died shortly after capture.

Photo credit: Ranger Glen Florey