Mom Fights Lion, Wedding Crasher Tom Hanks, Sonic Boom: LA's 2021

LOS ANGELES, CA — As 2021 comes to a close, we take a look back at the year's most-read news stories in Los Angeles.

In a year that opened with a deadly coronavirus surge and is ending the same way, we remember the lives lost to the pandemic and the beloved businesses forced to shutter. But we also celebrate the spirit of determination and unity behind the herculean effort to vaccinate more than 6 million Angelenos. And we give thanks for the people who made our days brighter in this difficult time.

We take a look back at vaccine rollout and the mandates that led to hundreds of thousands of vaccinations as well as protests and lawsuits.

We also recall stories about a mysterious sonic boom, an unlikely teacher's pet, a trailblazing wolf, a heroic mom, and a wedding crasher 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 that sent shockwaves across Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Coyote Joins Northridge Classroom On First Day Of School

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School got an unlikely new student on their first day of classes.

Almost 500 Unvaccinated LAUSD Employees Lose Their Jobs

The workers make up less than 1 percent of the district's workforce, and they may be eligible for re-employment upon getting inoculated.

Watch: Tom Hanks Crashes Couple's Santa Monica Beach Wedding

Tom Hanks crashed a wedding in Santa Monica and asked if he could pose for a photo with the new couple.

Man Stabbed Over Not Wearing Mask In Grocery Store: Police

A man was stabbed after getting into a fight with a grocery store security guard over not wearing a mask.

'No Is Beautiful' Mural Debuts In Venice

A poet and artist share a simple message with Venice: "No is Beautiful."

Yes, Meghan Really Worked At Humphrey Yogart

The former Meghan Markle told Oprah Winfrey that she gained her work ethic while employed at the Sherman Oaks-based company during the '90s.

Gray Wolf Makes Record Journey To Southern California - Patch

A gray wolf was spotted in Ventura County, marking the farthest south a wolf has been seen in a century, wildlife officials said.

COVID-19 Vaccine Required For LA County Bars, Breweries

Employees and patrons of Los Angeles County's bars, breweries and nightclubs will have to get the first dose of a vaccine by Oct. 7.

Mother Celebrated For Saving Her Son From Mountain Lion

Community members celebrate a mom who saved her son and debate wildlife policy in the wake of Thursday's mountain lion attack.

Monrovia Restaurant Named To Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand List

The Bib Gourmand spotlights restaurants that offer delicious food and exceptional service at affordable prices.

LAUSD Backs Down On Vaccine Mandate For Students - Patch

Dec 14, 2021 — The Los Angeles Unified School District will delay the enforcement of its student vaccine mandate from January to the fall of 2022.

Southern California News Group Journalists Win Union Vote 64-19

The unionization effort involved 11 newsrooms across Southern California, including the Daily News, Register and Star-News.

Monrovia Wants To Pay Residents And Workers To Ride A Bike

Monrovia's "Biking for Bucks" program offers anyone who purchases a new bicycle a reimbursement worth up to $350.

Halyna Hutchins Shot By Alec Baldwin In Filming Accident

Halyna Hutchins, a Los Angeles-based cinematographer, died Thursday on set of "Rust" when a prop gun fired a bullet.

LA County Takes Next Steps To Return Bruce's Beach To Descendants

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took the first step to return Bruce's Beach to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce.

Police Thwart Possible Smash-And-Grab At SoCal Mall

Santa Monica police say an attempted smash-and-grab robbery was stopped at a local mall.

Kim Kardashian West, Pete Davidson Dine At Santa Monica Spot

This new couple stepped out at a favorite Santa Monica restaurant.

Healing House Den Mother Opens In Venice

Den Mother, a new apothecary and wellness location, opens next door to the Butcher's Daughter on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Bonin Recall: Group Says It Has 39K Signatures To Force Vote

The group pushing to recall Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin says it has enough signatures to initiate a recall vote.

Former LA DA's Support Legal Action Against Gascon

Two former LA County district attorneys have lent their support to legal action against DA Gascon by a deputy DA union.

Belcampo Closes Months After Allegations Over Mislabeled Meat

Just months after a butcher revealed meat from the sustainable meat company was not local and not organic, Belcampo has ended.

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Returns With New Spirit

"It’s a celebration of our community and our resiliency."

Scientists Reveal Major DDT Pollution Along Los Angeles Coast

Researchers share survey findings from a DDT toxic dump site off the coast of Southern California near Rancho Palos Verdes and Catalina.

Photos: Before & After Homeless Camps Leave Venice Boardwalk

More than 211 people have moved off the Venice Beach boardwalk and into housing. These are the before and after photos.

Beverly Hills Faces Racial Profiling Class Action Suit

Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump will be taking on the city of Beverly Hills over the arrest of 106 people of color.

Will Malibu Leave Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District?

Malibu and Santa Monica residents sounded off on a potential district divorce. No decision has been made yet.

Nonprofit Will Address Gaps In County's Aliso Gas Leak Response

A new nonprofit will address the lasting health implications of the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak.

Anti-Vaccine Protesters Take On School Students, Parents

During an anti-vaccine rally at Hawthorne Elementary Wednesday, protesters followed children and their parents on their walk to school.

USC Sees More Sexual Assault Reports; Students Protest On The Row

USC announces more sexual assault reports as students continue to protest and ask the administration to do better.

Disneyland Reopens On Monumental Day For City Of Anaheim

Disneyland Resort reopens for guests after being closed for more than a year. "This begins our economic recovery," Mayor Harry Sidhu says.

Orange County Beaches Closed Due To 'Disastrous' 126K Oil Spill

The OC Health Care Agency assessed area beaches after a 126,000-gallon oil spill hit OC waters in October.

Home-Invasion Of 'Real Housewife' Dorit Kemsley Caught On Camera

Police hope someone will recognize the three men who broke into Dorit Kemsley's home and threatened to kill the reality TV star.

This article originally appeared on the Los Angeles Patch