Top 18 California Stories Of 2018

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

CALIFORNIA – The year has almost come to a close, so we are taking a look back at some of the top stories across California over the past year.

As we pause to reflect on 2018, we remember the lives lost and honor the heroes of the deadly and devastating wildfires and mudslides that impacted our state. But we also recall stories that brought smiles to our faces and filled us with pride, from the Golden State Warriors clinching yet another Championship to locals winning Olympic medals.

From breaking news to heartwarming features, take a look back at some of our top stories from California Patch sites. They are listed in no particular order.

1. Gavin Newsom Elected California's Next Governor

Democrat Gavin Newsom is projected to be California's next governor, signaling a liberal shift for the nation's bluest of states.

Also see:

2. Camp Fire: Deadliest, Most Destructive Wildfire In CA History

"We will come back from the ashes. We are fully committed to building a new Paradise."

Also see:

3. PG&E Profits Going Up In Smoke

Troubled utility has spent millions on lobbyists and lawyers to protect its interests

Also see:

4. Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting: 13 Dead, Suspect Identified

A hooded gunman dressed in all black reportedly threw smoke bombs into the Borderline Bar & Grill Wednesday night and opened fire.

Also see:

5. YouTube HQ Shooting: Suspect ID'd, Posted Rants About Company

Police say a woman believed to be the shooter was found dead after apparently killing herself. She's since been identified in a new report.

Also see:

6. Trump Wants To Build 'See-Through' Border Wall

President Donald Trump traveled to Otay Mesa Tuesday to view prototypes of his proposed border wall.

Also see:

7. Federal Judge In CA Orders Reunification Of Families

"Tears will be flowing in detention centers across the country when the families learn they will be reunited."

Also see:

8. Oceanside Woman Accuses Kavanaugh Of Rape In Anonymous Letter

An anonymous letter purportedly from an Oceanside woman claims Brett Kavanaugh and a friend raped her, it was reported Tuesday.

Also see:

9. Rep. Duncan Hunter And Wife Indicted For Misuse Of Campaign Funds

Hunter and his wife were indicted on charges that they allegedly used more than $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses.

Also see:

10. Golden State Killer, Nightstalker Caught Decades Later: Cops

Decades after the serial killer and rapist terrorized California, police say he's in custody. He was in California, hiding in plain sight.

Also see:

11. Hidden Body, Falsified Records: Inmate's Death Plagues CA Prison

A year after a decomposed body was discovered concealed in a cell, questions remain despite investigations.

Also see:

12. 'Mr. Anti-Bully': Reformed RivCo Bully, 12, Sets A Mistake Right

"I realized this isn't who I want to be," the boy says with wisdom beyond his years. "And so I decided to switch everything around."

Also see:

13. Friend Rides 3,500 Miles Through 9 States For Fallen Dublin Deputy

In 1998, James Del Rio lost his beat partner and best friend. This year, he rode across nine states over the course of 73 days in his honor.

Also see:

14. Genetic Testing Reunites Daughter With Birth Mom For Mother's Day

She always knew she was adopted. What she didn't know was that her vial of spit would lead to meeting her birth mom.

Also see:

15. Las Vegas Shooting Survivors Plan Their Wedding

He saved her life in Las Vegas, and she said yes. This love story has been three years in the making, and at last this pair will say "I Do."

16. Warriors Win NBA Championship, 3rd In 4 Years

Sweep! The Golden State Warriors captured the crown in four straight games over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

17. South Bay Teen Chloe Kim Takes Home Olympic Gold Medal

On her final run, the 17-year-old received a near-perfect score of 98.25 out of a possible 100.

Also see:

18. Pregnant Rhino In San Diego Could Help Save Subspecies

A Southern white rhino named Victoria at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido is pregnant through artificial insemination.

Also see:

(Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

More top California stories:

Image via Patch