Top 20 California Stories Of 2020

Kristina Houck

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 2020, we remember the lives lost and honor the frontline heroes of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. We look back on stay-at-home orders, required face masks and panic shopping. We also remember the lives lost and honor the heroes of the devastating wildfires that impacted our state. We take another look at the historic election, as well as the peaceful police protests and destructive riots. We also recall stories that brought smiles to our faces and filled us with pride, including the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the MLB World Series and the Los Angeles Lakers winning the NBA Championship.

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. California Electors Hand Trump Defeat, Give Biden The White House

Joe Biden won the White House Monday when California's 55 electors pushed him across the 270 electoral college vote threshold.

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2. Trump Bans Air Travel From Europe To Combat Coronavirus Pandemic

The president addressed the nation to announce European travel ban after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic and stocks sunk.

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3. California Issues 'Stay-At-Home Order': Coronavirus

Californians may only leave their home to get food and essential supplies and services, effective immediately and until further notice.

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4. CA Hits 1M COVID-19 Cases; Records Steepest Surge Since Summer

The Golden State's health secretary said he was "worried" as California became the second U.S. state to surpass 1 million coronavirus cases.

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5. 'Hope Has Arrived': CA's First Doses Of Vaccine Land In State

Pfizer's two-dose coronavirus vaccines arrived in California on Sunday, and health care workers will get the first doses Monday morning.

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6. Navy Fires Captain Of SD-Based Ship Who Sought Help: Coronavirus

Currently, 114 sailors from the San Diego-based USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.

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7. 19 Dead; 3.1M Acres Burned; 3,900 Structures Lost: CA Fires Map

Plus, the August fire is now considered the largest in California history in this "record-breaking" year.

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8. Protests Rage On Across LA, Targeting Elite Communities

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9. 2020 Census Count To End A Early: California Response Rate

Plagued by outreach challenges amid the pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau will end all counting efforts for the 2020 census on Sept. 30.

10. Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Challenge To CA 'Sanctuary' Law

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected the Trump administration's bid to void California's "sanctuary" law, protecting immigrants.

11. Murder Hornet' Sightings In California? No, Says UCR Professor

UCR Professor Doug Yanega has studied Asian giant hornets and is watching developments in Washington State and Canada.

12. Kobe Bryant, Daughter, 7 Others Killed In Helicopter Crash

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant was killed along with one of his daughters and seven others in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.

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13. Harvey Weinstein Charged With Rape In Los Angeles

The disgraced movie mogul is accused of attacking two women over the course of two days in 2013, according to Los Angeles prosecutors.

14. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Move Home To Los Angeles

Prince Harry and his wife, Hollywood native Meghan Markle, reportedly made the move to Los Angeles while the getting was good.

15. Lori Loughlin And Husband To Plead Guilty In College Scandal

Lori Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli have agreed to go to prison in a plea deal for their role in the wide-ranging conspiracy.

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16. Elon Musk Leaves California On A Bitter Note

Recently made the world's second-richest man, Elon Musk appears to be over California and has moved to tax-friendly Texas.

17. Calif. Supreme Court Overturns Scott Peterson's Death Penalty

The justices in a separate ruling upheld Peterson's 2004 murder conviction.

18. Duncan Hunter Sentenced To Prison For Misusing Campaign Funds

Former Rep. Duncan Hunter was ordered to surrender to authorities on May 29.

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19. Lakers Beat The Heat To Win NBA Championship

The Lakers brought the trophy back to Los Angeles for the first time in a decade, tying the league record for most championships.

20. Dodgers Win World Series, Ending 32-Year Drought

The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to end the city's 32-year World Series drought.

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This article originally appeared on the San Diego Patch

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