California Stories That Made You Say 'What?' In 2021

CALIFORNIA — 2021 was a weird year for California. As the state comes up on two years in the COVID-19 pandemic, the "new normal" looks less normal every day.

Even though much of 2021 was still spent inside, the days are anything but boring thanks to animals sneaking into classrooms and grocery stores, outlandish celebrity drama, unexpected COVID-19 discoveries and some disturbingly odd crime.

Check out some of the weirdest stories from around California this year.

Nature Is Healing

Well — it's certainly doing something. California wildlife generated headlines you'll have to read twice to understand.

In August, a coyote joined a Northridge classroom on the first day of school. The coyote darted past the morning carpool line and straight into an open classroom. Quick-thinking staff trapped it in the room until animal services arrived to remove it. The whole thing blew over quickly until recess the next day, when a middle school student found what must have been the coyote's breakfast: the remains of a cat.

In November, a big ol' bear with a hankering for a slushee walked into a 7-Eleven in Olympic Valley. A video of the encounter was posted to TikTok, in which you can hear an employee yell, "Hey, stop!" Emergency officials eventually came and handled the situation.

More wildlife stories:

• Rare Deep Sea Angler Fish Found On Newport Beach Shores
• Black Bears Take A Dip Alongside Beachgoers In CA Lake
• For The Love Of Rattlesnakes, Don't Call The Fire Department!
• Horse Spotted Roaming Around Chatsworth
• 2 Dead Whales Found Under Australian Ship At Naval Base San Diego
• UCSD Study: Bees Change Risky Behavior Depending On Colony Size
• Pregnant Bear Makes Herself At Home In Monrovia

COVID-19 Chaos

Nearly everything coronavirus-related left Californians scratching their heads this year. Much of what has become normal about pandemic life in California wasn't so easy to accept early on. Now, it's hard to imagine a world with no takeaway margaritas or wastewater testing.

In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom made one of his only unanimously beloved pandemic decisions: To-go cocktails would stay beyond California's reopening.

In August, a Los Angeles county father and son were arrested in Hawaii after being accused of bringing fake vaccination cards with them. Doing so is a violation of the state's travel program, one that can put someone at risk of a year in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Read more bizarre COVID-19 stories:

• Researchers Find SARS-CoV-2 'Gate' That Opens To Allow Infection
• COVID-19 Treatment Not Available At CA Feed Stores, State Warns
• Wastewater Screening Detected 85% Of COVID Cases Early: Study

Celebrity Nonsense

Of course, Californians love a good dose of celebrity drama. This year, celebrities got extra creative.

In June, Oakland A's reliever Sergio Romo dropped his pants on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers as umpires were checking his uniform for foreign substances.

"He's a playful guy," said Bob Melvin, Oakland A's manager.

In September, boxing legend Canelo Alvarez and rival Caleb Plant teased their November fight with a dramatic news conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. In an uncommon move, Alvarez lunged at Plant and ended up cutting his cheek.

More celebrity stories:

• 'Bachelor In Paradise' Star Gives Birth To Son Inside Her Closet
• Kim Kardashian West, Pete Davidson Dine At Santa Monica Spot
• Orlando Bloom Has Malibu Meet And Greet With Sharks
• Conor McGregor Moves Next Door To Rival Floyd Mayweather

Disturbing Crime

California saw some disturbingly odd crime in 2021.

In May, a Caltrans worker found a foot in the center median of State Route 210 in San Bernardino. The worker was doing routine maintenance when he found the foot and turned it over to authorities.

More crime news:

• Mother Arrested After Baby Found Dead In Perris Trash
• San Mateo Men Accused Of Stealing Electricity From School: Photos

Just Downright Weird

These stories escape all sense, from odd political moves to a public bathroom competition. Never a dull moment in "The Golden State."

In August, a SoCal restaurant chain called Farmer Boys offered sweepstakes winners a sleepover in a 6-ton potato. The potato was transformed from the Idaho Potato Commission's Potato Tour to celebrate the chain's 40th anniversary.

Read more stories:

• SEE: A Week Of RedBall In Santa Cruz And Beyond
• Mission Viejo May Become Known For The Best Restroom In America
• Woman Stranded In Ocean Near Marina Del Rey Rescued
• John Cox Bringing Bear Back To Campaign Trail In San Diego