Agoura Hills' Top Stories of 2011

New government officials, the unexpected deaths of young people and a heart-warming rescue effort are just some of the news highlights of 2011.

Here’s our roundup of the year’s top stories and more:

New Mayor and New City Council Members

On November 8, incumbent John Edelston was re-elected to the while newcomer Illece Buckley Weber also won a seat on the dais.

Buckley Weber, who replaced outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Dan Kuperberg, earned the most votes with 1,427. Edelston garnered 1,362 ballots.

Edelston vowed to “continue what he started” while Buckley Weber “wants to strengthen the City Council’s relationship with the school district.”

During the on December 6, Edelston was being as mayor, replacing outgoing Mayor Harry Schwarz.

Death of Griffen Kramer

In October, Griffen Kramer, 18, a backup quarterback for the Thousand Oaks High School football team was found dead at a friend’s Agoura Hills home.

Two months later, the .

Three of Kramer’s friends were booked on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. A fourth one was booked and arrested on a narcotics-related charge.

Kramer was the son of former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer, whose football career included stints with Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and San Diego.

October Suicides

Also in October, .

The former Agoura resident was attending college at the time of his death. While the circumstances surrounding his death, friends believed he was “upset about his grades,” according to a text message and a note he left in his car.

A few days later, an by intentionally driving his car off of Piuma Road and crashing.

Dan Behar, 17, died in the single-vehicle crash that sparked a small brush fire. Prior to his death, Behar bade his fellow students goodbye through a mass text message. He also indicated where they could find his body.

Though unrelated, the two suicides prompted parents, educators and local residents to , to offer comfort, seek answers and discuss other teen-related problems.

Woman Brain Dead After Being Struck by Car

The by UCLA doctors.

Rachela Gorodenzik, 51, of Agoura Hills, was on her way to a Pilates class on December 6, when she was struck by a car driven by Danuda Raczek, 58, who is also from Agoura.

Gorodenzik was treated at the scene and airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, where she was first listed as being in critical condition, authorities said.

Father and Son Rescued at Pyramid Lake

A former Ukrainian singer demonstrated how to give a proper thank-you after being rescued.

after their 10-foot pontoon boat capsized.

Father and son were fishing when a giant wave washed the two overboard. They awaited rescue for about 90 minutes.

On dry land, the older Vasilyez gave sheriff’s deputies a rendition of God Bless America to show his appreciation.

What do you think was the biggest story of 2011 in Agoura Hills? Tel us in the coments below.