Top 19 California Stories Of 2019

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 2019, we remember the lives lost and honor the heroes of the deadly and destructive wildfires and shootings that impacted our state. We take another look at the unprecedented power shutoffs and college admissions scandal. We also recall stories that brought smiles to our faces and filled us with pride, from the world's smallest baby being born to a homeless subway singer's inspiring story.

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. CA Law Requiring Trump To Share Tax Returns Struck Down By Court

The California Supreme Court struck down a law that would have required President Trump to release his tax returns to appear on the ballot.

• Trump's Tax Returns Must Be Turned Over Under New California Law
• Trump Sues To Block California Law Requiring Release Of His Taxes

2. Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting: 3 Victims, Suspect Identified

FBI officials are making an appeal for photos and information regarding the mass casualty case. The suspect's car and home were located.

Also see:

• Gilroy Gunman Targeted Slew Of Groups In Domestic Terror: FBI
• Lawsuit: Security Failings Led To Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting

3. Poway Synagogue Shooting: Suspect Identified As San Diego Man

Officials have named the suspect and victims in the Poway synagogue shooting.

Also see:

• Synagogue Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty: 113 Federal Charges
• Poway Street Renamed For Victim Of Synagogue Shooting

4. Santa Clarita School Shooting: 6 Kids Shot In 16 Second-Attack

A teenager opened fire on classmates at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, killing two, wounding three and turning the gun on himself.

Also see:

• Saugus High School Shooting Suspect Was Boy Scout, Honors Student

5. CA Wildfires: Evacuations And Statewide Emergency

Wind-driven wildfires have scorched tens of thousands of acres, forced evacuations, closed schools and prompted a statewide emergency.

Also see:

• CA Wildfires: New Blazes Start As Strong Winds Continue

6. PG&E Announces Plan To File Bankruptcy

"Chapter 11 will best enable PG&E to resolve its potential liabilities in an orderly, fair and expeditious fashion."

Also see:

• Camp Fire Caused By PG&E Power Lines At 2 Sites, Cal Fire Says
• Camp Fire Cleanup Completed, 1 Year After The Devastating Blaze

7. Investigation Into PG&E Shutoffs Opened By State Commission

The California Public Utilities Commission will investigate whether PG&E obeyed laws and kept the public safe during the recent shutoffs.

• PG&E Power Shutdowns: 600,000 Without Power, Restorations Begin
• 'We Were Not Adequately Prepared': PG&E CEO
• Fires & Power Shutoffs Could Reshape California, One Expert Says

8. The Night CHP Helicopter Crews Spared 42 Lives From Fire

A Napa-based CHP flight officer recalls the harrowing night, and the moment he and the pilot knew exactly what they needed to do.

9. California Boat Fire: 34 Presumed Dead, Rescue Suspended

The Coast Guard suspended its search and rescue efforts Tuesday for survivors after a boat caught fire off the Southern California coast.

• Boat Fire; 20 Bodies Found, 14 Missing And Feared Dead: Report
• IDs Made In California Boat Fire: Safety Concerns Raised

10. College Admissions Scandal Exposed By Parent Charged With Fraud

Facing stock fraud charges, a Yale parent reportedly dropped a dime on the nation's largest college admissions bribery and cheating scheme.

Also see:

• Felicity Huffman Freed From Prison Early
• As Lori Loughlin's Girls Leave USC, She Faces New Charges
• Lori Loughlin's Husband Boasted Of 'Working' The System: Feds

11. Mystery Vaping Illness Claims First Southland Victim: Officials

Los Angeles health officials announced the first fatality statewide from the mysterious vaping illness that has sickened smokers nationwide.

Also see:

• Death Of Marin County Woman Believed To Be Due To Vaping

12. 7.1 Magnitude Quake Rattles Southland

Another large earthquake rattled Southern California Friday evening just after 8:20 p.m.

Also see:

• Larger Aftershock Rattles Southern California
• Earthquake App To Give Angelenos Early Warning For Big Quakes
• Menlo Park Fire Rolls Out First NorCal Earthquake Alert System

13. Horse Racing Suspension Bill Signed By California Governor

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that allows the CA horse racing board to suspend racing licenses to protect the safety of horses and riders.

Also see:

• Another Horse Dies At Santa Anita Ahead Of Opening Day

14. World's Smallest Baby Born At San Diego Hospital

Teeny "Saybie" weighed 8.6 ounces when delivered – equivalent to the weight of a child's juice box.

15. Disneyland Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Survival Guide

Prepare for a journey to the outer rim. Yes, it's going to be hectic, crazy, and worth it in every way for fans. What you need to know.

Also see:

• 11 Of The Most Memorable Disneyland Moments Of 2019

16. Priciest Home Ever Sold in California Goes To Media Mogul Murdoch

The mansion, famous for housing the Clampett TV family in "The Beverly Hillbillies," set a new record for Golden State real estate.

Also see:

• Pink Emoji House Upsets Neighbors In Manhattan Beach

17. Hollywood Dreamer Turned Porn Star Turns Playwright

Florian Klein's "Shooting Star– A Revealing New Musical," a musical comedy set in the adult film industry, is all about heart.

18. With Marie Kondo, Tidying Up Really Is Life-Changing

This widow's experience on the Netflix show "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" was about more than cleaning — it was about honoring her husband.

19. Watch: Subway Singer Meets Cop Who Changed Her Life

She was the homeless subway singer. He was the cop who got the world to listen.