Castro Valley Year in Review 2017

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — 2017 is nearly in the books. While some people will be happy when this year is behind us, for others, it was momentous. Some of your neighbors got engaged or married, while others had a baby. Some graduated from college, or started their dream jobs.

As we pause for a few minutes to look back on the year, rather than look at crime, fires, traffic accidents or winter flooding and mudslides, we’re taking stock of some of the things that brought smiles to our faces, or caused our chests to swell with pride.

The Golden State Warriors clinched another Championship. A joyous throng some one million strong descended on Oakland to celebrate with the team at a victory parade and rally. Warriors fever was heated, as one fan paid a staggering amount of money for courtside seats at Game 5. Meanwhile, 2017 also marked the year that the Warriors broke ground on a privately funded, $1 billion arena in San Francisco.

Many animals won our hearts this year. Remember the feisty kitten who clung to the undercarriage of a speeding police cruiser? Or the bobcat that was nursed back to health after being hit by a car? The mama duck who stood guard next to a storm sewer after her ducklings fell in. And the Clydesdale that was rescued from a ravine. Plenty of people are willing to step in to help animals when they can’t help themselves.

We love the photos submitted by our Castro Valley readers. Lake Chabot is a favorite destination for photographers, especially after last winter's rains:

• Impressionistic Lake: Photo Of The Day
• Early Morning Lake Hike: Photo Of The Day
• Spring Morning At Lake Chabot: Photo Of The Week
• Lake Chabot Flooding: Photo of the Week
• Lake Chabot After The Rain
• The Beauty of Lake Chabot: Photo of the Week

Here are some other local stories that caught our eye. What would you add?

Castro Valley Teen Crowned At Pageant

• 15-year-old Olivia Sally is the new Miss Contra Costa County Outstanding Teen 2018.

Glimpse Of Hope In The Ashes

• Amidst the rubble and ashes of the North Bay fires, local sheriff's deputies deployed through Mutual Aid find a sign of hope.

Castro Valley Lottery Ticket Worth $36,861

• Do you have a ticket to Saturday night's drawing? Check your numbers!

Castro Valley Vet Named CA 'Outstanding Veterinarian of the Year'

• Looking for some TLC for your pets? Here's the best vet, according to the California Veterinary Medical Association.

Rescued Clydesdale And Trainer Meet Heroes Who Saved Them

• Rescuers spent 5 hours saving the huge horse from a ravine.

Backyard Gobblers: Castro Valley Photo of the Week

• No need to go to the zoo or an aviary - this photo was snapped in a Castro Valley backyard!