COVID Arrives In OC | RIP Kobe, Gianna| Whale Smiles: 2020 Review

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA —If we knew then what we know now, what would life have looked like this year? January arrived with faint stories of the tough strain of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. Then, Orange County became the epicenter as officials attempted to relocate one of the first known cases in the country.

Meanwhile, in Laguna Niguel and Dana Point, a neighborhood eyesore became the focal point of the city council as neighbors tried to figure out what was going on at the Seaside Inn.

This look at the most-read Orange County stories is part one of the four part series:

Patch 2020: Year in Review: Part One

7 Things To Know About Coronavirus In the Southland

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — When you go to the doctor with symptoms of a cold or the flu this spring, chances are you will be asked screening questions to determine if you have contracted the novel or "new"... Read more

OC Mourns Teammates, Parents, Friends Lost In Helicopter Crash

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Orange County mourned the loss of nine of its own in Sunday's helicopter crash in Calabasas. On Tuesday, Los Angeles County coroner's officials said they recovered all... Read more

Coronavirus Emergency Declared In Orange County

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —Orange County Supervisors and health officials gathered in a press conference Wednesday to declare the coronavirus a local emergency. Following the CDC's announcement Wednesday... Read more

Coronavirus Patient Shuffle In Costa Mesa After Restraining Order

COSTA MESA, CA —An influx of patients infected with the novel coronavirus quarantined on a cruise ship were blocked from Costa Mesa, Sunday, after the mayor halted the process with a well placed restraining... Read more

Friendly Gray Whale Plays With Dana Point Whale Watchers

DANA POINT, CA—Gray whale sightings have surged in recent months, but no encounter has been so exciting as one experienced by whale watchers this week, according to Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale... Read more

What's Next For Capistrano Seaside Inn: Eyesore And Historic Fail

DANA POINT, CA — For three years, the failed historic motor lodge known as the Capistrano Seaside Inn has sat abandoned and waiting for the California Receivership Group and the city of Dana Point's... Read more

Coronavirus Changes Life In OC From Hoarding To Helping

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —In just 24-hours, the coronavirus upended everyday life across Orange County. This week was a barrage of bad news getting worse, as the nation realized the depth and breadth... Read more

Read also:

Part 1: Patch OC 2020 Winter, A Year In Review

Part 2: Patch OC 2020 Spring, A Year In Review

Part 3: Patch OC 2020 Summer, A Year In Review

Part 4: Patch OC 2020 Fall, A Year In Review