Kids Donate Cash | Small Town Sanctuary| Los Al, Seal Beach: 2018

SEAL BEACH, CA —Orange County stories on Patch.com ranged from glorious images of our beautiful city to news of the strange. Patch editors shared stories of local fires, car thefts and architectural delights. Area high school students marched for their lives, in honor of those killed in Parkland Florida's mass shooting event.

Here are a few of the photos, news stories and neighborhood tales of note from the past 12 months. As 2018 comes to a close, Patch looks back on the stories that got you, our readers, talking.

Homeless Woman Reunites With Son, Thanks To Seal Beach Community

It was a tearful reunion for this family, reunited after homelessness, thanks to the community of Seal Beach.

Baby Gray Whale Splashes Off Seal Beach, Hundreds Watch

Hundreds gathered to see this baby gray whale splash just off-shore off the coast of Seal Beach. Did you see it?

Seal Beach Helps Doughnut Shopkeeper Get Home To Sick Wife

Have you visited Donut City lately? Residents band together and buy doughnuts to help a local store owner get home where he is needed.

Seal Beach Principal Faces Backlash Following Anti-Nike Criticism

An Orange County principal posted her distaste of a Nike ad on social media. Then, the parents had their say.

Los Alamitos Declares Sanctuary From Sanctuary City Law

The Los Alamitos City Council declared its intentions on Monday to declare sanctuary from becoming a sanctuary city.

Elderly Seal Beach Woman Accused Of Embezzling Over $100K

This 71-year-old Seal Beach woman was arrested Saturday on charges embezzling from her homeowner's association.

Multiple House Fires In Orange County During Strong Santa Anas

Three separate house fires in the city of Westminster were reported within 24 hours. Two people were injured and a wayward pup was recovered

Los Al Students Given $23K To Learn The Joy Of Giving

If you knew that you could change someone's life, would you? These Los Al students were granted $500 each to give to those who need it most.

Los Alamitos Choir Is Tops In U. S.

The Los Alamitos High School Show Choir has received some of the highest accolades in the country.

Wozniak's Ex-Fiancee Convicted As Accessory To For-Hire Murders

The verdict was announced against Rachel Mae Buffett, the one-time fiancee of Daniel Patrick Wozniak, the convicted double murderer.

Taco 'bout Weird: See Woman Fall Through Taco Shop Ceiling

WATCH: Sabroso! Mexican Grill lauded by Guy Fieri in "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" let a non-customer use the bathroom. Then, this happened.

Hero Of The Heart Honored In Los Alamitos

Los Alamitos resident Dave Locke was recently honored for his work on behalf of the LASUD students.

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