Community Corner
Top 23 CA Stories Of 2023: Hurriquake, Strikes, Jackpots, And More
Take a look back at some of the top stories from across California over the past year.
CALIFORNIA — The year 2023 was a year full of drama. We had extreme weather — a historic drought broken by record snowfall, an unprecedented blizzard and Tropical Storm Hilary.
It was also a year of change, striving, strikes and triumphs.
As we pause to reflect on 2023, we remember breaking news stories, from deadly mass shootings to the actors' strike and the lucky player who purchased a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket worth a whopping $1.765 billion.
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We take another look at big changes in the Golden State, including a ban on popular candy, cereal and soda additives, as well as a minimum wage increase for fast food workers.
We also recall stories that brought smiles to our faces, including a former Orange County high schooler becoming the youngest person in California history to pass the state bar exam.
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Take a look back at some of our top stories of 2023 from California Patch sites.
California will be the first state to ban the additives, which include Red Dye No. 3.
2. CA Pushes Constitutional Amendment On Gun Control
If the resolution passes, California would become the nation's first state to call for a convention about amending the U.S. Constitution.
3. CA 'Toilet To Tap' Proposal Could Be Approved Next Week
State authorities will vote on regulations for turning sewage into drinking water across California.
4. CA Creates First-Ever 'Ebony Alert' For Missing Black Children
California's Amber Alert-like system will be used exclusively for missing Black children and young women.
5. $20 Minimum Wage For CA Fast Food Workers Signed Into Law By Newsom
When it takes effect on April 1, fast food workers in California will have among the highest minimum wages in the country.
California's most extreme drought in the last 126 years has come to an end.
7. Thousands Forced To Switch Insurance As Yet Another Provider Leaves CA
The company has started sending non-renewal notices to its California customers, with policies set to begin expiring next month.
8. Trailblazing CA Senator Dianne Feinstein Dead At 90
Elected to the Senate in 1992, Feinstein, a centrist Democrat, aimed to bridge the gap between her party and the GOP.
9. Actors Go On Strike: SAG-AFTRA Strike Shuts Down Production Nationwide
The ripple effects of historic dual writers and actors strikes will be felt far and wide, packing punches to the economy, film and TV.
10. 9 Shot, 4 Killed At Famed Orange County Biker Bar
Police descended upon Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon in response to a report of a mass shooting with multiple dead.
11. Monterey Park Mass Shooter Killed Himself As Police Closed In
The mass shooting followed a Lunar New Year celebration that drew tens of thousands to the Southern California city.
12. Former OC Student Is Youngest Ever To Pass CA Bar Exam
A former Orange County high schooler passed the bar at 17.
13. Hollywood Sign At 100: A History Of The Icon's First Century
Civic leaders celebrated the Hollywood Sign's 100th birthday on Oct. 31. Here's a rundown of the highs and lows of the centenarian's life.
14. Pilot Of Missing Submersible Is From Prominent CA Family
Among his ancestors are two signers of the Declaration of Independence and a famous San Francisco philanthropist.
15. YouTuber Pilot Crashed Plane In CA For Views: DOJ
Trevor Jacob, a former Olympic snowboarder, agreed to plead guilty to obstructing a federal investigation by destroying the plane wreckage.
Team owners voted unanimously on the selection during league meetings in Dallas.
17. 'Epic' Winter Storm Slams California With Blizzards, Flooding
Most of California remained under a weather watch or warning as snow and heavy rainfall closed roads and prompted rescues.
18. 'Hurriquake,' Record Rain, Mudslides, And Floods: Hilary Slams CA
Beset by natural disasters, the Golden State continues to endure floods, evacuations and widespread school closures amid the historic storm.
19. 'Super El Niño' A Likelihood As Phenomenon Reaches Historic Strength
There is now a 54% chance of a "historically strong" El Niño winter as well a quick end to the pattern by spring and summer.
20. Pilot Took Psychedelic Mushrooms Before He Tried To Cut Engines: DOJ
According to federal prosecutors, the pilot told investigators he had taken psychedelic mushrooms and was sleep-deprived and depressed.
21. $1.77 Billion Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In CA
Lottery officials said one ticket matching all five white numbers plus the red Powerball was purchased in California to win $1.765 billion.
22. Disneyland Guests Take Last Rides On Splash Mountain
The iconic log flume ride will officially close to begin its long-planned transformation.
Also see:
- Disney Offers First Look Into Tiana's Bayou Adventure Ride: Report
- 16 New Rides Could Be Added To Disneyland Park As Part Of Expansion
23. SeaWorld San Diego Opening 'Fastest Straddle Coaster On West Coast'
Arctic Rescue, the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast, is set to open at SeaWorld San Diego.
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