The city of Laguna Beach was buzzing with news this year, many of which were tragic stories. The following are the stories which grabbed the attention of most readers.
1. Laguna Beach Police Officer Killed in Traffic Accident
A 41-year-old Laguna Beach police officer was killed in September while on duty when his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck. Officer Jon Coutchie's death was the first line-of-duty death of an LBPD officer since 1953.
2. Laguna Doctor Charged in Fatal High-Speed Crash
Laguna Beach doctor Robert Pettis was charged in November in connection with a high-speed, head on crash that killed two men. Authorities allege Pettis was driving his Tesla Model S at an excessive speed northbound on State Route 133/Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach when he crossed over the double lines into the southbound lanes into oncoming traffic and crashing head-on into a Honda Accord.
3. Canyon Crash Victims Identified; Third Driver Being Sought
Two men were killed on April 2 in a head-on collision on Laguna Canyon Road that involved a Tesla. The collision occurred about 6:40 a.m. on Laguna Canyon Road between El Toro Road and the 73 toll road.
4. Bicyclist Killed in Morning Crash on Laguna Canyon Road Identified
A 53-year-old bicyclist was killed on June 28 while riding southbound towards the city on Laguna Canyon Road. The cyclist and a 48-year-old man from Fullerton were rammed by a white 2010 Toyota Corolla that was being driven by a 25-year-old Irvine woman.
5. Woman Killed in Toll Road Crash Identified
An 83-year-old woman was killed in a single-car crash in August in Laguna Beach when the vehicle she was driving went off the side of the northbound 73 toll road at Laguna Canyon Road.
6. Meet the Feral Cats of Disneyland
About 200 stray cats who live at Disneyland help keep it free of vermin.
7. Section 8 Housing Voucher Wait List Now Open
In February the Friendship Shelter of Laguna Beach helped local residents apply to get on the voucher waiting list for the Orange County Housing Authority's Section 8 housing which opened for the first time since 2005.
Click here for today’s top stories from Laguna Beach Patch.
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