15 Most Viewed News Stories Of 2015
This year like others before had highlights and lowlights: things that made us laugh, things that made us cry. Among the most clicked-on stories on CBSLA.com were stories that involved people uniting in tragedy, politics and some of the most seemingly inexplicably occurrences like a bright light in the sky that launched hundreds of thousands of tweets. Below are this year's most-viewed stories.
1. San Bernardino Mass Killing
The San Bernardino mass killing on Dec. 2 remains the most talked-about news story of 2015, spurring some to question whether stricter gun laws are necessary, while others to evaluate how America fares in the war on terrorism. On Dec. 2, gunfire rang out inside the Inland Regional Center, a social services center, in San Bernardino. Fourteen people were killed and at least 21 others were injured. Although authorities are continuing their investigation, they have uncovered evidence to suggest that the massacre was an act of terrorism. READ MORE
2. Celebrity Hairstylist Faces Lawsuit
A celebrity hairstylist this year was at the center of a lawsuit involving people nationwide who came forward with allegations that his hair-care products caused them scalp irritation, hair loss and more. The mass-action lawsuit was filed against WEN by Chaz Dean Inc. and marketer Guthy-Renker. A federal judge issued a stay in the case, and at last word, the parties were proceeding to mediation. READ MORE
3. The Measles Outbreak
At the beginning of this year, health officials in California reported additional cases of measles since the outbreak, which started at Disneyland last year. In order to contain the outbreak, at least one doctor said children who haven't been vaccinated against measles should avoid going to major public places, like theme parks. The measles outbreak in the U.S. also placed a spotlight on a debate that's raged for years: whether to vaccinate. READ MORE
4. Drones, Drones And More Drones
Drones have definitely been a hot topic this year. An unmanned aerial vehicle being utilized by lifeguards in Seal Beach over the summer made headlines after it revealed a chilling look at how many sharks are just feet from the shoreline. Drones flying above or near wildfires this year led officials to issue a series of warnings to the public that doing so could result in civil penalties and even criminal prosecution if it's determined that the person interfered with firefighting efforts. READ MORE
5. Reality TV Star Killed By Metrolink Train In Burbank
The unexpected death of fitness model and reality TV star George Gregory "Greg" Plitt Jr. made local, national and international headlines. The 37-year-old was walking on train tracks in an area where pedestrians aren't allowed to cross in Burbank when he was struck and killed by a Metrolink train in January. A native of Baltimore, Plitt was a cast member on "Work Out" and "Work Out In The Zone" on Bravo, and appeared on other television shows and in a number of commercials. READ MORE
6. Local Supermarket Sells Raccoons As Food
Back in February, the Los Angeles County Health Department took action after a local supermarket's frozen foods section featured an unusual item: frozen raccoons. The employees at the grocery store in Temple City said raccoon is considered a delicacy in China. The story captivated headlines and was among the most read posts on CBSLA.com. READ MORE
7. Strange Lights In The Sky
A bright light in the sky launched hundreds of thousands of tweets. The streak across the skies was seen from Orange County to San Francisco on Nov. 7. Officials later confirmed it to be a Navy missile. Since it was not immediately clear whether the apparent light may have been from an aircraft or a meteor shower, as some had reported online, many residents believed they were looking at an unidentified flying object. READ MORE
8. Dad Arrested After Allegedly Throwing Playboy-Themed Party For Daughter
Back in January, a San Diego County father was arrested after authorities say he threw his 18-year-old daughter a Playboy-themed birthday party. Sheriff's deputies say "Liv's Playboy Mansion" party was allegedly held at the Poway home of Jeff Lake, an attorney specializing in medical marijuana cases. The celebration was later broken up by deputies after neighbors complained. The story garnered lots of attention both here and nationally. READ MORE
9. Undocumented Immigrant Appointments In Huntington Park
Huntington Park made history in August when its City Council announced the appointment of two undocumented immigrants on city commissions. At least one of the appointees has a long history of volunteering, but regardless, emotions ran high amid their appointments. Some critics sounded off stating that they don't believe undocumented immigrants should serve in the government in this way. READ MORE
10. Disturbing Video Shows LA Officer Being Stalked
A disturbing video that purported to show an officer being stalked had the local law enforcement community on edge back in October and gained a lot of traction online. In the footage, which went viral on social media, an LAPD officer was seen getting out of his patrol car, followed by an image of a handgun held by the person shooting the video. That individual was apparently recording the video from inside a car parked behind the officer. One suspect was subsequently arrested. READ MORE
11. Cop's Horse Named Charly Tagged In Broad Daylight
News of the tagging of the hind quarters of one of the Los Angeles Police Department's horses swept local headlines as police searched for the brazen graffiti artist responsible for tagging the initials R.B.S. on Charly. Charly is a member of the LAPD's Metropolitan Division's Mounted Platoon and the tagging occurred in broad daylight back in April. The silver graffiti was removed soon after. READ MORE
12. Mystery Surrounding Man's Body, Weapons Cache
To some, it sounded like a plot out of a Hollywood movie. A deceased man, 1,200 guns and 6.5 tons of ammunition. All were found in a Pacific Palisades neighborhood in July. The body of the man was found decomposing in his car. Inside his home, detectives also discovered bows and arrows, knives, machetes, and $230,000. The man reportedly told his fiancée he was an undercover government agent. The cause of the man's death was not released. READ MORE
13. Girls' Basketball Coach Suspending After Defeating Opponent
Back in January, a high school girls' basketball coach had to serve a two-game suspension after he was accused of running up the score on an opponent. Coach Michael Anderson, who coaches both the junior varsity and varsity squads of Arroyo Valley High School's girls' basketball, was handed the suspension after defeating Bloomington High School 161-2. The story garnered attention locally. READ MORE
14. UCI Student Leadership Panel Votes To Ban American Flag From Campus Lobby
The Associated Students of UC Irvine voted in March to remove all flags, including the American flag, from a student government work room on campus. The vote, however, to remove the flags was vetoed by an executive cabinet within the student governing board. The story not only captivated local headlines, but national ones as well. READ MORE
15. "Superbug" Outbreak At UCLA, Other Southland Hospitals
In February, two patients died possibly from being exposed to a drug-resistant "superbug" bacteria at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center despite the hospital following the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines for duodenoscopes. Five others were hospitalized. The potential exposure at UCLA occurred during endoscopic procedures. Subsequent to that, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reported that four patients were infected with the same "superbug" after being treated with the same scope. And in August, Huntington Memorial Hospital reported that several of its patients who had procedures using the duodenoscopes were found to have the resistant pseudomonas bacteria. READ MORE
Iris Salem is an online news producer for CBS Los Angeles. More information can be found here.
