2012 in Southern California: A year in review (SLIDESHOW)

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In celebration of the departure of 2012, and the arrival of 2013, we've reflected upon and aggregated all the tweets, photos, and links of this year's top stories in Southern California, the state, and the nation.

The presidential election, the space shuttle Endeavor's parade through Los Angeles, and the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut were some of the most important stories in 2012. Were there any stories that we missed? Which stories do you feel had the most effect on Southern California?

We shared some of our most memorable stories as part of our "Looking back, Looking ahead" collection. See them here.

View the story "2012 in Southern California" on Storify2012 in Southern CaliforniaHello folks! Here's to the new year and here's to looking back at what's happened in and around Los Angeles and the Southern California region. Storified by 89.3 KPCC· Mon, Dec 31 2012 16:37:08January123rd Rose Parade turned out to be a perfect bouquetTake almost one-and-a-quarter centuries of tradition. Mix in large amounts of flowers, seeds and leaves to taste, and add a dash of disse...Update: Gov. Jerry Brown budget contains $4.2B in cutsGov. Jerry Brown's 2012-13 budget would slash $5.2 billion in public school funding if voters reject the tax increases he is trying to pu...Due to a tech glitch, the state budget was posted to a public website today. Therefore, we will roll it out at 2:30 p.m. in 1190. #cabudgetgil duranEducation officials scramble to assess Jerry Brown's budget planSchool officials and educators across the state were scrambling Thursday to decipher what Gov. Jerry Brown's 167-page budget document wou...The police are asking for the public's help in the deaths of three homeless men in Orange County http://t.co/XpJmyEGM89.3 KPCCHomeless people in southern California were alerted that they're the target of a serial killer who has killed 3 men: http://t.co/PrMsnUSHUSA TODAY Top NewsOccupy protesters took their cause to a downtown LA bank today, shutting it down: http://t.co/fVzwbRmX #OccupyLA #OccupyWallStreet #OWS89.3 KPCCWikipedia, Reddit, Boing Boing and other sites to go dark in protest of SOPA, PIPA http://t.co/DtM6IsYmDetroit Free PressDowney woman's Titanic story of survival aboard the sinking Costa ConcordiaFilippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images The Costa Concordia cruiseship lies on January 15, 2012 in the harbor of the Tuscan island of Giglio ...Cruise Passenger QA for webThe sinking of Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia last weekend has ripples in Southern California for a Downey family that survived the ...Miss the State of the State? Read the full transcript of Gov. Jerry Brown remarks http://t.co/ABzqPgL689.3 KPCCHuman head found in bag on hiking trial near Hollywood sign http://t.co/AWIxvh7YLA Times - LA NOWHollywood severed head: Dog walker recounts grim discoveryThe case of the mysterious head found in the Hollywood Hills took several more bizarre turns yesterday, including when a cadaver dog name...On #SOPA, Hollywood brought a bazooka to the fight. But the other side had secret nukes http://t.co/ddlRTlN3 @DeBordReportMatthew DeBordAmazonawsEtta James dies at 73 in Riverside after struggle with leukemia (photos, videos)Rhythm and blues legend Etta James, who lived in Riverside, has died after a struggle with leukemia. She was 73. Her birth was the stuff ...Victim identified in Hollywood severed head case: 66-year-old Hervey Medellin http://t.co/syDzgl1aMary SlossonL.A. teacher charged with lewd acts on 23 children [Content may be disturbing to some readers] http://t.co/R7hdT8DlLos Angeles TimesFebruaryProp 8 ruling: Same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional, federal appeals court rules (photos, documents)The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has declared California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in a 2-1 decis...Second teacher at Miramonte school removed and being investigated http://t.co/CRwV8mxPLA Times - LA NOW#LAPD to launch investigation into Hamilton High teacher accused of sexual abuse for showering naked with them. http://t.co/rDbq3z4t #LAUSDTami Abdollah200 new photos discovered in L.A. teacher's lewd acts case http://t.co/0BmeoKBCLA Times - LA NOW#BREAKING: Documents show #LAUSD paid former #Miramonte teacher Mark Berndt $40,000 in a settlement with the district. http://t.co/ljCSE3lk89.3 KPCCWhitney Houston dies in Beverly Hills at 48 (photos, videos)Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumult...omgg , my aunt tiffany who work for whitney houston just found whitney houston dead in the tub . such ashame & sad :-(Aja Dior M.BREAKING: Publicist Kristen Foster says singer Whitney Houston has died at age 48The Associated PressScpr#Breaking Teacher's aide/coach from Fremont HS in South LA arrested on suspicion of child molestation #lausdKNX 1070 NEWSRADIOZefrey Throwell, a New York artist with a flair for disruption, sounds car horns for 5 minutes in L.A. traffic with what he calls "Entropy Symphony":The Car-Horn ConcertmasterBrightcoveWelcome to Los Angeles, Vice President Xi Jinping of #China. We look forward to showing you & your delegation our City. http://t.co/1pUdGmyOAntonio VillaraigosaSupt. Deasy says LAUSD broke the law and has launched an investigation for failure to notify state of accused Miramonte teacherSuperintendent John Deasy said Friday that the district violated state law when it failed to notify a state agency responsible for teache...LAPD chief backs driver's licenses for illegal immigrantsWading into a politically charged debate, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said California should issue driver's licenses to illegal...LAPD Chief Charlie #Beck says yes to licenses for #undocumented #immigrants. LA County Sheriff Lee Baca agrees. Story coming, @KPCC.Ruxandra GuidiLAPD panel OKs more lenient car impound policy for undocumented immigrantsAfter weeks of stormy debate in public meetings and on conservative talk radio, the Los Angeles Police Commission Tuesday voted 4-1 to ap...MarchThe LAUSD Redistricting Commission votes 14 to 1 for this new map.FbcdnLos Angeles reflects on first anniversary of Japanese earthquake and tsunamiSunday, March 11, marks the one-year anniversary of the Tohoku disaster, when a violent, 9.0 magnitude earthquake jolted northeast Japan,...Appreciated the opportunities to speak about our budget realities on @AirTalk http://t.co/BCgNw3j6John DeasySloshin' 2, Hypothermia Boogaloo: Cold rain may meet LA Marathon runners on SundayL.A. Marathon 2012 runners may be racing in the rain for the second year in a row, according to the National Weather Service. The 26-mile...@HBO Cancels Racing Show "Luck" Following Third Horse Death http://t.co/b7i5oucK #animalrights @PETANBC Los AngelesScprMario Brito, community field coordinator for Good Jobs LA, crashes the Wells Fargo Center with hundreds of other protesters on the bank's 160th birthday. They were demonstrating against the bank's home foreclosures, as shown on their "birthday cake." Iraqi woman Shaima Alawadi, living in SoCal, dies after beating. Note next to her: 'Go back to your country' http://t.co/QIYfoZtI89.3 KPCCProtest for Trayvon Martin in Pershing square , Los Angeles http://t.co/4kMSwQxePilar MarreroScprMatt CaponeGroup that includes basketball legend Magic Johnson has won an auction for the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2B. http://t.co/T9i2EpwPWall Street JournalAprilA man and woman were shot in a car on Raymond Ave near 27th St, according to a Trojan alert sent by #USC DPS Capt. David Carlisle at 6:25 amDaily TrojanBreaking: Two graduate students killed west of USC campusTwo graduate students were fatally shot early Wednesday morning in a car in front of a residence on Raymond Avenue near 27th Street, acco...MayKelly Thomas Beating Videotheyoungturks#BreakingNews - Obama: “I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” More on historic stance http://bit.ly/Jtfntv via @ABCABC NewsTerrell Johnson by KPCCTerrell Johnson, 26, says that he supports Obama but questions his support.Facebook officially listed on Nasdaq, now worth $104 billion http://wapo.st/LjtMvc #FacebookIPOThe Washington PostFacebook sign on Nasdaq Jumbotron in Times Square, photo by Andrew Johnson/Dow Jones Newswires http://pic.twitter.com/WWFbSN0HWall Street JournalScpr(Credit: Nick Ut/AP) Former Long Beach Polytechnic high school football star Brian Banks is finally exonerated after a living decade under wrongful conviction. He was accused of kidnapping and raping a classmate. 'This is the greatest day of my life,' he said.NFL teams want exonerated Banks to try outESPN.com news services Several NFL teams are willing to give Brian Banks a chance to fulfill his dream of playing pro football. Banks, wh...JuneThe #LAKings are your 2012 Stanley Cup Champions!LA KingsFrom @LAKings twitter, to the fans. Thank you for one amazing season. http://instagr.am/p/LwrKaZvWLQ/LA KingsAfter 45yrs Stanley is finally home!!! #stanleycupchamps http://pic.twitter.com/JTs9cJhmdustin brownBREAKING: Obama administration to stop deporting young undocumented immigrants http://huff.to/LpRd2kHuffington PostRodney King found dead in his swimming pool - he was 47: http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/17/us/obit-rodney-king/index.html?hpt=hp_t1CNNScpr(JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images) Rodney King, the man whose beating by police helped spark a riot and who asked an achingly resonant question – “Can we all get along?” – died at 47, barely living long enough to reflect on his cultural influence 20 years later.More: Most of the Arizona immigration law is struck down but the 'stop and check' part is upheld - @NBCNews' @chucktoddBreaking NewsU.S. SUPREME COURT SAYS UPHOLDS HEALTH CARE MANDATEReuters Top NewsScprPresident Obama addresses the nation after SCOTUS ruling: "Whatever the politics, today's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it." (Luke Sharrett/Pool/Getty Images)JulyWe sincerely apologize for the technical glitch that affected the #BigBayBoom. Event producers are currently investigating the cause.Port of San DiegoFireworks company apologizes for Bay Boom bust | http://UTSanDiego.com http://utsd.us/Pk5MKeUTSanDiegoSan Diego Fireworks 2012, LOUD and up closedanwroyPolice chief: 71 people shot, 12 died -- 2 died at area hospitals, 10 at #theatershooting scene http://dpo.st/LwVe37The Denver PostThere were 2 police shootings in Anaheim this weekend. 5 people arrested, 2 officers on leave, 1 person dead http://ow.ly/cqSPc ^KSOCReggieSwedish hospital confirms Mass Casualty incident... 3 critical patients already there or on the way.. expect more. #theatershooting9NEWS DenverPhoto: The Tower Bridge during the #OpeningCeremony of the London Summer Olympic Games [REUTERS/Mark Blinch] http://pic.twitter.com/7MUqkmQyReuters Top NewsScpr(Jonathan Gibby/Getty Images) Yolanda Delgado cries out to end the destruction of local properties after violence erupted between police officers and protesters during demonstrations to show outrage for the fatal shooting of Diaz on July 24, 2012.Anaheim woman tries to prevent looting amid clashes over deadly shootings by KPCCKPCC's Corey Moore follows action around 68-year-old woman Yolanda Delgado as she lashes out at protesters causing mayhem in Anaheim.Lochte's gold in the 400 individual swimming medley is the first gold medal for the USReuters SportBai Yun gave birth to her 6th cub at 2:10pm! We're now the most successful panda breeding facility outside of China. http://ow.ly/cAbSkSan Diego ZooBREAKING: US wins Olympic gold medal in women's team gymnastics, 2nd ever and 1st since 1996. -EFThe Associated PressBREAKING: US wins 4x200 freestyle relay, Phelps wins 15th gold for Olympic-record 19th career medal.The Associated PressAugustI just released this letter, explaining that I have been diagnosed with cancer. I begin treatment today. http://ow.ly/cFG1JBill RosendahlI'm safely on the surface of Mars. GALE CRATER I AM IN YOU!!! #MSLCuriosity RoverThe beautiful shadow of a beautiful rover on Mars. Congratulations @MarsCuriosity team!! http://pic.twitter.com/37GRfnwENASA JPLBreaking News: At Least 7 Dead in Shooting at Sikh Temple Near Milwaukee, Police Sayhttp://nyti.ms/PxoO9AThe New York TimesBREAKING: Family says "Chorus Line" and "Sting" composer Marvin Hamlisch dies in Los Angeles at 68. -EFThe Associated PressOFFICIAL: The @Lakers have acquired 3-time Defensive POY & 5-time All-NBA 1st team center Dwight Howard. Release: http://on.nba.com/ObLYI2Los Angeles LakersLA’s @evarestaurant offers a 5% discount if patrons check their phones at the door. Would you do it? http://kp.cc/Pn6Jx0 866 893 5722AirTalk BREAKING: Rodney King autopsy results reveal cocktail of drugs in his system http://huff.to/Qv8hUfHuffington Post LAMy thanks to all of you who’ve supported and encouraged me over the years. Here’s why I’m not running for mayor. http://tiny.cc/hvaijwZev YaroslavskyMy official statement re: @usantidoping's pitiful charade http://bit.ly/Ozm7XZLance ArmstrongUSADA says it will strip Lance Armstrong of 7 Tour de France titles, ban him from cycling for life: http://apne.ws/R5xsxa -RJJThe Associated PressNBC NEWS confirms: Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, has died.NBC NewsBREAKING: Tropical Storm Isaac disrupts GOP convention plans http://usatoday.comUSA TODAYOFFICIAL: @Dodgers today acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, Nick Punto and cash from the Boston Red Sox.Los Angeles DodgersFIRST LOOK: @adriangon28 in his Dodger cap: http://pic.twitter.com/l3hSTUJtLos Angeles DodgersAPPLE WILL SEEK TO STOP U.S. SALES OF EIGHT SAMSUNG MOBILE PRODUCTS, PENDING A FINAL INJUNCTION-COURT FILINGReuters Top NewsSeptemberCAL FIRE Is assisting the US Forest Service with a fire near the San Gabriel Recreation Area.CAL FIRESmoke from the Williams fire seen from Apple Valley Road. Photo by Sat Photog @Kat.miner http://pic.twitter.com/175yhS5fjames quiggActor Michael Clarke Duncan, star of film 'The Green Mile,' has died at age 54, fiancée says - @APBreaking News#pursuit in LA...bank robbery suspect throwing money out the window in South LA at Hoover and MLK. LIVE STREAM: http://bit.ly/PbTiAV @ktlaBrad LuckThe iPhone 5 specs and close-up image you've been waiting for | http://ti.me/QKDSrcTIME.comBreaking: Anschutz Corp. Considers Selling Anschutz Entertainment Group - Sources http://on.wsj.com/QlScEWWall Street JournalTHIS JUST IN: People are stuck on Windseeker ride at Knott's Berry Farm, reportedly for 2 hrs; second time this monthABC7 Eyewitness NewsCheck out pic of people stuck on WindSeeker at Knott's Berry Farm --> http://yfrog.com/n7r1k9j They are about 300 feet from groundABC7 Eyewitness NewsTouchdown!! #Endeavour lands at LAX. Completes its final flight. #Endeavournerds so glad they could #spottheshuttleBrandon ScottThe first day of freedom for James Edward Smith, exonerated ex-con http://huff.to/UE4QSxHuffington Post#BREAKING: Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, believed to be behind an inflammatory anti-Muslim film, arrested for parole violation.NBC Los AngelesA wildfire has burned 300 acres in remote Riverside County — and injured a firefighter: http://kp.cc/PDA1b889.3 KPCCOctober#BREAKING: Faced with signatures for ballot referendum, LA City Council votes to repeal pot shop ban. #medicalmarijuana http://4.nbcla.com/Vpl9RUNBC Los AngelesPopular Children's TV Host 'Sheriff' John Rovick Dies http://bit.ly/R3zaDNktlaundefinedScpr(Chris Humphrey/Wikimedia Commons) "Sheriff" John Rovick (R) speaks at a gathering next to American lawyer Pat Nolan (L), circa 1980.Penske Media Corp. acquires Variety: Film News: Deal concludes sale process that began in March http://bit.ly/UDEFfOVariety_FilmSpace Shuttle Endeavour LA Move - 3D Laser Scanningdavidevansassociates#Endeavour has completed its 12-mile crawl to the .@CaScienceCenter. More @CBSLA @KNX1070 #BreakingNewsCBS Los AngelesTime-lapse video: Space shuttle #Endeavour’s trek across #LA http://lat.ms/T6VtLg @latimesphotos #spottheshuttleLos Angeles TimesMayor Villaraigosa: The destruction of the Mulholland Bridge is complete, and #Carmageddon 2 is a "resounding success": http://kp.cc/SqN3bI89.3 KPCCFormer NFL star, actor Alex #Karras dies, family spokesman says. http://on.cnn.com/OTrgOuCNN Breaking NewsAP VIDEO: New documents detail history of Boy Scout abuse: http://apne.ws/RKjGVG -ABThe Associated PressBREAKING: Director Tony Scott had no cancer or serious medical conditions, coroner says http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/10/director-tony-scott-had-no-medical-condition.html via @anblanx @lacrimesKimi YoshinoPolice detain four in fatal Downey shooting rampage http://lat.ms/P6F9rtL.A. Times: L.A. NowNovemberState Supreme Court orders Prop 30 donor to submit to audit. We'll keep updating the story as we hear more: http://kp.cc/Srlkso89.3 KPCCCAL FIRE is assisting the US Forest Service @SanBernardinoNF with a fire in the Cajon Pass off I-15 near Kenwood (San Bernardino County).CAL FIREFour more years. http://pic.twitter.com/bAJE6VomBarack Obama#BREAKINGNEWS Alan Jackson concedes, congratulates Jackie Lacey as next LA Co. DA; She'll be 1st woman & African-American to hold postABC7 Eyewitness News"Innocence of Muslims" producer is going to prison http://huff.to/Rj4LjrHuffPost CrimeBreaking News: Lakers fire head coach Mike Brown. http://bit.ly/SVtzQULakers NationBREAKING: Agent says Lakers hire Mike D'Antoni to replace fired coach Mike Brown, bypassing Phil Jackson. http://apne.ws/Zt7N89 - VWThe Associated PressWe've reached a historic agreement w UTLA to improve the practice of teaching & hold us accountable for student learning. #allyouthachievingJohn DeasyDecemberBoth parties @PortofLA have agreed to a federal mediator to help resolve the ongoing strike. #LA #LAGovAntonio VillaraigosaUPDATE: US Nat'l Transportation Safety Board confirms singer Jenni Rivera died in a plane crash in Mexico. http://kp.cc/Ua2whB89.3 KPCCScprTrucks idled at the APM Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles are expected to be moving again Wednesday as striking employees return to work. (Mae Ryan/KPCC)US Supreme Court takes up Prop 8 (See the full Supreme Court order here) - 89.3 KPCC http://dlvr.it/2byqPfUS Supreme CourtTired of 12/12/12 talk? Last one, we promise. Couples in LA County are lining up to get hitched today http://kp.cc/ZhsgPT89.3 KPCCBREAKING: Office says California Gov. Jerry Brown is being treated for prostate cancerThe Associated PressJust got word from @csuf public information officer that classes at Cal State #Fullerton have been cancelled for tonight. @KPCCErika AguilarBREAKING: Police respond to report of school shooting in Newtown, Conn.; few other details available.The Associated PressOur story on the Conn. shooting: http://kp.cc/TZ801C89.3 KPCCNo one injured says police. RT @latimes: Shots fired at O.C.'s Fashion Island mall; lockdown in effect http://lat.ms/VImznC89.3 KPCCScprSouthern Californians hold a vigil on December 15 at Glenoaks Park in Glendale for the victims of a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. (Grant Slater/KPCC)Elsa Sandoval of LA dances as she watches the Jenni Rivera memorial at Universal City Walk @kpcc http://pic.twitter.com/abRuGoN6Maya SugarmanCharles Durning, Oscar-nominated character actor who co-starred with Dustin Hoffman in 'Tootsie,' dies at 89 - @AP http://nydn.us/10eNajbBreaking NewsBrown issues Christmas Eve reprieve for 79 felons: http://kp.cc/10cCa5H89.3 KPCC"Odd Couple" actor Jack Klugman dies at age 90. http://on.cnn.com/U79bte #JackKlugmanCNN Breaking NewsScprLAPD's gun buyback collected 2,037 firearms this year. In total there were 901 handguns, 698 rifles, 363 shotguns, and 75 assault weapons. Since the program began in 2009 it has collected over 9,797 weapons.Watch Obama's speech on the #fiscalcliff live at 10:30 here: http://kp.cc/WWdiuC89.3 KPCCWe're officially falling off the #fiscalcliff http://kp.cc/WgItPd (P.S. We debated whether you go over or off a fiscal cliff. Off won.)89.3 KPCC