Rewind: Top 10 Local News Stories of 2012

As we say farewell to 2012 and usher in 2013, we here at Patch had fun taking a look back at our top 10 news stories of the past year.

Here are the 10 articles that got the most reads in 2012.

1. Quiz Tells You Whether Obama or Romney Best Matches Your Stance

As the Obama-versus-Romney debate really started to heat up in August, this article sparked a lively debate between the two candidates on RedwoodCity-Woodside Patch - to the tune of more than 220 comments.

2. 

This story Patch broke was picked up nationally, as people everywhere marveled at the actions - and, shall we say politely, lack of intelligence? - of a Redwood City man who had the nerve to return to the FedEx store he attempted to mail drugs out of to ask why his package never reached its destination.

UPDATE TO THIS STORY: Patch learned this week that the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office has handed this case over to federal authorities for prosecution.

3. Two ‘Thugs’ Try to Intimidate Redwood City Voters

This story also went national, being picked up by both AOL News and The Huffington Post. As Patch was covering Election Day on Nov. 6, a reader tipped us off that he had just witnessed two thug-like men standing outside the polling place at Redwood City's Mt. Zion Baptist Church, trying to intimidate voters by asking for identification and whether or not they were "allowed to" be voting at that location. The thugs were reported to the local police. Patch intereviewed people at the polling place about what they saw and reminded voters that, in California, you do NOT have to show ID to vote.

4. 14-Year-Old Bicyclist Killed in Collision With Car

Redwood City was struck by tragedy the Monday after Thanksgiving, when a young life was lost. Many wrote in, expressing sympathy and prayers for the family of the victim.

5. President Obama to Rally in Redwood City

Redwood City was all a-buzz when the news broke that President Obama would be holding a campaign rally at The Fox Theatre downtown on May 23.

6. Which Neighbors Have Concealed Weapons Permits?

Similar to the buzz of the country today following the tragic shootings in Newtown, Conn., back in March, the country was also focusing on topics like gun control and the carrying of concealed weapons following the shooting death of Treyvon Martin. A few Patch sites on the Peninsula decided to access public records identifying those in our local midst who had permits to carry concealed weapons - but our readers demanded the names be removed, and Patch listened.

7. Where to Get Free Food and Other Deals for Veterans Day

Patch was at your service this Veterans Day, bringing you tons of places where our much-deserving veterans and their families could earn free or discounted meals at restaurants, free activities or admission to attractions, discounts at retail stores and more. Be sure to tune in for it again next year!

8. 3 Killed in Crash at Edgewood Road & 280

This tragic accident took place on Dec. 14, killing three and injuring two. A male driver in his early 80s struck a car carrying four when it was pulled over for a flat tire. It was later released that authorities will be pursuing charges against the driver who struck the pulled-over car, as his excessive speed is believed to have contributed to the accident.

FOLLOW-UP: This accident also prompted a news video by Patch on the proper course of action if one driving on the highway needs to pull over for an emergency.

9. Navy Seals Disciplined for Giving Secrets to EA for Video Games

This story was a bit of a shocker, when it was discovered that members of Seal Team Six - as in, the team that found and killed Osama bin Laden - had been given "career-ending reprimands" by the U.S. Navy for disclosing classified details of missions to Redwood City-based Electronic Arts (EA Games) to help make their war games like "Medal of Honor: Warfighter" more realistic.

10. High Risk Sex Offender Escapes Mental Health Facility

Many in Redwood City were sitting on pins and needles in mid-August when a high-risk sex offender escaped Cordilleras Mental Health Facility in Redwood City and was on the loose. It was later discovered that he had escaped through an elevator shaft. The man was located in San Francisco the next day.

Are there some stories of the past year you're surprised didn't make the list? What issues were most important to you this past year? Tell us in the comments below.

THANK YOU FOR READING PATCH IN 2012! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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