Top 5 Danville Patch Stories for 2012

As we close out 2012, we look back at of the stories that will be remembered in Danville for years to come.

Some were tragic and others inspiring, but they all made 2012 a memorable year.

5. Election 2012: Arnerich and Doyle Win Re-Election, Morgan Joins the Council and Measure D Passes

The Danville Town Council race featured seven candidates in 2012, with Mayor Newell Arnerich and Mike Doyle winning re-election and Renee Morgan winning her first term on the council.

The closest local election was Measure D, a $260 million facilities school bond, which passed with 56.83 percent of the vote. It needed at least 55 percent of the vote for passage.

4. Veterans Memorial Building Opens

It took longer than planned, but the renovation to the Veterans Memorial Building downtown officially opened in April.

The multi-million-dollar project doubled the historic building’s size from around 6,300 square feet to 12,700 square feet.

3. CHP Officer Kenyon Youngstrom Dies in the Line of Duty

What was supposed to be a routine traffic stop on Interstate 680 in Alamo turned into a tragedy in September.

California High Patrol Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, 37, was shot and later died after a motorist he pulled over opened fire. The suspect was shot and also killed.

The community rallied behind the Youngstrom family with a number of fundraisers in the wake of the tragedy. One, was a bracelet fundraiser at multiple Monte Vista High football games.

2. Alamo Woman Killed in Neighbor Dispute

In what was maybe the most troubling and bizarre story of 2012 was the death of Doris Penico at the hands of her neighbor, according to police.

In late August, Penico had an altercation with one of her neighbors, Michael Littman, and Penico hit her on the driveway and died.

Littman was arrested and charged with murder. The court case is still at a preliminary stage.

1.

Picking the top story on Danville Patch in 2012 was an easy decision.

Six Danville girls, ages 7 to 12, came together over the summer to collect cans and bottles to raise money in honor of Danville fallen marine, Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua "Chachi" Corral.

"I think I want people to see that kids can make a big difference. We can help them get through hard times," said Ella Warburg, one of the girls, said.

They raised hundreds of dollars and were honored at Danville's Community Service Awards in Decemeber.

What was your favorite and most memorable story in Danville was in 2012? Tell us in the comments section.

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