Year in Photos 2019: Mayhem
Photo![](https://independent-com-develop.go-vip.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20190415-Forgione-Trial-011.jpg?resize=1295,768)
Iron Chef star Lawrence Forgione was sentenced to 60 days for the distracted killing death of 90-year-old pedestrian Gilbert Ramirez, who was trying to cross State Street at a crosswalk.
Photo: Paul Wellman
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In a freak accident yet to be explained, an MTD driver accidentally gunned the gas while turning onto Figueroa Street from Chapala, killing Eve Debra Johnson as she waited for her bus.
Photo: Paul Wellman
![](https://independent-com-develop.go-vip.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20190205-SMHS-Lockdown-13.jpg?resize=1295,768)
Every public safety agency with an acronym showed up in force to reports of an armed intruder approaching San Marcos High School; it turned out to be a motorist fixing a car while holding a section of radiator hose
Photo: Paul Wellman
![](https://independent-com-develop.go-vip.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20190205-SMHS-Lockdown-01.jpg?resize=1295,768)
Every public safety agency with an acronym showed up in force to reports of an armed intruder approaching San Marcos High School; it turned out to be a motorist fixing a car while holding a section of radiator hose
Photo: Paul Wellman
![](https://independent-com-develop.go-vip.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20190226-Homeless-007.jpg?resize=1295,768)
The issue of homelessness achieved renewed urgency throughout California. Here, Dave Anderson explains how he became homeless after suffering a bike accident.
Photo: Paul Wellman/file photo
![](https://independent-com-develop.go-vip.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20190130-State-Street-Cold-Night.jpg?resize=1295,768)
Santa Barbara scrambled to provide shelter when temperatures dropped or got wet, but not always successfully. Here, a homeless woman finds makeshift cover as the mercury dipped into the 30s.
Photo: Paul Wellman
![](https://independent-com-develop.go-vip.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191001-Laguna-Encampments-004.jpg?resize=1295,768)
Shopping carts and homeless people’s stuff — like Breezy “Z” Jacob’s accumulated belongings — became the focus on city concern, promoting renewed interest in opening a drop-in day center.
Photo: Paul Wellman