At the close of another year packed with unpredictable and varied local news, the Independent takes a look back at what residents considered the most important stories of 2023. The Indy delivered updates on local issues, including a murder that stunned the community, conflicts between Laguna Beach Company CEO Mohammed Honarkar and investor group MOM entities, the plight of Emerald Bay Sanctuary and much more.
"We were so happy with our lives together . you had so much left to do," Dr. Michael Mammone's wife, Julie, said through tears Thursday. "He will not get to see his sons marry. He will not get to hold his grandchildren."