It's been a crazy year. Palos Verdes Patch writers were busy writing about vandalism at the local high school, a missing diver and panga landings, among other topics. Here is the No. 5 story of the year, chosen by popularity and editorial discretion.
Rebecca Weiss Disappears off Rancho Palos Verdes Coast (No. 5)
The story of a Marina del Rey woman who went free diving near Terranea Resort and never returned captivated readers across California in August.
The body of Rebecca Weiss was discovered Aug. 18, a week after she was reported missing, by recreational divers below the former home of Marineland. At the time, investigators said they don't believe foul play was involved and that Weiss' husband, Alan Weiss, had fully cooperated with the investigation.
Nevertheless, Rebecca Weiss' brother, Roberto Causey, indicated that the family believed that the couple was having marital difficulties. Causey alleged that Alan Weiss had a mistress on the side.
At a news conference held hours before Rebecca Weiss' body was found, family and family friends described Weiss as a "lovable person" and an "avid diver." She was a world traveler who graduated from Miraleste High School in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Weiss' sister-in-law, Rina Cause, described Weiss as "an incredible human being" with a "good heart" who went to Costa Rica to open a school for orphans and flew to India for other philanthropic causes.
Related:
- Update: Marina del Rey Diver Missing
- Missing Diver ID'd as Rebecca Weiss
- Divers: Missing Woman Snorkeling in Safe Spot
- Body Found Where Diver Went Missing
- Diver's Cause of Death Not Yet Determined
- South Pas Divers Describe Finding Body of Rebecca Weiss
- Rebecca Weiss: 1962-2012
For more top stories from this year, click here.
