More of the Biggest Stories of 2011

As 2011 nears its end, we are revisiting the most popular stories of the year on Milpitas Patch.

Last week, . This week, we bring you the next 10.

11. – On Oct. 27, Milpitas lost one of its own to the war in Afghanistan. Marine Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Dunning, 31, was killed attempting to disarm a bomb in the Helmand province. He was awarded a posthumous Purple Heart for his bravery. Readers from all over the world tuned in to Milpitas Patch to read the story.

12. – In early March, then-superintendent Karl Black announced his plans to retire from the Milpitas Unified School District. Black had served in various positions in the district for 14 years. During his tenure, API scores in the district rose by 100 points. His successor was current superintendent Cary Matsuoka, who hailed from the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District.

13. – Excitement was mounting as local school district PTAs, the Kiwanis Club, and the educational endowment announced plans for the seventh annual Crab Feed benefit for schools at the start of the year. In addition to the main feast, a party for kids next door featured celebrity talent, bouncy houses and more, and the list of silent auction and raffle prizes dazzled.

14. – On Oct. 8, Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Dream Act, which allows undocumented students to receive financial aid. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2013. This poll received widespread attention, and people shared their thoughts on the new law.

15. – Residents were saddened to learn that, although the former Borders Books & Music store in McCarthy Ranch escaped the first round of closures when the company filed for Chapter 11, it was included on the updated list. Eventually, Borders completely folded, and no locations remain.

16. – Residents expressed their pride and support when this local coach led 10 of his 25 team members to be invited to compete internationally in Jamaica, after successful qualifying trials in San Francisco.

17. – News spread quickly in early August when Miloshi Mehta, a 15-year-old girl from Fremont, was reported missing by her family. Thankfully, she was found safe a day later.

18. – Residents were shocked and saddened when the body of 18-year-old David Benavidez was found shot to death in the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 15. Months later, police have not released any information about any suspects in the murder.

19. – The only outlet store for the popular, designer denim brand in northern California opened in none other than Milpitas back in April. Customers swarmed the new store to snag anywhere from 30 to 70 percent off the popular jeans.

20. – Cal Skate in Milpitas held its last day in business on July 31. In this tribute video by Patch reporter Ken Guanga, we join the beloved family-owned business on its last day and hear memories from employees, fans and the owners as they bid Cal Skate a tearful goodbye.