Now that we’re done documenting the year that was on CHS, it’s time to pick the Hill’s story of the year.

The nominees:

• Shannon Harps murder (January)
  It scared, angered and left us with a lot of questions. Some were moved to get ‘more involved.’ Most just went back to living once James A. Williams was locked away.
• Light rail station process and jet art controversy (April)
  It scared, angered and left us with a lot of questions. Wait, same thing here — but different as the process continues and, ultimately, is about building a great addition to life on the Hill.
• Critical Mass incident on Aloha (July)
  This moment in Hill history sparked by a run-in between a car and a pack of Seattle cyclists out to make a point gave everybody something to buzz about. Combustible engine vs. pedal power. Yuppies vs. hipsters. Reservation holders vs. the reservation-less.
• Snow and ice shuts down Hill (December)
  Of all the nicknames, I prefer Snowpocalypto for the vision of ‘end times’ the impact the storm and ice brought to Capitol Hill. There was fun and games, of course, but also anarchy with litterbugs gone wild, dogs pooping on frozen sidewalks, and, yes, ‘free’ parking everywhere you went. There was also a high failure rate for some key services that will have us talking into the new year. Not trying to sway your vote or anything.
• Obama celebrations (November)
  The intersection of Pike and Broadway erupted with joy on election night. Ding dong. The wicked prez was gone. In his place, new hope.
• Prop 8 Rally in Volunteer Park (November)
  Another election-related story. This one less spontaneous and more symbolic in protest of California move against gay marriage.