As we do each fall, we ask readers, associates and friends to give us their best predictions on who will be making news in the new year and why. This year brought a record number of suggestions, which made the picks that much more difficult.

Sure, it’s unscientific, but that comes with the territory, even when your opinion is informed. Read on to learn more. And see an expanded selection online at sandiegometro.com. Next year, consider submitting your own suggestions.

Planting Trees To Help The Poor		Hero To Home-Seeking Cops
Bottling Water For Charity		Advocating Diversity In Law
Global Warming’s New Face At Scripps		You Like Him And Will Re-Elect Him
She Built A Biotech That Earns A Profit		Toasting A Councilman’s Conviction Against Beach Booze
Museum Opening Will Bring Hughes Relief, Not Relaxation		Celebrating A Centennial With An Eye On Infrastructure
Offering A Little Help From Your Land Use Friends		Helping You Learn Your Way To A Better Job
Bringing Loan Structure To Small Hispanic Businesses		Iranian Divestment Law Gives Freshman Political Wings
Political Ad Vets Make Smart Use Of The Net		Teaching Scientists To Turn Discoveries Into Products
6 Degrees Of Matt Greene		More Fuel For UCSD’s Mission Of Change
The Man Who Would Be City Attorney		The City Attorney Needs To Go Yard

— Timothy J. McClain, Editor