2017 California Journalism Awards winners — Dailies & Weeklies

By default, the table below displays the 2017 California Journalism Awards winners by category.

The table is sortable by the column headers (Newspaper, Place, Category, Name of Entry, Staff Credit and Judge’s Comments) but you probably want to zero in on your own newspaper. The easiest way to do that is to use the search box to type in the name of your newspaper.

A search will begin as soon as you start typing in the box. The more specific you are, the faster you’ll find your results.

For example, if you type “Press” or “News” you’ll end up with a lot of unwanted results. Instead, try the exact name of your newspaper or a portion thereof, such as “Press-Enterprise” or “Mercury News” for more specific results. If you still don’t see your specific results, try putting quotes around your search terms.

For a list of Campus winners, visit this page.

CategoryPlaceNewspaperName of EntryCreditJudge’s Comments
Agricultural Reporting1stThe Business Journal“Foreign ag visitors weary of President Trump”David CastellonA well-written, well-organized article with multiple interviews about an important subject affecting local & international agriculture, with a good presentation.
Agricultural Reporting2ndPetaluma Argus-Courier“The changing face of ag”Hannah BeausangThe story addresses looming, sobering issues facing the agricultural community in general- attrition, social, economic, & technological change. A good overall effort, with some awkward sentences. The photograph is very much to the point of the story, & touching.
Agricultural Reporting3rdSt. Helena Star“More than peaches”Tom StockwellA nicely written article, & well-organized. It's a compassionate bit of storytelling with local interest.
Agricultural ReportingFinalistSt. Helena Star“Heat led to grape harvest before fires”David StonebergGenerally a well-organized, well-presented, coherent & informative article; some awkward sentences detract from the quality of the whole.
Agricultural ReportingFinalistHalf Moon Bay Review“Legal cannabis draws local entrepreneurs”Sara Hayden
Agricultural Reporting1stSacramento News & Review“Out of the dark”Scott Thomas Anderson
Agricultural Reporting2ndNew Times“Sucking Air”Peter Johnson
Agricultural Reporting3rdThe Salinas Californian“Low wages, high prices drive desperate housing choices for farm workers & tough questions for community”Amy Wu
Agricultural ReportingFinalistChico News & Review“Meet your meat”Staff
Agricultural ReportingFinalistThe Salinas Californian“From Farms to Incubators: Telling the stories of minority women entrepreneurs in agtech in the Salinas Valley & beyond”Amy Wu
Agricultural Reporting1stThe Record“End of Delta asparagus?”Alex BreitlerThis story gave readers a real sense of the community's loss of an agricultural identity, from the multiple generations farming asparagus to the water tower & logo that showed community pride. The story was written with breadth & clarity about the forces working against the local asparagus market.
Agricultural Reporting2ndThe Desert Sun“Hardships for retiring farmworkers”Rosalie Murphy, Omar OrnelasAn authentic look into the lives of retired farmworkers & the challenges they face. The story is well told with significant context, along with evocative photos & videos,
Agricultural Reporting3rdThe Desert Sun“Farmworker housing crisis”Gustavo Solis, Omar OrnelasA shocking account of a problem never fixed & getting worse. Powerful visuals.
Agricultural ReportingFinalistNapa Valley Register“Female workers are a growing presence in Napa vineyards”Henry Lutz
Agricultural ReportingFinalistThe Tribune“Morro Bay farm grows the unexpected: coffee beans, dragon fruit & limes that look like caviar”Lindsey Holden
Agricultural Reporting1stLos Angeles Times“California’s Farms Confront a Labor Shortage”Geoffrey Mohan, Natalie Kitroeff
Agricultural Reporting2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Wine Country Woes”Esther Mobley
Agricultural Reporting3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“Rise of Faux Meat”Tara Duggan, Jonathan Kauffman
Agricultural ReportingFinalistThe Bakersfield Californian“Is John Vidovich planning to sell off the valley's lifeblood? Or is he just the latest water baron on the block?”Lois Henry
Agricultural ReportingFinalistThe Fresno Bee“It may be the oldest orange grove in the San Joaquin Valley – & the fruit tastes good”Lewis Griswold
Artistic Photo1stCalistoga Tribune“Morning awakens”Bill BroichSpectacular shot. Is that the shadow of the balloon on the cloud?
Artistic Photo2ndClaremont Courier“Spider web from 400 feet”Peter WeinbergerAnother great shot by Peter Weinberger. More convinced he's a drone.
Artistic Photo3rdSouth Pasadena Review“Catch a Tiger By the Tail”Henk FriezerHah! That's grrrrreat!
Artistic PhotoFinalistClaremont Courier“Never say never”Peter WeinbergerPeter can go anywhere!
Artistic Photo1stPetaluma Argus-Courier“Dia de los Muertos”Crissy Pascual
Artistic Photo2ndSacramento Business Journal“Greg Kennedy”Dennis McCoy
Artistic Photo3rdThe Davis Enterprise“Sunflowers Under the Milky Way”Wayne Tilcock
Artistic PhotoFinalistLedger Dispatch“Eyes on the Sky”Rich Hoffman
Artistic Photo1stAtascadero News“Milky Way Panorama over the Hill Fire”Luke Phillips
Artistic Photo2ndMountain View Voice“Underwater Rugby”Michelle Le
Artistic Photo3rdLamorinda Weekly“Smoke puts a chokehold on Lamorinda”Andy Scheck
Artistic PhotoFinalistPoway News Chieftain“Blue on blue”Criselda Yee
Artistic Photo1stSanta Barbara Independent“Thomas Fire”Paul WellmanA particularly newsworthy & creative photograph given the wildfires that ravaged California last year. Great framing.
Artistic Photo2ndSanta Barbara Independent“Tim Hushion”Paul WellmanFantastic portrait with striking colors.
Artistic Photo3rdThousand Oaks Acorn“Sunset with a best friend”Michael CoonsGreat use of silhouettes to tell a story.
Artistic PhotoFinalistSimi Valley Acorn“Star-spangled skies”Michael CoonsDynamic photograph.
Artistic Photo1stThe Reporter“In Flight Meal”Joel RosenbaumStellar framing, stop action, froze image at the peak of the takeoff.
Artistic Photo2ndVisalia Times-Delta“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”Ron HolmanShowstopping color & subject.
Artistic Photo3rdSanta Maria Times“Sands of Mandala”Len WoodImage appropriately & thoroughly captures the subject of the story.
Artistic PhotoFinalistThe Union“All about the eclipse”Elias FunezClever framing enhances what could have been a pedestrian subject.
Artistic Photo1stThe Tribune“Pismo Beach sunset”David MiddlecampWith the hustle & bustle of every day I enjoy this photo of being along on a beach at sunset running the cares of the day away.
Artistic Photo2ndMarin Independent Journal“Circus”Alan DepThis is an intriguing photo as I am curious to know what the audience is so engrossed in!
Artistic Photo3rdThe Desert Sun“Mojave Trails monument”Jay CalderonThis photo belongs in an art gallery. Lovely!
Artistic PhotoFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Midway”Robert TongThis looks so fun! Nice job!
Artistic Photo1stThe Press Democrat“Christmas Filled with Hope”Kent Porter
Artistic Photo2ndThe Sacramento Bee“From the Ashes”Paul Kitagaki Jr.
Artistic Photo3rdThe Press Democrat“Helicopter Encounters Traffic”Kent Porter
Artistic PhotoFinalistThe Press Democrat“Ridgeline Wreckage”Chad Surmick
Artistic Photo1stLos Angeles Times“Aimee Mann”Genaro Molina
Artistic Photo2ndThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Glowing!”Howard Lipin
Artistic Photo3rdLos Angeles Times“Solar Eclipse”Marcus Yam
Artistic PhotoFinalistLos Angeles Times“Hurricane Harvey”Marcus Yam
Arts & Entertainment Coverage1stThe Ark“ArkBeat”StaffArk Beat, both visually & informationally, stood above the rest.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage2ndShasta Lake Bulletin“After Five Magazine”Staff
Arts & Entertainment Coverage3rdThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Valley Life”Staff
Arts & Entertainment CoverageFinalistLedger Dispatch“On The Vine”Caitlyn Schaap
Arts & Entertainment Coverage1stMetro Silicon Valley“Arts & Entertainment section”Nick Veronin, Staff
Arts & Entertainment Coverage2ndPalo Alto Weekly“Arts & Entertainment section”Karla Kane, Staff
Arts & Entertainment Coverage3rdSacramento News & Review“Arts & Entertainment section”Staff
Arts & Entertainment CoverageFinalistNorth Coast Journal“Arts & Entertainment section”Staff
Arts & Entertainment Coverage1stThe Desert Sun“DESERT magazine”Kristin Scharkey, Kate FrancoThe Desert is absolutely lovely in all ways. Content is informative, layout easy to skim through to see something that you want to stop to read. Text & use of fonts in titles is attractive as well as varied. This reads more like a magazine than an A & E guide.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage2ndThe Tribune“Ticket”Sarah LinnFor an entertainment guide - I like this one the best even though the layout is not as lovely as The Desert. I'd give Ticket the highest points for CONTENT, usefulness as an A & E Guide. I'm just not fond of the 6 column layout - jarring to read, but at least it's not hyphenated text in narrow columns so I give them extra points for that! This serves the purpose very well.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage3rdThe Union“Prospector”Sean JordanI like the use of color in the text, pull-quotes, breakouts so you get a summary of who-what-where-when. This is easy to find your way through the pages to content that has personal interest. And there is kenty to find interesting!
Arts & Entertainment CoverageFinalistThe Union Democrat“The Weekender”Mike MorrisUntil this section gets to the center map, it's fairly ordinary, then breaks out into a much better layout that is attractive & easy to read. I'd like to see the whole section look like this center What's Happening pages.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage1stLos Angeles Times“Sunday Calendar”StaffStrong stories, photography edited for impact & consistent use of excellent illustration raise the LA Times Calendar section above the other entries. The Hollywood Values coverage is a clever mix of stories with a uniquely LA perspective.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage2ndThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Arts & Culture section”StaffThe San Diego Union-Tribune Arts + Culture sections are vibrant & designed with clean lines & reader-friendly organization.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage3rdThe Press Democrat“SonomaGo”StaffThe Press Democrat’s Sonoma Go section is consistent but lacks a visual personality. The use of full-width images in Summer Arts & Events section were a nice, consistent change of pace.
Arts & Entertainment CoverageFinalistThe Bakersfield Californian“Sunday Eye Street”StaffThe Bakersfield Californian's Eye Street section provides readers with sense-of-place cover stories. However, beyond the main cover feature, the section offers the reader mostly wire content with a conventional design.
Breaking News1stThe Trinity Journal“Helena fire claims 72 homes in Junction City area”Amy Gittelsohn, Wayne Agner, Sally MorrisExcellent photos, great use of maps & the one-word headline made me want to read more. I especially appreciated hearing from the residents impacted by the fire.
Breaking News2ndSt. Helena Star“Firefighters recall epic fight against wildfires”Jesse DuarteNice look at what firefighters go through during a catastrophic wildfire.
Breaking News3rdCalistoga Tribune“Fire in the Night”Pat Hampton, Kim BeltranGreat in-depth reporting of the wildfires in Napa & Sonoma counties. I especially admire the bravery of those who covered the story since they themselves were forced to evacuate.
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Ark“Destruction, loss & compassion”Matthew Hose, Kevin Hessel, Emily Lavin, Jeff DempseyI enjoyed the story about the woman who is coordinating volunteers & donations during the wildfires & I appreciated the variety of stories in the "Hitting Home" article.
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Ark“Feds charge Tiburon man with child porn”Matthew HoseExcellent & frightening story. Kudos for scooping the county daily.
Breaking News1stPetaluma Argus-Courier“Petaluma a shelter in firestorm”Hannah Beausang, Matt Brown
Breaking News2ndBig Bear Grizzly“Storm of the Decade”Judi Bowers, Kathy Portie, Kelsey Bowers, Natalie Williams
Breaking News3rdLedger Dispatch“Tragedy Strikes Main Street”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Bill Lavallie
Breaking NewsFinalistSanta Ynez Valley News“Flames yards away send campers fleeing from Cachuma Lake”Mike Hodgson
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Fires Scorch Sonoma”Christian Kallen
Breaking News1stSan Francisco Business Times“After the Fires”Katie Burke, Todd Johnson, Kevin Truong, Jim GardnerAll three stories tackled the fires' aftermath with skillful brevity, allowing the importance of the reporting, the enormity of the disaster & the economic realities it fostered to shine.
Breaking News2ndThe Malibu Times“Brush fire in Malibu Park contained within an hour Thursday”Emily Sawicki, Shivani PatelWhile not a “big” story, the reporting was superb in its incorporation of multiple voices to round out the traditional public-safety coverage.
Breaking News3rdThe Downey Patriot“Downey resident escapes Vegas attack with minor injuries”Alex DominguezThis is a harrowing story succinctly told, which is notable because accomplishing such a feat with such a widely reported subject covered from countless angles isn’t easy. That the victim’s mental anguish in the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting was addressed is commendable & humanizing.
Breaking NewsFinalistLos Altos Town Crier“Local group aids in Hurricane Harvey rescue”Grace Hase
Breaking NewsFinalistMountain View Voice“Police tow RVs on Crisanto Avenue”Mark Noack, Michelle Le, Andrea Gemmet
Breaking News1stSanta Barbara Independent“The Forever Season”SB Indy News TeamExciting photos; interesting four-part story. Good writing and filled with facts, local and important state-wide. Excellent coverage.
Breaking News2ndSacramento News & Review“Bidding in secret: Officials quietly solicit contracts on ‘twin tunnels’ project despite lawsuits, lack of permits”Scott Thomas AndersonBreaking news of both local and state-wide importance; facts impressive.
Breaking News3rdThousand Oaks Acorn“Super storm strikes Thousand Oaks”Becca Whitnall, Kyle JorreyReally good local coverage with overall viewpoint of storm and focus on man who died. Nice juxtaposition. Good photos.
Breaking NewsFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“$40M deal saves Buena Vista mobile homes”Sue DremannGood graphics, incredible involvement in long-term story; breaking news most recent event, but otherwise, not of immediate import; clear writing on complex subject.
Breaking NewsFinalistSimi Valley Acorn“Raw emotions give way to ambush attack at Simi High”Sylvie Belmond, Hector GonzalezBreaking news — an exclusive, apparently — but almost no information because no one can talk. Limited by topic, not by reporting.
Breaking News1stRecord Searchlight“Rancho Tehama shooting”StaffI was impressed with how well these reporters were able to write with clear heads in the moment of this tragedy for the community. The story package shows that the paper put its heart into covering this event from a range of angles.
Breaking News2ndChico Enterprise-Record“Ready to spill?”StaffWhile reading this, I thought to myself, "This is how to do breaking news coverage." I loved the in-depth, creative coverage of exactly what happens to a city when it's evacuated (impacts on business, break-ins, etc.) & its residents (school closures, where to get prescriptions filled, etc.). Great photography too.
Breaking News3rdNapa Valley Register“Wildfires Devastate Napa County”StaffThese wildfires moved so quickly, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to report on this, especially when staffers' own homes were threatened. This reporting provided clear, helpful information while I'm sure a lot of chaos was going on.
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Ukiah Daily Journal“Firestorm”Carole Brodsky, Chris Pugh, KC MeadowsI thought the coverage package here was thorough & timely. I was impressed that coverage started a 4 a.m.,within an hour of receiving news of the fire in the middle of the night. Really strong photos too.
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Union“Lobo, McCourtney fires coverage”StaffI was impressed by the publisher's note indicating that one of the reporters had been displaced herself during the fire. Top marks for quality of writing — great, vivid descriptions of the setting.
Breaking News1stThe Sun“North Park Elementary shooting”Beau YarbroughWell-written stories with strong quotes & a gripping interview with someone who was inside the classroom during a school shooting.
Breaking News2ndDaily Pilot“Video shows officer fatally shooting man outside H.B. store; police chief defends actions”Hannah FryWell-rounded series on a police shooting including interviews with the mother of the man shot dead, outside perspective & multiple videos.
Breaking News3rdThe Tribune“Matthew Frank, the anonymous SLOStringer, died the way he lived — chasing news”Gabby Ferreira, Joe JohnstonBreaking-news event turned profile on the fly. Compelling end product, use of social media & photographs.
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Desert Sun“Corruption at City Hall”Barrett Newkirk, Brett Kelman, Jesse Marx, Corinne KennedyIn-depth & extensive reporting on a prosecution stemming from the newspaper's own work. Fantastic reporting but tough competition in this category, particularly against well-rounded stories on a school shooting & police shooting.
Breaking NewsFinalistVentura County Star“Father & son die in Port Hueneme fire”Christian Martinez, Arlene Martinez, Juan CarloStrong reporting on breaking news with effective uses of photos & video.
Breaking News1stThe Press Democrat“October wildfire coverage”StaffComprehensive coverage from all angles. Timely, & fantastic photos that really tie together the whole package.
Breaking News2ndThe Sacramento Bee“Oroville spillway failure & evacuation”StaffTimely coverage with good information for those affected by the evacuation.
Breaking News3rdThe Bakersfield Californian“Jury finds Sabrina Limon guilty of first-degree murder in husband's death”Jason Kotowski, Joseph Luiz, Harold PierceAll angles of this story were covered nicely. It also reads easily for those of us who are unfamiliar with the case.
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Shooting rampage stories”Staff
Breaking NewsFinalistThe Press-Enterprise“Elementary school hostage situation”Ryan Hagen
Breaking News1stSan Francisco Chronicle“Wine Country Fires”StaffThis package had a great use of imagery, including several photos, graphics & the listing of mass shootings throughout the states. While at times difficult to read, the firsthand accounts were told in a compelling & succinct way. I thought it was also an interesting touch to write about who the shooter was & how people who knew him never expected him to do something like this. the headlines were captivating & really set the stage for what I was about to read.
Breaking News2ndLos Angeles Times“Las Vegas Shooting”StaffStrong use of visuals that conveyed the horror but not the carnage. They had a day to pull it all together, & it wasn't in their hometown, but they made good use of the strong connections to Las Vegas, detailing victims, the sidebar on Vegas as a venue.
Breaking News3rdThe Orange County Register“Judge rules out death penalty for Scott Dekraai in Seal Beach mass murder case”Tony Saavedra, Kelly PuenteA complicated topic well explained, & on deadline. I wish the headline had reflected more of the story, which had a broader topic as the judge rebuked the prosecutors.
Breaking NewsFinalistLos Angeles Times“Southern California Fires”StaffThis package told the after math & destruction of the fires well. The photos really captured the heartbreak & tragedy of the fires that swept through wine country, & the in-depth coverage of the different areas was well done. I particularly liked the personal accounts of how the fires touched people's lives, mixed in with the comments of officials. The writing is strong & really connects the reader to devastation that may not have taken place near them.
Breaking NewsFinalistLos Angeles Times“Northern California Fires”StaffDynamic, colorful photos help the reader navigate the coverage of the Southern California fires & puts them there. I appreciated the in-depth coverage of all areas affected, as well as the graphics of fire spread & weather patterns. While the story is about wildfires, I felt as though some of the facing photos or the side-by-side photos were too flame-focused. Overall, I thought the writing & presentation of the information was clean & vibrant.
Columns1stThe Ferndale Enterprise“From the Back Pew”Wendy LestinaThe column on the sexual assault was compelling, brave subject matter. The subject itself elevates the entry.
Columns2ndThe Healdsburg Tribune“Main Street”Ray Holley
Columns3rdThe Recorder“A Criminal Waste of Space”William Bedsworth
ColumnsFinalistLincoln News Messenger“Fake news” and “Sleeping with the enemy: Post-Valentine’s Day reflections”Carol Feineman
ColumnsFinalistGlendale News-Press“Turning on the AC: Glendale High's Michael Davis shows up”Andrew CampaSolid, engaging writing. Both capture the feel of covering local sports.
Columns1stThe Davis Enterprise“The story behind Colombia’s better Escobar” and “Poles apart on national fervor?”Evan ReamA sports column with real heart and soul.
Columns2ndPetaluma Argus-Courier“What they say, what they mean” and “When bad thing happen, we are not alone”John JacksonGreat entries: one humorous, one tragic.
Columns3rdThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Appetites for Destruction” and “Not All Non-Citizens Are Created Equal”Jason WalshThoughtful commentary delivered with flare.
ColumnsFinalistSilicon Valley Business Journal“SVBJ Viewpoint”J. Jennings Moss
ColumnsFinalistLedger Dispatch“Rivers & Rhymes”Kat EverittA poetic column! I love it.
Columns1stSanta Maria Sun“Generation X-It”Rebecca RoseDelightful. If someone set a book by Rebecca Rose in front of me right now, I’d read it. This reminded me, in a sense, of the new award-winning Amazon series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maizel,” because it works so hard to be so seriously, consistently funny. I believe both of these submissions have a specific audience (me: a nearing-middle-aged women). And that’s fine! These were wonderfully written, laugh-out-loud columns that hit the spot and never let up. Every sentence was crafted, it felt, with care, intended to deliver a distinct visual, a laugh, and in the end, a subtle but broader point about what it means to want what you want as a middle-aged woman. Brava.
Columns2ndNorth Coast Journal“Seriously?”Jennifer Fumiko CahillI bet Jennifer Fumiko Cahill’s columns drum up a healthy reaction. Both impressively written, both funny — both scathing. The satire about punctuation especially felt original and biting and was a wonderful usage of column space. She’d likely be great no matter what publication she wrote for, but it helps her cause, I think, that the North Coast Journal is more HBO than NBC.
Columns3rdPoway News Chieftain“Au Contraire”Amy RoostWhoa. Well. Both of those columns packed a PUNCH. Both clear, concise accounts of sobering current topics. I have a hunch both of these pieces stayed with readers long after they put down the paper; Roost was able to effectively personalize societal topics in such a raw, jarring way — brava.
ColumnsFinalistPoway News Chieftain“Get Real”Dick LylesHear! Hear! to advocating so articulately that “Americans to pause a moment, take a deep breath and jump back into the vast sea of open mindedness that once nurtured the seeds most responsible for America’s magnificence.” It’s a lovely notion, spiritedly delivered, though Lyles’ sort of makes his own point when he broadly characterizes “unkind” people who disagree (with him perhaps) as broadly labeling those THEY disagree with as “fascist, racist or hopelessly bigoted.” Seems it’s hard not to put people in boxes, even when a you’re arguing against it. Still, hooray for the invitation to dialogue. Lyles’ column on the Weinstein situation probably drew a few (more than a few?) responses, with his describing sexual harassment like some might describe steroid use in sports: “The sexual revolution,” as he sees it, “imposes an overwhelming burden on people of virtue who want to pursue their careers based on merit,” he writes. That’s the type of writing that’s definitely likely to start a conversation — and good for it.
ColumnsFinalistPalisades News“Dining Early-Bird Style”Bob VickreyA thoroughly entertaining, honest, illuminating account letting readers of all ages into a slice of life a particular segment of the population has to figure out. I chuckled aloud picturing Vickrey and his tablemates yelling back at the young waitress as though she were hard of hearing. A wonderful contribution to a local newspaper. The second column was maybe more fun than the first — I think I’d like to be friends with this man, I’ve so enjoyed his two columns that blend snark and sweetness so originally.
Columns1stGrunion Gazette“Pinch of Salt”Harry Saltzgaver
Columns2ndGrunion Gazette“About Sports”JJ Fiddler, Mike Guardabascio
Columns3rdSanta Barbara Independent“High Sobriety” and “Smutty Buddies”Starshine Roshell
ColumnsFinalistChico News & Review“Second & Flume”Melissa Daugherty
ColumnsFinalistSonoma County Gazette“Our County”Lynda Hopkins
Columns1stNapa Valley Register“Jersey Girl”Maria SestitoThis is a textbook example of how to take what is essentially a personal column and make it feel universal and not like self-absorbed navel-gazing. Your compact, incisive writing style makes your points come across clearly. In particular, the column about how someone with a college education and a “nice car” still needs help getting by in affluent Northern California resonates strongly at a time when people are working harder and harder to get by.
Columns2ndNapa Valley Register“Other Side of the Fence”Yousef BaigA great example of a sports column that’s stronger for not sticking to solely what happens on the field. You’ve got strong opinions, you don’t mince words and you know how to make your points tidily. Keep at it.
Columns3rdDaily Press“This Desert Life”Matthew CabeThese two columns are terrific. The one about the relationship with your dad was great, a personal story that contains a nugget of advice readers can use to improve their own relationships. The raven column was a great find, too. Each of these could use a little stronger editing. I caught a dropped word in the dad column and the “most unique” in the raven lead stopped me, as there are not degrees of uniqueness. But they were only minor distractions from otherwise great work.
ColumnsFinalistVisalia Times-Delta“Life With Mike”Mike HazelwoodYour two humor columns take personal experiences that are easy to relate to and make them feel universal. They were light, easy to read and a great addition to your paper, I’m sure.
ColumnsFinalistNapa Valley Register“Simple & Sassy”Samie HartleyThe sexual harassment column was a strong entry. The chips column was breezy and light and a little bit entertaining, but it didn’t quite stand out as much as some of the other light-hearted columns in this category. Regardless, your writing voice is well-developed, your thoughts well-organized and your copy clean. Nice work.
Columns1stThe Record“Memorable welcome to Stockton” and “It’s decision time for SUSD on Davalos”Michael FitzgeraldA story of loss and community told without melodrama and an important but sensitive issue for the community show this columnist’s pitch-perfect range of reporting and writing skill.
Columns2ndThe Tribune“SLOStringer carved out a unique spot between the media & public safety”and “Pirate’s Cove is still disgusting, and it’s the Board of Supervisors’ fault”Joe Tarica
Columns3rdMarin Independent Journal“So It Goes”Vicki Larson
ColumnsFinalistThe Desert Sun“Golf rule” and “Bell victory”Larry Bohannan
ColumnsFinalistThe Record“From blue collar to white collar” and “A mother's legacy much to be thankful for”Donald Blount
Columns1stThe Fresno Bee“Tokyo Gardens” and “Online Trolling”Rory AppletonLoved the story about the history of his family combined with the history of the restaurant. Trolling is an important subject and I liked that the author admitted to it — drew the reader in instantly and kept me reading.
Columns2ndThe Bakersfield Californian“What? Them worry? Not our millennials” and “Mom’s first anniversary without Dad”Herb BenhamNice take on the millennials — made me laugh. Mom and her first anniversary alone and what to do was poignant and one that most readers will probably face. Two nice creative efforts.
Columns3rdThe Press Democrat“Harder to enjoy football as head injuries mount” and “Amid gratitude and grief, sports has its place”C.W. NeviusTwo reader-friendly stories about topics that I found really interesting — concussions and brain injuries told from an interesting perspective, and the horrific fires told from a different perspective.
ColumnsFinalistThe Modesto Bee“She gave the shoes off her feet to the barefoot woman in the rain” and “Fearful of immigrants, military is shooting itself in both feet”Mike DunbarThe shoe story was nicely and simply told and the image stayed. The military story was important and well written. Two entirely different stories, nicely done.
ColumnsFinalistThe Modesto Bee“When it comes to water, what’s worse: Conspiracy or incompetence?” and “In this horror flick, we’re playing the part of Victim No. 1”Mike DunbarWell-researched and important information about water that doesn’t reach other areas of the state. Makes me wish I could read a reliable news story because Dunbar was certainly convincing.
Columns1stLos Angeles Times“A true L.A. hero: For people dying on L.A. streets, he offers help, and he won't take no for an answer” and “Neither bills nor advancing age can dim the glow of a drummer's dream”Steve Lopez
Columns2ndLos Angeles Times“Not forgotten: For every Super Bowl star, there's an equally talented player who didn't make it” and “A cautionary tale of what can happen when a sports parent pushes too hard”Bill PlaschkeColumn on contrasting footballer fortunes is excellent, fresh approach to an issue in every fan’s mind. And column on pushy dad’s regrets shines light on what all parents of sports kids should think about. Both are original approaches that required creative story telling, which expanded reader appeal beyond sports fans.
Columns3rdThe San Diego Union-Tribune“More Californians living in cars? A ‘wheel estate’ boom is coming” and “Answer to housing crisis is in plain sight: manufactured homes”Chris Reed
ColumnsFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“The Olympics and the pursuit of irrelevance” and “The best thing that ever happened to US Soccer”Mark ZeiglerAlthough IOC and US soccer mess ups are grist for any armchair sports columnist, the author infuses his viewpoint through well-written analysis of what led to catastrophes in each organization. More than that, also offers Rx for what ails them.
ColumnsFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“Stuck in the middle with few housing options” and “For fire victims, replacing lost things can be long, painful process”Kathleen Pender
Coverage of Business News1stWinters Express“PG&E Gas Safety Academy Opens”Debra DeAngeloThis piece made me feel like a part of the community & a participate in the excitement of the day.
Coverage of Business News2ndThe Weekly Calistogan“Sonoma Vinegar Works will sell boutique vinegars, bitters & shrubs”Anne ErnstThis was a very interesting story.
Coverage of Business News3rdThe Recorder“For Some Big Firms, It's Still All About That IPO Equity”Rebecca CohenVery informative.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThe Recorder“Driverless Car Trade Secret Coverage”Scott Graham, Ben Hancock, Caroline Spiezio, Ross ToddGreat topic that appeals to the modern audience. Well written.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThe Ark“Sam's being sold to local investor”Deirdre McCrohanNicely done with good background.
Coverage of Business News1stSilicon Valley Business Journal“Dude, what happened to Mavericks? Inside the crest & crash of an epic contest”Jody MeachamGreat read. Great presentation. Fascinating story.
Coverage of Business News2ndSacramento Business Journal“Failing To Produce New Programmers”Mark AndersonInteresting stuff
Coverage of Business News3rdSilicon Valley Business Journal“China's Silicon Valley Push”Cromwell SchubarthI liked this but the first graphics seemed to undercut the story. Looks like the impact happened years ago.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistSilicon Valley Business Journal“How Amazon fits in Silicon Valley”Janice Bitters, Jennifer EliasGood read, but struggled with presentation. It didn't support the story.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistSacramento Business Journal“The Kings of Real Estate”Ben Van Der MeerInteresting information. Didn't seem to go very far for what it all means, but great presentation
Coverage of Business News1stMountain View Voice“Brouhaha continues over city's business licenses”Mark Noack
Coverage of Business News2ndSan Francisco Business Times“Gray Area: Why the Bay Area is facing a looming retirement crisis”Mark Calvey
Coverage of Business News3rdLos Gatos Weekly-Times“Low unemployment great for employees, not so much for some employers”Khalida Sarwari
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistSanta Maria Sun“Where's the Beef?: Central Coast chefs, hell-bent on sustainability & community sourcing, have a tough time getting their hands on local beef”Rebecca Rose
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThe Valley Voice“Local Cities Looking for New Revenue, Possible Expense Cuts”Nancy Vigran
Coverage of Business News1stPalo Alto Weekly“Detroit dethroned?”Eric He, Jocelyn DongExcellent graphics, cover! Loaded with info, some technical, competition for jobs, hot new topic, good writing, varied information. Excellent.
Coverage of Business News2ndMetro Silicon Valley“South Bay Pizzeria Slices Up Its Ownership, Cuts Employees In”Jennifer WadsworthThorough exposition of co-ops; beginning and end of story tied to human interest story; interesting, good writing; good photos.
Coverage of Business News3rdGrunion Gazette“Alamitos Bay Landing Parking Woes Continue”Ashleigh RuhlBalanced, well-laid-out issues; interplay of politics, environment, business concerns, well written; so-so graphic.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“Short on staff”Elena KadvanyGood exposition of cost of labor in high-end market. Nice photos; Good money figures. No mention of immigration problems? Economics of restaurants.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThousand Oaks Acorn“Bowled Over”Dawn Megli-ThunaCautionary tale about investing. Everyone hurt. Real coup to get perpetrator to respond from Hawaii. How things can go wrong. Blah images.
Coverage of Business News1stThe Union“The Union Eye on the Economy”Liz Kellar, Elias Funez, Samantha SullivanAn ambitious look, complete with graphics, video, photos & more, at a topic of central importance to the local community.
Coverage of Business News2ndNapa Valley Register“First Street Napa reaches out to retailers amid battered mall landscape”Howard YuneA clearly written story that comprehensively explores a subject with significant implications for the city.
Coverage of Business News3rdVisalia Times-Delta“Not your father's bowling alley: Visalia Bowlero gets 21st Century update”James WardA well-written piece that captures a larger trend — how competition is spurring malls, bowling alleys & other entities to up their entertainment options — as well as the local angle.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistRecord Searchlight“Timber, forest jobs go high-tech”Nathan SolisAn interesting, on-the-scene look at a changing industry.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistTimes-Standard“Well Played: Fortuna store establishes local Hearthstone Tavern”Catherine WongPlenty of voices & a fun headline on this story about an emerging activity in Humboldt County.
Coverage of Business News1stThe Desert Sun“Rewiring the west: California power grid expansion plans”Sammy Roth , Robert Hopwood, Jay CalderonThis series represents the best of journalism: A comprehensive, commanding body of work that draws from rich graphics & photos to illustrate a topic of national, state & local importance. The stories explore economic, political & environmental implications of the power grid proposals & break complex issues down into comprehensible form. Well-written & beautifully presented.
Coverage of Business News2ndThe Desert Sun“Guide to recreational pot in the Coachella Valley”Amy DiPierro, Corinne KennedyNews-you-can use of enormous local relevance, formatted in a clear, reader-friendly way, with an engaging “fun fact” for each community.
Coverage of Business News3rdVentura County Star“Facing large bills, public agencies work to rein in retiree health costs”Arlene MartinezInteresting piece on an important & undercovered topic, that also sketches out the local implications.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistSanta Cruz Sentinel“Judge orders Goodwill Central Coast to reinstate two Watsonville forklift drivers fired in 2015”Jondi GumzSolid story with nice breakup of the text through subheds & bullet points, capped off by a nice photo of the two forklift operators.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThe Record“9 businesses shut down”Roger PhillipsA story of broad local interest with a nice lede, complete with a reference to the Ghose Ship fire.
Coverage of Business News2ndThe Fresno Bee“Can this Fresno cafe, & owner’s damaged heart, survive Fulton Street reopening?”Marek WarszawskiThis video actually added something to the story. However the auto-play on the others & the one that follows you down the page are just too much. Finally, a useful link to the short story that inspired the restaurant's name. I checked to see if they were still open, & sadly, they appear to have closed. Very well told, but only two sources who are related. The last line felt a bit too much like a column. I cared about these people because the story gave me a window into their world.
Coverage of Business News3rdThe Fresno Bee“Do Fresno passengers face a gamble with this airline's Vegas flights?”Tim SheehanThe video was not needed, & the only art was of a plane. Links should be useful. For instance, this one should have had a link to the statistics page, not the home page. In contrast, data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that other airlines serving Fresno collectively reported more than 4,000 departures, with just over 16 percent experiencing delays of 15 minutes or more, & 31 cancellations, over the first six months of the year. Some missing punctuation. Good headline. Story pulled me through well. I would have liked to know how many other airports Allegiant flies out of, but maybe I missed it.
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Where have all the restaurants gone? And are big-name chains taking the biggest hit?”Bethany Clough
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistEast Bay Times“In costly Bay Area, even six-figure salaries are considered 'low-income'”Annie SciaccaOnly a web address, so design can't really be considered. Clear graphic. Could they have made it better with a way to check your status there & in other areas? A graphic on housing prices would be nice, too. Not sure what the picture of the playground is supposed to represent. Story contains a lot of numbers & perspective, but more charts/graphs would help. I found some of the sentence transitions awkward & found myself rereading passages to make sure I got it. Clear headline.
Coverage of Business News1stThe Press Democrat“Pot businesses fill once-empty spaces”Julie JohnsonAttractive, clear design. Good art, graph. I like how some of the art was saved from being ordinary by using interesting angles. Story has multiple sources and covers many angles well. Good flow, great information. Well done!
Coverage of Business News1stLos Angeles Times“Immigrant Labor in the Time of Trump”Natalie KitroeffAn essential read. Fantastic reporting & innovative presentation of information make the story easier to understand & gripping throughout.
Coverage of Business News2ndLos Angeles Times“California's Power Glut”Ivan Penn, Ben Welsh, Ryan Menezes, Eben McCueA powerful blend of enterprise & investigative journalism.
Coverage of Business News3rdThe Orange County Register“Social Security & the the disabled”Margot Roosevelt, Kurt Snibbe
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“Driving the Future”Carolyn Said, David Baker
Coverage of Business NewsFinalistThe Mercury News“Tesla fires hundreds after company-wide performance reviews”Louis Hansen
Coverage of Local Government1stThe Ark“Councilmember is Tiburon's top Airbnb renter”Deirdre McCrohanCompelling read, with good investigative work.
Coverage of Local Government2ndGlendale News-Press“Residents demand more study of renewable-energy alternatives to Grayson Power Plant renovation”Jeff LandaGood introduction to an issue that will likely merit ongoing coverage.
Coverage of Local Government3rdThe Trinity Journal“County: Trespass grows taint streams”Amy GittelsohnInteresting angle on the illegal pot industry, given all the coverage legalization is getting.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Recorder“Ninth Circuit Openings”Ross ToddInteresting topic, but more a national issue than a community one.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistAmerican Canyon Eagle“American Canyon struggles with Watson Ranch project”Noel BrinkerhoffGood coverage of local development, the bread & butter of community news.
Coverage of Local Government1stPetaluma Argus-Courier“Geography, luck spared Petaluma from fires”Matt BrownThorough explainer on a topic that was of high interest this fall: the Northern California wildfires. Great use of official sources.
Coverage of Local Government2ndPetaluma Argus-Courier“In Trump budget, cuts for local programs”Hannah BeausangGreat job localizing a national story & explaining to residents what programs will be affected.
Coverage of Local Government3rdBig Bear Grizzly“Meeting in Alaska creates concern”Natalie WilliamsThis is such a bizarre story that stuck out in my mind long after I read it. Great reporting on the strangest local government issue ever.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistLa Cañada Flintridge Outlook“An 'Unparalleled' Civil Servant, Spence Dies at 80”Mirjam SwansonWe all have to write obits for public figures at some point & I was blown away by the thoroughness of this profile.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistLedger Dispatch“Jackson Fined By State Water Board”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Matthew HedgerSolid watchdog reporting.
Coverage of Local Government1stNorth Coast Journal“Magney”Kimberly WearStrong story telling techniques used in article that weaves how a county tried to take away the medical decisions for a dying man with the love story of the couple.
Coverage of Local Government2ndSanta Maria Sun“Failure to communicate: With the city's financial future in question, the Lompoc City Council struggles to find common ground”Spencer ColeThe writer puts the reader right in the middle of the dysfunction of a local government, then pans out to show how the war between a city council & city manager affects the community.
Coverage of Local Government3rdPleasanton Weekly“Verona Reach creek erosion series”Julia (Reis) BrownThis series shows how bureaucratic red tape literally leaves homeowners hanging for solutions as the bank behind their homes crumbles. Good job showing the growing frustration.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistPleasanton Weekly“PUSD superintendent turnover series”Julia (Reis) Brown, Jeremy WalshGood use of public records requests to uncover why the superintendent was fired. The series follows through on the issue. However, the story on the new superintendents meeting with the board went on a bit too long.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistBohemian“Weighting Options”Tom GogolaThis article effectively shows how government can make it difficult for homeowners to recover from disasters. Good use of the homeowner's own story through his words as he's woven through the issue.
Coverage of Local Government1stMonterey County Weekly“Revealing corruption & leadership changes at Del Rey Oaks City Hall”David Schmalz
Coverage of Local Government2ndPalo Alto Weekly“Coming into focus”Gennady Sheyner
Coverage of Local Government3rdGood Times“Building Material”Jacob Pierce
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistSF Weekly“A Burning Need for Sprinklers”Nuala Sawyer
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistGood Times“Defense Spending”Georgia Johnson
Coverage of Local Government1stDaily Press“The Marc Puckett Saga”Matthew Cabe
Coverage of Local Government2ndRecord Searchlight“REU late fees in organizations' crosshairs”Sean Longoria
Coverage of Local Government3rdThe Daily Independent“Jessica Weston - Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool series”Jessica Weston
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Union Democrat“State spent millions on youth facilities despite a drop in crime”Alex MacLean
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistMonterey Herald“Around we go”Jim Johnson
Coverage of Local Government1stThe Desert Sun“A row of trees sign of systematic racism in Palm Springs”Corinne KennedyDeep research, good writing, strong photos & a fair approach to a complex issue. Long, but held my interest to the end.
Coverage of Local Government2ndThe Desert Sun“Coachella & Indio bill residents thousands for their own prosecution”Brett KelmanCompelling photos, clean writing, & good use of public records to highlight a frustrating problem.
Coverage of Local Government3rdThe Tribune“Who should pay for SLO County affordable housing — new homebuyers or taxpayers?”Lindsey HoldenGood analysis, good use of statistics.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistMarin Independent Journal“County loads up on media staffers”Richard HalsteadAn interesting look at how local governments are turning to public information officers to get their message out. A local story that highlights a general trend.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Record“Protests disrupts council meeting; DA files charges against council protesters; Police overtime bill $18K”Roger PhillipsSensitive but even-handed approach to an emotional issue. Good use of numbers through public records.
Coverage of Local Government1stThe Sacramento Bee“Driving (and walking) while black”Anita Chabria, Phillip Reese
Coverage of Local Government2ndThe Modesto Bee“City of Modesto overspending”Kevin Valine
Coverage of Local Government3rdThe Press Democrat“Juvenile detention fees”Julie Johnson, J.D. Morris
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Press Democrat“Nightmare Next Door”Julie Johnson
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Coalinga made millions from pot, so why could some city employees lose their jobs?”Rory Appleton
Coverage of Local Government1stLos Angeles Times“Anaheim's Subsidy Kingdom”Daniel Miller, Priya Krishnakumar, Ben PostonDeep dive into complex issue connects the dots on relationship between city government & major industry, a dance going on for years while mostly, it appears, paying less attention to the interests of the city's citizens than those of the corporation & city politicians. To-the-point graphics & video complement extensive reporting to give readers a better understanding of issues involved & how they have evolved through the years. An outstanding, fully realized team effort illuminates an important public trust issue.
Coverage of Local Government2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Wine Country Fires Response”Joaquin Palomino, Kimberly VeklerovIn-depth reporting details what went wrong in the early stages of the massive complex of wine country fires, uncovering issues with warning call systems & mutual aid response. Valuable historical context shows changes over time that have eroded emergency responders ability to protect lives & property when called to do so, giving the public & politicians insight into problems that need attention.
Coverage of Local Government3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“S.F. 911 Call Center”Heather KnightHeather Knight uncovers the astonishing fact that emergency calls go unanswered far more often in San Francisco than other places & in San Francisco itself in past years. Thorough reporting on potential solutions as well as causes makes this an especially useful series of columns.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Orange County Register“Taxpayer cost for mass murderer Scott Dekraai’s case tops $2.5 million”Tony SaavedraThe high cost of justice is something some officials weren't keen to discuss, but Tony Saavedra persisted, putting together an accounting of what taxpayers ended up having to cough up to cover costs of prosecutorial misconduct.
Coverage of Local GovernmentFinalistThe Orange County Register“Southern California jailers are injuring inmates with abusive ‘chicken winging’ holds”Jordan Graham, Tony Saavedra
Coverage of Youth & Education1stGlendale News-Press“L.A. County committee gives preliminary approval to Sagebrush transfer”Kelly CorriganProfessionally reported & written story outlining the importance & complexity of the issue, & reflecting years of reporting on a long-running story.
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndGreenfield News“Caring for Others”Ryan CronkWell done look at youth efforts to understand a complex, under reported issue, & help out.
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdThe Ark“As sex harassment cases ...”Jeff DempseySolid story on educators' efforts to address a critical issue for youth, would have placed higher with some youth perspective & a lede that got to the point quicker.
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistAmerican Canyon Eagle“Legacy students in American Canyon give gift of healing to teen who nearly died”Noel BrinkerhoffHeartwarming story about challenged students reaching out on their own to support a fellow youth who survived a near-death experience.
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistHalf Moon Bay Review“Students jump in to learn life lesson at HMB swim school”Sara HaydenA solid feature on a program aimed at helping low-income students learn how to swim, which got a boost due to its role in helping secure grant funding.
Coverage of Youth & Education1stSan Marino Outlook“SMHS Student Sees His Calling in Peer Mentoring”Zane Hill
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndPlacer Herald“Anything but glamorous’: Teen suicide in South Placer”Mackenzie Myers
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdLa Cañada Flintridge Outlook“Later Start Reviews Mixed; More Sleep, Less Time”Mirjam Swanson
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe Davis Enterprise“Growing up transgender in Davis”Anne Ternus-Bellamy
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe Morgan Hill Times“Students embrace goats”Scott Forstner
Coverage of Youth & Education1stMountain View Voice“Series: Digital math program's flaws hidden from school board, community”Kevin Forestieri, Andrea Gemmet
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndMountain View Voice“District struggles to keep special ed staff”Kevin Forestieri, Andrea Gemmet
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdLos Altos Town Crier“Urban farm takes root at Alta Vista High School”Jane Ridgeway
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistPalisades News“Alpharoah Tells His DACA Story at PaliHi”Laurel Busby
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistSanta Maria Sun“Undocumented & unprotected: Nearly 9,000 Santa Barbara County immigrants in uncertainty after Trump administration announces plans to rescind DACA”Kasey Bubnash
Coverage of Youth & Education1stPalo Alto Weekly“Sexual misconduct in Palo Alto schools”Elena Kadvany
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndSF Weekly“Gender Warriors”Nuala Sawyer
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdBeverly Hills Courier“#MeToo In Beverly Hills:Former Student Details Sexual Harassment While Attending BHUSD School”Laura Coleman
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThousand Oaks Acorn“Cultures clash over core literature titles”Dawn Megli-Thuna
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistSanta Barbara Independent“Bravo!”Charles Donelan
Coverage of Youth & Education1stDaily Press“The Saga of Bright Futures Academy”Matthew Cabe, Charity Lindsey
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndNapa Valley Register“Napa teen picked for Walt Disney animation festival”Jennifer Huffman
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdThe Daily Independent“Michael Smit - Reflecting on Rand School”Michael Smit
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistNapa Valley Register“Fate of Napa High Indian debated”Noel Brinkerhoff
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistChico Enterprise-Record“Teaching aide recounts lockdown”Andre Byik
Coverage of Youth & Education1stThe Desert Sun“Teen Suicide”Kristen HwangThe Desert Sun's coverage of education & youth is exemplary, as reflected by this poignant. well-researched & artfully written series on teen mental health.
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndThe Desert Sun“Undocumented immigrants bring U.S. citizen kids back to Mexico”Kristen Hwang, Omar Ornelas, Gustavo SolisIt's heartening to see newspapers continue to muster great talent, resources & teamwork to create truly outstanding journalism, such as this series on the children of undocumented immigrants caught in a political twilight zone.
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdVentura County Star“Truant kids focus of reforms to fix flawed system”Amanda Covarrubias, Cheri Carlson, Yazmin Cruz, Anthony PlascenciaAn eye-opening package on truancy, with strong graphics & data, above-and-beyond reporting, & excellent writing.
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe Desert Sun“Palm Springs students less prepared for college than other CA students”Kristen HwangMixing deft storytelling & analysis, The Desert Sun reveals a glaring challenge for Palm Springs students, & points out likely contributing factors. This is a journalistic wake-up call for the community.
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe Tribune“She says he sexually assaulted her. Cal Poly believed him”Andrew Sheeler
Coverage of Youth & Education1stThe Sacramento Bee“In the killing zone: Why can't we keep them safe?”Ryan Lillis, Cynthia Hubert, Phillip ReesePowerful photos & videos - nice package for print & online. It shows the strong research the reporters achieved through hard work.
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndThe San Francisco Examiner“Students returning to Bayview school find new walls & pride”Laura WaxmannEnjoyable story to read - would have liked "before" pictures to go with the photos showing the current changes.
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdEast Bay Times“Sexual assault/harassment on high school campuses”Annie Sciacca, Matthias Gafni, Sharon NoguchiSince it was a package, the second & third story needed different art.
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe San Francisco Examiner“Black student achievement in San Francisco schools”Laura WaxmannIt needed more personal interviews with the superintendent.
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe Fresno Bee“She put newspaper in her underwear because her school charged for pads. A new law ends that”Mackenzie MaysNeeded stronger art, but the story did feature some good stats.
Coverage of Youth & Education1stLos Angeles Times“Education Coverage in L.A.”Anna M. Phillips, Howard BlumeExcellent work detailing & explaining complex situations in a turbulent education system. The work on the Lennox Virtual Academy story was particularly interesting & impressive.
Coverage of Youth & Education2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Mr. Wilson's Second Act”Jill TuckerBeautifully written narrative. Kudos for a touching feature that highlights an important issue in schools nationwide, the lack of support for arts education.
Coverage of Youth & Education3rdLos Angeles Times“Problems at Celerity Charter”Anna M. Phillips
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistThe Orange County Register“More colleges add free food pantries as 'starving student' cliche becomes reality”Roxana Kopetman
Coverage of Youth & EducationFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“Sex Assault at Los Altos High”Roxana Kopetman
Editorial Cartoon1stSt. Helena Star“Naughty, nice”Joan MartensThis cartoonist has a wonderfully folksy style while maintaining high levels of artistry. Her cartoons have a subtle charm about them, making a point, but doing so with
a light touch. What a treat for local readers.
Editorial Cartoon2ndPetaluma Argus-Courier“Mass shooting”Pete McDonnellHard-hitting cartoon with a very clear message. Excellent artwork.
Editorial Cartoon3rdSt. Helena Star“We used to pray in that church”Joan MartensStrong local angle reflected with just the right blend of humor & sensitivity. Art is very nice - even Thurberesque.
Editorial CartoonFinalistLedger Dispatch“No Chemistry Teacher Hired; Class to be taught Online Only”Rob BrantSimple, straightforward artwork commenting on an issue of local interest.
Editorial CartoonFinalistThe Weekly Calistogan“Hug a newsperson”
Editorial Cartoon1stSacramento News & Review“Women's March Fold-In Comic”Serene LusanoThe interactive folding is very creative. A fun way to get readers engaged.
Editorial Cartoon2ndSacramento News & Review“Progress of a weed fiend”Devon McMindes
Editorial Cartoon3rdSacramento News & Review“High expectations”Serene Lusano
Editorial CartoonFinalistPalisades News“Let's Just Take a Family Staycation"!!!”"Ann Cleaves
Editorial CartoonFinalistSacramento News & Review“The Mechanics of Art & Gentrifications through the speculations of the Vulture Capitalist”Serene Lusano, Devon McMindes, Karlos Rene Ayala
Editorial Cartoon1stMarin Independent Journal“Family”George RussellThis work strikes straight to the heart. Fine work. Clearly superior. If I lived there, I would frame this in my home.
Editorial Cartoon2ndMarin Independent Journal“Marijuana”George Russell
Editorial Cartoon3rdNapa Valley Register“Roberto's Napa”Roberto Tinoco
Editorial CartoonFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Answers”George Russell
Editorial CartoonFinalistThe Union“It takes a village idiot”"R.L. Crabb
Editorial Cartoon1stLos Angeles Times“The Court of Donald I”Steve Brodner
Editorial Cartoon2ndThe Fresno Bee“How would an editorial cartoonist map out Trump’s first 100 days? Just like this”SW Parra
Editorial Cartoon3rdThe Fresno Bee“Above Average Snowpack”SW Parra
Editorial CartoonFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Steve Breen Editorial Cartoons 2017”Steve Breen
Editorial CartoonFinalistLos Angeles Times“White Christmas”Steve Brodner
Editorial Comment1stHalf Moon Bay Review“Harbor District runs out of second chances”Clay Lambert
Editorial Comment2ndThe Weekly Calistogan“Calistoga is open for business”Anne Ernst
Editorial Comment3rdThe Ark“On the cover: What it looks like without local journalism”Kevin Hessel
Editorial CommentFinalistThe Trinity Journal“Trinity need not take lead in RailConnect project grant”Wayne Agner
Editorial CommentFinalistHalf Moon Bay Review“Drilling off California shore may be worst idea yet”Clay Lambert
Editorial Comment1stThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“On Stars, Stripes & Sonoma”Jason WalshWell done! The piece is grounded, which is more of what we need in this industry.
Editorial Comment2ndLedger Dispatch“Rose is wrong, Sac is screwed, Caltrans don’t care, Amador gets used”Jack MitchellGreat information & perspective. Love the graphic!
Editorial Comment3rdLedger Dispatch“We stand by our reporting”Jack Mitchell, Matthew HedgerNice job calling out your critics & sticking to your guns.
Editorial CommentFinalistThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Sanctuary for the Soul”Jason WalshGood job on calling government to task.
Editorial CommentFinalistDel Mar Times“Leaving our mark on the world”Marsha SuttonVery thoughtful. It was a nice reminder of perspective.
Editorial Comment1stFree Lance“Leaders silent on Dabo”Barry Holtzclaw
Editorial Comment2ndPoway News Chieftain“Lessons learned from lockdown?”Steve Dreyer
Editorial Comment3rdSan Francisco Business Times“A housing opportunity that the Bay Area can't afford to squander”Jim Gardner
Editorial CommentFinalistFree Lance“Mitchell Dabo's departure from public life is long overdue”Barry Holtzclaw
Editorial CommentFinalistPalisades News“Hiding Out on the Internet”Sue Pascoe
Editorial Comment1stPalo Alto Weekly“Time for McGee to go”Bill Johnson
Editorial Comment2ndPalo Alto Weekly“Deja vu for school district”Bill Johnson
Editorial Comment3rdPalo Alto Weekly“A council adrift”Bill Johnson
Editorial CommentFinalistThe Acorn“Our unaffordable, affordable housing”John Loesing
Editorial CommentFinalistThousand Oaks Acorn“Video reveals an ugly side of the bubble”Kyle Jorrey, Idie Emery, Carol Pond
Editorial Comment1stThe Union“Our View: Considering both sides; what a concept”Brian Hamilton
Editorial Comment2ndVisalia Times-Delta“Editor: How Mathis' representative tried to intimidate a T-D reporter”Silas Lyons
Editorial Comment3rdMerced Sun-Star“Voters can flush bad odor from MID board”Mike Dunbar
Editorial CommentFinalistNapa Valley Register“Recognize the workers who make this possible”Staff
Editorial CommentFinalistImperial Valley Press“Putting lipstick on a pig”Editorial Board
Editorial Comment1stThe Tribune“Home Builders Association doesn’t like SLO County’s affordable housing fee. Too bad”Stephanie FinucaneClear, cogent examples cited in argument. Opponents arguments are rebutted. Contains specifics of what it would mean to the average home purchaser. Sets forth persuasive stances & backs up w/facts & stats.
Editorial Comment2ndThe Record“So far, Swenson golf course proposal is a triple-bogey”Donald BlountMakes you care about a golf course issue even though many readers (like me) have no idea what a triple bogey is.
Editorial Comment3rdThe Desert Sun“City is at stake with bribery charges”Al Franco
Editorial CommentFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Supervisors sidestep open process for bridge seat”Brad Breithaupt
Editorial CommentFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Novato should have delayed TAM tax vote”Brad Breithaupt
Editorial Comment1stThe Fresno Bee“We’ve failed our children by neglecting sex education. Here’s what we must do”Gail MarshallExcellent public service editorial. Well written. It describes the problem & offers solutions, noting that everyone has a stake in helping young people navigate an over sexualized society.
Editorial Comment2ndThe Modesto Bee“Why bring Coulter’s commercialized hate into our home?”Mike DunbarHighly readable editorial that blasts local readers for worsening a national concern.
Editorial Comment3rdThe Fresno Bee“Disgraceful, deplorable, dysfunctional. These ‘D’ words fit California Democrats”Bill McEwen
Editorial CommentFinalistThe Press Democrat““A new peril that’s preventable & deplorable: gouging”Paul Gullixson
Editorial CommentFinalistThe Sacramento Bee“Sacramento Bee Editorials”Staff
Editorial Comment1stSan Francisco Chronicle“The Housing Hole”Josh Gohlke, Caille Millner
Editorial Comment2ndLos Angeles Times“Our Dishonest President”Nicholas Goldberg
Editorial Comment3rdLos Angeles Times“Why Trump Lies”Robert Greene
Editorial CommentFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Trump's Paris climate accord withdrawal worst decision of his life”The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board
Editorial CommentFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Chargers moving to L.A.? Time for San Diego to move on, too.”The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board
Enterprise News Story or Series1stThe Recorder“How Jones Day Unmasked a Litigation Funding Deal & Won”Ben Hancock
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndThe Trinity Journal“Trinity's missing”Amy Gittelsohn, Bridget Carson
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdAmerican Canyon Eagle“Residents accuse city of American Canyon of causing storm flooding on their property”Noel Brinkerhoff
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistIdyllwild Town Crier“San Jacinto Fault very active”JP Crumrine
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistSanta Ynez Valley Star“JDRF”Raiza Giorgi
Enterprise News Story or Series1stThe Folsom Telegraph“Behind Prison Walls; an inside look at Folsom Prison's rehab programs”Rachel Zirin, Bill Sullivan
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndBlack Voice News“Hate Rising”S.E. Williams
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdThe Business Journal“Power of the pop up: Retail model less about sales, more about buzz”Edward Smith
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistSan Marino Outlook“SMPD Chief Patrols Town, Urges Safeguards Against Burglaries”Zane Hill
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistSan Marino Tribune“It's No Good Here”Mitch Lehman
Enterprise News Story or Series1stFree Lance“Mitchell Dabo & missing funds from charitable trust”Barry HoltzclawWell done. Reporting & writing are top-notch. Way to stay with this story.
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndSanta Maria Sun“Deer(ly) departed: Five years of drought & decades of habitat loss could be impacting deer & their predators”Spencer ColeThis story is well done. I enjoyed reading it.
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdThe Almanac“Policing, race & community”Kate BradshawWell written but is lacking somewhat. The writing is good, & the subject matter is strong. I just didn't feel it was as complete as it could be.
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistSanta Maria Sun“No longer silent: Local support organizations, law enforcement, & survivors speak out to end the cycle of domestic violence”Joe PayneThe subject for this piece is great & the personal stories of the victims & survivors are moving. There are some long sentences & the story is very long. I suggest breaking it into at least two stories or maybe three for a better read.
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistTracy Press“Edible pot in schools”Michael Ellis Langley, Denise Ellen RizzoInteresting topic. But it lacked substance. There are too many unanswered questions.
Enterprise News Story or Series1stSacramento News & Review“Killing Mom: A terminal cancer patient wants to die. Will California’s end-of-life bureaucracy let her?”Raheem HosseiniA very poignant, moving story using a painful, personal experience to shine light on a controversial issue. Well done.
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndGood Times“Santa Cruz's Restaurant Crisis”Lily StoicheffA well-written, well-researched & well-sourced enterprise story on an issue many California communities are facing. Very informative.
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdThe Salinas Californian“Getting out of Chinatown”Chelcey Adami
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistThe Salinas Californian“He’s an all-American boy, but will he ever be an American?”Amy Wu
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“Guardians of the Code”Gennady Sheyner
Enterprise News Story or Series1stSanta Maria Times“Pot of Gold; Shedding the Stigma; Legalization changes landscape of law enforcement”Willis Jacobson
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndRecord Searchlight“Redding's most dangerous streets for bicyclists”Jenny Espino
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdRecord Searchlight“Should sex offenders charge GPS devices at the library?”Alayna Shulman
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistTimes-Herald“Saving the cemetery”Rachel Raskin-Zrihen
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistSanta Maria Times“Cannabis clashes in Tepusquet provide snapshot of industry”Logan Anderson
Enterprise News Story or Series1stVentura County Star“Night on patrol in Ventura County: From heroin to headlights”Staff
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndVentura County Star“Ventura County's opioid fix: 'I crave it all the time'”Tom Kisken, Anthony Plascencia
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdThe Tribune“6 people have died on Hwy. 46 in 2 months. What can be done to make the road safer?”Nick Wilson, Joe Johnston
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistThe Desert Sun“California's Dying Sea”Ian James, Sammy Roth, Zoe Meyers, Jay Calderon
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistThe Tribune“There’s so much water in the Salinas that these adventurers kayaked from Atascadero to Paso”Travis Gibson, Joe Johnston
Enterprise News Story or Series1stLos Angeles Daily News“Women on Skid Row”Susan AbramCompelling street-level look at life on the streets for women, showing great empathy. It effectively uses data & adds important dimension of the life situations that has resulted in the women being homeless.
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndThe Fresno Bee“Too Young”Mackenzie MaysExceptional series tackling an important public health topic for the Central Valley, looking at the issue with a fact-based & student-focused approach, considering solutions from multiple angles, in the face of naysayers & local officials.
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdThe Press Democrat“Crisis Care”Martin EspinozaAn extraordinary effort that identifies a crisis in mental health care, takes a look at fiscal & human costs, & analyzes solutions; adding bonuses of public involvement & a bibliography of sources.
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistThe Sacramento Bee“In the killing zone: Why can't we keep them safe?”Ryan Lillis, Cynthia Hubert, Phillip ReeseReporters focus on the victims, rather than the killers, of teen homicides, shaking a community out of stereotyped responses to the killing, adding video & social media components.
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Human Trafficking series”Rory AppletonThis well-written exploration of the issues & people involved with sex trafficking goes beneath the surface with people & data.
Enterprise News Story or Series1stLos Angeles Times“Battling a Superbug”Melody Petersen
Enterprise News Story or Series2ndLos Angeles Times“Harvard Park”Nicole Santa Cruz, Cindy Chang
Enterprise News Story or Series3rdThe Orange County Register“Transgender school bus driver makes difficult decision to undergo sex-altering surgery”David Whiting
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistLos Angeles Times“Hidden Donors Fund an Advocate for Transparency”John Myers
Enterprise News Story or SeriesFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Border reporting”Kristina Davis, John Wilkens, Sandra Dibble
Feature Photo1stClaremont Courier“Queen's surprise”Steven FelschundneffExcellent element of surprise & the emotion of both subjects, from the homecoming queen to her proud father. This image truly portrays "hometown newspaper photojournalism"
Feature Photo2ndThe Trinity Journal“Stick horse”Wayne AgnerObviously this shooter was well prepared to capture that one special moment when it occurred the happiness on the little girls face is priceless
Feature Photo3rdThe Trinity Journal“Going crazy”Wayne AgnerExcellent composition & use of color, this photo doesn't say what's happening but instead raws the reader to be curious to learn whats happening. Fun shot!
Feature PhotoFinalistCalistoga Tribune“Kids catch learning bug at summer camp”Clark MishlerThe macro focus on the insect is superb & the intensity on the students face is excellent.
Feature Photo1stMerced County Times“From One Generation to Another”John MillerWonderful photograph & an incredible connection between two generations from a little boy who dresses up as a soldier to a woman who lived through World War II.
Feature Photo2ndThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Things We Lost in the Fire”Robbi PengellyNice job of detailing the aftermath of the fires, at least for this photographer.
Feature Photo3rdSilicon Valley Business Journal“King of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk”Vicki ThompsonThis is a classic shot of Americana & what joy he brings to riding a roller coaster!
Feature PhotoFinalistLedger Dispatch“Little League Opening Day: Serious Baseball”Jonathan KnittelThis could have been shot anytime from the 1950s to today & it happens every spring. What makes this shot special is the expression on the kids' faces.
Feature Photo1stRancho Bernardo News Journal“Little squirts”Chuck Kaye
Feature Photo2ndMoorpark Acorn“Year ends wrapped in a bow”Michael Coons
Feature Photo3rdLos Altos Town Crier“More Cowbell”Megan Winslow
Feature PhotoFinalistMountain View Voice“Art appreciation”Michelle Le
Feature Photo1stThousand Oaks Acorn“Sea of Flags”Bobby CurtisBeautiful image was great visual impact. Great color & composition. Stood out above the rest.
Feature Photo2ndCamarillo Acorn“Look, you're not my father”Michael CoonsGreat moment & face on the kid. The girl looking at the camera draws my eye away, but good overall image.
Feature Photo3rdThe Salinas Californian“Camp Grace”Chelcey AdamiGreat storytelling moment. Suffered from technical difficulties.
Feature PhotoFinalistThe Acorn“Hanging out”Michael CoonsGood moment with great faces. Images could have benefitted from a tighter crop.
Feature Photo1stVisalia Times-Delta“County Fair Thrills”Ron Holman
Feature Photo2ndDaily Press“The long way home”James Quigg
Feature Photo3rdTimes-Herald“Rebel yell”Chris Riley
Feature PhotoFinalistNapa Valley Register“Brandon Ontell Sees Colors”Samie Hartley
Feature Photo1stThe Tribune“Eagle vs. hawk”David Middlecamp
Feature Photo2ndThe Record“Christian Christmas”Calixtro Romias
Feature Photo3rdThe Tribune“Santa Claus baby”Laura Dickinson
Feature PhotoFinalistThe Sun“The Haircut”Micah Escamilla
Feature Photo1stLos Angeles Daily News“La La Land”David Crane
Feature Photo2ndThe Press-Enterprise“Coachella”Watchara Phomicinda
Feature Photo3rdThe San Francisco Examiner“Shelix prepares for Bingo Night”Jessica Christian
Feature PhotoFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Losing Their Locks for a Good Cause”Craig Kohlruss
Feature Photo1stLos Angeles Times“Making the Leap”Robert GauthierNot an easy image to capture, but also so well done. Stunning visual impact & excellent composition.
Feature Photo2ndLos Angeles Times“Yosemite”Marcus YamWow. the majesty of Yosemite coupled with the splendor of the gazing woman. Wonderful tone & color.
Feature Photo3rdLos Angeles Times“A Devastating Fire”Marcus YamThe blue swimming pool makes this more than just another aerial shot of the devastating fires. Great story telling.
Feature PhotoFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“The Happy Place”Hayne PalmourA beautiful moment captured perfectly, revealing so much emotion behind the story of this family.
Feature Story1stSt. Helena Star“PUC physics experiment sees the universe in a beam of ions”Jesse Duarte
Feature Story2ndHalf Moon Bay Review“Rare arctic bird leaves fans flying”Carina Woudenberg
Feature Story3rdThe Ark“Kidney transplant gives year-old a second chance”Emily Lavin
Feature StoryFinalistSanta Ynez Valley Star“Car Crash Heroes”Drew Esnard
Feature StoryFinalistThe Ark“Tiburon girl conquers Alcatraz ...”Jeff Dempsey
Feature Story1stClovis Roundup“Clovis: Not just a gateway, a destination”Valerie SheltonGreat story & photos. Makes me want to go to Clovis
Feature Story2ndDel Norte Triplicate“CHP boot camp opens to reporters”Tony ReedEveryone needs this bootcamp to really appreciate our CHP.
Feature Story3rdDel Mar Times“Symposium offers latest on breast cancer treatments, research”Joe TashNice story, good photos.
Feature StoryFinalistLa Cañada Flintridge Outlook“LCF is Backbone for Family of Boy With Crohn's”Mirjam SwansonMaking a life better. Well done.
Feature StoryFinalistThe Davis Enterprise“Remembering Noah”Lauren KeeneWe need to reach out to people in need.
Feature Story1stNorth Coast Journal“Hash Lab Murder”Thadeus GreensonA great lede. This story really has it all: the specific (a neighborhood surprised by dangerous drug production); an interesting larger issue (how legalizing marijuana has unintended dire consequences for this community); something complicated that we don't know (about drug production) made simple; & circles back around. The layout helps the flow & the illustration is helpful (with a funny caption) & the photo makes the product of a dangerous process beautiful.
Feature Story2ndPleasanton Weekly“Your Muslim Neighbor”Erika AlveroA vital story for communities, well-told, & with an outstanding print layout.
Feature Story3rdLa Jolla Light“Ghost-Flustered: We tried sleeping in a haunted Grande Colonial hotel room in La Jolla”Corey LevitanA fun, lighthearted take on a familiar story (the haunted hotel) that while subjective is also reported.
Feature StoryFinalistThe Almanac“Living with uncertainty”Kate BradshawA well-reported story of three DREAMers shows how distinct & individual these young women are while placing their situation in a larger political context. Strong photography.
Feature StoryFinalistThe Malibu Times“Guerrilla tribute paid to Malibu Pink Lady artist”Jimy Tallal, Julie EllertonAn unexpected tale of a local legend revived unexpectedly, told with flair, reporting & fun.
Feature Story1stSacramento News & Review“Why save the Delta? Unknown river towns fear untold devastation from Jerry Brown’s twin tunnels project”Scott Thomas Anderson
Feature Story2ndChico News & Review“A fowl death”Ken Smith
Feature Story3rdPalo Alto Weekly“The wave that changed the world”Linda Taaffe
Feature StoryFinalistSF Weekly“How the Stud Was Saved”Peter Kane
Feature StoryFinalistGrunion Gazette“Family Connects Through Deployments With Reading”Emily Thornton
Feature Story1stThe UnionTrimmigrants’ descend on Nevada County, for better or for worse”Matthew PeraTimely topic, balanced & well written.
Feature Story2ndNapa Valley Register“The woman that Napa fire evacuees left behind”Kevin CourtneyStory has authenticity, is well-written & offers insight about an event of importance.
Feature Story3rdThe Union Democrat“More than 100 years of Sonora history now resides in the Smithsonian & Yale University”Lyn RiddleGood writing made historical detail easy to follow. Nice connection to African American history. Well done.
Feature StoryFinalistThe Daily Independent“Jessica Weston — Las Vegas Shooting Survivors”Jessica WestonAuthenticity in quotes, captures moments & weaves a strong narrative through chronology.
Feature StoryFinalistDaily Press“Brothers claim ‘dug up’ photo shows Billy the Kid with Joseph Antrim”Matthew CabeFun story, well-crafted & balanced. Strikes the right tone & made for a good read.
Feature Story1stThe Record“From heartbreak to hope”Joe GoldeenI was literally tearing up reading this. Great story. Phenomenal quotes. Moving & the pictures were great!
Feature Story2ndMarin Independent Journal“Studio San Quentin”Paul LiberatoreFound a great story here. Loved the background & how far these prison stories reach
Feature Story3rdThe Record“They took half of my heart”Almendra CarpizoMoving story. Felt like breaking news with more depth.
Feature StoryFinalistThe Tribune“SLO climber searches the Sierra for a missing man he never met”Sarah LinnAmazing quotes! Did I mention amazing quotes?
Feature StoryFinalistThe Desert Sun“Secret of the 'magic needle' unites women in indigenous culture”Anna Rumer, Omar OrnelasLoved the photo & the history & a glimpse into what are rarely heard stories.
Feature Story1stThe Press Democrat“A Fire Story”Martin Espinoza, Brian FiesExcellent combination of story, graphics & photos that personalize the story. Moving & heartbreaking.
Feature Story2ndThe Fresno Bee“Fresno’s faithful on front lines of protecting undocumented immigrants”Carmen GeorgeWell-written, compelling & involving.
Feature Story3rdThe Bakersfield Californian“When the earth shook: Memories of temblors remain vivid in minds of Kern residents who lived through them”Steven MayerWell-researched & comprehensive. Personal stories, though a bit repetitive, add a nice touch.
Feature StoryFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Decades after it was destroyed, Yosemite’s last Native American village is returning”Carmen George
Feature StoryFinalistThe Fresno Bee“This Fresno County dinosaur could be California’s next ‘rock’ star”Tim Sheehan
Feature Story1stSan Francisco Chronicle“A Dream Deported”Hamed Aleaziz, Leah MillisA raw, unflinching story of a family in the middle of incredible heartbreak. The author was given a challenging opportunity & clearly made the most of it.
Feature Story2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Finding Himself”Ryan KostThe author took a difficult, & sensitive topic, & the sources' trust, & produced a powerful story that feels as if that trust was well-placed.
Feature Story3rdLos Angeles Times“Police Partners”Cindy ChangA fun & unusual look at an aspect of policing few ever get to experience. The story really sells the "end of an era" narrative & does a good job pulling you in to the day-to-day routine of the two officers.
Feature StoryFinalistLos Angeles Times“Wrongful Conviction”Marisa Gerber
Feature StoryFinalistThe Mercury News“California's right-to-die law: One woman's last days have powerful impact on family & friends”Tracy Seipel, LiPo Ching
Front Page Layout & Design1stBlack Voice News“Hate Rising / Robots are Coming to take a Job near You / The Resurgence of Hate”Chris AllenAll three designs are dramatic & demand the reader pick up these papers. You maintain your style from cover to cover, yet each is distinct & strongly illustrates your cover story. You make me want to pick up your paper.
Front Page Layout & Design2ndSilicon Valley Business Journal“Silicon Valley Business Journal cover designs: Amazon, Google, Yuan”Doug MagillIt can be very difficult to illustrate business stories, but you sure found ways! I like the dominant image & story followed by the refers at the bottom. Totally works.
Front Page Layout & Design3rdSacramento Business Journal“SBJ Front Page Layout—Healthiest Employers”Jacqueline PrinsIt is hard to illustrate many business stories. I give you lots of credit for finding a way to do it!
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“The Week Sonoma Burned”StaffThe simple, straightforward design matches the solemnity of the news. Good use of dramatic photos.
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistLedger Dispatch“Water, Frogs & Bubbles — Oh My!”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Rachel Norris, Sarah TullusI like the impact of the designs. I really like the look of the High Water story, but I wouldn't have started the little bit of story on the cover. I would have referred to the story inside.
Front Page Layout & Design1stPalo Alto Weekly“Front Page layouts”Paul Llewellyn, Shannon Corey, Doug YoungExcellent use of words that not only tell the story, but work well with the very creative & well-executed graphics. Easily the best of the bunch.
Front Page Layout & Design2ndThe Almanac“Front Page layouts”Paul Llewellyn, Rosanna Kuruppu, Doug YoungWell-conceived & executed covers. Good mix of words & art. Some nice touches on each without overdoing it.
Front Page Layout & Design3rdAtascadero News“Atascadero News Front Pages”StaffFun mix of news & local community events, far better executed than most papers in this category. Looks like an easy paper for the community to enjoy.
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistChico News & Review“CN&R cover design”Tina FlynnCreative cover ideas, well-executed throughout. Good mix of fun, newsy & "weird."
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistNorth Coast Journal“NCJ Covers”Holly Harvey, Lynn Leishman, Jonathan WebsterCreative covers, good use of color, nice job capturing the local news & vibe.
Front Page Layout & Design1stImperial Valley Press“Imperial Valley Press front page designs”StaffImpressive creativity & good use of color. Especially unique sports front page with clever use of fold.
Front Page Layout & Design2ndTimes-Standard“Front page design”StaffCreative graphics that actually serve an informative purpose. Unfortunately the submissions were too low-res to read type, making it more difficult to read.
Front Page Layout & Design3rdThe Record“No. 20 Front page layout & design 117, 9-217, 217”Staff
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistChico Enterprise-Record“Chico Enterprise-Record fronts”Staff
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistNapa Valley Register“Napa Valley Register A1”Staff
Front Page Layout & Design1stSan Francisco Chronicle“SF Chronicle's front page design”StaffPages are crafted with great skill & care. Deft headline writing & savvy use of photos & graphics combine for covers both powerful & nuanced.
Front Page Layout & Design2ndThe Mercury News“The Mercury News / front page layout & design”Chris Gotsill, Mike Mayer, Scott SwyresWonderful use of photos & graphics distinguish these pages, which artfully capture an array of news & features.
Front Page Layout & Design3rdThe Press Democrat“Press Democrat front pages from Oct. 10, 11 & 8, 2017”Jonathan Byrd, Emmanuel LopezWith skillful use of art & language, the Press Democrat reflected the horror of catastrophe.
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Front Page Layout & Design: Feb. 12, May 23 & Aug. 22, 2017”Michael YparreaThe Fresno Bee's covers are thoughtfully planned & executed, with excellent use of art & graphics.
Front Page Layout & DesignFinalistLos Angeles Times“L.A. Times Front Page Layouts: Jan. 22, Oct. 3, Oct. 7”
Illustration1stBlack Voice News“Celebrating Barack Hussein Obama-Nikkolas”Nikkolas Smith
Illustration2ndSanta Barbara Independent“Denzel Washington”Ben Ciccati
Illustration3rdActon-Agua Dulce News“Le Chene Valentine Murder Mystery Dinner Show”Gayle Joyce, John Joyce, Juliann Mullady
IllustrationFinalistSacramento News & Review“Reading the resistance”Sarah Hansel
Illustration1stLos Angeles Times“Sunday Calendar: The Year in Review”Adam SimpsonI love the idea here, that it was run on two section fronts. The lack of color actually increases interest & allows the reader to look at each frame, which tells it's own story. Intricate, delicate & worthy of a reader's attention.
Illustration2ndLos Angeles Times“Pets”Cameron CottrellSuch a great sense of place in this one. What an L.A. scene! Each pet owner has a personality.
Illustration3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“The future of money”Steven BoyleJust so well conceived. The color of money... the binary background... the illustrator's representation of Bitcoin. Nicely done.
IllustrationFinalistLos Angeles Times“World Series Preview”Robert CarterThis is a piece of art. It's "simpleness" is deceiving. An artist's hand is at work.
IllustrationFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Gray Wave can’t sustain Fresno State sports by itself much longer”SW Parra
In-Depth Reporting1stSonoma West Times & News“Outdoors in paradise”Bleys Rose, Amie Windsor, Frank Robertson, Rollie AtkinsonComprehensive package with great diversity of sources & viewpoints, but little to no repetition. Signs of great planning & coordination.
In-Depth Reporting2ndThe Ark“'Slow-moving emergency'; Belvedere faces sea-rise issues head-on”Gretchen Lang, Matthew HoseGood research, well sourced locally.
In-Depth Reporting3rdHalf Moon Bay Review“Unbudgeted, not unspent”Kaitlyn BartleyGreat job of getting this story & explaining the issue to readers.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistLincoln News Messenger“Criminal controversy with possible relocation of sexual predator”Carol FeinemanThe series got better incrementally.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Recorder“The GC Who Blew the Whistle”Ross ToddA compelling yarn.
In-Depth Reporting1stSacramento Business Journal“Behind the Deal: Sacramento's Long Sales Pitch to Centene”Scott RoddExcellent coverage of an important business story that also provided nuance & context about the deal & the company. (And I loved the back story of the mayor's office's shenanigans.)
In-Depth Reporting2ndThe Davis Enterprise“Affordable housing series”Felicia AlvarezThorough examination of a pressing topic. These stories did a great job illuminating the various facets of a complicated issue.
In-Depth Reporting3rdMountain Democrat“Father of year-old stabbing victim recounts finding girl & his slain mom”Pat LakeyCompelling coverage that helps shed light on a terrible crime.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistSan Marino Tribune“Bullying In Schools - A Special Report”Mitch Lehman
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Davis Enterprise“Foster Care series”Anne Ternus-Bellamy
In-Depth Reporting1stNorth Coast Journal“David Marcus”StaffBreadth of undertaking probably makes this one the clear winner.
In-Depth Reporting2ndThe Almanac“Cause for alarm? | Firefighters deserve high pay, chief says | Fire district gets big slice of property taxes | Fire district considers revenue-raising measures”Barbara Wood
In-Depth Reporting3rdSanta Maria Sun“Protect the plain: The Carrizo Plain National Monument is under review by the federal government”Camillia Lanham
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Valley Voice“Tulare Local Healthcare District & management coverage”Tony Maldonado, Dave Adalian
In-Depth ReportingFinalistMountain View Voice“Animal clinic facing new complaints”Mark Noack
In-Depth Reporting1stSacramento News & Review“Joseph Mann coverage”Raheem HosseiniOne of the more responsible & thorough looks at the concerns around excessive force that I've ever read; a balanced consideration of the issue gleaned from what had to have been countless hours of interviews & research, which were well-demonstrated.
In-Depth Reporting2ndPalo Alto Weekly“Housing for the homeless”Jocelyn Dong, Veronica WeberHomelessness affects every community, & it was interesting the way this report contrasted the challenges that a relatively affluent community faces in dealing with these, humanizing the concerns surrounding the issue by really showing the personal impacts.
In-Depth Reporting3rdNew Times“Balancing Act”Camillia LanhamThe way the reporter was able to capture & share moments left me very interested in a story that I would have otherwise found tough to follow. The precision & care with the topic drew me in to the point where I felt much more knowledgeable about the topic after having read this report. One part that stood out was when the author described the subject of her lede & then went back & portrayed him at a commission meeting.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“Sexual misconduct in Palo Alto schools”Elena Kadvany, Bill JohnsonThese issues are extremely difficult to report on & the reporter still did a fantastic job of getting information. I can appreciate the obstacles & difficulty in getting people to discuss the issues surrounding this topic & still felt as though I came away very informed on this story.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistSimi Valley Acorn“Free at last”Melissa SimonThe topic & reporter's following of this story showed an award-winning effort that was well-executed. There was a really good examination of both sides, & the reporter objectively told the story without resorting to hyperbole.
In-Depth Reporting1stSanta Maria Times“Green Rush in the 805?”Staff
In-Depth Reporting2ndChico Enterprise-Record“Oroville spillway collapse”Dan Reidel, Risa Johnson, Heather Hacking
In-Depth Reporting3rdAppeal-Democrat“Cascade Fire”Staff
In-Depth ReportingFinalistAppeal-Democrat“Close Call”Staff
In-Depth ReportingFinalistRecord Searchlight“Why some use drugs & steal: How addiction works”Joseph Szydlowski, Jenny Espino
In-Depth Reporting1stThe Desert Sun“Rewiring the west: California power grid expansion plans”Sammy Roth, Jay Calderon, Robert HopwoodExcellent overall presentation with photos & graphics, strong writing made long & complex story move fairly briskly.
In-Depth Reporting2ndDaily Pilot“‘Problem Home,’ Chapter 1: How a little house in Costa Mesa triggered a 20-year war between its owner & the city”Bradley Zint
In-Depth Reporting3rdThe Desert Sun“Addicted & homeless in Palm Springs”Barrett Newkirk, Zoe Meyers
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Sun“San Bernardino terror attack victims & PTSD”Suzanne Hurt
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Tribune“No way woman died from LSD overdose at local music fest, experts say — ‘It’s not possible’”Monica Vaughan, Matt Fountain, Andrew Sheeler, Stephanie Finucane
In-Depth Reporting1stThe Fresno Bee“Human Trafficking”Rory AppletonFantastic work. I can't imagine a more important topic. In some investigative packages, the prose gets bogged down with too many numbers & too much information from official sources or spokespeople, but not here. The copy is easy to digest & it never loses the reader's interest. The reporter has a great ear for quotes. The victim stories contain a lot of depth & answer the big question a lot of people have, which is, how do girls & women get pulled into this?
In-Depth Reporting2ndThe Fresno Bee“Too Young”Mackenzie MaysThis is a relevant topic that obviously engaged the community. The reporter does a great job pulling out & executing all the sidebar ideas. The copy is engaging & easy to read. The reporter takes on touchy subjects, such as why Hispanics have higher rates of teen pregnancy. The reporter uses a broad range of many sources & does a great job getting information from young people who might be reluctant to talk. This could be a first-place winner if not for the outstanding competition.
In-Depth Reporting3rdThe Press Democrat“Crisis Care”Martin EspinozaThe reporter does a good job of tackling a complex issue & providing context with numbers & historical information. The family sidebar was riveting. The ledes draw in the reader. A lot of good reporting was done here.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Sacramento Bee“Why we still kill cougars”Ryan Sabalow, Phillip ReeseThe anecdote to lede the story is good, with a lot of detail, & pulls the reader in. The reporting is good & utilizes a lot of sources.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe San Francisco Examiner“Fallout from San Francisco's emergency response to heat wave & power outage”Ryan Sabalow, Phillip Reese
In-Depth Reporting1stSan Francisco Chronicle“A Life on the Line”Vivian HoThis package is absolutely amazing. I felt I was “watching” more of a documentary rather than an article; the author presents such vividness within her writing & details provided.
In-Depth Reporting2ndLos Angeles Times“L.A.'s Great Shelter Shortage”Doug SmithI really enjoyed this series as it pulled on my heartstrings a bit; homelessness is such a significant issue in this country & this series presents the harsh, devastating truths about it in one of America's largest cities. I appreciate the journalist providing an article about the current issues, what locals/entrepreneurs/programs are doing about it, & especially the Q&A I think it deciphers a lot of people's questions & understandings.
In-Depth Reporting3rdLos Angeles Times“LAPD Cadets”Kate Mather, James Queally, Richard Winton, Cindy ChangThis series is jaw-dropping good; it feels like I just consumed a bunch of secret information I wasn't supposed to know. Well, it's not quite “secret” as it's published, but the presentation of information & sources made me feel that way. I appreciate the break out of topics in each article — from recent incidents, to history about the program, & to problems the program had in the past. I hope this article has changed or at least made some kind of impact when it comes to these scandalous cadets.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Border reporting”Kristina Davis, Sandra Dibble, John WilkensThis series provided a behind-the-scenes look of the happenings beyond the border that isn't discussed enough. Not only is it news but it's a captivating, educational read supporting vivid storytelling through hard facts.
In-Depth ReportingFinalistThe Mercury News“Wine Country fire: Could faulty PG&E equipment be to blame?”Matthias Gafni and Paul Rogers
Informational Graphic1stNorth Coast Journal“Myclobutanil”Holly Harvey
Informational Graphic2ndLedger Dispatch“By The Numbers”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap
Informational Graphic3rdNorth Coast Journal“BHO”Holly Harvey
Informational GraphicFinalistLedger Dispatch“New Hire — By The Numbers”Jack Mitchell, Caityln Schaap
Informational GraphicFinalistLedger Dispatch“Charted Photos”Caityln Schaap
Informational Graphic1stLos Angeles Times“Wine Country Fires”StaffReally impressive work that gives readers perspective on the scope of the damage. Great use of satellite imagery.
Informational Graphic2ndChico Enterprise-Record“Oroville spillway collapse”Esmeralda RamirezTells the story better than any narrative could. Good combination of photos & graphics.
Informational Graphic3rdLos Angeles Times“Freeway Pollution”Jon SchleussThe interactive feature allowing readers to plug in their own address is invaluable.
Informational GraphicFinalistThe Orange County Register“Shark Tech”Jeff GoertzenA fascinating story better told with graphics than text. Wonderful job weaving the map into the right side of the graphic.
Informational GraphicFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“How reliever usage, bullpen results have changed since 1960”Todd Trumbull, Michael MassaCaptures trends in relief pitching & does a good job of drawing the reader in.
Inside Page Layout & Design1stSilicon Valley Business Journal“Franchises on the Menu”Doug Magill
Inside Page Layout & Design2ndLedger Dispatch“Start on Steiner”Jack Mitchell, Sarah Tullus
Inside Page Layout & Design3rdSilicon Valley Business Journal“Cybersecurity tech heats up”Doug Magill
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistSan Marino Tribune“Valentine's Day Gift Guide”Nancy Lem
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistSacramento Business Journal“SBJ Inside Page Layout & Design”Jacqueline Prins
Inside Page Layout & Design1stChico News & Review“CN&R Resist”Tina Flynn, Sandy Peters
Inside Page Layout & Design2ndSanta Barbara Independent“The Forever Season”Caitlin Fitch, Ben Ciccati
Inside Page Layout & Design3rdPalo Alto Weekly“Inside Page layouts”Diane Haas, Doug Young
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistThe Almanac“Inside Page layouts”Doug Young
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistSan Francisco Business Times“Mission Bay's hot corner”"Mitch Green
Inside Page Layout & Design1stNapa Valley Register“Home & Garden”Staff
Inside Page Layout & Design2ndChico Enterprise-Record“Chico Heat page”Esmeralda Ramirez
Inside Page Layout & Design3rdThe Record“No. 21 Inside page layout & design 9-217”Staff
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistNapa Valley Register“Food section”Staff
Inside Page Layout & Design1stLos Angeles Times“The Oscars”StaffDefinitive. Worthy of a local story that everyone around the world knew. Big, bold use of photos.
Inside Page Layout & Design2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Wine Country Fire coverage”StaffSpectacular photography and great throughout the section as a whole.
Inside Page Layout & Design3rdLos Angeles Times“World Series Preview”Kelli Sullivan, Tim Hubbard, Jason ClarkI’ve seen a lot of baseball special sections, but none as good as this. Very clean layout, beautiful portraits, great content, including the Lasorda column.
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistLos Angeles Daily News“Beauty & the Beast”Kay ScanlonReally nice combination of graphics and photography.
Inside Page Layout & DesignFinalistThe Mercury News“Peas”StaffLove the colors and the inside teasers.
Investigative Reporting1stThe Ark“Councilmember is Tiburon's top Airbnb renter”Deirdre McCrohanExcellent reportage on a very timely topic with a great local-corruption angle. Superb.
Investigative Reporting2ndPetaluma Argus-Courier“Animal shelter workplace under scrutiny”Matt BrownWhile I would have structured it so that the financial mismanagement was the lede, this is great reporting on a real public-policy dilemma: What do you do when the only shop in town is unsatisfactory?
Investigative Reporting3rdLedger Dispatch“Jackson Fined By State Water Board”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Matthew HedgerWell-researched. Hopefully it will spur action.
Investigative ReportingFinalistLedger Dispatch“TOXIC”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Matthew HedgerToo information-dense & slightly at war with itself over the danger (dam collapse of contamination?) but certainly important.
Investigative ReportingFinalistThe Folsom Telegraph“Moose Lodge members demand answers”Rachel Zirin (Writer), Bill Sullivan (Photographer)I wish there had been more context about the importance of the Moose Lodge, but they're obviously up to no good & it matters a lot to the town.
Investigative Reporting1stMetro Silicon Valley“County’s Top Taxpayer-Funded Child Care Provider Clams Up over Missing Pension Payments”Jennifer WadsworthNice series of stories exposing the wrongdoing by a taxpayer funded non-profit. Great quotes & use of public records (and one not so public record that unexpectedly became public). The story may even have helped retired employees receive their pensions that appear to have been wrongly withheld…something that may not have happened or come to light for some time without this writer’s & news organization’s persistence. Great job.
Investigative Reporting2ndPalo Alto Weekly“The $6 million blunder”Elena KadvanyIt just shows that print journalism can still have an impact in local communities striving to keep government agencies honest & accountable to the people they serve - or potentially have them suffer the consequences if they don’t. Great job.
Investigative Reporting3rdChico News & Review“Hired guns”Ken SmithGreat job in using public records & in getting all sides of the story to go on the record. Lots of good quotes. It also shows that you never know where the impetus for a story might come from…in this case, the homeless population in Chico.
Investigative ReportingFinalistMetro Silicon Valley“Rogue Rehab”Jennifer WadsworthLots of great quotes, easy to follow, good use of public records to dig out the story. I would have liked to have seen some follow-up contact with those people & organizations who had praised the subject of the story (Franko) in written letters, such as the Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. But this is an example of a very good writer and/or editor who knows how to organize & tell a story.
Investigative ReportingFinalistNorth Coast Journal“Prelude/Swept”Linda StansberryThose who work in government agencies have learned that they need to practice better self-censorship in their email exchanges due to the fact that their correspondence may become exposed to the public through public records requests. They even take classes on how to do that. This story, however, shows that even those with the best intentions are generally more relaxed or honest in their opinions expressed through email exchanges than they are in the often “Bull Durham” type responses they give in public. Good job. My only suggestion would be to try & include a lot more quotes.
Investigative Reporting1stSan Gabriel Valley Tribune“City of Industry investigation”Jason Henry, Steve ScauzilloOutstanding investigative work. The writers did a great job of clearly explaining a complicated topic.
Investigative Reporting2ndVisalia Times-Delta“State cites TRMC, surgeon in two deaths”James Houck , Sunrise A4232Extremely well-written & reported.
Investigative Reporting3rdAppeal-Democrat“Marysville Police chief investigated”Rachel Rosenbaum, Jake AbbottExcellent job covering all angles of this complicated case.
Investigative ReportingFinalistMerced Sun-Star“Violent child molester released from Merced Jail. 'It was a screw up,' sheriff says”Rob ParsonsTerrific reporting, writing.
Investigative ReportingFinalistDaily Press“In Old Town Victorville, inmate releases threaten turnaround effort”Shea JohnsonStrong reporting, writing. Covered all angles of this interesting story very well.
Investigative Reporting1stThe Desert Sun“Imperial Irrigation District investigation”Sammy RothA very thorough & exhaustive piece of investigative reporting. The results of this report could have statewide impact if this contractor is doing this in other communities.
Investigative Reporting2ndThe Desert Sun“Path of a pedophile”Brett KelmanThis investigative piece, of course, is timely, & it brings to light change in our society about this horrible crime. This is a commendable job on an issue needing as much attention we as reporters an give it.
Investigative Reporting3rdPress-Telegram“Years of neglect puts Queen Mary's future at risk”Courtney TompkinsThis story brought to light the dark underworld of the Queen Mary. Even the ghost tours will be scarier. What incredible reporting.
Investigative ReportingFinalistThe Desert Sun“Nestle spring water investigation”Ian JamesTerrific reporting on the convoluted issue of water rights.
Investigative ReportingFinalistVentura County Star“Hospitals sent untreated medical waste to landfill, records show”Tom KiskenGreat job of digging up the background on this messy subject.
Investigative Reporting1stThe Fresno Bee“Human Trafficking series”Rory Appleton
Investigative Reporting2ndThe Sacramento Bee“Death at Goodwill”Marjie Lundstrom
Investigative Reporting3rdThe Sacramento Bee“Sexual harassment in California politics”Taryn Luna, Alexei Koseff
Investigative ReportingFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Deposition tells of Ashjian's $300,000 lawsuit, LGBT comments & 'Don Corleone'”Mackenzie Mays
Investigative ReportingFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Evidence from hundreds of rape survivors' bodies sat in a Fresno police freezer for years”Rory Appleton
Investigative Reporting1stThe Orange County Register“Rehab Riviera: An investigation into the abuses of Southern California's drug rehab industry”StaffThe reporting by the Orange County Register & Southern California News Group is thorough & riveting. Drug abuse is a polarizing subject, & when drug centers that are supposed to help addicts instead exploit loopholes for money, it puts lives at risk. The OCR team did an excellent job using data, records & interviews in bringing light to this matter. Especially impressive is the online landing page that links the web together & the use of video & mapping of the various centers.
Investigative Reporting2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Fostering Failure”Karen de Sá, Cynthia Dizikes, Joaquin Palomino, Leah MillisDoes an excellent job of exposing a chronic pattern that appears at times to do more harm to some of California's most vulnerable citizens.
Investigative Reporting3rdLos Angeles Times“The Secret Life of a USC Dean”StaffStrong interviews, thorough & dogged research, digging deeper in what appears to be a systemic issue that prompted investigations & further reporting. A great piece worthy of awards.
Investigative ReportingFinalistLos Angeles Times“Mexico's Housing Debacle: A Failed Vision”Richard MarosiMarosi’s Mexico’s Housing Debacle series goes above & beyond in detailing the chronic deterioration & decay of Mexico’s affordable housing projects. He sheds light on the homeowners who are stuck with no way out, & the alleged corruption involved in the whole affair.
Investigative ReportingFinalistLos Angeles Times“A Secret List of Deputy Misconduct”Maya Lau, Ben Poston, Corina KnollThe LA Times series on the LACSO’s Brady report does a great job of chronicling the abuses of the deputies that are on the list. The article also goes into detail the challenges faced in attempting to impose reforms within the sheriff’s office when LA Sheriff McDonnell attempted to release the list to the DA’s office. Use of source documents, interviews & attempts to get comments from those involved go hand in hand with use of infographics & data reporting. Particularly important was the story on the various deputies relating to their misconduct. The third part shows the impact this type of investigative reporting by detailing information that high-level officials — namely McDonnell himself — did not know about prior to publication.
Land-Use Reporting1stThe Ark“Strawberry seminary development”Emily Lavin
Land-Use Reporting2ndThe Ark“Developing the Tiburon Ridge”Deirdre McCrohan
Land-Use Reporting3rdAmerican Canyon Eagle“Affordable housing project finally gets going”Noel Brinkerhoff
Land-Use ReportingFinalistClaremont Courier“Hillside development/Village West developer”Matthew Bramlett (writer), Steven Felschundneff, Peter Weinberger (photographers)
Land-Use ReportingFinalistSouth Pasadena Review“Tenants to Speak About Poor Conditions, Dramatic Rent Increases at Next City Council Meeting AND Tenants at 265 Monterey Rd. Receive Final Offer from Landlords in Mediation”Harry Yadav
Land-Use Reporting1stSilicon Valley Business Journal“Silicon Valley's last orchards”Janice BittersEverything was outstanding, from the writing to the photos to the graphics. It was a very well-thought-out presentation.
Land-Use Reporting2ndSilicon Valley Business Journal“The Wild West of Weed in Silicon Valley”Lauren HeplerGreat graphics, photos, engaging copy. This topic has been covered by many publications but it was fresh in this edition.
Land-Use Reporting3rdSacramento Business Journal“Saving Tahoe”Mark AndersonThe graphics & photos were nice. The copy was easy to read.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistPetaluma Argus-Courier“Tight housing market tightens”Hannah BeausangGood reporting. I would have liked to see bigger photos to break up the large amount of copy.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistLedger Dispatch“TOXIC”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Matthew HedgerGood report but it needed to be a little snappier.
Land-Use Reporting1stSan Francisco Business Times“An empire in decline”Blanca TorresFull package: Excellent graphics, well-researched, thoroughly reported & writing that reflects reporter's firm grasp of the story.
Land-Use Reporting2ndSan Francisco Business Times“San Francisco's new '49ers'”Roland LiExcellent explanatory reporting, simplified to shed light on complex issue.
Land-Use Reporting3rdMountain View Voice“North Bayshore housing would flood local schools”Kevin Forestieri, Andrea GemmetSolid deep-dive into an important local issue, with diligent follow-ups.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistSan Francisco Business Times“Housing's tale of two cities”Blanca TorresA well-written & researched piece with solid use of sources.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistLa Jolla Light“Roadblock to abandoned La Jolla cottages' restoration could be cleared next year”Corey LevitanStrong writing & research. Contains an element of quirkiness that helped it stand out.
Land-Use Reporting1stSanta Barbara Independent“Housing in Santa Barbara”Tyler HaydenThis is my favorite because the writer was able to capture the mood & emotion without showing bias.
Land-Use Reporting2ndNew Times“Affordability Gap”Camillia LanhamThis is my second favorite because of the intelligent, well-researched, informative writing.
Land-Use Reporting3rdPalo Alto Weekly“Stanford's big plans”Gennady SheynerVery well-written. Interesting. Community interest galore.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistSacramento News & Review“Why save the Delta? Unknown river towns fear untold devastation from Jerry Brown’s twin tunnels project”Scott Thomas AndersonExtremely well-written & interesting.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistSF Weekly“Green-Light District”Peter KaneWell researched. Excellent writing.
Land-Use Reporting1stSanta Monica Daily Press“Asbestos apartments”Kate CagleGreat reporting overall & excellent follow-ups. Series has the potential to have a real impact on this community. Good sources on both sides.
Land-Use Reporting2ndRecord Searchlight“Large expanse of forest still closed 5 years after fire”Damon ArthurThis reporter did what we should all do sometimes: look back long after a calamity & ask "why hasn't anything changed?" Great writing & good video element.
Land-Use Reporting3rdNapa Valley Register“Napa asks, How many hotel rooms are enough?”Howard YuneWell-reported business story that really explored every angle of the growing hospitality industry in Napa. Good writing, sourcing & data.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistSanta Monica Daily Press“Overlooked in 88 square feet, Santa Monica senior barely hangs on to home”Kate CagleThe reporter tells a deeply personal & affecting story of what happens to lower income people who are being forced out of the housing game.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistMonterey Herald“Back to the wild”James HerreraInteresting story about a golf course given back to nature. Great visual & headlines.
Land-Use Reporting1stThe Tribune“Marijuana boom in jeopardy as SLO County considers ban in California Valley”Monica Vaughan, Joe JohnstonThis series really hit all the marks. It was comprehensive yet readable, very well organized & presented. This was a significant public service, helping readers understand all sides of this issue.
Land-Use Reporting2ndMarin Independent Journal“Tam Ridge Apartments”Adrian RodriguezVery thoroughly reported. A reader with no background knowledge of this controversial issue was able to grasp the essential parts of the issue quickly. The stories were fact-filled & well-written.
Land-Use Reporting3rdSanta Cruz Sentinel“Santa Cruz seeks public bathroom solutions while its homeless population crosses its legs”Jessica YorkGood job taking on what must be a vexatious issue for everyone in downtown Santa Cruz. Well told from several directions. It would have been a good idea to reach out to other municipalities to see what solutions others have come up with in similar situations.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistThe Desert Sun“RDA Lands Still in Limbo”Jesse Marx, Corinne Kennedy, Anna Rumer, Sherry BarkasLots of information here, & lots of reporting calories. Of course complexity is a given in this acronym-laden subject, & the stories were not always as accessible as they could be, but kudos for taking this project on with a big-view approach.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistThe Record“Council Infill, not sprawl”Roger Phillips
Land-Use Reporting1stThe Press Democrat“Highway 12 corridor: A1 & D1 package”StaffAn excellent, well-written examination of development along a stretch of Highway 12 in Sonoma County's Valley of the Moon. The second part of the series really shines with a package of stories about residents & businesses in the area affected by the development. A clean layout & good photos complete the package.
Land-Use Reporting2ndThe Fresno Bee“Fulton Street stories”Marek WarszawskiAn interesting approach to a series about downtown redevelopment in Fresno using a mix of commentary with news. The short (approximately to minute) video clips add to the stories, as do the photos. The series was entered only as links to the online package. A look at how the package was handled in print would have been useful.
Land-Use Reporting3rdThe Fresno Bee“Booze flows freely in Fresno, but where you find it makes a difference”Tim Sheehan
Land-Use ReportingFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Historic brick home avoids wrecking ball, & may see new life as a restaurant”Bethany Clough
Land-Use Reporting1stLos Angeles Times“Freeway Pollution”Tony Barboza, Jon Schleuss, David ZahniserThe L.A. Times' investigation of the connection between residential development & personal health helps the reader understand the real & very serious consequences of land-use planning. The series clearly spotlights the conflicts in the city's policies & pressures on transportation, housing, health & the environment, & importantly shows the individuals who are adversely affected. It was a crusading story that stands up for so many individuals who thought they'd purchased homes that are affordable & safe, who later suffer or are put at risk due to its location. The stories squarely point out how government officials & developers have sacrificed public health in the name of economic growth, as well as explain the complexity in protecting homeowners while also accommodating the city's inevitable need for housing.
Land-Use Reporting2ndLos Angeles Times“California's Housing Crisis”Liam DillonThe lack of affordable housing in urban areas has become a common around the country as the economy has bounced back. But gentrification that comes from the prosperity of certain cities has had a well documented cost: housing for middle- & low-income residents has evaporated. The series by the Los Angeles Times explains that the damage was foreseeable & preventable — if cities would have simply followed their own plans. The Times reports about the influence of wealthy residents who curbed reasonable housing projects & the lack of enforcement for government planning should draw the ire of Californians now grappling with a crisis, & be used by communities across America who may end up in the same spot.
Land-Use Reporting3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“Transbay Transit Center”John KingExcellent use of graphics & interactive material. Interesting topic that gets overlooked by many. Good to see the Times pay attention.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistThe Mercury News“Google village”George Avalos, Ethan BaronPrecise and concise. Doesn’t get long-winded. Good approach in today’s world of newspaper writing.
Land-Use ReportingFinalistThe Orange County Register“Eviction trends in Southern California”Jeff CollinsGood demonstration of the challenges facing people from all walks of life. Would be a complete series if one of the stories had focused more on the landlord side of the issue.
News Photo1stThe Trinity Journal“Helena fire”Wayne Agner
News Photo2ndThe Intermountain News“California Highway Patrol officer Chris Ogden handcuffs & detains motorist Al Tari”Craig Harrington
News Photo3rdLompoc Record“Retardant drop from afar”Len Wood
News PhotoFinalistCalistoga Tribune“Nighttime harvest”Richard Wood, Kim Beltran
News Photo1stThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Rising from the Ashes”Robbi PengellyVery compelling photo as homeowner surveys the scene of the devastation left in the wake of wildfire. Noting in the photo caption that this was the site of her home for 53 years makes it even more moving.
News Photo2ndMerced County Times“Wildfire Darkens Sky, But Sparks Hope, Goodwill”John MillerGreat use of light with the sun peeking through the smoke. This photo captures the scope of the blaze ripping up the hillside with a artistic quality. Well done.
News Photo3rdThe Folsom Telegraph“Flirting with flames of disaster”Bill SullivanFirefighters face to face with flames is always a compelling shot. This particular photo captures just how up close & personal these guys got with this home fire.
News PhotoFinalistLedger Dispatch“Now just ashes”Bill LavallieWithout a person in the photo, & just small fire still burning, the light filtering through he smoke in heavenly fashion makes for a great photo.
News Photo1stTracy Press“Moment of mourning”Glenn MooreNice composition, moment & faces. I like that you can see faces & emotion. Stood out from other entries.
News Photo2ndLamorinda Weekly“Orinda Sinkhole Fix to Take Weeks”Tod FiernerNice images showing the collapse with the guy for size. Looking at it it feels like this guy is dangerously close. Good moment.
News Photo3rdThe Almanac“Eclipse”Natalia NazarovaDecent composition & subject matter.
News PhotoFinalistSan Francisco Business Times“Dub Nation celebrates the Warriors championship win”Todd JohnsonVisual impact got this image to where it is. I wish there was more emotion on Durant's face.
News Photo1stThousand Oaks Acorn“Fallen brother”Michael CoonsThis is a sad, but amazing, moment with excellent photo composition. The white glove on the casket, the faded men & women in uniform in the depth of field. Outstanding photo & the best in this category.
News Photo2ndSanta Barbara Independent“Rainy Friday”Paul WellmanThe sheer size of the trunk of the tree, the smashes pick up truck. the look of wonderment of the fire fighter. Excellent overall image.
News Photo3rdSanta Barbara Independent“Women's March”Paul WellmanLove the composition with duality of focus — on the sheer size of the crowd & on the one featured protestor.
News PhotoFinalistGrunion Gazette“Powerful Memories”Geronimo QuitorianoStory-telling image.
News Photo1stDaily Press“Trapped in ravine, injured horse hoist-rescued near Bowen Ranch”James QuiggStunning image that grabbed my eye immediately. Such an unusual occurrence, but it reads so clearly. I especially love the movement & sense of the horse's weight.
News Photo2ndNapa Valley Register“Trapped Man at Baskin-Robbins”JL SousaThis is a memorable image that leaves me wanting to know what the heck is going on here! I'm not sure if it was ok to laugh, but I definitely did. It would have been a first place contender if the focus was sharper.
News Photo3rdThe Reporter“A Family's Grief”Joel RosenbaumThis photo has wonderful emotion but it also technically beautiful.
News PhotoFinalistTimes-Herald“Out on a limb”Chris Riley
News Photo1stThe Tribune“Parkhill Fire watcher”Joe Johnston
News Photo2ndThe Desert Sun“Thomas fire”Richard Lui
News Photo3rdVentura County Star“Firefighter silhouette in front of a burning home”Chuck Kirman
News PhotoFinalistVentura County Star“Chicken rescued from residential street ravaged by Thomas Fire”Juan Carlo
News Photo1stThe Press Democrat“Firestorm Lays Waste”Kent Porter
News Photo2ndThe Press Democrat“Shattered Lives”Beth Schlanker
News Photo3rdThe Fresno Bee“Fire destroys homes.”Eric Paul Zamora
News PhotoFinalistThe Bakersfield Californian“Murderer mocks victim's family”Felix Adamo
News Photo1stLos Angeles Times“Thomas Fire”Marcus YamExcellent work in what must have been a very chaotic environment.
News Photo2ndLos Angeles Times“Scuffle at MAGA March”Irfan KhanImage captures the key moment in a heated confrontation between protesters. Great capture.
News Photo3rdLos Angeles Times“Fleeing the Thomas Fire”Marcus YamImage really illustrates the looming threat of the fire.
News PhotoFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“Wine Country Fires”Mason Trinca
Online Breaking News Coverage1stSanta Ynez Valley Star“Whittier Fire”Raiza Giorgi, Daniel Dreifuss, Victoria Martinez, Dave Bemis
Online Breaking News Coverage2ndThe Trinity Journal“Helena fire”Amy Gittelsohn, Sally Morris, Wayne Agner
Online Breaking News Coverage3rdThe Business Journal“Former Angels pitcher buys Fresno auto dealerships”Gabriel Dillard
Online Breaking News CoverageFinalistLedger Dispatch“High Water — Amador County Flooding”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Bill Lavallie, Sarah Spinetta
Online Breaking News Coverage1stPalo Alto Weekly“San Francisquito Creek nears flood levels”Staff
Online Breaking News Coverage2ndSanta Barbara Independent“Thomas Fire”Staff
Online Breaking News Coverage3rdThe Valley Voice“Tulare Regional Medical Center Temporary Shutdown”Tony Maldonado
Online Breaking News CoverageFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“Superintendent Max McGee resigns”Elena Kadvany
Online Breaking News Coverage1stRecord Searchlight“Rancho Tehama shooting”Staff
Online Breaking News Coverage2ndRecord Searchlight“Oroville Dam crisis”Staff
Online Breaking News Coverage3rdThe Union“Coverage of Lobo, McCourtney fires”Staff
Online Breaking News CoverageFinalistThe Tribune“Matthew Frank, the anonymous SLOStringer, died the way he lived — chasing news”Gabby Ferreira, Joe Johnston
Online Breaking News Coverage1stThe Press Democrat“October wildfires: Day 1 coverage online by The Press Democrat”Staff
Online Breaking News Coverage2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Northern California Wildfires”Staff
Online Breaking News Coverage3rdLos Angeles Times“Southern California Fires”Staff
Online Breaking News CoverageFinalistLos Angeles Times“Northern California Fires”Staff
Online Photo Story/Essay1stShasta Lake Bulletin“Old Antlers Bridge Demolition”Ron Harrington, Craig HarringtonGood storytelling, included participant interviews, showed difficulties, then wrapped everything up.
Online Photo Story/Essay2ndThe Trinity Journal“Helena fire destruction”Wayne Agner
Online Photo Story/Essay3rdShasta Lake Bulletin“Shasta Dam Water Release”Ron Harrington
Online Photo Story/EssayFinalistShasta Lake Bulletin“Shasta Dam Drum Gates Tested”Ron Harrington
Online Photo Story/Essay1stThe Desert Sun“Katie Griffith pitching for the California King Baseball team”Richard LuiBeautiful vivid photos, well presented & a perfect complement to the article.
Online Photo Story/Essay2ndThe Desert Sun“Toxic Dust & asthma plague Salton Sea communities”Zoe MeyersA good mix of photos of the human element & the problem.
Online Photo Story/Essay3rdChico Enterprise-Record“Oroville spillway collapse”Bill Husa, Dan Reidel, Emily BertolinoCould have been edited down a bit for more impact.
Online Photo Story/EssayFinalistThe Desert Sun“Rehabilitation of Todd Marinovich”Richard LuiVery vivid photos, just not quite as compelling as Katie Griffith.
Online Photo Story/Essay1stSan Francisco Chronicle“Wine Country Fires”San Francisco Chronicle Photo TeamThis collection of photos gave a full-depth view of the fires from the actual blaze to people returning to their homes to church services to firefighters. It painted a wholesome picture of what happened & I was eager to continue flipping through the selection to see more. All the images were high quality & the photographers behind each camera seemed to have a good sense of capturing scenes that had optimal impact on the viewer.
Online Photo Story/Essay2ndLos Angeles Times“Fires in Southern California”StaffIncredible, I like how there were 15 photos — must’ve been difficult to select the best ones & as a viewer made me curious about which images were selected by the photographer. There was plenty of variety & the captions helped give the story layers.
Online Photo Story/Essay3rdLos Angeles Times“Tragedy in Venezuela”Oscar CastilloThere was an incredible selection of photos that were very evocative. Given how many fires were burning in the region, I would’ve liked to have seen more images beyond the fires, firefighting & destruction, such as people returning to their homes to see what’s left.
Online Photo Story/EssayFinalistLos Angeles Times“Deadly Airstrike in Mosul”Marcus YamThe emotional impact was apparent through the images & appreciated the accompanying story link. I would’ve liked to have seen more photos from the hospital.
Photo Illustration1stBlack Voice News“Teacher, Student Shot to Death - What happens when domestic abuse & gun violence collide”Chris Allen
Photo Illustration2ndBlack Voice News“Let Us Following the Teachings of a King”Chris Allen
Photo Illustration3rdThe Trinity Journal“Trinity's missing”Bridget Carson
Photo IllustrationFinalistSan Francisco Business Times“Is California ready to become the nation's largest legal retail marijuana market?”Todd Johnson, Carolyn Seng, Kevin Truong
Photo Illustration1stThe Press Democrat“Children's Authors Sun, Moon, Friendship”John BurgessUsing a page from a Children's book, the designer incorporated the author & the artist in this illustration. Even though a little busy, I believe this concept works because it puts the two subjects firmly into the picture & show a collaboration using their own visual product. The designer used a post-shoot filter (posterization?) to add & blend with the book artist's style of work.
Photo Illustration2ndThe Fresno Bee“5 seconds captured this iconic image of Fresno’s history as it fell”John WalkerHow to illustrate a story on the photographic coverage on a planned landmark building? That was the problem this photographer was assigned & the use of the original negative storage envelope, original 8x10 prints, camera gear & a piece of the building was the still-shot solution. I would REALLY like to have seen a field portrait of the photographer who took the original images, since the story is about the event & how it was covered. The accompanying video was interesting & well done.
Photo Illustration3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“Stick to sports? Not this year”Tam DuongCollage generated images can be busy & confusing. The problem can be how to get so much visual information in a limited space. This image tries to get A LOT in & with so many faces & different sizes & perspectives of teams & characters it seems to be to much to get a powerful idea across. Perhaps if the designer would have limited the visual elements to maybe two central figures (Trump & Kaepernick) or somehow placed more emphasis of one player on a knee the concept would have been easier to read & understand. Or even ONLY use the saluting Trump with the cut out of knee-taking teams at the bottom, showing more of a “collaborative idea vs. President” concept. The American flag fading out towards the bottom is a good & effective choice.
Photo Story/Essay1stDel Norte Triplicate“Summer Gone to Seed”Bryant AndersonIncredible shots. Why seeds? Why not? Visually they pull you in, begging you to explore something many of us don't often see in such detail.
Photo Story/Essay2ndLedger Dispatch“Faces of the Italian Picnic”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Bill Lavallie, Johnny Knittel
Photo Story/Essay3rdShasta Lake Bulletin“Kaboom! - Old Antlers Bridge Demolition”Craig Harrington
Photo Story/EssayFinalistCalistoga Tribune“Our Lady of Guadalupe parade”Clark Mishler, Pat Hampton
Photo Story/Essay1stThe Almanac“Silicon Valley's Hidden Lands”Michelle Le
Photo Story/Essay2ndThousand Oaks Acorn“The Circus Life”Michael Coons
Photo Story/Essay3rdMountain View Voice“City tows RVs from makeshift trailer park”Michelle Le
Photo Story/EssayFinalistCamarillo Acorn“The belles of the ball”Bobby Curtis, West Maatita
Photo Story/Essay1stDaily Press“Tragedy through a teapot”James Quigg
Photo Story/Essay2ndThe Desert Sun“Addiction in plain sight”Zoe Meyers
Photo Story/Essay3rdDaily Pilot“Photo Gallery: Brawl at Make America Great Again march at Bolsa Chica State Beach”Raul Roa
Photo Story/EssayFinalistTimes-Herald“Refuge from the inferno”Chris Riley
Photo Story/Essay1stSan Francisco Chronicle“Devastation in Wine Country”San Francisco Chronicle Photo Team
Photo Story/Essay2ndThe Orange County Register“Heroin’s hold: One man’s journey through the Southern California rehab industry”Mindy Schauer
Photo Story/Essay3rdThe Press Democrat“Finding Christmas in a Fire zone”Christopher Chung, Alvin Jornada, Kent Porter, Beth Schlanker
Photo Story/EssayFinalistLos Angeles Times“The Rising, Hidden Toll of Airstrikes”Marcus Yam
Photojournalism1stLedger Dispatch“Ledger Dispatch”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Sarah Tullus, Beth BarnardKudos to the Ledger Dispatch for its commitment to photography. Nearly every news page in all 3 entries included at least one photo. Together they captioned a community that looks like a lot of fun & not a bit stuffy. The Student Art Gallery — 16 photos over a page & a half was particularly impressive, not only for the photos themselves, but for the captions describing the photographer & his or her aspirations & a quote from each. All three sports sections were jam-packed with photos of local kids. The front page with Faces of the Italian Picnic included 12 photos. Yes, that's a lot in a small amount of space — & it worked nicely.
Photojournalism2ndMountain View Voice“Mountain View Voice, March 31, June 16 & Sept. 29”Michelle Le, Ana Sofia Amieva-Wang, Veronica WeberNice mix of staff photography & handout art. Photographer Michelle Le is everywhere in Mountain View. I particularly liked the Google construction photo. It's anything but typical & completely unexpected.
Photojournalism3rdThe Trinity Journal“July 5, Sept. 6, Sept. 27”StaffGreat impact especially on the fire photos; quality sports as well.
PhotojournalismFinalistThe Healdsburg Tribune“Taking time to honor veterans”Ray HolleyGreat emotion on display in this photo; good catch.
PhotojournalismFinalistSanta Ynez Valley Star“Napa Fires”George Rose, Raiza GiorgiGreat mix of photos to tell the story of the fires. Very impactful.
Photojournalism1stSan Francisco Chronicle“San Francisco Chronicle Photojournalism”San Francisco Chronicle Photo TeamEach photo in the Chronicle adds to the story & gives more information. Leah Mills' front-page photo of the tearful deportation her parents is one of the strongest examples. The photography from this in-depth report is beautiful & nicely composed as the photos give a window into a new culture through the eyes of the exiled parents. The sheepherders photo is technically excellent with its focus on the herders' hats. The photo of the destruction of the Santa Rosa neighborhood with a single car for perspective was especially appreciated for its contrast with the near panoramas of swaths of neighborhoods that we have almost become numb to. The community & Style sections have lots of photos of real people & society folks, all presented in a classy way. The Style section, as you would hope to expect, takes risks in its bold photo presentation. The photos with wire service stories make you feel like you are just steps away from the scene. The Chronicle nicely balances effective photo presentation & story length.
Photojournalism2ndThe Press Democrat“Press Democrat editions from Oct. 10, 11 & 21, 2017”StaffFire photos set this entry apart. Every photo is different. Kudos to the Press Democrat for its well-coordinated effort to document the breadth of the fires, the dynamic editing of the photography & the well-edited captions. Nation & World pages have a good mix of words & images.
Photojournalism3rdThe Fresno Bee“Photojournalism March 6, April 19 & Oct. 19, 2017”StaffTerrific job of covering high school state championships. In a time when many are cutting back on high school sports coverage, it is refreshing to see this huge time-commitment to young athletes & their fans.
PhotojournalismFinalistThe Union“The Union - Photojournalism”Elias FunezThe Union's photography gives a strong sense of place & a window into the people who call the area home.
Profile Story1stThe Ark“Up in the air”Matthew Hose
Profile Story2ndThe Ark“Bouncing back from rock bottom”Matthew Hose
Profile Story3rdAfter Five: The North State Magazine“Joan Osborne Interview”Jim Dyar
Profile StoryFinalistThe Intermountain News“Hat Creek resident & internationally renowned  lm preservationist David Shepard dies at age 76”Jon Lewis
Profile StoryFinalistClaremont Courier“David Oxtoby, Pomona College president, reflects on 14 years”Kathryn Dunn
Profile Story1stLedger Dispatch“An Angel for Angel”Jack Mitchell
Profile Story2ndThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Things We Lost in the Fire”Kate Williams
Profile Story3rdThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Immigrant Song”Kate Williams
Profile StoryFinalistThe Davis Enterprise“Piano man lifts hearts of all who pass by”Anne Ternus-Bellamy
Profile StoryFinalistSan Marino Tribune“Thankfully, He Still Hasn't Found That Plan B”"Mitch Lehman
Profile Story1stMountain View Voice“The philanthropist pauper”Mark Noack, Andrea GemmetA great & unexpected story about a longtime member of the community. Well-written & hard not to love.
Profile Story2ndThe Malibu Times“'King of Traffic' reigns in Malibu”Jimy Tallal, Julie Ellerton
Profile Story3rdLa Jolla Light“Homeless for the Holidays: How one human being ended up on the streets of La Jolla”Corey LevitanA warm & well-crafted portrait of a member of the community, with details the reader wasn't expecting.
Profile StoryFinalistPleasanton Weekly“An American classic: Pleasanton man behind SF’s La Taqueria takes home coveted James Beard Award”Julia (Reis) Brown
Profile StoryFinalistPasadena Outlook“Little Rock 9 Alumnus Reflects 60 Years Later”Camila Castellanos
Profile Story1stSF Weekly“ORFN: A Life Under Shadows”Stephen Jackson
Profile Story2ndGood Times“Maestro on a Mission”Steve Palopoli
Profile Story3rdSacramento News & Review“A death in Syria: Michael Israel’s quest for peace”Scott Thomas Anderson
Profile StoryFinalistThe Acorn“Gold Rush”Jonathan Andrade, Eliav Appelbaum
Profile StoryFinalistNew Times“Supporting Dreams”Karen Garcia
Profile Story1stThe Signal“'Mama Betty’ shares mobile ministry with those visiting Pitchess Detention Center”Christina CoxSuch an amazing story of a woman who saw human suffering & did something about it! A model of kindness & compassion!
Profile Story2ndRecord Searchlight“Before going away to prison, a man organizes his life”Nathan SolisWhat an amazing topic... how many of us will ever know what that feels like - to know we will go to prison the next day. Very creative & compelling topic.
Profile Story3rdNapa Valley Register“L. Pierce Carson, an institution in the Napa Valley, dies at 76”Sasha PaulsenWhile this is essentially a very embellished obituary, it is also very well written & truly paints a colorful picture of this man. I feel I know him a little, even though we've never met. What a life - to have been loved & appreciated by so many!
Profile StoryFinalistNapa Valley Register“Family tragedy has rocked the Napa Valley sports community”Marty JamesWhat a heartbreaking story. A man who spent nearly a lifetime helping & encouraging youth, having it all end in a flash. What a loss to the community. You really captured the community's loss in this story.
Profile StoryFinalistRecord Searchlight“Cottonwood barrel racer hits the big time”Patrick CarrVery interesting & engaging story of a barrel-racing family & all they go through for their sport. Also, a relatively unusual topic. Well done!
Profile Story1stThe Desert Sun“Selfless Rescue”Brett KelmanThis article is well-written & compelling & in-depth.
Profile Story2ndThe Desert Sun“Rehabilitation of Todd Marinovich”Shad PowersTerrific profile.
Profile Story3rdThe Tribune“Judge’s career spanned Rex Krebs, Kristin Smart & the ‘most heinous crimes imaginable’”Matt FountainGreat work because both a strong profile & an in depth look at his career.
Profile StoryFinalistVentura County Star“Kathy Long finishes career on top after tough childhood”Kathleen WilsonNice work.
Profile StoryFinalistDaily Breeze“Mystery of beloved homeless man endures after his death”Sandy MazzaNice work.
Profile Story1stThe Press Democrat“Remembering Who We Lost”StaffA great tribute to a community.
Profile Story2ndThe Bakersfield Californian“Hope through hoops; How Braxton Huggins went from east Bakersfield to budding college star”Trevor HornA great story of one person's struggles & their motivation.
Profile Story3rdThe Fresno Bee“At 14, she was told to hide her baby bump & switch schools. Her shaming wasn’t unique”Mackenzie MaysA great topic that needs more coverage.
Profile StoryFinalistThe Fresno Bee“She was a hospital worker. He sold her for sex before, during & after her shifts”Rory AppletonThis story was very real & that it left me wanting to help.
Profile StoryFinalistThe Modesto Bee“Polo-wearing intellectual, or racist bigot? A look at Nathan Damigo of Oakdale”Garth StapleyAn interesting take on a profile.
Profile Story1stThe Mercury News“Jim Plunkett's painful journey”Elliott Almond
Profile Story2ndThe Orange County Register“Homecoming queen dream comes true for Riley McCoy, the girl who can't go out in the sun”Keith Sharon
Profile Story3rdThe Mercury News“Following Iranian immigrant Omid Kordestani's in building Google's business,”Queenie Wong, Leia Parker
Profile StoryFinalistLos Angeles Times“Mob Boss”Cindy Chang
Profile StoryFinalistThe Orange County Register“The Ballfather: LaVar Ball & his 3 sons intend to change basketball forever”Ryan Kartje
Public Service Journalism1stThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Coverage of the Sonoma Valley fires”StaffHands down the best of the entries. The staff of the Index-Tribune took their responsibility & their commitment to the community seriously & helped walk their neighbors through the tragedy with a multi-layered approach that provided useful information but also chronicled the real human toll taken by the fires with empathy. And then they followed up with multiple stories of the aftermath. Plus, they had the presence of mind to allow readers to submit their own photos, to add an interactive approach. If your readers didn't know you cared about them before this, they know now.
Public Service Journalism2ndLedger Dispatch“Publishers Pig Project”Jack MitchellThe essence of journalism is speaking for & helping those who can't help themselves. The Ledger Dispatch got involved & helped out a young woman who was in dire circumstances. It rallied the community behind an effort to help this young woman & succeeded. That's terrific community journalism.
Public Service Journalism3rdWinters Express“Project Playground”Debra DeAngeloThoroughly documented a community effort to rebuild a needed community touch point.
Public Service JournalismFinalistSanta Ynez Valley Star“SYV Aquatics”Raiza Giorgi
Public Service JournalismFinalistRosamond News“Kern supervisors ban marijuana: Money's not the issue — health is”JOHN JOYCE, GAYLE JOYCE, Michael Crabtree
Public Service Journalism1stMountain View Voice“Digital math program's flaws hidden from school board, community”Kevin Forestieri, Andrea Gemmet, Renee BattiI applaud Kevin Forestieri & his colleagues for their tenacity & attention to detail in pursuing this story. Mr. Forestieri presents his findings in a clear, engaging way that had me looking forward to each subsequent story. That's a tough feat to accomplish when writing about school district finances. Everyone in the Mountain View Whisman School District — taxpayers, teachers, students & families — benefits from Mr. Forestieri uncovering the convoluted disaster that was the Teach to One digital math program.
Public Service Journalism2ndSanta Maria Sun“No free rides: Detainees released late at night from Santa Barbara County Jail don't get a ride home anymore, including those from North County”Kasey BubnashRookie reporter Kasey Bubnash knocks it out of the park. She sheds light on an issue that the county overlooked & that readers otherwise may not have been aware of. Her thorough, compassionate reporting led to real results when the jail reinstated its late-night transportation program.
Public Service Journalism3rdThe Valley Voice“Tulare Local Healthcare District & management coverage”Tony Maldonado, Dave AdalianGreat use of digital embed technology to make source materials available directly to readers. This was an extravaganza of reporting for hard-core followers of the topic.
Public Service JournalismFinalistMilpitas Post“Milpitas city manager”Robert Devincenzi , Ian Bauer, Morton Levine, Mario Dianda
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Campbell Reporter“VTA considers changing fares to combat projected deficit”Jasmine Leyva
Public Service Journalism1stNew Times“Sexual Assaults in San Luis Obispo”Chris McGuinness, Peter Johnson
Public Service Journalism2ndChico News & Review“Mental health in policing”Ken Smith
Public Service Journalism3rdMetro Silicon Valley“Floodgate: How the Water District & City’s Comedy of Errors Became a Local Tragedy”Jennifer Wadsworth
Public Service JournalismFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“The $6 million blunder”Elena Kadvany, Bill Johnson
Public Service JournalismFinalistSanta Barbara Independent“Santa Barbara in The Time of Trump”SB Indy News Team
Public Service Journalism1stVisalia Times-Delta“Coverage of Tulare Regional Medical Center”James Houck, Luis Hernandez, Calley Cederlof, Sheyanne RomeroThe coverage of the incredible saga of what was happening at Tular Regional Medical Center is exactly the type of journalism that makes the biggest impact on a community. It was literally a life-and-death situation. Those types of mismanagement problems can go undetected for years, but these journalists followed the documents, the money, the court action, the hospital closure & ultimately the voter impact, which was no doubt a direct result of the coverage. Bravo!
Public Service Journalism2ndThe Signal“Project: Overdosed”Austin Dave, Jim Holt, Katharine Lotze, Christina CoxThis was a well-done combination of stories & video that gave a personal look inside what is a continuous problem with drug addiction. Inside access to people is always the easiest way to get a message across. Capturing emotions & drama is the part that makes it stand out.
Public Service Journalism3rdTimes-Standard“Tsunami readiness”StaffHelping the public prepare for disaster is one of the greatest public service projects any journalism organization can do. Every organization should do something to help their audience learn how they can best help themselves face whatever disaster is most likely for their area. Great visuals, helpful information.
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Union“The Union successfully argues for access to all meetings of community advisory group on cannabis regulations”Alan Riquelmy, The Union Editoral Board
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Reporter“3Finalist Merriment on Main”The Reporter Newsroom
Public Service Journalism1stPress-Telegram“The Digital Divide”StaffTrue public service journalism. This is the kind of story people get into journalism for, where you can see your work actively making a difference in people's lives. Extraordinary work. These organizations should be proud, & these communities are lucky to have such dedicated servants in these publications.
Public Service Journalism2ndVentura County Star“The Thomas Fire”StaffDisaster reporting is one of those things that is a true public service when done well — & you did it well. Not only did you provide examples of your spot reporting but you dug into context with mudslide worries, mental health impacts, healthcare impacts & more. My one critique is that you should have included with your entry the social media posts, email alerts, text alerts & every other aspect of reporting that you offered your community. I would have liked to have seen a well-rounded approach to efficiently informing the community as well as your in-depth coverage. Good job in extremely trying circumstances. In a terrifying & chaotic time, the Star provided steady, unsensationalized coverage as well as important safety information to readers. An invaluable service.
Public Service Journalism3rdThe Desert Sun“Imperial Irrigation District investigation”Sammy RothThis is a good examination of a public issue that no one, it appears, knew about but that changed through the demand of the community following your reporting. I might not have used the same art as the main asset in multiple stories. As a general rule, I would also suggest that you add an explanation about why you entered your series in the category. Fortunately, it was easy to connect the dots from this series to "performing a public service.” The community acted on the information they got from you & that's the most we can hope for. Good job.
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Record“Mayor Anthony Silva”Roger Phillips, Donald Blount, Michael Fitzgerald, Clifford Oto
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Tribune“Inmate died in SLO County Jail after 46 hours in restraint chair, coroner says”Matt Fountain
Public Service Journalism1stEast Bay Times“Coverage of Ghost Ship warehouse fire”StaffA relentless & inspiring series that exposes a city so dysfunctional it cost dozens of people their lives.
Public Service Journalism2ndThe Press Democrat“Press Democrat reporting on failures of emergency alert system during October wildfires”StaffA series that, in a very short time, spotlights the sheer shortcomings of the emergency alert system & the leaders' decision not to send a widespread notification.
Public Service Journalism3rdThe Sacramento Bee“Oroville Dam Crisis”Dale Kasler, Ryan SabalowThis series covers the gamut — from crisis, to response, to engineering, to statewide dam safety.
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Bakersfield Californian“Just One Breath: Why are people still dying from valley fever & tens of thousands getting sick?”Center for Health Journalism CollaborativeThis series is a treasure trove of data & information about a lesser-known disease & the challenges to raise awareness about it.
Public Service JournalismFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Human Trafficking”Rory AppletonAn eye-opening series about the sex trade in the Central Valley.
Public Service Journalism1stLos Angeles Times“Sexual Harassment in Sacramento”Melanie Mason, Chris Megerian, Dakota Smith, Jack DolanPublic service reporting that yields clear-cut results always reflects brightest in competitions such as this. The Times' aggressively reported look at the sexual harassment climate at the state capital in Sacramento resulted in the resignations of two legislative stalwarts once the facts exposed their pattern of regular out-and-out sexism. The newspaper's ability to get many women to step forward publicly to tell their stories was a critical piece of reporting that separated the Times from its competitors in this category.
Public Service Journalism2ndThe San Diego Union-Tribune“No help for the homeless”Dan McSwainIt was refreshing to see a formidable good, old one-reporter campaign to improve something in a community — in this case San Diego's growing homeless problem. McSwain's regular strongly written & deeply reported missives throughout 2017 kept pressure on city leaders to once & for all get serious about addressing the problem.
Public Service Journalism3rdThe Orange County Register“Rehab Riviera: An investigation into the abuses of Southern California's drug rehab industry”StaffAn exhaustive look at the failures of the region's many drug rehab clinics to actually rehabilitate a respectable number of clients. Instead, the reporting showed it's a seriously flawed money-first proposition in which patients are actively & competitively recruited from across the country.
Public Service JournalismFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“Fostering Failure”Karen de Sá, Cynthia Dizikes, Joaquin Palomino, Leah MillisInteresting look at the problematic increased level of incarceration of children across California for seemingly minor reasons.
Special Publication1stMountain Democrat“El Dorado County Adventures”Mimi Escabar, Letty BaumgardnerAn entry like this inspires one to hone their craft be it photography, graphic design or writing. There is a diversity of articles of interest to locals & visitors alike. This is a beautiful & well written section, & they should be very proud of their work!
Special Publication2ndThe Intermountain News“The Intermountain News Visitors Guide 2017”StaffNice publication with useful, well-written information, especially for visitors to the area. Enjoyed the photography & maps.
Special Publication3rdClaremont Courier“Claremont Courier 2017 Almanac”StaffInteresting concept & original – nice articles that were informative. Nice architectural photography, however, would like to have seen more life (people) in the photos.
Special PublicationFinalistIdyllwild Town Crier“Explore Idyllwild Directory”Halie Wilson, Lisa Streeter, Becky Clark, Mandy JohnsonNice graphic design work & layout, which earned this entry placement in the Top 4. In the future, I would like to see more in-depth writing on potential subject matter.
Special Publication1stNorth Coast Journal“Insider”StaffEngaging writing, interesting stories, nice use of photos & layouts, lots of good local information.
Special Publication2ndMonterey County Weekly“Best of Monterey Bay Food & Drink”StaffNice use of photos & layouts, solid writing, snappy heds, good local information.
Special Publication3rdPalisades News“Official Parade Program — Palisades On Parade”"Sue Pascoe, Manfred HoferI enjoyed the many angles the editors took on the annual event. Lots of good information.
Special PublicationFinalistTehachapi News“Tehachapi Visitor Guide 2017”StaffFull of great information for locals & visitors.
Special Section1stSilicon Valley Business Journal“Structures 2017”Lynn Stock, Doug Magill, Janice BittersBeautifully designed, compelling content. Easily the best of the entries, but could have been even better with more thoughtful photo editing. Some stories had too many repetitive photos of the same structure, e.g. the Apple building story. Pick one photo & run it large instead of five photos that illustrate extremely similar angles.
Special Section2ndLedger Dispatch“Best of Amador”Jack Mitchell, Caitlyn Schaap, Sarah Tullus, Beth Barnard
Special Section3rdBig Bear Grizzly“Big Bear Now”Staff
Special SectionFinalistShasta Lake Bulletin“Shasta Lake & North State Visitors Guide”Staff
Special Section1stSan Francisco Business Times“Bay Area Biotech”Richard Procter, Ron LeutyThe publication as a whole had a clean & dynamic look that felt fluid throughout. The design complemented the content, which was digestible—considering the complex topics — & engaging.
Special Section2ndChico News & Review“CN&R Death Issue”Staff
Special Section3rdSacramento News & Review“Sac eats the world”Staff
Special SectionFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“Delish”Elena Kadvany, Staff
Special Section1stNapa Valley Register“Inside Napa Valley”StaffThis guide provides an awesome snapshot of the Napa Valley — from the story content & photos to the advertising. It's an extremely quality publication. I'm ready to book a flight.
Special Section2ndImperial Valley Press“2017 High School Football Season Preview Special Section”StaffThe cover is very engaging...it begs to be opened & further explored. The patterned layouts make for easy reading. The photos with the athletes' autographs is a nice touch. Incorporating “football cards” of individual athletes with the advertising is a creative idea.
Special Section3rdSanta Monica Daily Press“2017 Recipe Guide”Matthew Hall, Jenny Medina, Darren OuelletteThis section is a creative way to focus on local restaurants & farmers. I think the overall quality would be enhanced if the images were sharper. Fruits & vegetables can really pop with color & sharpness. Some of the descriptions & photos left me salivating. Including recipes makes an inviting package.
Special SectionFinalistThe Record“Special section Outlook 19-17”StaffThe use of the gears graphic on the front cover is a creative way to show how the different concepts work together. The “Edison a bright light in education...” was an interesting read. As important as agriculture is in that part of the state, I might have put the “Farmers are optimistic people closer to the front of the publication.”
Special SectionFinalistThe Union“The Union - A Day at Play (July 1)”Staff
Special Section1stThe Mercury News“Pets Magazine”Jennifer SchaeferAttention-keeping, fun & well-implemented diversity of graphics, photographs & page layouts. Creative mix of methods of information delivery, including articles, lists, infographics & screen captures.
Special Section2ndLos Angeles Times“Mexico's Housing Debacle: A Failed Vision”StaffThorough research & compelling photography make for a package that fully explains the situation from its genesis to the present. Explicitly connecting the subject to the subprime lending crisis in the U.S. makes it especially relevant for American readers.
Special Section3rdThe Press Democrat“Gratitude”Staff
Special SectionFinalistThe Bakersfield Californian“2017 BVarsity Football Preview”Staff
Special SectionFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Central Valley Magazine”Staff
Special Section Cover1stThe Business Journal“Book of Lists/Profiles in Business/Made in the Central Valley”Joe VerduzcoThe only entry that showed real creativity were The Business Journal covers. Each gave an indication of the contents by the choice of images & use of type & text on the cover.
Special Section Cover2ndLos Banos Enterprise“Los Banos tomato festival”Gene LiebLos Banos has a great tomato photo - solid black was good choice to make green & red stand out.
Special Section Cover3rdThe Ark“Special section covers”Jeff DempseyThe Ark Back to School cover was an exception in the three submitted. Images for the Table of Contents SHOW the topics Inside. The other two covers were not inspiring. They might want to use this cover as a template for others.
Special Section CoverFinalistCalistoga Tribune“2017 Mud City Weekender”Pat Hampton, Clark James Mishler, Linda York, Karen Lynn IngallsThe Weekender used color well to differentiate each special from a previous one, so if they were to be set out in a stack, each would have an independent personality. Cropping photos tighter would help in the yoga & grape stomping images - close in on the benefits & beauty of yoga, & the excitement of the grape stomp - no need to uninterested expressions on faces, etc.
Special Section Cover1stSanta Barbara Independent“Home & Garden, Booze & Bites, Gift Guide”Caitlin Fitch, Ben Ciccati
Special Section Cover2ndChico News & Review“CN&R special section cover”Tina Flynn, Mark Ulriksen
Special Section Cover3rdPalisades News“Holiday Gift Guide”Sue Pascoe, Manfred Hofer, Shelby Pascoe
Special Section CoverFinalistPalo Alto Weekly“Home + Garden Design”Elizabeth Lorenz, Staff
Special Section Cover1stThe Signal“Roland Hardson 2017 SCV High School Football Preview”Nikolas Samuels
Special Section Cover2ndNapa Valley Register“Inside Napa Valley magazine”Staff
Special Section Cover3rdLos Angeles Times“L.A. Times Special Section Covers: Feb. 27, Aug. 27, Dec. 31”Michael Whitley, Kelli Sullivan, Robert Carter, Cameron Cottrell
Special Section CoverFinalistThe Signal“JT Shrout 2017 SCV High School Football Preview”Nikolas Samuels
Special Sports Section1stLedger Dispatch“Champions! Argonaut Mustangs 2017 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI Softball Champions”Jack Mitchell, Aaron Johnson, Jonathan Knittel
Special Sports Section2ndThousand Oaks Acorn“2017 Acorn Pigskin Preview”Staff
Special Sports Section3rdRegister-Pajaronian“RP Special Sports Section 2017”Tony Nunez
Special Sports SectionFinalistDel Norte Triplicate“Del Norte Warriors”Michael Zogg, Bryant Anderson
Special Sports SectionFinalistThousand Oaks Acorn“2017 Acorn Pigskin Preview”Staff
Special Sports Section1stThe Signal“2017 Football Preview”StaffAmbitious multi-cover presentation of the central movie-poster theme highlights this colorful, attractive & readable prep football preview. Strong writing & fine use of color & statistical features
Special Sports Section2ndThe Record“No. 34 Special sports section 217”StaffWell-organized & attractive, all the more so considering the large number of schools in the paper's circulation area. Well-written, with strong photography & interesting information packages.
Special Sports Section3rdThe Desert Sun“CareerBuilder Challenge”StaffVaried & interesting content; a well-put-together preview of a local professional event, complete with statistical resources & complementary side features.
Special Sports SectionFinalistNapa Valley Register“2017 Prep Football Preview”Marty James, Andy Wilcox, Yousef BaigA well-written, colorful & comprehensive guide to the prep football season.
Special Sports SectionFinalistImperial Valley Press“2017 High School Football Season Preview”
Special Sports Section1stLos Angeles Times“L.A. Times Baseball Preview”Staff
Special Sports Section2ndSan Francisco Chronicle“Warriors: Dynasty Driven / San Francisco Chronicle”Al Saracevic, Elizabeth Burr, Janny Hu, Nicole Fruge
Special Sports Section3rdThe Fresno Bee“Bulldogs: A new era”Staff
Special Sports SectionFinalistThe San Francisco Examiner“Mr. Reliable: Kevin Durant leads Golden State Warriors to 2017 NBA Championship”Staff
Sports Action Photo1stShasta Lake Bulletin“Battle for the Ball”Ron HarringtonGreat shot! You could shoot 100 high school football games & not get a shot like that! It's great that you can see both faces, & the shutter went off at the exact right second.
Sports Action Photo2ndClaremont Courier“Slide into home”Steven FelschundneffGreat action & facial expression! I love when the dust kicks up around home plate in photos.
Sports Action Photo3rdThe Trinity Journal“Eyes on his next move”Wayne AgnerVery good shot. I like the determination that you can see in his eyes, & the defender laying on his back in the background is a nice little bonus.
Sports Action PhotoFinalistLos Banos Enterprise“Football catch”Gene LiebGreat shot, great focus, & you can even see his face well, which is tricky in football. Only complaint (and I'm sure it's because of the lighting at the high school stadium) is that the football is pretty blurry.
Sports Action Photo1stThe Davis Enterprise“Tagging Pig-Pen”Fred GladdisThe entire sports package is in this photo. You have both faces & the tongue in cheek. Ball in mid-air. Dirt flying everywhere. Was he out? Safe? Depth of field is excellent. Spot on focusing.
Sports Action Photo2ndThe Davis Enterprise“Losing a helmet”Wayne TilcockCould have beaten out the first place winner if the defenders face was clearer. Shooting football at night is tough. Lighting is always unknown from field to field. Excellent timing & placement of helmet. Depth of field was great. Great crop.
Sports Action Photo3rdRegister-Pajaronian“RP Sports Action Photo 1”Tony NunezThe emotions in this photo make it a winner. Very intense & in focus. Maybe too much in focus. Perhaps a little too much depth of field. And I would have cropped out the glaring light in the center. But you can't ignore the emotion. Good shot.
Sports Action PhotoFinalistThe Davis Enterprise“Header”Wayne TilcockThe lack of depth of field, combined with the lighting on the faces & the punch to the face makes this photo work. The ball in the upper left corner & the two faces & the shoe makes the eye follow the action nicely. Great job!
Sports Action Photo1stMoorpark Acorn“Goal!”Michael CoonsExcellent timing & framing, showing the emotional reactions of all the players involved in the scoring of a goal.
Sports Action Photo2ndMoorpark Acorn“In the air”Michael CoonsSuperb timing, showing the intense concentration of young football players scrambling for a pass.
Sports Action Photo3rdTracy Press“Eye of the beholder”Glenn MoorePerfect timing & framing, showing the intense focus of a young tennis player.
Sports Action PhotoFinalistMoorpark Acorn“Whoa”Michael CoonsNicely framed photo showing the youthful satisfaction of a well-made play.
Sports Action Photo1stCamarillo Acorn“Ode to joy”Michael CoonsRodeo can be hard to shoot. This is especially well done.
Sports Action Photo2ndCamarillo Acorn“Cowboy up!”Bobby CurtisCelebration photos never get old! Great job with this one!
Sports Action Photo3rdBrentwood Press“Liberty High School girls' soccer team wins North Coast Section title”Tony KukulichGreat action photo of a key play.
Sports Action PhotoFinalistSanta Barbara Independent“Dos Pueblos High School vs San Marcos High School Track”Paul WellmanGood photo of a hard moment to capture in a hurdle event. Nicely done!
Sports Action Photo1stTimes-Herald“Leap of faith”Chris RileyExcellent photo timing of a great athletic football play.
Sports Action Photo2ndMerced Sun-Star“Softball catch”Andrew Kuhn
Sports Action Photo3rdChico Enterprise-Record“Fierce delivery”Bill Husa
Sports Action PhotoFinalistLodi News-Sentinel“Bulled by the horns”Bea Ahbeck
Sports Action Photo1stMarin Independent Journal“Bobbled”Robert Tong
Sports Action Photo2ndThe Record“Tracy baseball”Clifford Oto
Sports Action Photo3rdMarin Independent Journal“Focus”Robert Tong
Sports Action PhotoFinalistThe Tribune“Rock climber”Joe Johnston
Sports Action Photo1stEast Bay Times“Carr attempts touchdown, gets tackled”Jose FajardoGreat in-your-face action shot of quarterback losing a potential touchdown to a fumble but only getting a fleeting fingertip touch on the pigskin. Photographer had to be in the corner & close & right-on focus to capture this vivid action shot.
Sports Action Photo2ndThe Sacramento Bee“Race to the Finish”José Luis VillegasGood slow-shutter-speed & camera-panning image of men's 100 final with sharp focus on apparent winner. This is a chancy shot to take but when it works, it works well & this shot does just that.
Sports Action Photo3rdThe Fresno Bee“Bullard wins D1 girls soccer section championship on late-game goal”Craig KohlrussGood action, good faces and, as a bonus, the ball is in the shot!
Sports Action PhotoFinalistThe Press Democrat“Drawing A Foul”Christopher ChungGood action shot of LeBron James tossing his head back & fighting to keep the ball from Klay Thompson. The slightly overhead angle the photographer chose put him in the right place to catch the intense face grimace & helped turn what could have been an average basketball action shot into a much more interesting image. I would have liked to have seen a much tighter cropping, say just below LeBron's right elbow & just slightly into the top of Thompson's head to help put even more emphasis on the facial expressions.
Sports Action PhotoFinalistThe Sacramento Bee“Race to the Finish”José Luis Villegas
Sports Action Photo1stLos Angeles Times“Game 5 of the World Series”Wally Skalij
Sports Action Photo2ndThe Mercury News“Mavericks”Patrick Tehan
Sports Action Photo3rdLos Angeles Times“Chargers-Eagles”Wally Skalij
Sports Action PhotoFinalistLos Angeles Times“Hit by a Pitch”Wally Skalij
Sports Feature Photo1stClaremont Courier“Rain soaked soccer”Steven Felschundneff
Sports Feature Photo2ndSanta Ynez Valley Star“Ranch Rope Series”Lauren Maeve, Raiza Giorgi
Sports Feature Photo3rdHalf Moon Bay Review“Half Moon Bay Review Sports Feature Photo”Jamie Soja
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistThe Trinity Journal“Cold, dark & stormy night”Wayne Agner
Sports Feature Photo1stThe Folsom Telegraph“Salute to the little guy”Bill SullivanLove the emotion on their faces.
Sports Feature Photo2ndThe Folsom Telegraph“End zone emotions”Bill SullivanThat's quite a meaningful hug.
Sports Feature Photo3rdLedger Dispatch“Youth Football Gets Patriotic”Jeremy MalamedGreat color & composition. Cute kids too!
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistLedger Dispatch“2017 Argonaut Varsity Girls' Basketball Night”Jack MitchellJoining in their excitement!
Sports Feature Photo1stMoorpark Acorn“Time of the Season”Michael Coons
Sports Feature Photo2ndLos Altos Town Crier“Hanging in Suspense”Megan Winslow
Sports Feature Photo3rdLamorinda Weekly“Campolindo wins NCS Championship- Best sports pics 2017”Gint Federas
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistThe Almanac“Rodeo”Ana Sofia Amieva-Wang
Sports Feature Photo1stCamarillo Acorn“Wing walkers”Michael CoonsThe photo's composition is very artistic. The photographer made the event seem like an event I wish I had attended.
Sports Feature Photo2ndThousand Oaks Acorn“In the moment”Michael CoonsThe girls have great expressions. You can also see the team unity in the photo.
Sports Feature Photo3rdThe Salinas Californian“Toes up”Chelcey AdamiIt's often hard to get an interesting photo when there are lots of people but you can see the emotions on all the boys' faces. Plus it's an action shot, which isn't always easy to get.
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistSimi Valley Acorn“Anticipation”Michael CoonsAnticipation is my fourth place choice but the photo won't drag above. The photographer did a good job of catching the boys' determination.
Sports Feature Photo1stLodi News-Sentinel“Agony of defeat”Bea Ahbeck
Sports Feature Photo2ndMerced Sun-Star“Swimmer”Andrew Kuhn
Sports Feature Photo3rdThe Reporter“Walk Off Victory”Joel Rosenbaum
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistThe Union“Metal mayhem closes out county fair”Elias Funez
Sports Feature Photo1stThe Record“Challenger tennis tournament”Clifford Oto
Sports Feature Photo2ndThe Tribune“Wrestler Alexis Garcia”Joe Johnston
Sports Feature Photo3rdThe Desert Sun“ANA Inspiration”Jay Calderon
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistThe Record“Manteca football”Calixtro Romias
Sports Feature Photo1stThe Press Democrat“Golden State Warriors Championship Parade”Alvin Jornada
Sports Feature Photo2ndThe Modesto Bee“Hilmar celebration”Andy Alfaro
Sports Feature Photo3rdThe Press Democrat“Iguodala & the Crowd”Christopher Chung
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistThe Press-Enterprise“Homeplate celebration”Terry Pierson
Sports Feature Photo1stSan Francisco Chronicle“Taking a knee”Santiago MejiaAn intimate moment of a teammate's support as one baseball player makes a first-of-a-kind statement for Major League baseball.
Sports Feature Photo2ndLos Angeles Times“Ready to Bat”Wally SkalijA pine-tarred logo & a steady gaze capture a moment of truth in the batter's box of Dodger Stadium.
Sports Feature Photo3rdLos Angeles Times“A Win for El Toro”Wally SkalijPhotographers can capture the moment of lifetime for young athletes.
Sports Feature PhotoFinalistLos Angeles Times“In the Bullpen”Robert GauthierA pitcher may just be warming up, but he also is demonstrating extraordinary form, grace & physicality.
Sports Feature Story1stSt. Helena Star“St. Helena's Sanchez brothers making history at Badwater ultramarathon”Yousef Baig
Sports Feature Story2ndThe Ark“With renewed passion ...”Jeff Dempsey
Sports Feature Story3rdSt. Helena Star“Brotherhood carrying defensive-minded PUC through historic season”Yousef Baig
Sports Feature StoryFinalistSanta Ynez Valley Star“Shotgun Gold”Raiza Giorgi
Sports Feature Story1stLedger Dispatch“Vintage Baseball’s golden “Nugget””Jeremy Malamed
Sports Feature Story2ndPetaluma Argus-Courier“Trojans' all-league fan”John Jackson
Sports Feature Story3rdLa Cañada Flintridge Outlook“LCF Amateur Golf Star Takes Aim at International Glory”Mirjam Swanson
Sports Feature StoryFinalistSan Marino Tribune“It's An Entirely Different Pitch for Nate Rolfe”Mitch Lehman
Sports Feature Story1stNorth Coast Journal“Holding on”Linda StansberryThe sophisticated, colorful writing perfectly captured a day in the life of a struggling rodeo.
Sports Feature Story2ndMountain View Voice“Rugby H2O: unusual underwater contact sport finds a home in Mountain View's city pools”Mark Noack, Michelle Le, Andrea GemmetSolid, well-written piece on a sport few Californians know anything about.
Sports Feature Story3rdPasadena Outlook“Pasadena's Friedman Helps Build Dodgers Into World Series Contenders”Oscar ArelizSophisticated, well-written profile of a local resident’s key role in rebuilding the Dodgers organization.
Sports Feature StoryFinalistPasadena Outlook“Former Maranatha Star Leads Oregon to NCAA Final Four”Oscar ArelizSolid, lively profile of a former high school basketball standout.
Sports Feature Story1stSacramento News & Review“Rock Star: Alex Honnold scales epic rock walls with nothing but his hands, feet & heart”James RaiaVery well done. The story was constructed in a compelling manner, enhanced by graphics & illustrations. The writing was clear & the organization was strong. A clear first-place winner.
Sports Feature Story2ndSanta Barbara Independent“Victory at Sea: Santa Barbara Surfer Ben Andrews Rides 5Foot Wave And Wins $50,000”Keith HammA strong entry with a good narrative, clean presentation, & nice photos & graphics. A compelling read.
Sports Feature Story3rdCamarillo Acorn“And Justis for all”Eliav AppelbaumThe story is a good one, although the writer should avoid cliches whenever possible. The photos were fine, although the presentation, overall, could have been stronger.
Sports Feature StoryFinalistThousand Oaks Acorn“A dream & a golden voice”Jonathan AndradeThis was a good attempt, but it could have been much stronger with a better presentation & more play. Still, a nice try.
Sports Feature Story1stThe Signal“Army veteran provides leadership for COC football”Haley SawyerOutstanding two-graf lead. Good flow. Wonderful, honest personal history quote: “I got stuck, like, being anxious, being depressed, not knowing if I was succeeding, what I would do, how I was going to succeed, & I kind of just lost my way for a little while,” he says. “For about a year & a half, two years maybe, I lost my way. And then I was just like, I want to play football.” I personally dislike the use of “says.” Someone “said” something in an attribution, EXCEPT if the person is repeating something — such as a politician stating a position on some burning (or dull for that matter) issue.
Sports Feature Story2ndThe Signal“7year old powerlifter from Saugus wins international gold”Haley SawyerGreat story of ageless determination & joy in one’s abilities. Good use of quotes, strong organization & flow, & enough detail to really set the stage to see the person in a powerful, so to speak, sense.
Sports Feature Story3rdNapa Valley Register“Napa's Cocks to guide blind triathlete in Japan race”Andy WilcoxWell-written & easy to read long feature story on two remarkable women. Good tight writing & paragraphing. Flows with the ease of a downhill run on a tandem bike.
Sports Feature StoryFinalistThe Union“Battling back: Nevada Union’s Garrett Graves overcomes adversity, makes triumphant return for senior season”Walter FordExcellent, tight writing throughout the long & detailed story of a young man with real determination & joy in what he’s doing — & going to be doing.
Sports Feature Story1stSanta Cruz Sentinel“Wharf to Wharf 2017: Elite competitors ready to run”Julie JagThis story offers a unique & well-written look at the process behind the selection of elite athletes. The facts are presented in an understandable, highly readable & enjoyable way.
Sports Feature Story2ndThe Tribune“Motivated by loss, Jordan Hasay poised to be America’s next great distance runner”Travis GibsonThe first of several stories on this list that chronicle an athlete's journey to where they feel they belong. In this case, the writing stood out as a cut above, conveying a depth of knowledge on the sport while offering a poignant glimpse into the life of the charismatic, pained & searching marathon runner at the story’s center.
Sports Feature Story3rdThe Desert Sun“Escape Act”Andrew JohnIt’s always tricky to weave a complex family history into a story because it will largely be read by strangers who might get lost, but the writer pulled it off with ease here. Bookending the story with Diego De La Hoya inside the Volkswagen proved almost cinematic, especially at the end, & suggested a future he’s been working toward his entire life.
Sports Feature StoryFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Former TL standout taking on the world”Danny Schmidt
Sports Feature Story1stThe Press Democrat“Dedication after tragedy”Phil BarberHeartfelt story tastefully handled. Well-done!
Sports Feature Story2ndThe Fresno Bee“Fresno State AD reveals molestation as child, tells other victims ‘don’t be ashamed’”Carmen GeorgeSensitive topic well-handled.
Sports Feature Story3rdThe Bakersfield Californian“Life in the big leagues: From Bakersfield's big league family to big-league bullpen catcher”Teddy FeinbergInsightful look at big league life.
Sports Feature StoryFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Fresno State baseball knows ‘Fibber’ Hirayama is a treasure. Now you will, too”Marek WarszawskiInteresting look at a sensitive historical subject.
Sports Feature Story1stThe Orange County Register“Inside the unregulated world of recruiting consulting services”Ryan KartjeGreat story! Recruiting is a shady world that people don't always like to think about, but this is the kind of hard hitting story that parents & athletes in that situation really need to hear. Great information, great research, & great job of presenting both sides. Pretty good photo with the story.
Sports Feature Story2ndLos Angeles Times“A Prospect Becomes a Suspect”Nathan FennoReally good story. Great job of scouring for sources. Even though lots of people either didn't respond or declined to comment, you still did a really nice job of finding people that were willing to talk & blending that with public information to give a really detailed picture of what occurred. The biggest question that I was left with was did he ever take that CTE that his mother wanted him to get, & did it show anything? Can't see the main photo at the top of the page, but other than that the visuals were really good, & went well with the story. I especially appreciated having the court documents (though a little tricky to actually read) included as extra visuals.
Sports Feature Story3rdThe San Diego Union-Tribune“UCSD swimmer stays close to brother with Down syndrome”Tod LeonardGreat heartwarming story. I was especially encapsulated by the descriptive writing & attention to detail used to bring things to life for the reader. It may have been nice to expand a little big more on the blog that she writes, & what her posts were about.
Sports Feature StoryFinalistThe Mercury News“Where Have You Gone, Tim Lincecum?”Daniel BrownI really enjoyed the story. It was cool to see the parallels between Lincecum's relationship with his high school & Washington transposed with the whole Giants situation. It's impressive that you were able to write a story about a subject (Lincecum) whom you did not speak with, yet still were able to teach the reader something new about. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. It felt like the bit about Paul Simon & Joe, while interesting trivia, was just kind of shoe-horned in there to make your last sentence make sense.
Sports Game Story1stSt. Helena Star“Lower Lake hands St. Helena frustrating 314 defeat”Yousef Baig
Sports Game Story2ndSan Marino Outlook“Titans Reach Quarterfinals for First Time Since 1978”Oscar Areliz
Sports Game Story3rdSt. Helena Star“Saints look rusty after fast start as Mustangs roll, 37”Yousef Baig
Sports Game StoryFinalistPetaluma Argus-Courier“Egg Bowl worth the wait”John Jackson
Sports Game Story1stGrunion Gazette“Poly's Emotional, Improbable State Championship”Mike GuardabascioThe Long Beach Poly girls unlikely & surprising state track & field title is well-written with excellent quotes, information & history.
Sports Game Story2ndLos Altos Town Crier“Pinewood's quarter rally comes up short”Pete Borello
Sports Game Story3rdGrunion Gazette“Women's Basketball Will Dance”Mike Guardabascio
Sports Game StoryFinalistPasadena Outlook“Polytechnic Erases Deficit to Win 2nd CIF Championship”Oscar Areliz
Sports Game Story1stTimes-Herald“Vallejo Admirals are 2017 Pacific Association champions!”Matt O’Donnell
Sports Game Story2ndThe Union“Gridiron Grit: How the Bear River Bruins clawed their way to a championship”Walter Ford, Brian Shepard, Elias Funez
Sports Game Story3rdThe Desert Sun“Splash of Controversy”Larry BohannanThought reporter did a good job breaking down a complex ruling.
Sports Game StoryFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Hamilton to the rescue”Danny SchmidtIncredible game. Good story, very in depth, multiple sources.
Sports Game Story1stLos Angeles Times“World Series Game 5: Gut Punch”Andy McCullough
Sports Game Story2ndThe San Diego Union-Tribune“Aztecs survive sorry start, defeat UNLV in OT”Mark Zeigler
Sports Game Story3rdLos Angeles Times“The Rose Bowl: Late Boomer”Zach Helfand
Sports Game StoryFinalistLos Angeles Daily News“Dodgers walk-off thriller”Bill Plunkett
Sports Section1stLos Angeles TimesStaffTerrific World Series coverage. Fantastic photos & multiple perspectives make the section shine.
Sports Section2ndSan Francisco ChronicleAl Saracevic, Janny Hu, Mike LersethVariety of sports covered in section. Good layout & strong coverage of Warriors in NBA Finals.
Sports Section3rdNapa Valley RegisterMarty James, Andy Wilcox, Yousef Baig
Sports SectionFinalistMarin Independent JournalMark Volain, Ian Ross, Danny Schmidt, Dave Allen
Sports Section1stLedger DispatchJack Mitchell, Jeremy Malamed, Craig Baracco, Sarah TullusGood community newspaper, branching out beyond scholastic coverage.
Sports Section2ndRegister-PajaronianTony NunezA full-service paper for its size, with coverage of everything from the NFL to community sports. Eye-grabbing layouts & strong sports photography.
Sports Section3rdClovis RoundupPaul Meadors, Billy XiongAlthough the sports covers are lacking in impact, the creative & colorful Page 2 centerpieces provide balance
Sports SectionFinalistTracy PressBob BrownneStrong coverage of all corners of local scholastic sports.
Video Journalism1stHalf Moon Bay Review“Christmas dinner for all”Carina WoudenbergStarts with the feel of a mundane community event, but then reveals surprising emotional impact. Hinting at the powerful review earlier would likely result in strong audience response.
Video Journalism2ndHalf Moon Bay Review“The right side of the road”Sara Hayden, Jamie SojaEmotional interview about U.S. mistreatment of Italians in World War II (with an appropriate nod to the fare worse fate of the Japanese). Hurt by stereotypical music choices; better explanation of the series could have been helpful.
Video Journalism3rdShasta Lake Bulletin“Old Antlers Bridge Demolition”Ron Harrington, Craig HarringtonStrong documentary coverage of an important community & news event. Plus explosions! The failure of parts of the demolition could have been explored more aggressively.
Video JournalismFinalistSanta Ynez Valley News“'Bug Ology,' one bite at a time”Jason Anderson, Logan AndersonFun & informative video with kids, bugs & some solid information concealed in the recipe. Hurt by the artificial feeling of the event, with several people who seemed like media featured in the video.
Video JournalismFinalistThe Recorder“Tiny Train Town: Sedgwick Partner's Christmas Tradition”Jason DoiyWell-produced interview with a funny anecdote at the end – perhaps a bit late for viewer interest.
Video Journalism1stSan Francisco Business Times“2017 Executive of the Year Joe Lacob is at the top of his game with the Golden State Warriors”Todd Johnson, Kevin Truong, Ron Leuty
Video Journalism2ndGrunion Gazette“Port Disney Long Beach - Discovered History”Jesse Lopez, Kurt A. Eichsteadt
Video Journalism3rdPalo Alto Weekly“A New Study To Treat Depression”Veronica Weber
Video JournalismFinalistThe Salinas Californian“Getting out of Chinatown: Yoli's Story”Chelcey Adami
Video JournalismFinalistVida en el Valle“Fresno Unified staff, teachers & students shave their heads for cancer research”Maria Ortiz-Briones
Video Journalism1stThe Desert Sun“For some Palm Springs homeless they ask, how to get high?”Zoe Meyers
Video Journalism2ndThe Signal“Santa Clarita parents fight toddler's rare terminal disease”Austin Dave, Samie Gebers
Video Journalism3rdThe Signal“Santa Clarita teen wrestles with death as eight friends overdose in one night”Austin Dave
Video JournalismFinalistThe Signal“From the crash to the courtroom, simulation aims to save lives”Austin Dave, Michelle Logan, Georgia Rios
Video JournalismFinalistThe Desert Sun“Nestle's label of spring water draws criticism”Jay Calderon
Video Journalism1stSan Francisco Chronicle“A life on the line”Lea Suzuki, Manjula Varghese, Guy WathenThe combination of video & and the audio of 911 calls made this video especially powerful. Excellent use of video to illustrate a very real problem & tell the story of this woman's life & tragic death.
Video Journalism2ndThe Mercury News“California's right-to-die law: The last days of Jil Finnegan”LiPo Ching, Tracy Seipel, Jane TyskaA beautiful & impactful video. Strong use of voices to help explain the decision to end one's life. It would have been easy to end this video at the moment of Jil's death. It was a wise decision to extend it beyond that.
Video Journalism3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“Borders between us”Leah MillisThe human element of U.S. immigration policy can often be difficult to illustrate through words. This video does just that.
Video JournalismFinalistLos Angeles Times“Delphi: A Tale of Two Cities”Katie FalkenbergStories on policy issues almost always need the human side to be told completely. This video is an excellent demonstration of winning & losing. Outstanding editing.
Video JournalismFinalistSan Francisco Chronicle“Finding Himself”Leah MillisA decision of this magnitude made by a child could easily be brushed off. This video does an outstanding job of capturing the sincerity of this child & his emotions.
Writing1stSanta Ynez Valley Star“Only The Brave”Raiza Giorgi
Writing2ndThe Intermountain News“Wall of secrecy at BOE”Craig Harrington
Writing3rdThe Weekly Calistogan“25 years at the Roastery”Tom Stockwell
WritingFinalistThe Recorder“What You Need to Know About Emoji Law (Yes, That's a Thing)”Ross Todd
WritingFinalistThe Weekly Calistogan“Two tales of survival in Calistoga hills”Anne Ernst
Writing1stThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Tales from Crypt 31”Jason WalshReally enjoyed this straightforward & well-written take on a man's quest to ensure his final resting place would be as he would like. It was tightly edited while still including historical context on the subject.
Writing2ndThe Davis Enterprise“Piano man lifts hearts of all who pass by”Anne Ternus-BellamyBeautiful story about a unique personality. Tightly edited to include interesting background about the piano program while still engaging the reader. Great scene descriptions & details about his relationship with the craft as well.
Writing3rdThe Sonoma Index-Tribune“Not All Non-Citizens Are Created Equal”Jason WalshA personalized & unique insight on a highly-generalized topic weaved in with relevant facts.
WritingFinalistDel Norte Triplicate“Keeping the Flame”Jessica CejnarA well-written take on a community’s unique connection with controlled burns, giving ample detail on their history with it as well as how it applies to their lifestyle these days.
WritingFinalistSanta Ynez Valley News“‘The trees didn’t have time to catch fire & burn’”Mike HodgsonNicely detailed story about one couple’s loss in the fire, walking through their harrowing ordeal & then the difficulty & range of emotions in the aftermath.
Writing1stThe Valley Voice“Lawsuit Claims TCSO Deputies Ambushed Innocent Man”Dave Adalian
Writing2ndThe Downey Patriot“Searching for Jerry Baxter”Lawrence Christon
Writing3rdNorth Coast Journal“How to Dine Alone”Jennifer Fumiko Cahill
WritingFinalistPalisades News“Saving a Life While Videotaping Riots”Laurel Busby
WritingFinalistThe Downey Patriot“For Dr. Mary Stauffer, education is the best investment”Eric Pierce
Writing1stSacramento News & Review“Killing Mom: A terminal cancer patient wants to die. Will California’s end-of-life bureaucracy let her?”Raheem HosseiniBeautifully written. So clear & simple in its telling, with splashes of color & imagery. A joy to read.
Writing2ndMetro Silicon Valley“Brotopia: How the Valley’s Elite Plan to Outlive the Rest of Us”Tori TruscheitA fascinating look at another side of the tech elite. Great detail & depth in its storytelling.
Writing3rdNew Times“Cocaine Hustle”Chris McGuinnessA nicely told inside look at a crime partnership. Well done.
WritingFinalistSanta Barbara Independent“Who Killed Henry Han & His Family?”Nick WelshAnother well told, thoroughly reported crime saga. A good story solidly written.
WritingFinalistSF Weekly“Totalitarianism: Chasing the Solar Eclipse to Idaho”Peter KaneFinely written but didn't get the connection between the eclipse & totalitarianism.
Writing1stNapa Valley Register“Crying in the courtroom: Officer recounts day he found Kayleigh Slusher's body”Maria Sestito
Writing2ndThe Whittier Daily News“Video game currency empire brought down by FBI raid”Brian Day
Writing3rdThe Union Democrat“Everything for a purpose”Giuseppe Ricapito
WritingFinalistNapa Valley Register“After incident, a Napa man’s organs to become gifts of life”Howard Yune
WritingFinalistThe Union“Nevada County father fights for medical marijuana awareness”Alan Riquelmy
Writing1stThe Desert Sun“Sonny Bono: 20 years later”Bruce FessierA thorough & engaging look back at what Sonny Bono meant to Palm Springs & the desert communities, & how it all came to a tragic end.
Writing2ndThe Desert Sun“The Coldest Case”Brett KelmanEngrossing story 40 years in the making. Great use of records as principals were reluctant to talk.
Writing3rdThe Record“Miguel's saga”Almendra CarpizoSad story of homelessness that comes with a happy ending.
WritingFinalistMarin Independent Journal“Saga of The Fork causes neighborhood stir”Mary Ann HoganThe right combination of fun & intrigue for a whimsical story.
WritingFinalistThe Tribune“SLOStringer carved out a unique spot between the media & public safety”Joe Tarica
Writing1stThe Fresno Bee“Tokyo Garden is worth saving. But we may have to let it go”Rory AppletonGreat, punchy, impactful lead. The personal stories from the writer add more color to a story that would otherwise be straightforward.
Writing2ndThe Bakersfield Californian“Remains of pilot identified, but his Bakersfield crewman still unaccounted for”Steven MayerLead hooks you in. Descriptive, emotional language keeps you reading.
Writing3rdThe Press Democrat“Hope Amid the Ruins”Meg McConahey
WritingFinalistThe Fresno Bee“Fresno State baseball knows 'Fibber' Hirayama is a treasure. Now you will, too”Marek Warszawski
WritingFinalistThe San Francisco Examiner“Murder trial nears end in the controversial killing of Kate Steinle”Michael Barba
Writing1stThe Mercury News“Hanging: The Mysterious Case of the Boy in the Barn”Julia Prodis SulekI agree this article artfully combines quality investigative journalism with a sensitivity that humanizes all the subjects. Appropriate tone, language effectively conveys the mood of this case. Appreciate the thorough research that went into this, & the storytelling qualities. Full of revealing, sobering & intriguing details.
Writing2ndLos Angeles Times“Dirty John”Christopher GoffardWell written & constructed story. It reads like a mini novel, keeping the reader in suspense until the very end. It also combines quality investigative journalism with sensitivity for all the subjects.
Writing3rdSan Francisco Chronicle“A Life on the Line”Vivian HoThis series effectively tackles the subject of domestic violence. It is informative & balanced, & clearly exposes the holes that still exist in our systems to protect victims.
WritingFinalistThe Orange County Register“Homecoming queen dream comes true for Riley McCoy, the girl who can't go out in the sun”Keith SharonEnticing lead & well-written story giving the reader a glimpse into what life is like for Riley & how other individuals involved in her life are working to make her journey the best it can be.
WritingFinalistLos Angeles Times“Cold Case”Kate Mather
Online General Excellence1stSilicon Valley Business Journalbizjournals.com/sanjose/Staff
Online General Excellence2ndThe Sonoma Index-Tribunesonomanews.comStaff
Online General Excellence3rdPetaluma Argus-Courierpetaluma360.comStaff
Online General ExcellenceFinalistLedger Dispatchledger.newsStaff
Online General ExcellenceFinalistClaremont Courierclaremont-courier.comStaff
Online General Excellence1stSan Francisco Business Timessanfranciscobusinesstimes.comStaffStrong news content, good headlines. Video of Chase Center construction timely, interesting.
Online General Excellence2ndThe Valley Voiceourvalleyvoice.comStaff
Online General Excellence3rdPalo Alto Weeklypaloaltoonline.comStaff
Online General ExcellenceFinalistMountain View Voicemv-voice.comStaff
Online General ExcellenceFinalistPleasanton Weeklypleasantonweekly.comStaff
Online General Excellence1stSanta Maria Timessantamariatimes.comStaffThis entry was my standout favorite. Very easy to navigate, full of local news, not busy or overcomplicated. I love the masthead. Also enjoyed some of the coverage, such as the "Good News" story I stumbled on—clearly community driven.
Online General Excellence2ndThe Uniontheunion.comStaffA great deal of effort went into the creation of this website, clearly. Although quite busy, I did not get the feeling I was being fed filler stories or "spam" that some newspaper sites deliver. Overall very good.
Online General Excellence3rdThe Tribunesanluisobispo.comStaffThis website was easy to navigate & full of local news. Impressive overall.
Online General ExcellenceFinalistRecord Searchlightredding.comStaff
Online General ExcellenceFinalistThe Recordrecordnet.comStaff
Online General Excellence1stSan Francisco Chroniclesfchronicle.comStaffThe home page balanced local, state & regional news all presented in a clean layout. There were many attention-catching headlines, but each section didn't seem overcrowded or overwhelming to the eye.
Online General Excellence2ndThe Press Democratpressdemocrat.comStaffThe website was well-organized & I appreciated the headings within each section. The website has a good balance of photos & text given how much content is published.
Online General Excellence3rdThe Fresno Beefresnobee.comStaffThe integration of photos & videos throughout the website draws you into what the story is all about. There was a clear distinction on all the pages between the stories & ads, which were also sectioned off into designated areas instead of being integrated.
Online General ExcellenceFinalistLos Angeles Timeslatimes.comStaffThe full banner ad at the top of each section below the heading takes away from useful space for a story, especially on the home page, but the following content gave the impression that the Times is up to date with the latest news. The spacing of the articles & between stories was also easy to navigate.
Online General ExcellenceFinalistThe Mercury Newsmercurynews.comStaffI applaud the breadth of coverage from a local, state & regional standpoint, however the ads at times became distracting from the news itself.
General Excellence1stClaremont CourierStaffAdventures in Haiku rocks! I also appreciated the readers comments on Page 2, thinking that’s pretty smart. The house ads were also a good idea that is well-implemented. I love the occasional humor in the Police Blotter, too. Nobody does long and interesting obituaries anymore, so this was a treat. This is intensely local and so well done.
General Excellence2ndHalf Moon Bay ReviewStaffThe Half Moon Bay Review has a very nice design — well labeled, nice front, one big photo and refers, clean layout, and good, solid photos. The editorial pages are excellent, with interesting editorial cartoons. Letters on Page 2 are nice. The obits are wonderful, the ad stacks unobtrusive, the calendar attractive and the staff profiles are well done.
General Excellence3rdCalistoga TribuneStaffThe Calistoga Tribune has really great photos. The fire coverage was good for small paper. Nice editor's notes on letters. Reads like a local newspaper that knows its community well.
General ExcellenceFinalistLompoc RecordStaffLots to like here. Good use of photos throughout. Layout on feature sections impressive. Good overall local coverage and solid local sports.
General ExcellenceFinalistThe Trinity JournalStaffNice photos throughout The Trinity Journal. Good local news content but centered headlines should be used only in features. Otherwise a clean look. Listings should always be flush left. The sheriff's listing looks very awkward and hard to read.
General Excellence1stSilicon Valley Business JournalStaffI already find this more compelling and diverse than a larger category’s submission, although they seem to be owned by the same group. Compelling photos of people, not just mugs, buildings and architectural renderings, although some are photo illustrations and not so labeled. I loved the tech garden campus photo page. This is a very approachable business journal. A well-designed, well-written, insightful paper that reflects the area’s business community on multiple levels. Design and diversity of content engages the reader.
General Excellence2ndPetaluma Argus-CourierStaffThe Petaluma Argus-Courier is a really usable, reader-friendly paper that includes solid journalism. Good tailoring of fire coverage to the readership. Broad scope of coverage with sports section, schools/youth and community, weekend, food, opinion.
General Excellence3rdThe Sonoma Index-TribuneStaffFirst rate coverage of wine country fires including writing, news people can use, photography, design, ads. The coverage under extreme conditions stands out as an example of how local journalism tells readers' stories and acts as an anchor and source of usable information during crisis. All sections of the paper reflect this commitment.
General ExcellenceFinalistThe Business JournalStaffThe Business Journal is a comprehensive look at business issues and people in the community. The stories are well-written, and the paper has a good ad/news content ratio.
General ExcellenceFinalistThe Folsom TelegraphStaffThe Folsom Telegraph knows its readership and plays to it. It recognizes the place of the prison in the community. Writing is clean and the content is broad-based with community features, sports, food, entertainment, fun features such as Folsom Zoo and man on the street. The paper maintains a balanced ad/news content ratio.
General Excellence1stMountain View VoiceStaffThe Mountain View Voice is cleanly designed with cohesive typography. Pages look pretty much the same from one week to the next, though. Stories make you care about the topic, such as the car break-ins and the poplar tree stand on the front. A lot of sharing of stories and ads, especially editorials and entertainment listings, garden supplement, with sister papers. Good mix of local, local news and entertainment. It’s a newsy publication and seems like it is in touch with the community it covers.
General Excellence2ndSan Francisco Business TimesStaffGood mix of stories (news, analysis, themed sections). Good use of graphics.
General Excellence3rdTracy PressStaffThe Tracy Press is an excellent community newspaper that tackles tough issues in community. Good reporting. Varied content (good features, event coverage, sports). Vibrant opinion page. Good design.
General ExcellenceFinalistPleasanton WeeklyStaffThe Pleasanton Weekly is a very good read with a nice mix of stories (news, entertainment, sports and a well-reported, in-depth cover story).
General ExcellenceFinalistLamorinda WeeklyStaffThe Lamorinda Weekly is chock full of different types of stories that make an interesting local read. Good news coverage. Need to work on design, especially to make sure headlines fit across columns.
General Excellence1stSacramento News & ReviewStaffThe Sacramento News & Review has a total sense of place, with relevant news stories that look at the big picture. This is a gritty, no-holds barred publication when it sets its mind to it, with edgy and smart writing and art. The cover design is excellent.
General Excellence2ndMonterey County WeeklyStaffThe writing in the Monterey County Weekly is witty and smart. Plenty of local news, tending toward government and business. The opinion pages are good, with varied points of view. Love the Photo of the Week, as it actually shows something. Headlines in general are witty. This is a first-rate publication.
General Excellence3rdChico News & ReviewStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistPalo Alto WeeklyStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistNew TimesStaff
General Excellence1stThe UnionStaffStrong, clean design guides the reader nicely into these stories. Great to see a cover and immediate ensuing pages filled with staff-written local coverage and some reader-generated content. Local focus shines throughout. Police blotter’s always a favorite. Short on news briefs, and the unbylined “submitted” stories are a bit disconcerting — is that paid content? Nice design — perhaps too many art heads — but it works. Loved the engaging entertainment section.
General Excellence2ndAppeal-DemocratStaffFantastic and thorough coverage of a huge news event that rocked the community. Use of timelines, personal accounts and strong photography drove it home. This paper did a wonderful job of humanizing a big and sometimes complicated topic while doing its best to keep readers informed and aware.
General Excellence3rdNapa Valley RegisterStaffThe Register may be small on page count, but it’s big on local news coverage. Alongside fantastic articles and photography of the Northern California fires in these editions, the Register provides local news briefs, local real-estate coverage and business briefs and an all-local opinion-and-letters page. With bold photography and good organization and design, this paper seems to be doing its readers great local service.
General ExcellenceFinalistSanta Maria TimesStaffGood mix of local and regional stories but an over-reliance on wire news from far-flung areas. Good use of photography. Sports coverage was thorough and impressive at the prep level.
General ExcellenceFinalistTimes-StandardStaffA significant amount of well-written hyperlocal news coverage, complete with what amounts to a second front page with even more local coverage. Nice to see strong local contributions to the Arts and Sports sections. Though it’s cookie-cutter design from a centralized desk, it’s still effective and does a good service to guiding the reader through the paper. Some odd headline choices, however, like hanging fourth-line decks with a single short word?
General Excellence1stThe Desert SunStaffWow! Every page in The Desert Sun has a moment of serendipity. The paper has strong design throughout, including the atypical treatment for the opinion pages, using photos for local editorials, letters and columns. The prep sports coverage is excellent, particularly the football flashback with its engagement points. The Las Vegas shooting package stood out, as did small touches like the Political Insider column.
General Excellence2ndMarin Independent JournalStaffLike that local news is toward the front. Six-Word Stories is fun idea. Extensive fire coverage from many angles. The drama comes through in some of the stories.
General Excellence3rdThe TribuneStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistThe RecordStaff
General Excellence1stThe Press DemocratStaffThis publication weaves a sense of place in every paragraph. The photography was excellent and the graphics were helpful and clear. I really liked the “By the Numbers” feature and the “how to get help” or “get involved” sidebars. Similarly, the “Tell Us” and reaching out to hear readers’ stories were nicely done. This writing was exceptional, especially during the fire it was full of pathos and empathy. It stands out as breaking news reporting that gets to the next level of diving deep. There were local editorials that were well done. This publication knows how to design and use images for impact. I don’t live near here, at all, but wanted to subscribe to get a dose of great writing and photos.
General Excellence2ndThe Sacramento BeeStaffThe Sacramento Bee is a well-designed newspaper. The headlines, images and writing gave a sense of urgency. The newsroom seems good at finding oft-overlooked stories. Fire and Kings coverage was good.
General Excellence3rdThe Bakersfield CalifornianStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistThe Fresno BeeStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistThe Modesto BeeStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistThe San Francisco ExaminerStaff
General Excellence1stSan Francisco ChronicleStaffThe San Francisco Chronicle knows its audience and its stuff. The writing is clear and compelling, the photos and graphics are very good. Headlines were clear and descriptive. Feature stories offer a good mix of heart-warming and information. The Chronicle had many varied paths to fully cover the fires. There was a good bit of serendipity with nice finds tucked throughout the pages. I loved the choice of words, such as humdinger, flabbergasted, kablooey. This gives the writing such texture. Great attention to sports and business in these editions. This publication is massive with something for everyone.
General Excellence2ndLos Angeles TimesStaffThe Los Angeles Times is full of compelling, well-crafted stories. The paper has lots of local news and a robust sports section, all complemented by good photographs. The lifestyle and entertainment sections were well done and the travel section was fun. Opinions were strong.
General Excellence3rdThe Mercury NewsStaff
General ExcellenceFinalistThe San Diego Union-TribuneStaff