2018 California Journalism Awards Open Contest Winners

Below is the list of the 2018 California Journalism Awards winners for publications in the the "Best of the Best" Open Contest — the first-place winners from all circulation and audience divisions in the Print and Digital contests in Columns, Enterprise News Story or Series, Feature Photo, Feature Story, In-Depth Reporting, Investigative Reporting, News Photo, Public Service Journalism.

CategoryPublicationEntry TitleCreditsJudge's Comments
ColumnsThe RecorderA Criminal Waste of SpaceWilliam BedsworthWell written, humorous and informative
Enterprise News Story or SeriesSan Francisco Chronicle150 Minutes of HellLizzie Johnson, Guy Wathen, Lucio Villa, Evan WagstaffStunning blend of words and images. Smart storytelling with exceptional writing and powerful use of video. This entry was in class by itself. A multimedia tour de force. Bravo.
Feature PhotoThousand Oaks AcornLong Trip DownMichael CoonsPhotographer had amazing timing and terrific composition.
Feature StorySan Francisco Chronicle150 Minutes of HellLizzie Johnson, Guy Wathen, Lucio Villa, John Blanchard"150 Minutes of Hell" has you on the edge of your seat from the opening horrifying sound of wind and the glow of fire. With every new chapter you wonder who will live and who will die. The animated maps, video and audio make Lizzie Johnson's powerful narrative even more spellbinding. "150 Minutes o Hell" is in a class of its own.
In-Depth ReportingSan Francisco ChronicleThe Miracle CellErin Allday, Joaquin Palomino, Audrey DeBruine, Manjula VargheseFrom conception to writing, graphics and display, this is a superb series. A heavy topic was made accessible through poetic writing and smart visual storytelling. This is an unusually talented team of journalists who put readers first.
Investigative ReportingThe Mercury News/East Bay TimesBurned OutThomas Peele, Harriet Blair RowanUncovered a frightening hole in safety for thousands.
News PhotoTaft Midway DrillerFirefighters on roofDoug KeelerIncredible angle. Photographer could not have captured a better image.
Public Service JournalismLos Angeles TimesA Scandal at USCHarriet Ryan, Matt Hamilton, Paul PringleOvercoming entrenched stakeholders, The Times was able to thoroughly uncover all sides of a story many wanted to keep hidden.