Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Sonoma Index-Tribune Entry Title: "Coins in a Fountain" and "Gimme Shelter, Indeed" Entry Credit: Jason Walsh Judge Comment: Jason uses his own personal experiences, including conversations with his daughter Evie, to help keep the harsh realities of the pandemic in perspective. His writing his clear and clever.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Cambrian Entry Title: Husband’s death results in lessons about loss, love during COVID pandemic AND Confessions of a ‘poinsettia killer’: Why is it so hard to keep holiday plants alive? Entry Credit: Kathe Tanner Judge Comment: Kathe's two entries strike the range of emotions that surely make her a favorite with readers. In the first column she shares the heartbreaking loss of her husband to COVID. In the second, she elicits smiles with her confession as the "poinsettia killer." Her columns make the reader feel like she is a member of the family.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Petaluma Argus-Courier Entry Title: Oliver's World Entry Credit: Oliver Graves Judge Comment: Oliver takes the boring realities of politics -- the filibuster and debates -- and turns them upside down. His unique perspective is refreshing.
Place Name: Fourth Place Contestant Name: Silicon Valley Business Journal Entry Title: From the Editor: J. Jennings Moss Entry Credit: J. Jennings Moss Judge Comment: These columns address issues of particular relevance to readers in the Silicon Valley. The point of view is focused and the writing is clear.
Place Name: Fifth Place Contestant Name: Ojai Valley News Entry Title: Extra Point - Sports Commentary Entry Credit: Austin Widger, Laura Rearwin Ward, Marianne Ratcliff Judge Comment: Austin's sports columns tackle the serious issue of racism and he does so with a clear voice and perspective.
