Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Daily Press Entry Title: As Joshua trees are considered for threatened status, some warn cost of designation would be too high Entry Credit: Martin Estacio Judge Comment: Strong lede and a measured balance between environmental concerns and real-world impacts on future development. Also establishes the way the political winds are blowing.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Santa Monica Daily Press Entry Title: Tenants face mold, flooding, broken locks, and break-ins in rent-controlled unit Judge Comment: Vivid descriptions of poor living conditions, painting a clear picture of desperate tenants and a complacent landlord. Could have further explained that the tenant's recourse of last resort is through a local rent ordinance.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Marin Independent Journal Entry Title: Marin land trust eyed over financial, ethical moves Entry Credit: Richard Halstead Judge Comment: Story provides a clear explanation of failed oversight and accountability involving taxpayer money. It also holds the correct people to account, and explores whether this is a recurring problem.
Place Name: Fourth Place Contestant Name: Napa Valley Register Entry Title: Measure J: Protecting Napa agriculture for the past 30 years Entry Credit: Barry Eberling Judge Comment: Strong historical perspective on an old law that significantly affects the housing crisis of today. Story is dominated by the views of one politician and one real estate broker, and could have used more voices with divergent viewpoints.
Place Name: Fifth Place Contestant Name: Marin Independent Journal Entry Title: Marin historians aim to document every local dairy ever Entry Credit: Richard Halstead Judge Comment: A fun feature story on a niche topic. Story structure has some problems, and there is an overrliance on wordy quotes.
