Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Sonoma Index-Tribune Entry Title: "80-year-old Sourdough Starter is 'Better Than Sex'" Entry Credit: Anne Ward Ernst Judge Comment: Fun, colorful language lets this story bob along, starting with a tongue in cheek headline that likely raised a few hackles among stuffier readers, but which immediately draws the reader in. The whole story works this way, with a lively lead, a fun pull-out quote and more. A great profile that was a real pleasure to read.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Sierra Sun Entry Title: 'We ski, we shoot, we raise kids' Entry Credit: Justin Scacco Judge Comment: Fantastic headline and feature lead. I want to hang out with these women. My only quibble is that the subhead midway through the story looks like a temporary one that never got updated before publishing -- it stands out, because the rest of the story uses such lively and engaging language.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Petaluma Argus-Courier Entry Title: Fire tech for the 21st century Entry Credit: Kathryn Palmer Judge Comment: What could have been a standard business story is elevated by the looming threat of wildfire, Bailey's personal story woven through the business stuff and exceptionally good submitted photos.
Place Name: Fourth Place Contestant Name: Turlock Journal Entry Title: Former Hilmar standout awarded community service scholarship Entry Credit: Frankie Tovar Judge Comment: A great story full of vigorous language and telling details, like the 585-pound squat. Excellent explainer on the issues wheelchair users face without getting maudlin. The story is somewhat let down by the dry headline, which doesn't give any hint on how lively the piece it introduces will be.
Place Name: Fifth Place Contestant Name: Kenwood Press Entry Title: Protecting Our Oceans Entry Credit: Sarah Phelps Judge Comment: A complex story and issue well told through clear, lean writing, a well-structured piece and good use of illustrations.
