Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Santa Barbara Independent Entry Title: Paddling to Survive Entry Credit: Rolf Geyling Judge Comment: Epic and heart-wrenching story that is superbly communicated to the point of epiphany.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Pacific Sun Entry Title: DVDs Are Flat Circles — Bedrock Music and Video Closes Entry Credit: Daedalus Howell Judge Comment: Could have been a basic "business is closing" article but isn't. Writer successfully delivers a rueful dose of nostalgia.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Comstock's Magazine Entry Title: A Sacred Mission in the Vines Entry Credit: Scott Thomas Anderson Judge Comment: Fun read that transports you to the vineyard.
Competition Comment: It was difficult to pick a winner in this category due to the wide range of topics and writing styles, including several really strong pieces that didn't make the top 3.
