Special Awards

Sol Price Prize for Responsible Journalism
This award goes to a journalist whose work not only meets ethical standards but also shows uncommon sensitivity to issues. He or she pursued truth in the face of such obstacles as unpopularity, economic retribution or physical harm. Entrants must submit an essay of up to 500 words describing the ethical dilemma they faced in pursuit of the story and how the dilemma was resolved.

Winners: North County Times and reporters Darrin Mortenson and Hayne Palmour, “Back to Iraq”
Judges’ comments: Despite intense pressure to toe the military line, Darrin Mortenson and Hayne Palmour told the story of the war in Iraq honestly and forthrightly. We applaud these journalists tenacity in seeking truth and reporting it.

First Amendment Award
This award honors the story, series or commentary that best spotlights First Amendment issues.

Winner: Southwestern College Sun
Judges’ comments: Most journalists can go through an entire career without being tested like the Sun was on its commitment to First Amendment principles. But this is a group of college journalists who with their advisers, met the challenge admirably. It’s unusual, too, to find collegians defending a conservative, but they put principle ahead of politics even though they paid a high price for it.

Diversity Prize
This award honors a story or series that provides outstanding coverage of communities not usually represented in local media, or an organization that deserves praise for its outstanding inclusion of diverse voices in everyday news coverage.

Winners: The San Diego Union-Tribune and reporters Leslie Berestein, Anna Cearly, Jerry Kammer, Anne Krueger and Janine Zuniga, “Operation Gatekeeper: 10 years later”
Judges’ comments: This comprehensive series of articles explored a sensitive topic from multiple angles, including the moving stories of immigrants illegally making a very difficult crossing. The articles are comprehensive and intriguing without taking sides.

Herbert Lockwood “Woody” Award
This award honors the best humor writing.

Irv Erdos, North County Times, “Higher Education Takes A Lot of Salami”
Judges’ Comments: Easy to read; quick wit. A subject that many readers will identify with and a column about it that will evoke chuckle after chuckle.

Special Newspaper Section
1st Place: Back to Iraq, Darrin Mortenson, Michael Donnelly and Hayne Palmour, North County Times Judges’ Comments: What a sad story of war and death. These reporters did not try to paint a “Stars and Stripes” version of a bitter battle, but got close up to tell a story through painstaking detail, a story that had no winners. The photographs were equally unflinching. It is hard not to feel the futility of senseless death here. This is war? boring, dangerous, childish, life changing, deadly.

2nd Place: San Diego’s Wealthiest, Staff, San Diego Business Journal

Honorable Mention: Olympic Games, Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune

Best of Show

Best of Show – Radio
1st Place: Eric Niiler, Russell Lewis and Mike Marcotte, KPBS, “Marines in Fallujah”
Judges’ Comments: Carefully conceived, carefully executed, nice editing under extreme circumstances, piece is an excellent look at the conflict without resorting to cliché or pandering to its audience. Well done.

Best of Show – Non Daily
San Diego Business Journal staff, “The County Rebuilds”
Judges’ Comments: Planning really made this series pop. Personal stories of loss added a lot to the more newsy stories. Outstanding reporting.

Best of Show – Design
Hayne Palmour, North County Times, “Firefight Erupts in Fallujah”
Judges’ Comments: This just completely stands out above all the others. The photographer was professional in that he continued to make pictures in a horrible situation. Tells the pathos of war.

Best of Show – Online
Yvette De La Garza, Marc Balanky, Greg Magnus and Patrick Tobin, SignOnSanDiego.com, “C.R.O.P. – Up Close – Donovan State Prison”
Judges’ Comments: This entry shows the full potential of online. Rich presentation, good editing complement a very good story. Black and white still has a place.

Best of Show-Print (2 awards)
Kelly Thornton, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “In Limbo”
Judges’ Comments: Reporter really takes the time to explore this story from all angles. It stands out as an example of developing a story that most people would probably dismiss had the reporter not done her research.

Alex Roth, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Cashing Out, Moving On”
Judges’ Comments: This story stood out because it directly touches the reader. With soaring real estate prices, I’m sure many people are struggling with the ideas of moving on for the sake of their pocketbooks and financial future. This story explores all angles of such a decision, practically doing the thinking for those who are on the cusp.

Best of Show-Televsion (2 awards)
Karen Rostodha, KPBS, “Gifts of Self”
Judges Commetns: Well produced; very professional looking; combination between emotional and business.

John Mattes, XETV, “SHAD Chemical Test”
Judges’ Comments: An ambitious and controversial topic to cover. In-depth research and footage added to piece.

Radio

Serious Feature Story/Series
1st Place: Beth Ford, KPBS, “Military Bread Line”
Judges’ Comments: Good natural sound and a nice sound mix. Reporter’s writing is clear and she uses her cuts to advance story.

2nd Place: Alison St. John, KPBS, “The Bubble Suit”

Honorable Mention: Phil Farrar, KOGO, Ronald Regan Obituary

Light Feature Story/Series
1st Place: Jane Morton, KOGO, “KOGO 4 Kids: Generation XL”
Judges’ Comments: Good use of sound. Writing is crisp, sharp

2nd Place: Beth Accomando, KPBS, ” Kitchen Stories”

Honorable Mention: Diane Covington, KPBS, “Reflections on D-Day”

Talk/Interview
1st Place: Mark Larson, Monica Murray & Mike Usher, KOGO, “Mark Larson Show: Gorbachev”
Judges’ Comments: Well researched, host prepared, relevant questions on American Domestic and foreign policy.

2nd Place: Richard Lederer, Martha Barnette, Jill Fritz, Stefanie Levine, KPBS, “A Way with Words”

Honorable Mention: Tom Fudge & Pam Hardy, KPBS, “These Days: Future of School Reform”

Investigative/Enterprise Story/Series
1st Place: Eric Niiler, Russell Lewis, Mike Marcotte, KPBS, “Marines in Fallujah”
Judges’ Comments: Excellent sense of his location and the story. Paints a good picture of the soldiers doing their jobs. Concisely preserved without sacrificing content.

2nd Place: Phil Farrar, KOGO, “From Peru to San Diego: 2 Weeks Aboard the USS Ronald Reagan”

Regular Beat
1st Place: Alison St. John, KPBS, Mayor’s Race
Judges’ Comments: Thorough coverage. Multiple perspectives on candidates. Good content. Reporter shows good background on issues

2nd Place: Beth Ford, KPBS, Unequal Education

Honorable Mention: Kenny Goldberg, KPBS, Health Beat

Criticism or Commentary
1st Place: Beth Accomando, KPBS, “Millennium Mambo”
Judges’ Comments: Very nice writing and we liked how the sound from the movie was miked in. Accomando has a nice delivery, sometimes a little detached, and you can tell she has thought about her words carefully.

2nd Place: Kimberly Akinbo, Pat Launer, KPBS

Honorable Mention: Beth Accomando, KPBS, “Garden State”

Use of Sound
1st Place: Beth Accomando, KPBS, “A Game of Cat and Mouse”
Judges’ Comments: The use of natural sound plus movie soundtrack worked well to move the story along. Nice Pacing of SFX and reporter narration

2nd Place: Beth Accomando, KPBS, “Shawn of the Dead”

Honorable Mention: Kevin Finnerty, KOGO, Ronald Reagan Tribute

Community Service
1st Place: KOGO Staff, “Fire Aid II”
Judges’ Comments: Presented compelling stories from community affected by the fire. Station inspired people to participate

Magazines

Investigative/Enterprise Story or Series
1st Place: Fred Dickey, Los Angeles Times Magazine, “Going, Going, Gone”
Judges’ Comments: The use of expert quotes to reflect and comment on the letter, its impact and consequences was an excellent device. How so many stakeholders could have been denied access to the process that resulted in the letter raises the specter of ethical breech without the need to vilify Gray Davis with rhetoric. An ethical, thorough and exemplary exposure of a controversial decision.

Feature Story or Series
1st Place: Fred Dickey, Los Angeles Times Magazine, “A Final Resolution”
Judges’ Comments: Wow! What a moving, thoughtful, well-written piece. I wish I had known Howard Wildfang and somehow this story makes me feel that I do. It also offers an insight into why a person might choose to end his own life. Thank you for this intimate reading experience.

2nd Place: Bill Manson, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles

Honorable Mention: Jamie Reno, San Diego Magazine, “An End of Innocence”

Real Estate Story or Series
1st Place: Roman Koenig, San Diego Metropolitan, “The Brewing Biotech Space Glut”
Judges’ Comments: Comprehensive, balanced and interesting; excellent effort that describes not only the real estate issues, but the underlying issues of the biotech industry that impact the situation. Good quotes, excellent relation of statistics and especially appreciate the perspective created by comparing the square footage to retail shopping space.

Science/Technology/Health Story/Series
1st Place: Fred Dickey, Los Angeles Times Magazine, “The OD MD”
Judges’ Comments: A human, personal account of an unknown yet serious problem. Great detail!

2nd Place: Rachel Keeler, 78 Magazine, “Burnt to a Crisp”

Arts/Entertainment Story/Series
1st Place: Pat Launer, KPBS OnAir Magazine, “The Bard is Back”
Judges’ Comments: Weaving in a profile of and comments from the Polish director adds great depth and voice to this advanced piece about the Shakespeare Festival.

2nd Place: Pat Launer, KPBS OnAir Magazine, “Call it ‘Bard’-Oltry”

Honorable Mention: Pat Launer, KPBS OnAir Magazine, “Making Choices & The Chosen”

Column
1st Place: Peter Jensen, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyle, “Picture Window”
Judges’ Comments: Family life in a way that is interesting enough to hold the attention of the reader who might not have a family.

Opinion/Editorial
1st Place: Kristian Smock, 78 Magazine, “The Gay Threat”
Judges’ Comments: Political, but also fun to read.

2nd Place: Allison Mason, 78 Magazine, “The Only Bush I Trust Is My Own”

Original Illustration or Drawing
1st Place: Larry Ashton, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, “Fatal Attraction”
Judges’ Comments: Visually appealing and a little twisted; goes nicely with editorial; great detail.

2nd Place: Nicholas Ivins, 78 Magazine, “Skin” cover art

Honorable Mention: Helen Shafer Garcia, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, “All Aglow”

Photography–Single Photo or Series
1st Place: Joe Klein, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, “Neptune or Bush”

Headline
1st Place: Phyllis Van Doren, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, “Cha-cha Chow”
Judges’ Comments: Main head works well with drop head and reference to Latin beat.

2nd Place: Eva Ditler, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, “Beet Grows On”

Layout and Design — Story or Series
1st Place: Laura Grantham, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyle, Spring Interior Design Report
Judges’ Comments: Nice and clean; nice white space; nice typographic touches; polished look.

Layout and Design — Publication as Whole
1st Place: San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyle, July 2004, Laura Grantham
Judges’ Comments: Consistent throughout; classy coffee table look; clean, nice graphics.

2nd Place: 78 Magazine, Dec. 2004, Desmond Barca

Honorable Mention: 78 Magazine, Nov. 2004, Desmond Barca

Non-Daily

Breaking news story
1st Place: Jessica Long, Poway News Chieftain, “Softball Fields Gain Council Approval”
Judges’ Comments: Nice detailed report from a long meeting. All needed information appeared in story. Good work under deadline, late-night, pressure.

Non-deadline news story
1st Place: Connie Lewis, San Diego Business Journal, “Terminal Concerns”
Judges’ Comments: Good storytelling, writing style. Creates a nice visual picture. Does not bog down the reader by boring them with numbers; the story flows well even in the technical areas.

2nd Place: Connie Lewis, San Diego Business Journal, “Attractions Push Tourism Season to New Heights”

Honorable Mention: Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook Village News, “600 Marines Return from Iraq”

Feature story or series
1st Place: Denis Grasska, The Southern Cross, “I Didn’t This This Program Was Going to Help Me”
Judges’ Comments: The real person in the story helps make this a story of triumph; Well done!

2nd Place: Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook Village News, “Taming the Land”

Investigative/Enterprise story or series – single subject
1st Place: Staff, San Diego Business Journal, “The County Rebuilds”
Judges’ Comments: Great in-depth coverage of story that impacted so many. Variety of stories took great planning and commitment. Each story gave the reader a look at another aspect of the subject. Good overall writing and great reporting.

2nd Place: Staff, San Diego Business Journal, “Downtown’s Diamond – Petco Park”

Honorable Mention: Staff, San Diego Business Journal, “Examining an Emergency”

Business story or series
1st Place: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “Business Around the Ballpark”
Judges’ Comments: Comprehensive examination of the economic impact of the city’s new stadium, both positive and negative. Well-sourced with observations of real business people and good parallel look at the experience on other markets.

Honorable Mention: Marion Webb, San Diego Business Journal, “Playing the Hiring Game”

2nd Place: Mike Allen, San Diego Business Journal, “A Web of Attacks”

Real Estate story or series
1st Place: Mike Allen, San Diego Business Journal, “Hammered By Housing Costs”
Judges’ Comments: Powerful anecdotal treatment of universal problem — rising costs of home-buying. In this case, focusing on a veteran made the story even more compelling given current circumstances in the war on terror.

2nd Place: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “Developing … SD Residents Can Live, Work, Shop In One Neighborhood”

Honorable Mention: Mandy Jackson, San Diego Business Journal, “San Diego Rapidly Approaches Land’s End”

Science/Technology/Health story or series 1st Place: Lisa Ross, Carmel Valley News/Del Mar Village Voice, “1st Place: Alzheimer’s Disease: An Equal Opportunity Plague”
Judges’ Comments: A well-written meaningful example of the devastation of Alzheimer’s.

2nd Place: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “Employers Send Message on E-Mail”

Honorable Mention: Brad Graves, San Diego Business Journal, “The Camera Phone Dilemma”

Education story or series
1st Place: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “Career Building”
Judges’ Comments: Very good story. Nice lede; getting a student in the lede gets the story rolling quickly. Exploratory nature of story should help readers understand the Met.

2nd Place : Nathalie Taylor Fallbrook Village News, “Burlap Tree, Donkeys and Other Reche School Wonders”

Honorable Mention: Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook Village News, “Sippin’ Cider at Riley’s Farm”

Political/Government story or series
1st Place: Mandy Jackson, San Diego Business Journal, “Here today, Condemned Tomorrow”
Judges’ Comments: Good storytelling: story really captured frustration of Eminent Domain. Show how politics can play a devastating role in business. Nice work.

2nd Place: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “San Diego’s Next Mayor”

Honorable Mention: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “Mayor’s Race Lands In Court”

Legal story or series
1st Place: Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal, “‘Tis the Season …”
Judges’ Comments: Good story and angle on an annual problem. Story flowed well, good use of quotes and expert sources.

Multicultural story or series
1st Place: Shannon Pagano, Southwestern College Sun, “Path Toward Enlightenment”
Judges’ Comments: Respectful, enlightening treatment of an uncommon lifestyle. Well-written, good quotes, plenty of interest to carry the reader forward through the transitions. Concise, complete and exemplary in its class.

2nd Place: Steve Taffolla, Southwestern College Sun, “Footsteps of the Dead” Sports story or series
1st Place: Mike Allen, San Diego Business Journal, “Ponies Make Pitch to Younger Fans”
Judges’ Comments: Great lede. Interesting look at the inner workings of a horse racing tract. More of a business story than a straight sports story, but it works.

2nd Place: Joe Village, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News, “Shaw’s Next School will be University of Miami”

Honorable Mention: Marion Webb, San Diego Business Journal, “Triathlons Continue Run Toward a Big Business”

Arts/Entertainment story or series
1st Place: Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook Village News, “The Blue Bayou Weaves Its Own Magic”
Judges’ Comments: Imaginative, descriptive and tantalizing, Nathalie Taylor captures the Blue Bayou’s essence, texture and ambience. She whets our appetites with tasty delicious images of the Bayou’s cuisine. “Yum yum!”

2nd Place: Pat Kumpan, Rancho Bernardo News Journal, “Legacy of Faith Leaves Imprint on Art Lovers”

Honorable Mention: Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News, “Rita Coolidge Concert Will Benefit Bonsall Youth”

Review/Criticism
1st Place: Rick Bell, San Diego Business Journal, “Maybe It’s Time for the FCC to Grab Its Crotch”
Judges’ Comments: Rick Bell’s edgy column has just enough “bite” and satirical with to separate it from the also-rans in the pack. Chocked filled with good information, Bell manages to be entertaining without boring the reader to death about the ineptitude of the FCC.

2nd Place: Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook Village News, “Café Champagne an Enduring Delight”

Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Zablantinik Rolls, Fallbrook Village News, “Hidalgo: The Real Star”

Opinion/Editorial
1st Place: George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Musicians’ Dilemma: Speak Out or Shut up?”
Judges’ Comments: Long, yes, but gutsy and a good dialogue with readers.

2nd Place: Lisa Ross, Carmel Valley News/Del Mar Village Voice, “Strong Arming the Strong Mayor Initiative”

Honorable Mention: Laura Walcher, San Diego Union-Tribune, “What Does ‘Huh’ Mean?”

Column
1st Place: Lisa Ross, Carmel Valley News/Del Mar Village Voice, “The Ross Retort”
Judges’ Comments: Miss Ross combines a gift for clear, engaging writing with an instinct for what is intriguing or outrageous.

2nd Place: Yadim Carranza, Paola Ivette Monroy, Southwestern College Sun, “Sex and the Sun”

Honorable Mention: Holly Smith, The Mesa Press, “Gay Marriage, Social Breadcrumbs”

College Media

Best Newspaper 1st Place: The Southwest College Sun
Judges’ Comments: Combines all the elements of a strong newspaper. From headlines to grphics to photos to writing, all the pieces are there.

2nd Place: The Telescope/Palomar College

Honorable Mention: The Mesa Press

News Story or Series – Print
1st Place: Rachel Keeler, The Telescope/Palomar College, “Funding Cut”
Judges’ Comments: A good example of a student journalist sticking with a developing story to give readers a thorough account. Keeler puts faces and names to those affected by funding cuts, and doesn’t slouch in relaying several sides of the story. Her writing style makes for an easy read.

2nd Place: Steve Taffolla, Southwestern College Sun, “Rental Rewards”

Honorable Mention: Viridiana Pacheco-Isaac, Southwestern College Sun, “Indicted”

In-Depth Reporting, Story or Series-Print
1st Place: Viridiana Pacheco-Isaac & James Thompson, Southwestern College Sun, “Dirty Buildings Blamed for Illnesses”
Judges’ Comments: Well reported with multiple sources. The follow-up story shows persistence in covering the issue.

2nd Place: Jennifer Kramer, The Mesa Press, “Profs Protest Tower; District Holds Ground”

Honorable Mention: James Thompson, Southwestern College Sun, “Charges of Racism”

Feature Story or Series – Print
1st Place: Max Rivera, City Times, “Life Re-welded”
Judges’ Comments: I thought, “that sounds like something from Rolling Store” I could feel the struggle Hollins faced. The quotes were fabulous; the writing active. Great storytelling.

2nd Place: Steve Taffolla, Southwestern College Sun, “Footsteps of the Dead”

Honorable Mention: Chanel Hachez, Palomar College Telescope, “Spring Break”

Sports Story or Series – Print
1st Place: Nick Orpilla, Southwestern College Sun, “Homage”
Judges’ Comments: Nick did a good job at telling a story, not just reciting facts. He did a nice job with the lead setting the scene. Nick has a good eye and ear for phrasing, such as his second paragraph: “Behind the face mask is the story.” Also, good quotes from the family and good research. By far the most ambitious and well-written story.

2nd Place: Steve Taffolla, Southwestern College Sun, “Humble Hero In Fast Company”

Honorable Mention: Matt Null, Palomar College Telescope, “Spaniards Play Ball with Palomar”

Arts/Entertainment Story or Series – Print
1st Place: Donnie Boyle The Telescope/Palomar College, “Biology Rocks”
Judges’ Comments: Donnie nailed this story. The article is well executed from the headline to the kicker. You made the start meaningful for your readers in a clear and entertaining way.

2nd Place: Simone Dearborne, Southwestern College Sun, “Afghanistan” Honorable Mention: James Thompson, Southwestern College Sun, “El Vallecito”

Review/Criticism – Print
1st Place: Mira Bai Winsby, 78 Magazine, “David Boring, A story in Three Acts”
Judges’ Comments: Colorful language and descriptions. Provides depth and content for a genre many readers may not be familiar with.

2nd Place: Kristian Smock, 78 Magazine, “Sex, Drugs and Graphic Novels”

Honorable Mention: Stefani Rollison, Southwestern College Sun, “Aiki: A Refreshing Blend of Martial Arts, Cinema”

Regular Column – Print
1st Place: Evelyn Hsieh, The UCSD Guardian, “Aftertaste”
Judges’ Comments: A thoughtful and well-written column on an important topic. Evelyn writes with a mature voice and sagacity well beyond the other entrants.

2nd Place: Yadim Carranza & Paola Ivette Monroy, Southwestern College Sun, “Sex and the Sun”

Honorable Mention: The Telescope/Palomar College, “Politics, Profs, John Asbury”

Headline – Print
1st Place: Kristian Smock, 78 Magazine, “Blood, Sweat and Speedos”
Judges’ Comments: This headline did what all good headlines should do, draw the reader into the story. I enjoyed the alliteration.

Honorable Mention: Susanne Sharp, 78 Magazine, “A Fag; A Ciggy; A Smoke; A Drag”

2nd Place: Staff, Southwestern College Sun, “A Paradise Found”

Photography – Print
1st Place: Paola Morales, Southwestern College Sun, “Los Ninos de la Calle”
Judges’ Comments: Photo essay on the street children of Tijuana has a good variety of images of many children. The photographer went the “extra mile” shooting into the night. Close, medium and wide shots help tell the story.

2nd Place: Shawn Bigbee, City Times, “Educate, Don’t Terminate”

Honorable Mention: Mike Sullivan, City Times, “Home Opener Slam”

Layout & Design – Print
1st Place: Matt Null, The Telescope/Palomar College, “Making Waves”
Judges’ Comments: Good use of photography. Photos married well with type treatment without resorting to “tricks.”

2nd Place: Stefani Rollison, Southwestern College Sun, “Winter Music to Our Ears”

Honorable Mention: Shannon Pagano, Southwestern College Sun, “Path Toward Enlightenment”

Newspaper Design

News Design – Single Page, Daily
1st Place: Greg Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, “War’s Crash Course”
Judges’ Comments: Holds together well, legible, nicely balanced but nor rigidly symmetrical.

2nd Place: Greg Manifold, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Nightmare”

Honorable Mention: Marga Kellogg, North County Times, “In Closing”

Feature Design – Single Page, Daily
1st Place: Chris Barber, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Tall Tales”
Judges’ Comments: Nice use of graphics, easy to pick out information; holds together well

2nd Place: Cathy Hendrie, North County Times, “Remembering D Day”

Honorable Mention: Rafael Bustamante, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Pure Gold”

News Design – Single Page, Nondaily
1st Place: Roman Koenig, North Coast Current, “Recharging the Power Behind the Flower”
Judges’ Comments: Nice treatment of headlines; visual contrast.

2nd Place: Roman Koe, North Coast Current, “Revival By The Sea”

Honorable Mention: Roman Koenig, North Coast Current, “President’s Progress”

Feature Design – Single Page, Nondaily
1st Place: Roman Koenig, North Coast Current, “Filmmaking with a Conscience”
Judges’ Comments: Readable; each editorial component is separate and easy to pick out.

2nd Place: Roman Koenig, North Coast Current, “Redevelopment 101”

Original Illustration or Drawing
1st Place: Christina Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, “I’ll Be Prone for Christmas”
Judges’ Comments: Illustration ties in well with the story; compliments editorial component; good size.

2nd Place: Mark Thornhill, North County Times, “The Road to College”

News Photo
1st Place: Hayne Palmour, North County Times, “Firefight Erupts in Fallujah”
Judges’ Comments: Fantastic image. The photographer was completely there with the subject under extremely tough and horrible situations. Excellent work!

2nd Place: Nelvin Cepeda, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Strong and Courageous”

Honorable Mention: Peggy Peattie, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Rugged Routes, Deadly Risks”

Feature Photo
1st Place: Nadia Borowski Scott, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Family Reunion”
Judges’ Comments: A very nice moment captured for all time.

2nd Place: Jamie Scott Lytle, North County Times, “Sailors, Marines Back From Iraq”

Honorable Mention: Don Kohlbauer, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Kids Take On Chess Champions Before Tournament”

Sports Photo
1st Place: Sean M. Haffey, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Surprise? Joy? Disbelief?”
Judges’ Comments: By far the best of the group. This image would stand up nicely against stronger competition elsewhere.

2nd Place: Waldo Nilo, North County Times, “Sterling Strokes”

Honorable Mention: Dan Trevan, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Down … But Not Out” Photo Essay
1st Place: Cyndy Sullivan, North County Times, “Extended Family”
Judges Comments: Great essay! Very touching. Captures well the illumination of the human condition.

2nd Place: Waldo Nil, North County Times, “Babies Booming at Animal Park”

News Headline
1st Place: James Laurin, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Girth of a Nation Leads to Wider Seating Options at Many Venues”
Judges’ Comments: Bright and clever without being an overly broad pun.

2nd Place: Roman Koenig, North Coast Current, “Recharging the Power Behind the Flower”

Honorable Mention: Jeremy Lang,San Diego Union-Tribune, “Charger Fans Just Seething in the Rain”

Feature Headline
1st Place: Steve Adamek, San Diego Union-Tribune, “”I’ll Be Prone for Christmas”
Judges’ Comments: Not an overly obvious cliché; Grabs attention and the drophead continues the musical reference.

2nd Place: Terri Shute, North County Times, “Where Has All the Flour Gone?”

Online

News Site – Staff of Five or Fewer
1st Place: Bob Ponting, Eric Page, Alex Munro-Rankin and Claire Schneider, NBC San Diego

2nd Place: Carol Burke, Paul Taylor, Cristin Rothwell, Christina Orlovsky and Clair Brocato, NurseZone.com

News Site – Staff of Six or More
1st Place: NCTimes.com by the North County Times

2nd Place: SignOnSanDiego.com by the Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: Orderly presentation without overwhelming.

Entertainment Site
1st Place: Entertainment Guide, SignOnSanDiego.com
Judges’ Comments: Good, brief, ordered presentation. Teasers are just enough to get me to click-through. Good job!

2nd Place: Preview Magazine, NCTimes, North County Times Staff

Honorable Mention: http://www.turbula.net

Multimedia Package
1st Place: Yvette De La Garza, SignOnSanDiego.com, “C.R.O.P.: Up Close – Donovan State Prison”
Judges’ Comments: Combines video with static content in a logical package. Not just an add-on or after thought like other entrants.

2nd Place: Jeff Dillon, SignOnSanDiego.com, “Chalk Painting 101”

Honorable Mention: Jeff Dillon, SignOnSanDiego.com, “Flyball: Like Drag Racing for Dogs”

Design
1st Place: Yvette De La Garza, Marc Balanky, Greg Magnus and Patrick Tobin, SignOnSanDiego.com, “C.R.O.P.: Up Close – Donovan State Prison”
Judges’ Comments: User-friendly package that utilizes all aspects of online technology. Great story, good photos, good audio and video. Fantastic work.

2nd Place: AnnaMaria Stephens, SignOnSanDiego.com, “Home for the Holidays”

Honorable Mention: Turbula.net staff, Turbula.net

Non-Deadline News Story
1st Place: Jamie Reno, Newsweek.com, “Getting Out the Music Lovers”

Feature Story or Series
1st Place: Yvette De La Garza, Marc Balanky, Greg Magnus and Patrick Tobin, SignOnSanDiego.com, “C.R.O.P.: Up Close – Donovan State Prison”
Judges’ Comments: Terrific look at “scared straight” program. Examines inmates’ perspective and presented in easy-read format.

2nd Place: John Whalen, Turbula.net, “From the Log of Badge No. 54131”

Honorable Mention: Christina Orlovsky, NurseZone.com, “Transcultural Nursing: Providing Cultural Care for the Elderly”

Business Story or Series
1st Place: Andrew Kleske, NCTimes.com, “INSITES” columns
Judges’ Comments: A+ for embedded web links. Good writing, too.

Science/Technology/Health Story/Series
1st Place: Christina Orlovsky, NurseZone.com, “Gerontology Goes High-Tech”
Judges’ Comments: Describes how technology can reduce health care costs. Hurray!

Sports Story or Series
1st Place: Jamie Reno, Turbula.net, “America’s Father Figure Says Good-bye”
Judges’ Comments: Great farewell to the “first true star of televised sports,” Arnold Palmer.

2nd Place: Alan Drooz, SignOnSanDiego.com, “Hell’s Bells, Can a Reliever get into the Hall of Fame?”

Honorable Mention: Staff, Turbula.net, “From the Bleachers”

Arts/Entertainment Story/Series
1st Place: Jamie Reno, Turbula.net, “Ipod’s Dirty Little Secret”
Judges’ Comments: Points out what has become “matter of fact” for song downloaders – that it’s still illegal to steal intellectual property. Good approach to keeping the issue at the forefront.

2nd Place: Maya Kroth, SignOnSanDiego.com, “Jeff Bridges – Pictures”

Honorable Mention: Jim Trageser, Turbula.net, “Johnny A”

Review/Criticism
1st Place: Jamie Reno, Turbula.net, “Eunuchs at an Orgy: A Critique of Critics”
Judges’ Comments: An inside view of an insider’s view. Lashes out at heavy-headed critics, and suggests some chilling-out. Well written and researched. Very good.

2nd Place: Maya Kroth, SignOnSanDiego.com, “Dinner and a Movie: ‘Coffee and Cigarettes'”

Honorable Mention: Beth Accomando, KPBS Online, “Hero”

Photography–Single Photo or Series
1st Place: Hayne Palmour, North County Times, “Fire Fight in Fallujah Slideshow”
Judges’ Comments: Captures the routine patrol which in a minute turns dangerous and frantic. Photo of man sitting next to pool of blood is stunning.

2nd Place: Yvette De La Garza, Marc Balanky, Greg Magnus and Patrick Tobin, SignOnSanDiego.com, “C.R.O.P.: Up Close – Donovan State Prison”

Headline
1st Place: Andrew Kleske, NCTimes.com, “Phish Phood for Thought”
Judges’ Comments: Phun!

Newspaper

Breaking News Story
1st Place: Matthew Hall, Philip LaVelle, Greg Moran and Daniel Chacon, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “It’s Murphy … for Now”
Judges’ Comment: Well-written story, topped with a crisp, yet interesting lead. Reporters covered all the bases.

2nd Place: Matthew Hall, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “A Mayor At Last”

Non-Deadline News Story
1st Place: Kelly Thornton, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “In Limbo”
Judges’ Comments: It would have been easy to just go with the inmates’ story, but this reporter gets all sides. The reader can feel the confusion and uncertainty of these men and their situation. Very well reported, organized and written. Great use of quotes.

2nd Place: David Fried, North County Times, “Number of Working Homeless Said to be Rising”

Honorable Mention: Teri Fegueroa, North County Times, “Extended Family”

Feature Story or Series
1st Place: Elizabeth Fitzsimons, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “The Pacific Crest Trail Odyssey”
Judges’ Comments: A great job of portraying these determined people on their quest to complete this nearly impossible 1,600-mile hike. Lots of detail about the preparation and execution of the challenge.

2nd Place: Elizabeth Fitzsimons, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “The Road Less Traveled”

Honorable Mention: Jane Clifford, The San Diego-Union Tribune, “After the Fires: Building a Future”

Investigative/Enterprise Story/Series
1st Place: David Sterrett, North County Times, “Latino Home Loans”
Judges’ Comments: Great breaking investigation of a scam that took advantage of vulnerable folks through their churches. This is the sort of journalism that has great impact for a community, especially those least likely to speak up.

2nd Place: David Hasemyer and Joe Cantlupe, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Accidental Addicts”

Honorable Mention: Anna Cearley, Janine Zuniga, Leslie Berestein, Anne Krueger, and Jerry Kammer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Operation Gatekeeper: 10 years later”

Business Story or Series
1st Place: Lori Weisberg, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Homes on the Range”
Judges’ Comments: Reporter capitalizes on a phenomenal trend and sells it with real people, blended with solid statistics. Quotes are well used and the story remains interesting throughout. (Judge’s note: I will never complain about my 35-mile commute again!)

2nd Place: Dean Calbreath and David Washburn, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “County’s Job Gains Come Cheap”

Honorable Mention: Emmet Pierce, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “The Other Rent Check”

Real Estate Story or Series
1st Place: Alex Roth, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Cashing Out, Moving On”
Judges’ Comments: What I like about this story is that it is one that surely gets people talking. Reporter found fantastic, real-people examples of this phenomenon. The reader can easily empathize with the people who have had to make some difficult decisions and who are now having to live with those decisions, regardless of the fantastic deals they got in selling their homes.

2nd Place: Emmet Pierce, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Risky Business”

Honorable Mention: Lori Weisberg, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Homes on the Range”

Science/Technology Story or Series
1st Place: David Hasemyer and Joe Cantlupe, San Diego Union Tribune, “Accidental Addicts”
Judges’ Comments: A series that raises lots of tough questions and gives no easy answers. The clear winner!

2nd Place: Scott LaFee, San Diego Union Tribune, “Blanks for the Memories”

Education Story or Series
1st Place: Agnes Diggs, North County Times, “The Road to College”
Judges’ Comments: What a challenging topic this was to take on in a news story. These were interesting, clearly written stories, a how-to guide for those who might not know who to prepare for college.

2nd Place: Kristen Green, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “The Education of Amina”

Honorable Mention: Heather Bremner, Imperial Valley Press, “Three-Part Series on Mexican Public Education”

Political/Government Story or Series
1st Place: Philip LaVelle, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Setting the Stage for fiscal Calamity”
Judges’ Comments: Not everybody can make a financial story a fascinating read, but this was one. Philip does a great job of going back into the past to analyze how the city’s billion-dollar deficit evolved, who was responsible and how it affected people in so many ways.

2nd Place: Lori Weisberg, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Ground Control”

Honorable Mention: Scott Lewis, The Daily Transcript, “Donna Frey Series”

Legal Story or Series
1st Place: Kelly Thornton, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “In Limbo”
Judges’ Comments: “In Limbo” shines a powerful light on some of the forgotten victims of post 9/11 America. Thorton’s reporting is incisive and well-balanced.

2nd Place: John Wilkens, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “When the Punishment is the Crime”

Honorable Mention: Teri Figueroa, North County Times, “Tuite Trial”

Multicultural Story or Series
1st Place: Leslie Berestein, Anna Cearley, Jerry Kammer, Anne Krueger and Janine Zuniga, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Operation Gatekeeper: 10 Years Later”
Judges’ Comments: Impressive research, balanced and informative report that reads like a true crime story narrative. Comprehensive without taking sides; thoroughly displays the frustration of balancing the human condition with protecting borders.

2nd Place: 2nd Place: Chris Moran (“Not Separate, Yet Unequal”), Maureen Magee (“Carlin’s Legacy”) and Leonel Sanchez (“Before Brown”), San Diego Union-Tribune

Sports Story or Series
1st Place: Mark Zeigler, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Fatal Errors”
Judges’ Comments: This is masterful story telling. The best writing comes from solid reporting and this writer went the extra mile to include the small details. Those efforts are a reward for the reader. Not many reporters could have told the Ken Caminiti story in such compelling fashion.

2nd Place: Ed Graney, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Homecoming”

Honorable Mention: Ed Graney, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Games of Deceit”

Arts/Entertainment Story or Series
1st Place: Arthur Salm, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “The Torchbearer of Tecate”
Judges’ Comments: Arthur Salm hooks his readers with his first sentence by playing on their heartstrings. But it’s the humanity of the piece that drives the story, which could have easily ended up being an average book review instead of an award-winning feature. Salm paints the author, Daniel Reveles by three dimensions in the reader’s mind.

2nd Place: Arthur Salm, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Running with the Devil”

Honorable Mention: Lee Grant, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Still A Jersey Boy”

Review/Criticism
1st Place: George Varga, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Britney’s ‘Zone Tour’ as Skimpy as Wardrobe”
Judges’ Comments: Well written and entertaining with a bite. George Varga’s review goes further than the average concert review. With a very thoughtful and critical eye, Varga tells how the shallow, predictable Britney Spears concert appeals to teenage girls worshiping bimbo-ism.

2nd Place: Robert Pincus, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Skeleton Key”

Honorable Mention: Anne Marie Welsh, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “A Mother’s Loss, Movingly Portrayed”

Opinion/Editorial
1st Place: Jeff Stinchcomb, The Daily Transcript, “Walking a Fine Line in Fallujah”
Judges’ Comments: A compelling first-person account, providing rare insight and perspective.

2nd Place: Robert A. Kittle, The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Cozy Pension Deals”

Honorable Mention: Jim Trageser, North County Times, “When Fear Doesn’t Have a Chance”

Column
1st Place: Jim Trageser, North County Times
Judges’ Comments: Lively, clear style with a reasoned approach that is increasingly rare in today’s divisively partisan world. Trageser is more conservative than most columnists, but not predictably so.

2nd Place: Karla Peterson, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Honorable Mention: Nick Canepa, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Television

Evening Newscast
1st Place: Claudine Contreras, KGTV
Judges’ Comments: Strong team coverage; featured alternate opinions on important issues; reports were thorough and balanced.

Late-Night Newscast
1st Place: WB News At Ten, KWSB
Judges’ Comments: Good use of expanded packages

Breaking News
1st Place: Brush Fire: Here We Go Again, Tena Ezzeddine, KNSD-TV
Judges’ Comments: Good mix of helicopter and live footage

Serious Feature – Day of Airing
1st Place: Tena Ezzeddine, KNSD, “Brush Fire: Here We Go Again”
Judges’ Comments: Good use of helicopter footage; location shots provided higher degree of difficulty.

2nd Place: Tena Ezzeddine, KNSD, “Street Scene Scene”

Honorable Mention: Lynn Stuart & Chris Caffarelli, KNSD, “Urban Warfare 101”

Serious Feature – Pre-produced
1st Place: John Mattes, XETV, “SHAD Chemical Test”
Judges’ Comments: Good interviews and research on a difficult topic. Good use of archival footage.

2nd Place: Rebecca Tolin KPBS TV, “Second Chance”

Honorable Mention: John Mattes, XETV, “Fighting For Life”

Light Feature – Pre-produced
1st Place: Dave Carlin WB News at 10, “The Nice Test”
Judges’ Comments: Original, entertaining and well produced. Good use of tests and experts. Insightful.

2nd Place: Jeff Powers WB News at 10, “Great White in Capitivity”

Honorable Mention: John Mattes, XETV, “Butt Ugly Car”

Sports Story/Series
1st Place: Ryan Yamamoto, WB News at 10, “Texas Hold ’em”
Judges’ Comments: Very visually attractive. Good use of natural sound. Very unique stand up.

2nd Place: Tena Ezzeddine, KNSD, “Chargers: Division Champs”

Regular Segment
1st Place: Carol LeBeau, Janine Nakama and Mike Ineman, KGTV, “Miracle of Ryan”
Judges’ Comments: Very touching piece; following Ryan through the triathlon brought it home

2nd Place: Carol LeBeau, Janine Nakama and Mike Ineman, KGTV, “A Brother’s Gift”

Honorable Mention: Marti Emerald, Kristen Castillo, Michael Gleeson, Heidi Ortiz and JW August, KGTV, “Know Your Rights”

Investigative/Enterprise Story
1st Place: Richard Klein, J. August and Thom Jensen, KGTV, “Bakersfield Refinery”
Judges’ Comments: Impressive production, research, graphics and source cooperation. It’s a tough story to verify.

2nd Place: JW August, Rett Lawrence and Thom Jensen, KGTV, “Johnny Barnes”

Honorable Mention: Rebecca Tolin, KPBS, “Wal-Mart Workers”

Investigative/Enterprise Series
1st Place: JW August; Rett Lawrence and Thom Jensen, KGTV, “Money Dump / Miramar Landfill”
Judges’ Comments: Good digging; good use of video and graphics.

2nd Place: John Mattes, XETV, “Waterless Water District”

Honorable Mention: Pete Fuentes, XETV, “Tijuana School Children”

Talk/Interview
1st Place: Leng Loh, KPBS, “Full Focus: Top Stories”
Judges’ Comments: Good listening. Very enthusiastic. Good flow of questions.

2nd Place: Joyce Thorne, CBS Early Show, “SeaWorld Baby Whale”

Honorable Mention: Gloria Penner & Graciella Sevilla, KPBS, “Full Focus: Innocence Project”

Photography, Light Feature
1st Place: Darryl Kim, WB News at 10, “Drifting”
Judges’ Comments: Awesome visuals and use of light; it was visually catching.

2nd Place: Dennis Funes, WB News at 10, “Poker Face”

Community Service
1st Place: Karen Rostodha, KPBS, “Gifts of Self”
Judges’ Comments: Played to audience very well. Sounds and visual were good. Good use of editing and structure. Good interview; very natural.

2nd Place: Rebecca Tolin, KPBS, “Flu Vaccine: Healthy or Harmful”

Honorable Mention: Marti Emerald, Kristen Castillo, Mike Howder, Heidi Ortiz and JW August, KGTV, “Eyeglass Wish”

last modified 2006-05-21 21:04