Here’s a list of those honored at the annual journalism awards banquet

SPJ San Diego Pro Chapter Celebrates Excellence in Journalism

The San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists presented its 2008 Excellence in Journalism Awards at a banquet at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island July 16. The chapter honored excellence in journalism in eight divisions, best of show for each division, and four special awards recognizing achievement in diversity, humor, ethics and community service. The SPJ San Diego Pro Chapter is pleased to announce the following awards.

Breaking News/Live

2^nd Place: Firestorm 2007, KOGO News Staff, KOGO

1^st Place: La Jolla Landslide, Ed Joyce and Alan Ray, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: A lot of information, well presented, in a short, breaking news report.

Serious Feature Story/Series

Honorable Mention: Special Olympics stuck on the sidelines, Andrew Phelps, KPBS

2^nd Place: Achievement gap (Series), Ana Tintocalis, KPBS

1^st Place: Immigration Raid, Amy Isackson, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: Good job taking the listener along to actual raids in homes, and especially good to hear the follow-up with residents a few days later.

Light Feature Story/Series

Honorable Mention: George Hamilton profile, Beth Accomando, KPBS

2^nd Place: Hijo del Santo, Amy Isackson, KPBS

1^st Place: Tijuana Bullring, Amy Isackson, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: Engaging history of a bullring fated for the wrecking ball.

Talk/Interview

1^st Place: Editors Roundtable, Gloria Penner-Host, Hank Crook-Producer, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: Good variety of voices from news media discussing the Alberto Gonzales situation.

Sports Story or Series

1^st Place: Willie O’Ree: Soul on Ice, Phil Farrar, KOGO

Judges’ Comments: Colorful history of hockey player who had to cope with racial discrimination but hung in to become an award winning player.

Regular Beat

Honorable Mention: Health Beat, Kenny Goldberg, KPBS

2^nd Place: Environmental Beat, Ed Joyce, KPBS

1^st Place: Education Beat, Ana Tintocalis, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: Brings in many views on each specific issue. Good job making it relevant to the listener.

Criticism or Commentary

2^nd Place: Cliff Notes on the News, Cliff Albert, KOGO

1^st Place: Climate change in pop culture, Beth Accomando, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: Good choice of television and movie examples and the way they convey the global warming message.

Use of Sound

Honorable Mention: George Hamilton, Seven Crimes and Climate Change in Pop Culture, Beth Accomando, KPBS

2^nd Place: Ramona Kids, Ed Joyce, KPBS

1^st Place: Condonetas, Kenny Goldberg, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: The reporter took full advantage of a rich source of sound environment. It would be hard to go wrong with this topic and location – Tijuana and the sex-sale district – but he had a wonderful technical mix, very well balanced. An engaging piece – interesting, different and held my interest to the end.

Investigative/Enterprise Story or Series

Honorable Mention: A Sewer Runs Through It, Shane Liddick, San Diego Magazine

2^nd Place: Stopping Traffic, Shane Liddick, San Diego Magazine

1^st Place: The Un-Civil War at City Hall, Dean Nelson, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: The piece offered an examination of San Diego’s new strong-mayor system in a way that provided detail and depth. The quotes were fantastic and the ending tied the piece together nicely. Well done.

Feature Story or Series

Honorable Mention: Forgiving Tom Wolfe, Shane Liddick, San Diego Magazine

2^nd Place: San Diego Community Responds to October Wildfires, Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Pets Magazine

1^st Place: Bob Goff and Restore International Bringing Hope to Those in Need, Dean Nelson, San Diego Magazine.

Judges’ Comments: A compelling story and so well written. There were several story lines happening at once – the letters to leaders, the trafficking and the career change. It could have been a series – the piece stayed focused on the lawyer, who provided a good window into the deeper issues.

Business Story or Series

1^st Place: The U.S. Open Rainmaker, Tom Cushman, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: The story flowed well – it almost seemed to tell itself. And it provided a behind-the-scenes look at a deal that could have easily not happened without the rainmaker. In a piece that could have fallen into the trappings of golf language, it stayed a business story, not a sports piece.

Real Estate Story or Series

1^st Place: A New Kind of Housing Squeeze, Pat Launer, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: The story offered concrete examples, explanations and tips on a complicated subject for homebuyers. It was easy to understand and illuminated a little-known problem in lending.

Science/Technology/Health Story/Series

2^nd Place: I Think Angels Dwell There, Bob Rowland, San Diego Magazine

1^st Place: Choosing Your Pet’s Diet Confidently, Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Pets Magazine

Judges’ Comments: The story raised questions about safe pet foods and gave helpful suggestions and detailed information. It was a great idea to use a local business’ approach as a way into the story – it anchored the piece and broke up the technical information.

Sports Story or Series

1^st Place: The Brothers Giles, Richard Owen, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: An interesting grandfather’s reminiscence about another part of the baseball brothers’ childhood.

Arts/Entertainment Story/Series

1^st Place: Rock Globally, Think Locally, Maya Kroth, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: A sign of the success of this story is that it not only kept the attention of an out-of-the-area judge, but made him want to go find out more about some of the bands. The story adroitly avoided the insider-lingo trap that mars so much music writing. A well-paced narrative flow and a light writing style kept the story moving and engaging. It was impressively comprehensive but never bogged down. Strong and compelling writing.

Review/Criticism

1^st Place: 2007 Jaguar XK Recaptures Sex Appeal, Laura Byrd, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: A short review captures what it’s like to drive the car from an emotional standpoint, which is the reason consumers buy these expensive cars.

Column

1^st Place: Journal, Ron Donoho, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: The reporting made this column award-worthy in a small field.

Original Illustration or Drawing

1^st Place: Win or Get Out, Mark Brewer, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: There is a whimsical, fun feeling to this illustration that perfectly matches the story. The sidelong glance from one coach to the other, the despondent looks on their faces, the bouncing balls – all of it rendered in a distinct style that instantly conveys the story.

Photography – Single Photo or Series

2^nd Place: Home as Art, Paul M. Bowers, San Diego Magazine

1^st Place: Fashionable Fall Girls, Odessy Barbu, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: Light used well to show the dark clothing.

Headline

Honorable Mention: To Do or Not to D?, Amy Paturel, San Diego Magazine

2^nd Place: Cruising for a Brew-sing, Ron Donoho, San Diego Magazine

1^st Place: Through the Revolving Door, Julia Beeson Polloreno, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: Clever word play that I hadn’t seen used as a hed before.

Layout and Design – Story or Series

2^nd Place: Rock Globally, Think Locally, Laurie Miller, San Diego Magazine

1^st Place: The Un-Civil War at City Hall, Laurie Miller, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: Effective use of limited art creates a sense of drama for the piece.

Layout and Design – Publication as Whole

1^st Place: San Diego Magazine October 2007 issue, San Diego Magazine

Judges’ Comments: The magazine has a strong and compelling design sense. There’s good flow and pacing from section to section. Labels for each department are unobtrusive but are strong enough to give readers a good roadmap. Feature story layouts are individually striking but are also cohesive when taken as a whole. Particularly notable was the “Failed Expectations” story on page 134. The balance of mood photos and punchy typographic treatment was very effective – yet didn’t feel out of place with the rest of the book.

Breaking news story

2^nd Place: Extreme Makeover, Eric Wolff, San Diego CityBeat

1^st Place: Fatal stabbing adds to troubled history of complex, Debbie Ramsey, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

Non-deadline news story

Honorable Mention: 700 evacuees find shelter from wildfires in Borrego, Connie George, Borrego Sun

2^nd Place: Montesoro cuts illegal road into state park, Maris Brancheau, Borrego Sun

1^st Place: A father, son, holy man mistaken for car thieves, Tawny Maya McCray, Chula Vista Star-News

Judges’ Comments: An important story told in a straightforward manner with a fair approach to both sides. Stories like these raise important questions about the quality of law enforcement. Well done.

Feature story or series

Honorable Mention: Free spirits find unusual ways to spice up their business meetings, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

2^nd Place: Borrego’s recycled garbage paints curious picture, Connie George, Borrego Sun

1^st Place: Don’t Know, Don’t Care, Eric Wolff, San Diego CityBeat

Judges’ Comments: A very well researched and convincing story on a sea-change in San Diego politics complete with the dynamics that brought about this change. Great details, good reporting.

Investigative/Enterprise story or series – single subject

2^nd Place: Bus drivers claim kids’ health was endangered, Debbie Ramsey, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

1^st Place: Justice for All, Eric Wolff, San Diego CityBeat

Judges’ Comments: Great use of real people, legal history, statistics and current events trends. Nice graphics to highlight and complement illustration of an important issue: Access to justice. Great description of issues and legal complexities in a non-legalese, non-condescending manner.

Business story or series

Honorable Mention: Fires provide boost to local economy, Connie George, Borrego Sun

2^nd Place: Cymer’s Bright Spot, Mike Allen, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: Stopping violence in the workplace starts with acting on warning signs, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

Judges’ Comments: Well written and well sourced with interesting quotes.

Real Estate story or series

Honorable Mention: Source says UTC may get ultra hip W Hotel, Connie Lewis, San Diego Business Journal

2^nd Place: Old Globe’s Vision of Grandeur, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: How to lose your home in a few easy steps, Helen Kaiao Chang, MSNBC.com

Judges’ Comments: Good use of human figure to illustrate point of story. Good use of supporting source.

Science/Technology/Health Story or Series

Honorable Mention: Civilian healthcare workers sign up for humanitarian service overseas, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

2^nd Place: IBC: A Breast Cancer that differs from the others, Christina Macone-Greene, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

1^st Place: Breakthroughs in cancer research could be just around the corner, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

Education story or series

Honorable Mention: Del Mar drops Spanish language immersion program, Roman S. Koenig, Del Mar Village Voice/Carmel Valley News

2^nd Place: Cost of Anthony’s ‘resignation’ likely over $400K, Debbie Ramsey, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

1^st Place: SDSU students kick-start startup with ‘Super Bowl’ of business plans prize, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

Political/Government story or series

1^st Place: General Plan Update: County document will take three more years, Maris Brancheau, Borrego Sun

Judges’ Comments: This is a really well written and insightful piece of reporting on the dynamics of a long-term plan that is moving at a glacial pace. Written with great authority and perspective, and without some of the jargon that clutters some of the other entries.

Legal story or series

Honorable Mention:  Vote stalled on teachers’ raises, Debbie Ramsey, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

2^nd Place: Legal decision on conservation plan stalls San Diego development, Mandy Jackson, California Real Estate Journal

1^st Place:  More law firms starting to offer flexible work arrangements, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

Judges’ Comments: An interesting and novel take on the legal profession. Well written and informative.

Multicultural story or series

Honorable Mention: Mexicali orphanage flourishes with support from generous Borregans, Connie George, Borrego Sun

2^nd Place: Latina launches networking site for Quinceaneras, Brad Graves, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: Ken Gonzalez-Day – Scholar documents California lynchings from 1850-1935, Sylvia Mendoza, Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education

Judges’ Comments: A clear first-place winner with a fascinating look at a somewhat morbid but forgotten chapter of California history. Mendoza does a nice job of explaining this work.

Sports story or series

2^nd Place: Chargers continue their quest for new stadium in north, south county, Mike Allen, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: And they’re off . . . in pursuit of larger crowds, betting handle, Connie Lewis, San Diego Business Journal

Arts/Entertainment story or series

Honorable Mention: Film fests reel in entries from the U.S., and abroad, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

2^nd Place: Arts community gets short shrift in budget lines, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: Artists flourish in a lesser-known market, Pat Broderick, San Diego Business Journal

Judges’ Comments: Pat Broderick certainly has cornered the market on arts & entertainment reporting in San Diego – perhaps because stories like this on the city’s art galleries, are written with such authority and a deep understanding of the economics of art. Well-researched and written.

Opinion/Editorial

Honorable Mention: Pinnacle Restaurant – A mountaintop of culinary delights, Christy Blair, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

2^nd Place: ‘Simpsons Movie’ needs a facelift, Elizabeth Zablatnik, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

1^st Place: ‘Above the Night Sky’ a stunning accomplishment, Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

Judges’ Comments: Nice blend of descriptives. Interesting. Entertaining.

Op-Ed

Honorable Mention: Have yourself a (non-toxic) little Christmas, Patsy Fritz, Valley Center Roadrunner

2^nd Place:  Ready and willing, town responds, Maris Brancheau, Borrego Sun

1^st Place: Predators – coming to a block near you, Maryann Castronovo, Culver City News/Blue Pacific News

Column

Honorable Mention: Patsy Fritz, Valley Center Roadrunner

2^nd Place: Raising Mommy, Maryann Castronovo, Culver City News/Blue Pacific News

1^st Place: From the Editor, Carlos Davalos, Chula Vista Star-News

Judges’ Comments: Very entertaining while addressing serious issues. Congratulations!

Best Newspaper

Honorable Mention: The Daily Aztec, San Diego State University

2^nd Place: City Times, San Diego City College

1^st Place: The Telescope, Palomar College

Judges’ Comments: Great variety of stories, from campus smoking to national and even international issues such as coverage of the Middle East conflict. Strong, relevant opinion pages. Well done!

News Story or Series – Print

Honorable Mention: College mourns the death of student athlete, John Scafetta, The Telescope

2^nd Place: SDS works to provide equal access to books, Giselle Dondom, The Daily Aztec

1^st Place: Bomb scare shuts down campus, John Scafetta, The Telescope

Judges’ Comments: Well-reported job on a continuing topic.

Feature Story or Series – Print

Honorable Mention: Final Farewell, John Scafetta, The Telescope

2^nd Place: Halley’s Comet’s got nothing on Bauer’s asteroid, Lauren Ciallella, City Times

1^st Place: Vigil honors missing student, Devin Kunysz, The Daily Aztec

Judges’ Comments:  Devin Kunysz did a nice job of dealing with a family in a tragic situation without making it maudlin.

Sports Story or Series –Print

Honorable Mention: No average Joe, John Scafetta, The Telescope

2^nd Place: A role reversal of fortunes, Justin Lafferty, The Daily Aztec

1^st Place: Hall of famer’s dad would’ve been proud, Joe Giovanetti, The Daily Aztec

Judges’ Comments: What are the odds of three finalists all featuring father-son baseball topics? Joe Giovannetti’s piece tapped into the sport’s highest level, but also brought out some nice personal insights into someone who was one of the very best people in the world at what he did.

Arts/Entertainment Story or Series – Print

2^nd Place: Art on track, Katie Dunn, City Times

1^st Place: Biology: A real miracle on 55^th street, Bradley Haering, The Daily Aztec

Judges’ Comments: Well written and knowledgeable

Review/Criticism – Print

Honorable Mention:  ‘Beowulf’ is a step back for digitally animated films, Alissa Wisniewski, City Times

2^nd Place: 50 should stick to vitamin water, Bradley Haering, The Daily Aztec

1^st Place: ‘Tango’ steps on your toes, Lauren Ciallella, City Times

Judges’ Comments: Excellent job of selling the experience – from high expectations to getting the bum’s rush. Makes us want to check it out.

Regular Column – Print

Honorable Mention: Sports on the Edge, Rosemarie Davis, City Times

2^nd Place: Live and Learn, Luis Bahena, City Times

1^st Place: Devin Kunysz, The Daily Aztec

Judges’ Comments:  Devin has a nice edge, which a good columnist needs, and a sense of image such as the birth control pill in “The Hannah Montana Lunch Bucket,” which suddenly doesn’t sound so weird. But still .  . .

Photography – Print

Honorable Mention: Soak up San Diego, Glenn Connelly, The Daily Aztec

Honorable Mention: An evening of dance, Rebecca Saffran, City Times

2^nd Place: Carlsbad art makes a splash, Elliot de Lisser, The Telescope

1^st Place: Fire victims hugging outside home, Andrew Huse, The Daily Aztec

Judges’ Comments: Strong composition and capturing a moment that shows the emotion and devastation of a fire.

Layout & Design – Print

Honorable Mention: Blown Away, The Telescope staff

2^nd Place: Hi-tech, vo-tech, Scott Landheer, City Times

1^st Place: Aztec aquaplex opens, Daily Aztec staff

Judges’ Comments: This was a very competitive category. But the simple two-column structure of “Aztec Aquaplex opens” carried the page well. The photo illustration of the recreational pool was a nice way to top the package.

The San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to recognize three local high school students, who participated in our chapter’s annual High School Essay Contest. The chapter awards $300 for first place and $100 for second place. Students were asked to answer the question:  “Who Needs Newspapers, Anyway?”

The top three local essayists are:

2^nd Place (tie): Easton Connell, University City High School

2^nd Place (tie): Jenna Madyski, Julian High School

1^st Place: Amanda Cormier, Westview High School

Judges’ Comments: While the answers weren’t always uplifting – one writer described newspapers as useful primarily for craft projects and packing fragile items – the first-prize winner reminded us why not only newspapers but journalism generally are important – giving voices to the voiceless.

News Design – Single Page, Daily

1^st Place: Baseball and booze, Eric Breier, North County Times

Judges’ Comments:  A superb photo illustration drives a lively page design. Good blend of visuals and information.

Feature Design –Single Page, Daily

1^st Place:  Tribute to Tony, Kathy Magerkurth, North County Times

Judges’ Comments: Excellent work with knockouts. There’s a lot of work exhibited here, executed nicely. The lead photo of Tony Gwynn tipping his cap is pure Tony Gwynn. Using the three smaller photos of Gwynn shows the various stages of his career with the same team (if not the same uniform). The subtle blending of baseball field with hall of fame sidewalk is brilliant.

News Design – Single Page, Nondaily

Honorable Mention: Nature scorches economy, Darlene Alilain, San Diego Business Journal

2^nd Place: Damage to avocados, other crops in county shoots to $30M, Darlene Alilain, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: Batters Up, Michael S. Domine, San Diego Business Journal

Judges’ Comments: Creative use of the photo in the ‘Batters Up” package. Using the dirt as the backdrop for the text makes good use of otherwise unimportant photographic information. I like the knockouts in the ice cream story. Very lively and colorful page.

Features Design – Single Page, Non-daily

Honorable Mention: Up, up and away, Forest Rhodes, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

2^nd Place: Schooldays are just beginning, Tim Wiley, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

1^st Place: Downtown resource guide, Michael S. Domine, San Diego Business Journal

Judges’ Comments: A brilliant photo choice for the cover of the Downtown resource guide works very effectively. The design itself is remarkably simple, but the impact it makes to the eye is what sells this as the winner.

Original Illustration or Drawing

Honorable Mention: Study Abroad, Michael Clouse, The Point Weekly

2^nd Place: Tug, Tug, Lucas Turnbloom, The Southern Cross

1^st Place: Silent Night, Lucas Turnbloom, The Southern Cross

Judges’ Comments: The apparent simplicity in this illustration gets our vote. It appears simple, but its execution and careful attention to detail reveals that it was more complex than meets the eye. The shading in the background really makes this illustration pop, and the expression of the peace on the baby’s face is believable.

News Photo

Honorable Mention:  Mr. Jacobs puts out fires on his property in Rice Canyon, Paul Gallaher, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

2^nd Place: Condos go up like kindling, Waldo Nilo, North County Times

1^st Place:  Infernos surge toward coast, Waldo Nilo, North County Times

Judges’ Comments: Waldo’s image brings a news story of national scope back home. The shot captures the struggle of firefighters to cope with a mounting firestorm. The photo is well composed and offers a summary to a larger event.

Feature Photo

Honorable Mention: Fence is melted from the heat, Paul Gallaher, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

2^nd Place: Catching some air, Jamie Scott Lytle, North County Times

1^st Place: Winter havens set to harbor homeless, Waldo Nilo, North County Times

Judges’ Comments: Who are the homeless? Who could become homeless? A single image compels the reader to pay attention to this story, this issue. Nilo’s use of light, framing and contrast add to the power of this image.

Sports Photo

Honorable Mention:  Nothing little about Solana Beach’s Victory, Waldo Nilo, North County Times

Photo Essay

Honorable Mention:  Our flag was still there, Jamie Scott Lytle, North County Times

News Headline

2^nd Place: Upper deck folds in high-stakes acquisition game, Julie Gallant, San Diego Business Journal

1^st Place: Debt slices and dices Ronco, James Laurin, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: You might not remember Ronco if it wasn’t for the turn of phrase James Laurin worked into this headline. The headline captures the story, and sparks the reader’s interest.

Feature Headline

Honorable Mention: Eat at (Father) Joe’s, Denis C. Grasska, The Southern Cross

2^nd Place: You can’t eat this Blackberry and Blu-Ray is not a fish! Nathalie Taylor, Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News

1^st Place: Regifting: When that present has a past, James Laurin, San Diego Union-Tribune

News Site – Staff of Five or Fewer

2^nd Place: Nursezone.com, Carol Burke, Paul Taylor, Amanda Sounart, Claire Brocato and Christina Orlovsky

1^st Place:  NBCSanDiego.com, NBCSanDiego.com Staff

Judges’ Comments: Thorough Web site providing a plethora of written and multimedia news.

News Site – Staff of Six or More

Honorable Mention: KPBS.org, KPBS.org Staff

2^nd Place:  voiceofsandiego.org, voiceofsandiego.org staff

1^st Place:  SignOnSanDiego.com, SignOnSanDiego.com staff

Judges’ Comments:  Excellent mix of news, features and sports. Nice use of multimedia elements.

Entertainment Site

2^nd Place:  Preview Arts & Entertainment Guide, NCTimes.com, NCTimes.com and Preview staff

1^st Place:  Entertainment Guide, SignOnSanDiego.com Entertainment Guide staff

Judges’ Comments: Well-organized and useful presentation of entertainment options. Lively Web site with lots of energy.

Multimedia Package

Honorable Mention: Cabin for sale, Sam Hodgson, voiceofsandiego.org

2^nd Place: California Wildfires 2007, NCTimes.com, NCTimes.com staff

1^st Place: Street Scene 2007, SignOnSanDiego.com Entertainment Guide, SignOnSandiego.com and San Diego Union-Tribune Staff

Judges’ Comments:  Impressive collection of videos, photos and lively writing.

Headline

1^st Place: “O” Really? Megan Russel, NCTimes.com

Judges’ Comments: Clever pun that questions Oprah’s impact on the political process.

Blog

2^nd Place: The Curmudgeon’s View, David D. Ross, valleycenter.com, The Roadrunner Blog

1^st Place: Street, Street Staff, SignOnSanDiego.com

Judges’ Comments: Playful takes on the local entertainment scene are as addictive as lemonade on a hot day.

Breaking News – Online

Honorable Mention: California corrals precious horses from fires, Ned Randolph, Reuters News Service

2^nd Place:  Airport Land Use: City attorney accuses San Diego mayor of corruption, Ned Randolph, City News Service

1^st Place:  The Nightmare Returns, Will Carless, voiceofsandiego.org

Breaking News – Newspaper

Honorable Mention: Picking through the ashes – again, Teri Figueroa, North County Times

2^nd Place: Evacuate, North County Times Staff, North County Times

1^st Place: Condos go up like kindling (package), North County Times Staff, North County Times

Non-Deadline News Story

Honorable Mention: The Dying West, Rob Davis, voiceofsandiego.org

2^nd Place:  Our flag was still there, Marga Kellogg, North County Times

1^st Place: Rebuilding Minds: Brain injuries focus of Scripps, Camp Pendleton partnership, Adam Kaye, North County Times

Judges’ Comments: Excellent writing. Congratulations!!

Feature Story or Series

Honorable Mention: Goal oriented, Ruth Marvin Webster, North County Times

2^nd Place: Burrito Chronicles, Erin Glass, Claire Madigan, Nina Garin, Derrik Chinn, Kyle Proehl, David Brooks, Jennifer Croshaw, SignOnSanDiego.com

1^st Place: The fight of their lives, Michael Burge, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: What an amazing tale of survival told in a clear, coherent dramatic style. A clear winner.

Investigative/Enterprise Story/Series

Honorable Mention: Laurie Madigan’s sweetheart deal, Tanya Mannes, San Diego Union-Tribune

2^nd Place: The plaque of methamphetamine (special report), Gary Warth, North County Times

1^st Place: A tale of two stories, David Hasemyer, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments:  Great job getting to the bottom of a highly publicized story. Nice layout and summary of voluminous research. Well written on deadline about city corruption, greed and a public safety hazard.

Business Story or Series

Honorable Mention: White Gold, Marc Figueroa, North County Times

2^nd Place: Dwindling work force puts pressure on growers, Leslie Berestein and Diane Lindquist, San Diego Union-Tribune

1^st Place: Credit Crunch attracts wave of opportunism, Emmet Pierce and Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: Wealth of human interest is effectively combined with good investigation and research.

Real Estate Story or Series

Honorable Mention: Condominium conversion proposal splits Vista neighborhood, Craig TenBroeck, North County Times

2^nd Place: Foreclosure agents bask in bad times, Lori Weisberg and Emmet Pierce, San Diego Union-Tribune

1^st Place:  Shelter in Place keeps flames at bay, Lori Weisberg and Emmet Pierce, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments:  Well-written and a good read throughout. Great art and graphics.

Science/Technology Story or Series

Honorable Mention: Remembering what matters, Ruth Marvin Webster, North County Times

1^st Place: What’s killing the Delta; A plan resurfaces, Rob Davis, voiceofsandiego.org

Education Story or Series

Honorable Mention:  Slow to organize, charters do unions their own way, Emily Alpert, voiceofsandiego.org

2^nd Place: English learners put high-tech blackboards to new use, Emily Alpert, voiceofsandiego.org

1^st Place: With reservations in flux, American Indian education sees mixed results, Emily Alpert, voiceofsandiego.org

Political/Government Story or Series

Honorable Mention: A blueprint for change, Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune

2^nd Place: A trail of broken promises, Andrew Donohue, Will Carless, voiceofsandiego.org

1^st Place: Stepping up the pace, Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: Great read, interesting personalized touch with stories of quoted people.

Legal Story or Series

2^nd Place: Well-heeled and accused of gang crimes, Will Carless, voiceofsandiego.org

1^st Place:  Julian aims for more disabled access, Teri Figueroa, North County Times

Judges’ Comments: Enhanced whole effort by visiting shops on main street and talking to owners to get wide range of opinions. Nicely written.

Multicultural Story or Series

Honorable Mention: Immigration plan upends preferences, Leslie Berestein, San Diego Union-Tribune

2^nd Place: Abuelita’s Magic Touch, Chris Moran, San Diego Union-Tribune

1st Place: Mural is truly sign of the times, Leslie Berestein, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: Here’s a classic example of a newspaper fulfilling its role as a community’s long-term memory bank. This blend of history and misunderstanding makes for a great story that goes a long way toward multi-cultural understanding.

Sports Story or Series

2^nd Place:  King of Swing, Brian Hiro, North County Times

1^st Place:  Danger Zone, Mike Sullivan, North County Times

Arts/Entertainment Story or Series

Honorable Mention: And a child (or two) shall lead them, Chris Nixon, San Diego Union-Tribune

2^nd Place:  The Last Revolution, George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune

1^st Place: ‘I want people to take me seriously.’ Addictions behind him, Ozzy Osbourne refocuses on heavy-metal creativity, George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: Good profile. Good read that captures Ozzy Osbourne clearly. Nice lead photo and close that uses headline.

Review/Criticism

2^nd Place: Live: ‘High School Musical’ could even be a puppet theater hit, Keli Dailey, SignOnSanDiego.com

1^st Place:  A Triumph! Sorta. Kinda. George Varga, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Judges’ Comments: A disaster of a review, but well done.

Column

Honorable Mention:  Irv Erdos, North County Times

2^nd Place:  Loren Nelson, North County Times

1^st Place: Hand in Hand, Kent Davy, North County Times

Judges’ Comments: What an incredibly sad and beautiful, sensitive and thoughtful collection of columns. Mr. Davy delivers a heartbreaking gift to readers – a sense of what is most precious in life. He has our sympathy and admiration for these courageous columns.

Breaking News

Honorable Mention: Del Dios Fire, Steve Fiorina, KGTV-10News

2^nd Place: Firestorm 2007: Wall of Fire, Monica Dean, NBC 7/39

1^st Place: Battle for Del Dios, Shawn Styles and Charles Landon, KFMB TV, Channel 8

Judges’ Comments: Rolled with the news as it unfolded, allowing the people affected to tell their story. Well done!

Serious Feature – Day of Airing

Honorable Mention: Victim Thanks, Steve Fiorina, KGTV-10News

2^nd Place: Fallbrook fire aftermath, Sasha Foo, KGTV-10News

1^st Place: Logger Head Turtle, Shawn Styles and Charles Landon, KFMB TV, Channel 8

Judges’ Comments:  Very well written!

Serious Feature – Pre-produced

2^nd Place:  Children of God, Steve Atkinson, Felicia Kit, JW August, and Michael Gonzalez, KGTV-10News

1^st Place:  Seaworld, Lauren Reynolds, Michael Gonzalez, Kristen Castillo, JW August, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Impressive investigation following what for many would have been a news story for a day or two.

Light Feature Story – Day of airing

1^st Place: School Volunteer, Christian Cazares, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Well written!

Light Feature Story – Preproduced

1^st Place: Tracing San Diego: A local look at Parkour, Derrik Chinn and David Brooks, SignOnSanDiego.com

Judges’ Comments: Nice fast editing to show energy in movement further explained in written text. Well Done!

Sports Story/Series

1st Place:  Mixed Martial Arts, Noe R. Gonzalez, “Sports Wrap” NBC 7/39

Judges’ Comments: Use of cultural history in writing is wonderfully refreshing and informative sports journalism.

Regular Segment – Airing at least weekly

2^nd Place: Elder Abuse Stolen Home, Marti Emerald, Felicia Kit, Karin Ingrande, JW August, Michael Gonzalez, KGTV 10News

1^st Place:  Cold medicine meth, Steve Atkinson, Heidi Ortiz, Kristen Castillo, JW August, Michael Gonzalez

Judges’ Comments: Good use of undercover cameras for investigative purposes.

Investigative/Enterprise Story

Honorable Mention: How’d She Get Away, Lauren Reynolds, Michael Gonzalez, JW August and Kristen Castillo, KGTV-10News

2^nd Place: Earthquake Fault, Marti Emerald, Michael Gonzalez, Kristen Castillo, Felicia Kit, Karin Ingrande, JW August, KGTV-10News

1^st Place: Airline Kiosk, Steve Atkinson, Kristen Castillo, JW August, Michael Gonzalez, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Good enterprise story executed through thorough investigation relevant to most viewers.

Investigative/Enterprise Series

Honorable Mention: RC Anderson, Elizabeth Sanchez, Michael Gonzalez, Kristen Castillo and JW August, KGTV-10News

2^nd Place: Toxic Toothpaste (parts 1&2), Jacqui Nguyen, Michael Gonzalez, Kristen Castillo, Heidi Ortiz, Felicia Kit, JW August, KGTV-10News

1^st Place: Craigslist Rental Scam, Steve Atkinson, Kristen Castillo, JW August and Michael Gonzalez, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Good to see journalists alerting authorities to a crime/scam and following the prosecution of the alleged criminal. Well executed investigative series.

Photography – Serious Feature

1^st Place: Rainbow Parties, Christian Cazares, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Good use of creative photography to tell a video-poor hard news story.

Photography – Light Feature

1^st Place: Pastorela Mechicana, Christian Cazares, Azteca America San Diego

Judges’ Comments: Beautiful photography and well edited.

Documentary

1^st Place: 10News I-Team Special, KGTV-10News I-Team

Judges’ Comments: Well produced and written documentary compilation of the I-Team’s biggest stories of the year.

Community Service

1st Place:  Smoke Detectors, Marti Emerald, Michael Gonzalez, Kristen Castillo, J.W. August, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Great example of investigative journalism providing consumer safety information and a community service.

Herbert Lockwood “Woody” Award

Techno Fitness, Ron Donoho, San Diego Magazine

Sol Price Prize for Responsible Journalism

Secret Police, 10News I-Team, KGTV-10News

Judges’ Comments: Bold investigation that explores a cause dear to ever journalist’s heart: Public records access.

Diversity Prize

Honorable Mention: The Streets Catch You, Ann Aubrey Hanson, The Southern Cross

2^nd Place: The new philanthropists, Helen Kaiao Chang, Pacifica

1^st Place: Racial achievement gap, Ana Tintocalis, KPBS

Judges’ Comments: Ms. Tintocalis approaches a sensitive topic and doesn’t shy from the raw emotions many of her sources shared. It was clear her sources trusted here and that the issue needed to be aired.

James Julian Memorial Prize

2^nd Place: Palomar Mountain’s One Room Schoolhouse, Ana Tintocalis, KPBS

1^st Place: Patsy Fritz (fire coverage), Valley Center Roadrunner

Comments: Ms. Fritz tirelessly covered the fires that struck Southern California last summer. Cultivating a large base of sources, Ms. Fritz provided information to her readership in a colorful, off-beat manner.

Best of Show – Radio

Immigration Raid, Amy Isackson, KPBS News

Best of Show – Non Daily

Justice for All, Eric Wolff, San Diego CityBeat

Best of Show – Design

Tribute to Tony, Kathy Magerkurth, North County Times

Best of Show – College

Vigil honors missing student, Devin Kunysz, The Daily Aztec

Best of Show – Television

Seaworld, Lauren Reynolds, Michael Gonzalez, Kristen Castillo and JW August, KGTV 10News

Best of Show – Online

Street Scene 2007, SignOnSanDiego.com and San Diego Union-Tribune staff

Best of Show – Magazine

The Un-Civil War at City Hall, Dean Nelson, San Diego Magazine

Best of Show – Daily Reporting and Writing

Mural is truly sign of times, Leslie Berestein, San Diego Union-Tribune