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Annual Bench/Bar/Media Event!! Adapting for the Future

2026 Bench Bar Media Flyer (1)Download

August 25th, 2026

Reception: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Program: 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Q&A: 7:15-7:30 p.m. 

Location:
SDCBA BAR CENTER
330 A Street 
San Diego, CA 92101

No Cost to Attend

BUT PLEASE REGISTER!!! https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&eid=350841&evAction=regV2

As technology, the media landscape, and legal practice continue to change, members of the bench, bar, and media face new and intersecting challenges in balancing transparency, access, and public confidence in the news and the justice system – challenges never dreamed of 250 years ago at the nation’s founding. We’ll explore our courts’ continued technology modernization efforts, the need for judicial security, expanded courtroom media access, and public trust in the judiciary. We’ll discuss the changing practice of law, including the growing use of artificial intelligence, remote appearances, the expansion of discovery, and how the political and media climate affects how jurors view cases and return verdicts. And we’ll consider the local impact of media consolidation, changing models of community journalism, evolving standards for bona fide journalists, access to the courts, and the impact of defamation litigation. Hear from judges, attorneys, and journalists as they examine how their centuries-old professions are evolving to meet the demands of the future.

The SDCBA thanks its sponsors for assisting in the county bar’s support for this event.

Producing Sponsor: Judicate West and Sheppard.

Find more info here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=350841

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San Diego SPJ mourns the loss of Kelly Davis, a fierce voice for the vulnerable, and a beloved friend

Family members of those impacted by Kelly’s reporting came to see her receive the 2023 Journalist of the Year award.

The San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is heartbroken by the July 1 passing of Kelly Davis, whose work has, and always will, inspire us. 

Kelly was a longtime board member and former chapter president. She was our 2023 Journalist of the Year, recognizing her groundbreaking work on jail deaths in San Diego County and other topics that held powerful people and agencies accountable. Her work appeared in San Diego CityBeat, Voice of San Diego, The San Diego Union-Tribune and many other publications. She also worked as an associate editor at San Diego CityBeat. 

Tributes attest to Kelly’s journalistic achievements, tireless work ethic, kindness and generous spirit. We saw that at SPJ in the countless hours she volunteered to ensure that journalism thrived in San Diego. As one colleague put it, “She had no quit.” Another friend aptly described her as a “sweet warrior.” 

“Kelly was very dedicated to the SPJ San Diego Pro Chapter, often going above and beyond to further its mission and make sure its events were as successful as possible,” said SPJ San Diego 2025-26 board President Elizabeth Marie Himchak. “I will always remember how hard working she was and that she was a strong advocate for the San Diego journalism community.”

Davis hugs longtime Union-Tribune reporting partner Jeff McDonald at the 2023 SPJ awards banquet.

She approached her reporting the same way, quietly and without expecting credit, but sometimes she couldn’t avoid the spotlight. In 2017, while Kelly was working as a freelance reporter, attorneys for San Diego County subpoenaed her to testify at a deposition and turn over all her reporting material, including notes and recordings. She fought back. A federal judge invalidated the subpoena. Her reporting ultimately prompted a pair of reform bills signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023. The legislation followed “a slew of eye-popping stories on the deaths, their impact on families and the tens of millions of dollars they cost taxpayers in legal settlements,” according to the Union-Tribune. She wouldn’t stop there. She was working on a follow-up examining the impact of that legislation and how it could be strengthened before she was hospitalized last month. 

“She earned trust with everyone, especially those trampled or overlooked by people in power,” wrote former SPJ National President Matt Hall. 

Kelly’s work will continue to set an example for all of us. She will remain an inspiration and we will honor her legacy by remembering her values in our work. Our hearts go out to her family and close friends and all the lives Kelly lifted up. 

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Change in location for San Diego SPJ awards!

Don’t worry party people, we’re still bringing the energy and celebration! But we have a change in location, so make sure to update your Google calendars!

The Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter will hold its annual journalism awards ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Riverwalk Golf Club, only 2 miles west of the original location. Please note this change and if you bought group tickets tell your fellow attendees.

First-, second- and third-place, special and top awards will be presented to professional and college journalists. In addition, the 2026 Journalist of the Year will be announced and scholarships will be presented to college students. Don’t miss out on mixing with your fellow journalists from the San Diego region!

Riverwalk Golf Club is located at 1150 Fashion Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108.

There will be a buffet dinner along with desserts, tea and water provided. Riverwalk Golf Club will have a no-host bar option for those wanting to purchase alcohol. This event will be held in an inside/outdoor space.

Early bird tickets are $50 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Then regular tickets are $65, with sales closing at noon on June 24 or if sold out, whichever comes first. If space permits, walk-up tickets will be $75 at the door.

Reserved tables for 8 can be purchased for $500 through June 19. Those purchasing a table also need to email the names of their table’s attendees to spjsandiego@gmail.com by June 23.

Discounts for college students are being offered. Student early bird tickets are $35 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Regular student tickets are $40, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up student tickets will be $45 at the door.

Tickets are going quick so buy yours here: http://tinyurl.com/SPJ-SD26awards

Below is a list of our winners! Congratulations! We’ll see you on June 25!

2026 SPJ San Diego winners list (web)Download
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