Best Arts/Culture Story
First Place: Paul Hodgins
“How Has the Pandemic Hangover Affected O.C.’s Arts Scene?” Culture OC
Comments: The breadth of this article is great and it answers a question people will
be curious to read about. Good info, quotes, etc. Well done.
Second Place: Eric Marchese
“Stage Door Closes Its Doors, For Now,” Voice of OC
Third Place: Paul Hodgins
“Behaving Badly and Other Lamentable Public Trends: Is It Happening in OC Too?” Culture OC
Honorable Mention: Christopher Trela
“Maestro for a Day: My Conducting Debut with Pacific Symphony,” Newport Beach Independent
Best Arts/Culture Review
First Place: Timothy Mangan
“Alexander Shelley Vies for Pacific Symphony Conducting Job,” Culture OC
Comments: While many of us may be fatigued by horse-race coverage of
presidential campaigns, I”m fascinated by the way Mangan uses it to demystify the
esoteric process of hiring a new orchestral conductor. Mangan’s wide range of
insights bring the lay audience close to the action. Excellent example of criticism
and review used for a higher purpose.
Second Place: Eric Marchese
“SCR’s ‘Quixote Nuevo’ is an Enjoyable Feast Marred Only by Too Many Thematic Ingredients,” Culture OC
Third Place: Simone Goldstone
“NBFF Review: ‘Immediate Family’ Spotlights Studio Musicians,” Newport Beach Independent
Honorable Mention: Paul Hodgins
“Orange County Gets a Big Dose of Muti Magic,” Voice of OC
Best Music/Entertainment Story
First Place: Andrew Turner
“’Musical Meltdown Moments’: Art of Music Experience at O.C. Fair prompts visceral reactions,” Daily Pilot
Comments: His excellent description and interviews place the reader in the middle
of the event. A fun spin on the usual county fair feature story.
Second Place: Sarah Mosqueda
“Santa Ana marks Chicano Heritage Month with a festival and new mural,” Daily Pilot
Third Place: David N. Young
“Oscar nominated actress returns to limelight in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’” Event-NewsEnterprise
Best Music/Entertainment Review
First Place: Timothy Mangan
“Kluxen’s Debut Impresses, Launching Pacific Symphony’s Conductor Tryouts,” Culture OC
Comments: A fun, easy read.
Second Place: Daniella Litvak
“La Havana Madrid @ South Coast Repertory at Mission San Juan Capistrano – Review,” The Orange Curtain Review
Third Place: Simone Goldstone
“‘Ain’t Too Proud’ at Segerstrom Center Tells the Musical Tale of the Temptations,” Newport Beach Independent
Best Food/Restaurant Story
First Place: Yusra Farzan
“During Ramadan, OC restaurants offer buffets for patrons to break their fast,” Orange County Register
Comments: An atypical entry for this type of category, the writer sheds light on a
practice that may not be well-known to a wide audience.
Second Place: Anne Valdespino
“CBD Power Lunch at Knife Pleat,” Culture OC
Third Place: Anne Marie Panoringan
“Panoringan: Santa Ana’s Culinary Scene Is Trending,” Voice of OC
Best Food/Restaurant Review
First Place: Brad A. Johnson
“Squid Game,” OLTRE
Comments: “It takes like fresh cried tears. Not the sad kind, but the happy ones.”
That’s just brilliant. Loved this review, really brought me there.
Second Place: Edwin Goei
“Birria, done that: the champion ingredient filling tacos in Santa Ana,” Daily Pilot
Third Place: Brad A. Johnson
“One Day in Bangkok, Two Worlds Apart,” OLTRE
Honorable Mention: Edwin Goei
“Where to hu tieu: Introducing a dish that might become your new favorite,“ Daily Pilot
Best Travel Story
First Place: Christopher Trela
“California’s Central Coast Offers Wonderful Wines and Unique Experiences,” Newport Beach Independent
Comments: Delved into California’s Central Coast with depth, humor and what felt
like a really thorough understanding of what makes it special. Lots of reference
points and suggestions. If I was travelling there, this article would be an enormous
help. Well done.
Second Place: Brad A. Johnson
“Review: Casona Los Cedros, Yucatán,” Brad A. Johnson, Food & Travel
Third Place: Edwin Goei
“12 glorious spots to take in the crisp 70-degree air on a Central Coast road trip,” Los Angeles Times
Honorable Mention: Brad A. Johnson
“Review: Lao Poet Hotel, Vientiane, Laos,” Brad A. Johnson, Food & Travel
Best Round-Up or Best Of
First Place: Anne Valedespino
“Great Places for Cocktails in Orange County,” Culture OC
Comments: The writer brought the drinks to life with clear and crisp writing and
vivid details. The writing made me want to immediately try each cocktail and visit
each location.
Second Place: Christopher Trela
“Favorite Dining Experiences of 2023,” Newport Beach Independent
Third Place: Richard Chang, Kristina Garcia, Timothy Mangan, Eric Marchese, Anne Marie Panoringan & Kaitlin Wright
“What’s Coming Up in Arts & Culture for 2023?” Voice of OC
Best Health/Wellness Story
First Place: Hannah Fry
“A ‘failure to launch’: Why young people are having less sex,” Los Angeles Times
Comments: Super interesting. The story draws the reader in immediately and keeps
them interested. Excellent work.
Second Place: Samantha Dunn
“Why it’s time to face up to your hearing loss,” Orange County Register
Third Place: Julie Leopo
“‘Becoming a Civilian Again,’ Veterans Use Equine Training to Combat Mental Stress,” Voice of OC
Honorable Mention: Richard Simon
“Laurie’s Final Dream: Higher Education for Wheelchair Occupants,” Newport Beach Independent
Best Business Story
First Place: Jeff Collins
“Fannie’s secret ‘blacklist’ wreaks havoc for condo buyers and sellers,” Orange County Register
Comments: Excellent feature writing that takes a broad-scope controversy and
zeroes in on the consequences for an average family working through multiple
major life milestones at once. These characters show why readers should care
about a spreadsheet created by a far-away financial group.
Second Place: Andre Mouchard
“Old age and new tech are about to become BFFs,” Orange County Register
Third Place: Jeff Collins
“Goodbye starter home: First-time buyers struggle with Southern California prices, lack of inventory,” Orange County Register
Best Illustration
First Place: Deanna Lim
The Crucible, Halloween Every Night
Comments: Delightful style. Easily portrays the subject but gives it an even more
surreal feeling.
Second Place: Leslie Rodriguez
Tim Burton, Halloween Every Night
Third Place: Deanna Lim
The Amityville Horror, Halloween Every Night
Honorable Mention: Eiloh Virgo
Malcolm McDowell, Halloween Every Night
Best Audience Engagement/Use of Social Media
First Place: Edwin Goei
Monster Munching OC: “The Parlor at Stafford Prime”
Comments: The numbers make it easy to identify the leading entry in terms of
engagement.
David McQuay Award for Best Columnist
First Place: Teri Sforza
Orange County Register
Comments: Terrific treatment of taking a serious, hard-news investigation and
giving it a column treatment by writing it as a conversation directly with the
governor. Clever and impactful.
Second Place: Norberto Santana Jr.
Voice of OC
Third Place: David N. Young
Event-NewsEnterprise
Best Arts/Culture Story or Review, Sponsored Content
First Place: Richard Chang
“Rarely seen Lee Krasner paintings underscore Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum’s value to the community,” Cal State Long Beach
Comments: Nice profile of a great American artist.
Second Place: Patrice Marsters
“Costa Mesa Students Create Special Artwork for Young Ukrainian Refugees,” Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Third Place: Greg Mellen
“Science lab and visit by artist make for an epic day at Marblehead,” CUSD Insider
Honorable Mention: Richard Chang
“More than Just a Phase: L.A. Gallery Helps UCI Art Students and Alumni,” UC Irvine
Best Feature Story, Sponsored Content
First Place: Greg Mellen
“In her despair, school counselor is lifted up by her students,” CUSD Insider
Comments: Sweet story. Stands out among other stories in this category because of
the emotional content. Nicely done.
Second Place: Greg Mellen
“Sept. 11 attacks inspire officer to ‘make sure it never happens again,’” Behind the Badge
Third Place: Patrice Marsters
“High School Students Gain Real-World Experience Through Careers With Children Internship,” Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Honorable Mention: Richard Chang
“Formerly incarcerated women find a second chance through Project Rebound,” Cal State Long Beach
Best News Feature Story, Sponsored Content
First Place: Richard Chang
“CSULB students aim to help alleviate housing crisis with sustainable tiny house,“ Cal State Long Beach
Comments: The tiny house topic was well-explored and super interesting.
Second Place: Greg Mellen
“Efforts underway at Clarence Lobo Elementary to create playground for all,“ CUSD Insider
Third Place: Cathi Douglas
“Tustin Field Training Officer’s hunch proves correct – 78 times,” Behind the Badge
Honorable Mention: Greg Mellen
“Baker to Vegas endurance run concludes with a flourish for rookie team,” Behind the Badge
Best Feature Photo, Sponsored Content
First Place: Paul Rodriguez
CUSD Insider
Comments: Beautifully captures joy.
Second Place: Paul Rodriguez
CUSD Insider
Third Place: Spencer Grant
Orange County Catholic
Honorable Mention: Paul Rodriguez
CUSD Insider
Best Video
First Place: Vanessa Vela
“Viva La Vida 2023 — Dia De Los Muertos Festival,” Halloween Every Night
Comments: A nice slice of life look at this festival.
Second Place: Mica Medina
“Maverick Theater’s King Kong 2023,” Halloween Every Night
Third Place: Mica Medina
“Plan 9 From Outer Space 2023,” Halloween Every Night
Best Use of Multimedia
First Place: Jessica Peralta, Emily Reyes, George O’ Connor & Shawn Price
“Creepmas Is Trending,” Halloween Every Night
Comments: A total package with the written words, enbedded YouTube videos and
countless photos. The multimedia brings the package to life!
Second Place: Edwin Goei
“California’s Best Filipino Restaurant,” Monster Munching OC
Third Place: Jessica Peralta, Kitae (Thomas) Kim & Shawn Price
“The Hotel Who? Returns for Spring with ‘A Love Story,’” Halloween Every Night
Best Feature Story
First Place: Erika Ritchie
“Camp Pendleton Marine deploys back home to Micronesia as a changed man,” Orange County Register
Comments: Robust reporting, captivating storytelling, quality journalism.
Second Place: Julie Leopo
“Battling to Survive Santa Ana’s Street Car,” Voice of OC
Third Place: Richard Simon
“Newport Beach Police Department Dispatchers are Anonymous First Responders,” Newport Beach Independent
Honorable Mention: Breeana Greenberg
“Inclusive Innovator: Blind Entrepreneur Converts Menus to Braille, Improving Accessibility in Local Restaurants,” Dana Point Times
Best Long-Form Feature Story or Series
First Place: Brooke Staggs
“Why are women more concerned about climate change than men?” Orange County Register
Comments: This piece began a compelling hook and then steadily built on the
premise, weaving in data and quotes that led effortlessly to the conclusion. *SO*
much great writing and analysis in here. Really well done.
Best Political Story
First Place: Beau Yarbrough
“See what Orange County’s congressional delegation got done last term,” Orange County Register
Comments: Useful, balanced presentation that informs voters of politicians’
performance.
Second Place: Hanna Kang
“What U.S. Senate candidate Katie Porter’s opposition to earmarks would mean if elected,” Orange County Register
Third Place: David N. Young
“Cypress Council votes in secret to potentially settle CVRA lawsuit,” Event-NewsEnterprise
Honorable Mention: Matt Szabo
“Huntington Beach’s 27-year-old declaration on human dignity could be in jeopardy,” Daily Pilot
Best Education Story
First Place: Brooke Staggs & Roxana Kopetman
“Are Southern California students and teachers breathing clean air?” Orange County Register
Comments: Excellent accountability reporting that gives public school patrons the
tools to ensure state and local leaders are following through on their effort to
improve air quality for kids. Deep reporting sheds light on the considerable public
resources spent on the initiative and holds officials to account for results.
Second Place: Gabriel San Roman
“Whose stories do we tell? Israeli-Palestinian tensions polarize an Orange County school district,” Los Angeles Times
Third Place: Noah Biesiada & Carrie Graham
“These Community College Retirees Say Bad District Leadership Put Their Healthcare in Peril,” Voice of OC
Best Sports Story
First Place: Christopher Luu
“Madison Hammond Is Making Soccer History“, InStyle
Comments: Well-written, pleasure to read.
Second Place: Andrew Turner
“Brayden Belden ‘on top of the world’ with Brooks Street surfing success“, Daily Pilot
Third Place: Joseph Pimental
“After World Cup glory, the Philippines looks to recruit Filipino American volleyball players“, Spectrum News
Honorable Mention: Yusra Farzan
“Irvine may get Southern California’s first cricket stadium as interest in sport grows“, Orange County Register
Best Profile
First Place: Anne Valdespino
“Feliz Navidad! It’s Bilingual Santa’s Busiest Time of Year,” Culture OC
Comments: I teared up several times reading this story. Touching and important.
Good quotes. Well done.
Second Place: Shawn Price
“I Hiked With Julian Sands. I’m Not Writing His Obituary,” Halloween Every Night
Third Place: Eric Marchese
“Jazz Legend Monty Alexander Brings His Swingin’ Musical Talents to the Barclay,” Culture OC
Honorable Mention: Christopher Luu
“Sherry Cola Is Not Your Model Minority,” InStyle
Best Public Affairs Story
First Place: Brooke Staggs
“Hundreds of deserted oil and gas wells in Southern California could soon get plugged,” Orange County Register
Comments: Great lead, highly informative story.
Second Place: Roxana Kopetman & Tony Saavedra
“Attorney Elliot Blair’s death in Baja raises troubling questions for American citizens abroad,” Orange County Register
Third Place: Hannah Fry
“Newport Beach battles a new breed of luxury party houses: fractional ownership,” Los Angeles Times
Honorable Mention: Andre Mouchard
“Social Security in danger in 2033? America’s aging population a significant factor,” Orange County Register
Best Public Health Story
First Place: Destiny Torres
“CalOptima’s street medicine program seeing success in action,” Orange County Register
Comments: Fascinating subject. I especially liked the ‘grittiness’ of the quotes; they
helped bring the story to life and made it more impactful.
Second Place: Noah Biesiada, Vivienne Ayres & Sara Bass
“Homes Atop Former Tustin Air Base May Have Toxic Groundwater,” Voice of OC
Third Place: Brooke Staggs
“Big stink, little progress; Hinkley residents claim health risks from composter,” Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: John Fredricks
“A Day in the Life: Southern California’s Fentanyl Crisis,” The Epoch Times
Best Environmental News Story
First Place: Noah Biesiada
“Something’s In the Air: Irvine Residents’ Yearslong Battle For Breathable Air“, Voice of OC
Comments: Shows impact of persistent investigative journalism over time, with
good background history and data.
Second Place: Brooke Staggs
“Climate-friendlier flights are taking off from Southern California“, Orange County Register
Third Place: Gabriel San Roman
“Amid crumbling cliffs, Orange County considers moving its famously scenic rail line inland“, Los Angeles Times
Honorable Mention: Sara Cardine
“O.C. Sanitation to demo tech that kills ‘forever chemicals,’ turning waste into water, clean energy“, Daily Pilot
Best News Feature Story
First Place: Brandon Pho, Hosam Elattar
“Fear and Loathing at Anaheim City Hall: Working Under the Gun of Retribution“, Voice of OC
Comments: Compelling writing, crisp story.
Second Place: Gabriel San Roman
“La Habra condo owners see a gaping chasm where their greenbelt used to be“, Los Angeles Times
Third Place: Erika Ritchie
“Marine veterans find new mission as firefighters helping people “having worst day””, Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Destiny Torres
“As people who fled Cook’s Corner return for their belongings memories of mass shooting are fresh“, Orange County Register
Best Beat Reporting
First Place: Brooke Staggs
Climate and Environment Coverage, Orange County
Comments: Brooke Staggs uses an innovative approach to produce well-written,
localized stories on a topic of supreme importance and global scale. Her work
should be emulated by other local news outlets attempting to cover such a broad
beat.
Second Place: Jeff Collins
Housing and Real Estate, Orange County Register
Third Place: Hannah Fry
Orange County News & Enterprise, Los Angeles Times
Honorable Mention: Scott Schwebke
VA Loma Linda Coverage, Redlands Daily Facts
Best Feature Photo
First Place: Mark Rightmire
Orange County Register
Comments: Striking, depth, clarity.
Second Place: Mitch Ridder
Laguna Beach Independent
Third Place: Jeff Gritchen
Orange County Register
Best Portrait
First Place: Mark Rightmire
Orange County Register
Comments: The colors explode off the screen, the composition is perfect. Super
fun picture.
Second Place: Mindy Schauer
Orange County Register
Third Place: Paul Bersebach
Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Jeff Gritchen
Best News Photo
First Place: John Fredricks
The Epoch Times
Comments: Great composition that leads your eye from the man in the foreground
to the people running away in the background.
Second Place: Mindy Schauer
Orange County Register
Third Place: Paul Bersebach
Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Paul Rodriguez
Orange County Register
Best Sports Photo
First Place: Keith Birmingham
Orange County Register
Comments: What a great moment to capture. Sharp, good composition, fantastic
tension with the football looking like it’s balanced on his hand.
Second Place: Paul Rodriguez
Orange County Register
Third Place: Mark Rightmire
Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Keith Birmingham
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Best Photo Essay or Slideshow
First Place: Mark Rightmire
Orange County Register
Comments: So funny and so interesting. The dogs faces said it all. Wonderful
work.
Second Place: Mark Rightmire
Orange County Register
Third Place: Jeff Gritchen
Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Erika Taylor
Voice of OC
Best Breaking News Story
First Place: Orange County Register Staff
“At least 9 shot at biker bar in Orange County’s Trabuco Canyon; 4 confirmed dead,” Orange County Register
Comments: The depth and quickness of the reporting stood out among all entries.
The staff at Orange County Register showed wny local journalism is important to
communities in a time of horific mass shootings. The local press owned the story.
Second Place: Staff of the Los Angeles Times
“Ex-cop was gunning for estranged wife, then shot randomly, killing 3 and wounding 6 at O.C. bar “, Los Angeles Times
Third Place: Orange County Register Staff
“Fire destroys massive, historic north hangar at shuttered Tustin airfield“, Orange County Register
Best Investigative Story or Series
First Place: Nick Gerda
Orange County Supervisors: Tracking Taxpayer Money, LAist
Comments: Love and needed the excellent summary. Glad you are monitoring
funds in Orange County because the county definitely isn’t. Great job which
should bring about important change and consequences to the wrong doers.
Second Place: Noah Biesiada, Hosam Elattar
Anaheim’s Ticket to Ride, Voice of OC
Third Place: Scott Schwebke, Joe Nelson
Southern California law enforcement agencies still stuck in a staffing crisis, Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Scott Schwebke
Harbor-UCLA placed on probation as sexual misconduct allegations swirl over orthopedics chief, Daily Breeze
Best Religion Story
First Place: Brooke Staggs
“Christians and climate change: Southern California churches preach very different messages,” Orange County Register
Comments: Well-balanced and developed article that sought understanding from all
sides. Kudos!
Second Place: Yusra Farzan
“Muslim women-run markets help families prepare for Ramadan in Orange County,” Orange County Register
Third Place: Hosam Elattar & Erika Taylor
“OC Jewish Community Celebrates Hanukkah – a Festival of Lights,” Voice of OC
Best News Story
First Place: Meghann Cuniff
“2 Trials, 2 Fates: Inside the Dana Point Harbor Murder Case“, Dana Point Times
Comments: It’s not easy to make legalese understandable to the masses. Meghann
does.
Second Place: Noah Biesiada
“Orange County’s 911 Dispatchers Are Chronically Overworked; Can They Handle the Next Disaster?“, Voice of OC
Third Place: Scott Schwebke
“Suspect confesses in jailhouse interview to killing bicycling doctor in Dana Point“ , Orange County Register
Honorable Mention: Yusra Farzan
“OC Turkish and Syrian communities left heartbroken by deadly earthquake“, Orange County Register
The Real O.C. Award
First Place: Gabriel San Roman
“He’s the first Black council member of a former Orange County ‘sundown town,’” Los Angeles Times
Comments: This is an extremely well-written story and a good read. The reporter
did a great job of incorporating the historical context in the community with what
an achievement it was for Rodney “Blair” Stewart to become the first, Black
council member. The quotes were excellent, and the reporter did a great job of
reporting his story. A good use of sources and statistical information.
Second Place: Hosam Elattar
“The Happiest Place on Earth is Surrounded by Some of Orange County’s Poorest,” Voice of OC
Third Place: Anne Valdespino
“CBD Power Lunch at Knife Pleat,” Culture OC
Journalist of the Year
Teri Sforza
Comments: Great blend of old-fashioned newsroom legwork, detail, and balanced
advocacy that doesn’t just inform but also pushes for change.
Sky Dunlap Award
Susan Christian Goulding