Award winners for the 2019 annual contest for work produced during 2018.

TRADITIONAL (PRINT)

Best Breaking News Story
First Place: Orange County Register staff, Thousand Oaks shooting
Comments: It’s clear the Orange County Register’s comprehensive coverage of the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks was the result of a herculean effort by the OCR’s reporters, editors and other staffers. From police audio to survivor accounts to the heartbreaking stories of the victims, the newspaper brought understanding and compassion to readers alongside its thorough coverage of a rapidly evolving breaking news event. A real public service in the face of tragedy – well done.
Second Place: Spencer Custodio, Voice of OC, “Irvine, H.B. and Laguna Niguel to Sue County Over Homeless Shelters”
Third Place: Spencer Custodio, Nick Gerda, Voice of OC, DA Files Campaign Sign Theft Charges Against Former Fullerton Candidate”

Best Cannabis Coverage
First Place: Amy DePaul, Voice of OC
Comments: Excellent research, descriptive writing, interesting content!
Second Place: Brooke Edwards Staggs, Orange County Register
“Marijuana Stinks”
Third Place: Mark D. Crantz, Laguna Beach Independent
“Holy Smokes”

Best News Feature Story
First Place: Cindy Carcamo, LA Times, “In Mountain of Guatemala, searching for parents deported from U.S. without children”
Comments: Gripping and extremely well-written, this story provides a close-up look at the monumental task of tracking down parents from Central America who were deported without the young children from whom the U.S. government separated them at the border. A truly enterprising piece of reporting in which tremendous effort paid off with real insights.
Second Place: Keith Sharon, Orange County Register, “Death of a Unicorn”
Third Place: Susan Christian Goulding, Orange County Register, “This Man Proposed a Law Banning Assault Weapons in Huntington Beach, Then the City Sued Him”

Best Business Story
First Place: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register, “The new American dream: Leasing your house”
Comments: A fresh angle on the housing crisis and the rent control debate. Well researched, clear, with a breadth of perspectives.
Second Place: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register, “Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher says it’s OK not to sell homes to gays; loses support of Realtors”
Third Place: Nancy Luna, Nation’s Restaurant News, “Restaurants face shortage of teen labor”

Best Public Affairs Story
First Place: Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register, “This police officer was told to pay $40,000 to Department of Defense because of an 8-year payroll glitch”
Comments: A superb example of watchdog reporting. The story would have been outrageous based on the facts alone, but telling us how the debt was affecting the officers made it much more powerful.
Second Place: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC, “County Won’t Name Everyone Who Broke Campaign Money Laws”
Third Place: Hannah Fry, LA Times
“Some Californians are hiring private fire crews to save their homes. Regular firefighters aren’t happy about it”

Best Series
First Place: Martin Wiskol, Orange County Register, The Real Cougars of Orange County
Comments: Absolutely great journalism—tackles a complex issue with excellent supporting visuals, well-researched data, compelling copy and headline with a hook. Tells a complete story of a complicated and controversial topic, backed with facts and insight into what is being done to create solutions. A must-read.
Second Place: Teri Sforza, Tony Saavedra and Scott Schwebke, Orange County Register, Born on Drugs
Third Place: Hannah Fry, Daily Pilot, Losing Sunny

Best Sports Story
First Place: Mirin Fader, Bleacher Report, “Did One Hit Lead to a 13-Year-Old’s Suicide?”
Comments: This was far and away the best entry in the category. It’s a gripping, well-paced story.
Second Place: Greg Hardesty, Blue Door Magazine, “Chakra Canyon”
Third Place: David Jerome, Orange County Register, “This Fullerton Columnist Took in Five Local Baseball Games in One Day”

Best Feature Story
First Place: Gabriel San Román, OC Weekly, “Disneyland Resort Workers Are the True Magic-Makers, But a Survey Shows Many Toil in Poverty”
Comments: Eye-opening look at the people behind the Disney resort industry, and the struggles they face. Well-written, and showcases an array of workers and experiences. Great work.
Second Place: Keith Sharon, Orange County Register, “He Watched His Friends Die in Vietnam”
Third Place: Hillary Davis, Daily Pilot, “Once-spindly tree flourishes at gravesite under a widow’s care”

Best Round-Up or Best Of
First Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register, “Brad A. Johnson’s 75 Best Places to Eat, 2018″
Comments: Useful, well researched and detailed information, written in crisp, clear copy. Generates excitement about the local food possibilities!
Second Place: Cynthia Rebolledo, OC Weekly, “Viva Los Tacos”
Third Place: Christopher Trela, Newport Beach Independent, “Summer Fun: Free Your Inner Farmer and Foodie at OC Fair”

Best Arts/Culture Story
First Place: Gabriel San Román, OC Weekly, “What Happened to Downtown Santa Ana’s Cinco de Mayo Festival?”
Comments: A well-handled report about the loss of a popular local event in a clash between culture and commerce. Writing with a light touch helps carry the message about the financial reasons for the loss and the cultural relevance and history of Cinco de Mayo.
TIE for Second Place: Liz Goldner, Los Angeles Times, “‘First Glimpse’ peers into UC Irvine’s treasure trove of California art, the ‘largest collection of art that no one has ever seen'”
TIE for Second Place: Richard Chang, Voice of OC, “Ann Phong Turns Discarded Objects Into Art”
Third Place: Taylor Hamby, OC Weekly, “Paul Frank Is Still Orange County’s Friend”

Best Music/Entertainment Story
First Place: Taylor Hamby, OC Weekly, “A Longtime Employee of the Legendary Golden Bear Recalls the Huntington Beach Club’s Heyday”
Comments: Great opening. Nothing like telling a story. You are drawn into the story and want to know more. Long headline though (smile).
Second Place: Richard Chang, Daily Pilot, “Lido Theater in Newport Bech celebrates 80 years”
Third Place: David Jerome, Orange County Register, “Mr. Bucketlist: Still Making Queen Memories”

Best Food/Restaurant Story
First Place: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register, “One year later: Bruno Serato reflects as he prepares to reopen fire-damaged Anaheim White House”
Comments: Nicely done combination news-feature on this longtime restaurateur.
Second Place: Taylor Hamby, OC Weekly, “Orange County’s Tiki Bars of the Past and Present Help You to Forget About Your Boring Life”
Third Place: Cynthia Rebolledo, Remezcla, “Thanks to This Restaurant, Flour Tortillas Are Cool Again in Southern California”

Best Environmental News Story
First Place: Martin Wisckol , Orange County Register, “The Real Cougars of Orange County Pt. 2: Mountain lions’ survival might depend on wildlife crossing near Temecula”
Comments: This is a well-researched and really interesting read. Good job of balancing sides of the issue and putting it into a larger perspective of development vs. conservation needs.
Second Place: Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register , “Whale entanglements on the West Coast rise again in 2018, is this the new normal?”

Best Profile
First Place: Anh Do, LA Times, “Driven from an Anaheim tent city, a couple struggles with addiction and the realities of Orange County’s homeless”
Comments: Well-written. Compassionate and honest look at one couple’s struggles with homelessness.
Second Place: Theresa Walker, Orange County Register, “Judge David O. Carter and Attorney Brooke Weitzman Force Orange County to Address Homelessness”
Third Place: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register, “Meet CHOC’s ‘Dancing Doc’ who livens up hospital rooms for kids who haven’t smiled in days”

Best Education Story
First Place: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register, “Orange County school districts are resisting a California sex ed law passed more than two years ago”
Comments: The reporter did an excellent job communicating the impact of school districts ignoring a state law. People care about people not concepts and this story certainly drilled down the people on both sides of the story. The reporter gathered excellent quotes that conveyed the true pain felt by those impassioned by the issue.
Second Place: Daniel Langhorne, Daily Pilot, Nordic Star
Third Place: Emily Rasmussen, Orange County Register, “Fraternity Cuts Ties With CSULB Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigations”

Best Music/Entertainment Review
First Place: Paul Hodgins, Voice of OC, “South Coast Rep’s Season Opener Plays With a Classic and Gets Mixed Results”
Comments: Even though I have not seen this play, nor am I a fan of Jane Austin, Hodgins’ critique helped me understand the play and reasoning behind the critique he offers. Hodgins is obviously well versed in the subject and delivers an educated, fair review without being heavy handed or insensitive.
Second Place: Timothy Mangan, Voice of OC, “Living Composers Reign During Choral Arts Initiative Concert”
Third Place: Peter Lefevre, Voice of OC, “The Chorale Brings ‘The Creation’ to Segerstrom . . . Finally!”

Best Arts/Culture Review
First Place: Dave Barton, OC Weekly, “OCC’s ‘Jim DeFrance: A Retrospective’ Is a Graceful Ode to Life’s Release”
Comments: Descriptive and eloquent, Dave reels the reader in and is a captivating writer. Outstanding job!
Second Place: Richard Chang, LA Weekly, “The Broad’s Jasper Johns Exhibit Is a Must-See Survey”
Third Place: Dave Barton, OC Weekly, “Female Victimization and Childhood Trauma Inform a Muddled Show at Grand Central Art Center”

Best Food/Restaurant Review
First Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register, “Journeyman’s Food & Drink”
Comments: Brad does a wonderful job of giving the reader a sense of place and you can tell he really does his homework on the background of the restaurants. This review engaged me from the first graph to the very end. He’s entertaining and someone I would follow consistently because of the smooth writing skills.
Second Place: Edwin Goei, OC Weekly, “Mr. Taco Nice in Anaheim Does Tacos and Pizzas and Taco Pizzas”
Third Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register, “Oliver’s Osteria”

Best Travel Story
First Place: Anne Marie Panoringan, OC Weekly, “A Trip Through the Santa Ynez Backroads”
Comments: Finding treasure: Isn’t that what we all want from our travel writers? Panoringan’s guide through the Santa Ynez backroads is a map to buried treasure that just happens to be in the reader’s own backyard. Panoringan writes colorfully and clearly, slipping a full itinerary so smoothly into the story that it doesn’t bog down the prose or get in the way of her insider tips. Truly a travel story worth daydreaming about.
Second Place: Jessica Kwong, Orange County Register, “Is It Too Soon for Tourists to Return to Puerto Rico?”
Third Place: Patrice Marsters, OC Weekly
“Size Matters: Feel As Tall As a Giant, As Small As an Ant in Tucson”

Best Religion Story
First Place: Gabriel San Román, OC Weekly, “Karen Estremo’s the Dragon and the Rose Is the Hub for OC Pagans”
Comments: This was an engaging story. The author avoided the all too easy trap of stereotyping non-mainstream religion and its practitioners and gave us a compelling and meaningful look at these individuals’ lives. It was a well-constructed story and well edited. Very good job!
Second Place: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register, “Her brothers were molested by a priest as kids. Now, she’s trying to reconcile with the Catholic Church”
Third Place: Susan Christian Goulding, Orange County Register, “For Christ Cathedral, Heat-Deflecting Quatrefoils Prove to be a Blessing”

David McQuay Award for Best Columnist
First Place: Norberto Santana Jr., Voice of OC
Comments: More than his ability to deliver well-written and well-thought out prose, the reporting Santana does is deep, targeted and human. The issues he tackles are not easy and he lets no one off the hook. It’s what columnists are supposed to do. And great columnists do over and over and over.
Second Place: Jonathan Lansner, The Orange County Register

Best News Story
First Place: Scott Schwebke with Beau Yarbrough, Orange County Register, “Victorville Prison Where Immigrant Detainees Held Built Atop Toxic Superfund Site“
Comments: Deeply reported story concerning public health, social justice and government transparency. Includes public document research as well as first-person anecdotal accounts of those affected now living in other parts of the country. An important story speaking for the disenfranchised.
Second Place: Priscella Vega and Julia Sclafani, Daily Pilot, “Arrests of white power leaders are a reminder of Huntington Beach’s painful past”
Third Place: Spencer Custodio, Voice of OC, “OC Sheriff’s Deputies Begin Evicting Hundreds of Homeless People from Santa Ana River Bank”

Best Investigative Story
First Place: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC, “Millions in ‘Dark Money’ Flowing to OC Congressional Races”
Comments: The reporter reviewed federal data to build this story — a story that would not have been told if not for his efforts. He then tracked the money to see how it could affect “high-stakes” elections. He also made national comparisons. Campaign finance stories are difficult. In this case, the reporter went to great lengths to collect data and put it into perspective for the reader. He made a story about a complicated money trail intriguing. The graphic was super helpful, too. The reporter, in expert fashion, put into perspective the national impact on a local election. Very well done and deserving of recognition.
Second Place: Gustavo Arellano, LA Taco, “Priest Accused of Abusing Boys in OC in the 80s Turns Up in Peru”

Best Beat Reporting
First Place: Cindy Carcamo, LA Times
Comments: Of all of the coverage of what’s going on at our southern border, your reporting more than anyone else’s made me feel like I was there. You write with such detail, with such keen observations. You humanized this issue and helped me connect with it in a new way. My heart ached when I read about the mother who stopped breastfeeding her infant in case they were separated. You being present and in the moment with people, and then reporting back what you saw and heard, was such valuable work.
Second Place: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register
Third Place: Hillary Davis, Daily Pilot
Honorable Mention: Theresa Walker, Orange County Register

Marjorie Freeman Award for Best Humorous Story
First Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register, “Worst thing I ate: A crime against barbecue in Irvine”
Comments: The clear winner in a very competitive category. So many great lines, but possibly the best was your afterthought that a pickle was a highlight of the meal.
Second Place: Kedric Francis, OC Family, “Fears of Being a Bad Dad”
Third Place: Anne Marie Panoringan, OC Weekly, “Del Frisco’s Grille’s Updated Brunch Is a John Hughes Movie”

NONTRADITIONAL (ADVOCACY JOURNALISM OR SPECIALTY PUBLICATION)

Best Music/Entertainment Story or Review
First Place: Daniella Litvak, The Orange Curtain Revue, “Shrew! At South Coast Repertory”
Comments: Daniella’s review was the only entry in this category that seriously critiqued how a production succeeded and could have improved. It was a fair opinion, giving plenty of context for a twist on one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.
Second Place: Jessica Peralta, Halloween Every Night, “The 17th Door Is More Traumatic Than Ever – In a Good Way”

Best News Feature Story
First Place: Bradley Zint, Behind the Badge, “DUI death in La Habra underscores importance of safe driving”
Comments: This powerful, poignant story really stood out amongst the pack because it married both the importance of the police work described and the personal story of a victim of DUI. The article was very well done from start to finish, with many emotional moments and depth. Some details, like the family members coming across the crash scene, gave me chills – a testament to how well written and paced the article was.
Second Place: Elysse James, Behind the Badge, “Anaheim Police use unconventional methods to clean up problem houses”
Third Place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge, “Mental Health Day is a daily reality for members of Anaheim PD’s PERT”

Best Arts/Culture Story or Review
First Place: James Reed, Blue Door Magazine, “Singer Superlative”
Comments: Beautiful, crisp, descriptive writing really takes the reader to this property using all five senses. A captivating read up until the end.
Second Place: Erin Huffstutter, I Heart Costa Mesa, “Gabrielle’s Gift of Play”
Third Place: Shawn Price, Halloween Every Night, “‘Frankenstein’ Turns 200”

Best Feature Story
First Place: Erin Huffstutter, I Heart Costa Mesa, “Metal Fab & Etch A Sketch”
Comments: A really interesting, well-written story about an influential, creative family. Tackles some complex issues of neighborhood changes while profiling talented people. Only suggestion is to cut to the meat of the story a little more quickly with a lede focused more on the subjects of the article.
Second Place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge, “An OCSD patrol deputy’s day can go from routine to horror in a flash, as he can attest”
Third Place: Bradley Zint, I Heart Costa Mesa, “Jumping Sheep”

Best News Story
First Place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge, “APD targets illegal pot dispensaries, but they keep popping up like mushrooms”
Comments: This story stood out for the unique glimpse it offered readers inside a law enforcement investigation, complete with challenges, photographs and interviews with both police officers and people affected by the enforcement action. Really fascinating article.
Second Place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge, “Armed neighbors detain attempted murder suspect in backyard until OCSD arrives”
Third Place: Jessica Peralta, Behind the Badge, “Westminster PD Narcan instructor first to administer life-saving nasal spray in the field”

Best Food/Restaurant Story or Review
First Place: Erin Huffstutter, I Heart Costa Mesa, “The Next Chapter for Church’s”
Comments: Erin was able to convey a story about an establishment that is uniquely Costa Mesa, but relatable and identifiable to readers everywhere. Dick Church’s epitomizes the mixing of the “two Costa Mesas,” the blending of the old and the new. A great read.
Second Place: Elysse James, Behind the Badge, “Chow Time: ‘Slammin’ Salmon’ tacos at Anaheim Fire & Rescue Station 7”
Third Place: Bradley Zint, I Heart Costa Mesa, “Go for the Green”

MULTIMEDIA

Best Blog
First Place: Jackie Moe, Backstage SoCal
Comments: An interesting and useful blog on this musical topic

Best News Broadcast or Video
First Place: Rick Reiff and Scott Hays, “Sheriff’s Battles,” Inside OC With Rick Reiff

Best Feature Broadcast or Video
First Place: Rebecca D’Auria, “Close Calls,” Behind the Badge
Second Place: Rick Reiff and Scott Hays, “Who Are the Homeless?,” Inside OC With Rick Reiff
Third Place: Shawn Price, “Eat, Drink And Celebrate Tim Burton Movies At Beetle House L.A.,” Halloween Every Night

Best Use of Multimedia
First Place: Jessica Peralta, “OCSD hosts annual helicopter training exercise for K9s,” Behind the Badge
Comments: Great use of video and high-resolution pictures. I also appreciate law enforcement becoming their own storytellers and a positive voice in the community. Plus the highlighted box on the site with their Twitter feed was terrific. Way to stay relevant with clever tweets on current topics and TV shows while not forgetting your mission.
Second Place: Norberto Santana Jr. and Susan Valot, “On OC: OC Kids on Immigration,” Voice of OC
Third Place: Erin Huffstutter, I Heart Costa Mesa

Award winners for the 2018 annual contest for work produced during 2017.

TRADITIONAL (PRINT)

Best News Story

FIRST PLACE: Roxana Kopetman, Orange County Register

“Same visa Trump uses at his hotel helps bring workers to Southern California fairs”

​SECOND PLACE: Hannah Fry, Daily Pilot

“‘It’s been a night from hell’: Homeless pushed out of Santa Ana River face uncertain futures”

THIRD PLACE: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC

“Airport controversy heats up as supervisors award contract to low-ranked firm”

​Best News Feature Story

FIRST PLACE: Cindy Carcamo, LA Times

“At Napa vineyards untouched by wildfires, the grapes must still be picked”

SECOND PLACE: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register

“Is Social Security cheating the disabled? The wait time to get a hearing is nearly 2 years”

THIRD PLACE: Denisse Salazar, Orange County Register

“Here’s one Santa Ana family’s story of generational gang violence. Can the city’s latest efforts break the cycle?”

Best Breaking News Story

FIRST PLACE: Hannah Fry, Daily Pilot

“Man shot and killed by H.B. officer was homeless Navy veteran, mother says; new video surfaces”

SECOND PLACE: Alma Fausto, Tony Saavedra, Sean Emery, Orange County Register

“Serial killings: 5th victim identified in cases of men accused of murdering 4 women”

THIRD PLACE: Luke Money, Daily Pilot

“Costa Mesa council unseats Katrina Foley as mayor and names Sandy Genis to replace her”

Best Investigative Story

FIRST PLACE: Jordan Graham and Tony Saavedra

“Southern California jailers are injuring inmates with abusive ‘chicken winging’ holds”

SECOND PLACE: R. Scott Moxley, OC Weekly

“Orange County’s informant scandal yields evidence of forensic science deception in murder trials”

THIRD PLACE: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC

“Hundreds of dollars in ‘gifts’ from contractors to Supervisor Nelson raise legal questions”

Best Series

FIRST PLACE: Teri Sforza, Orange County Register 

Twins Divided

SECOND PLACE: Denisse Salazar, Orange County Register

Gang Victims: A Program Aimed at Helping and Healing

THIRD PLACE: Barbara Venezia, Daily Pilot

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa should do background checks on commission applicants

Best Beat Reporting 

FIRST PLACE: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC

SECOND PLACE: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register

THIRD PLACE: Meghann Cuniff, Daily Journal

Best Cannabis Coverage

Brooke Edwards Staggs, Orange County Register

Watchdog Award

Orange County Register Staff

Best Public Affairs Story

FIRST PLACE: Mary Carreon, OC Weekly

“Orange County’s first needle exchange tries to bring hope to a wretched situation” 

SECOND PLACE: Jordan Graham, Orange County Register

“Orange County homeless deaths hit all-time high”

THIRD PLACE: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register

“Eviction decline is no solace for thousands of renters losing their homes”

Best Environmental  News Story 

FIRST PLACE: Amy DePaul

“To desalinate or not to desalinate: UCI debate over controversial Huntington Beach plant”

SECOND PLACE: Mary Carreon, OC Weekly

“Activists protest plans to bury nuclear waste at San Onofre State Beach”

Best Feature Story

FIRST PLACE: Chris Haire, Orange County Register

“Is time running out on Holy Jim Canyon? Nature, feds are threatening” 

SECOND PLACE: Mary Carreon, OC Weekly

“Tree of life nursery is saving our ecosystem one seed at a time”

THIRD PLACE: Donia Moore, San Clemente Journal

“San Clemente Island got your goat?”

Best Education Story

FIRST PLACE: Roxana Kopetman, Orange County Register

“Pink slips lead to special court hearing for hundreds of local teachers facing possible layoffs”

SECOND PLACE: Roxana Kopetman, Orange County Register

“Anaheim Union denying hundreds of school transfer requests, sparking tears and appeals”

THIRD PLACE: Roxana Kopetman, Orange County Register

“What is a cultural graduation ceremony? Universities host celebrations for blacks, Latinos, gays, veterans and others”

Best Religion Story

FIRST PLACE: Gabriel San Roman, OC Weekly 

“A gay pastor leaves his Santa Ana flock, exposing the United Methodist Church’s LGBT rift”

SECOND PLACE: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register

“A Bible and a gun? How churches, temples, mosques are rethinking security”

THIRD PLACE: Cindy Carcamo, LA Times 

“Like an invisibility cloak, Latina Muslims find the hijab hides their ethnicity–from Latinos” 

Best Round-Up or Best Of

FIRST PLACE: Edwin Goei, OC Weekly

“Korean fried chicken is becoming a thing in Orange County. Her are three new spots”

SECOND PLACE: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register

“These are Orange County’s 20 Best Mexican Restaurants”

Best Business Story

FIRST PLACE: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register

“Is it fair that the amount of bonding time you get with your baby hinges on the size of your employer?”

SECOND PLACE: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register

“Investor demand for SoCal apartments contributes to rising rents”

THIRD PLACE: Gabriel San Roman, OC Weekly

“Will Buena Park’s new retail center source put it on the map–or be its biggest boondoggle?”

Best Sports Story 

FIRST PLACE: Ryan Kartje, OC Register

“Inside the unregulated world of recruiting consulting services”

SECOND PLACE: Mirin Fader, OC Register

“California doesn’t regulate athletic trainers. Here’s why that’s bad for high school athletes”

THIRD PLACE: Chris Haire, OC Register

​”On Saturday, a rematch will play out in Little Saigon”

Best Arts/Culture Story

FIRST PLACE: Gabriel San Ramon

“El Centro Cultural de Mexico finally gets a home but will next generation of activists come”

SECOND PLACE: Cynthia Rebolledo

“Frederico Medina captures life and culture in the golden city”

Best Arts/Culture Review

FIRST PLACE: Dave Barton 

“William wrays seemingly straightforward building portraits”

SECOND PLACE: Christopher Trela

“Artscapes: Backhausdance premiers quartet of new works at The Barclay”

THIRD PLACE: Dave Barton

“Laguna art museum beginnings of the California School of Fine Arts”

Best Music/Entertainment Story

FIRST PLACE: Gabriel San Roman, OC Weekly

“After her mother’s death, turntables brought DJ Lala out of depression and into the spotlight”

SECOND PLACE: Nate Jackson, OC Weekly

“Meet Lorn Conner: The Happy Coachella Guy”

THIRD PLACE (TIE): Kathleen Luppi, Times OC

“Pat Boone”

THIRD PLACE (TIE): Patrice Marsters, OC Weekly

“Izabella Alvarez is only 13, but has already appeared on Westworld, Shameless–with more to come”

Best Music/Entertainment Review

FIRST PLACE: Liz Goldner

“The Monster Builder: Amy Freed’s Take on Architecture as a Metaphor for Life”

Best Food/Restaurant Story

FIRST PLACE: Caitlin Yoskiko Kandil, Times OC 

“Little Saigon”

Best Food/Restaurant Review

FIRST PLACE: Edwin Goei, OC Weekly

“Tin Vuong’s LSXO”

SECOND PLACE: Edwin Goei, OC Weekly

“New Northgate Gonzales Market”

THIRD PLACE: Brad Johnson, OC Register

“Pacific Hideaway”

Best Travel Story

FIRST PLACE: Edwin Goei, OC Weekly

“Montreal has poutine, yes, but go with the Jewish food first”

SECOND PLACE: Anne Valdespino, OC Register

“Touring Castle Country in Scotland”

THIRD PLACE: Kedric Francis

“Road trips for a realist”

Best Profile

FIRST PLACE: Ryan Kartje

“The Ballfather: Lavar Ball and his three sons intend to change basketball forever”

SECOND PLACE: Keith Sharon, OC Register

“Would you kill if ordered? Orange County resident and WWII Navy survivor of Port Chicago disaster faced that question”

THIRD PLACE: Margot Roosevelt, OC Register

“July 4th fireworks: Meet the Orange County maestro who lights the nation’s skies”

David McQuay Award for Best Columnist 

FIRST PLACE: Norberto Santana Jr, Voice of OC

SECOND PLACE: Kedric Francis, Orange County Register

THIRD PLACE: Joe Vargas, Behind the Badge

Best Political Columnist

Norberto Santana Jr., Voice of OC

Best Sports Columnist 

David Jerome

Marjorie Freeman Award for Best Humorous Story

FIRST PLACE: Kedric Francis, Orange County Register

“Women of Influence”

​SECOND PLACE: Anne Valdespino, Orange County Register

“These are the worst restaurant and food trends of 2017”

THIRD PLACE: Luke Money, Daily Pilot

“Christmas is the most pun-derful time of the year for this Costa Mesa family”

HONORABLE MENTION: David Jerome, Orange County Register

“Scattered Thoughts for Your April Fool’s Day”

NONTRADITIONAL (ADVOCACY JOURNALISM OR SPECIALTY PUBLICATION)

Best News Feature Story 

FIRST PLACE: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge

“OCSD deputies recount terror in Las Vegas: ‘I had never felt that close to death before'”

SECOND PLACE: Jessica Peralta, Behind the Badge

“OCSD’S TSA K9s are federally trained dogs at the ready to sniff out explosives”

THIRD PLACE: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge

“Nearly killed by DUI suspect, Orange police officer is humbled by outpouring of support”

Best Feature Story

FIRST PLACE: Liz Goldner, KCET

“Sarah Rafael Garcia Captures Santa Ana’s History and Gentrification Through Fairy Tales”

SECOND PLACE: Shawn Price, Behind the Badge

“Anaheim Fire & Rescue strike teams: ready for the long haul”

THIRD PLACE: Jessica Peralta, Behind the Badge

​”OCSD’s human remains detection dog, Cinder, is hard at work in training” 

Best Music/Entertainment Story or Review

FIRST PLACE: Jessica Peralta

“Lavender”

Best Arts/Culture Story or Review

FIRST PLACE: Liz Goldner

“Deconstructing Liberty”

Best Food/Restaurant Story or Review

FIRST PLACE: Shawn Price, Behind the Badge

“Chow Time with Anaheim Fire & Rescue: Coq au vin”

MULTIMEDIA

Best Blog

FIRST PLACE: Bill Rams, Behind the Badge 

Best News Broadcast or Video

FIRST PLACE: Anthony Porrazzo, Spotlight Video

“Mock DUI event at Santa Margarita Catholic High School”

SECOND PLACE: Rick Reiff, Inside OC with Rick Reiff

“Campus Conflict”

Best Feature Broadcast or Video

FIRST PLACE: Antony Porrazzo, Spotlight Video

“Father Damien-JSerra High School Chaplain”

SECOND PLACE: Rick Reiff, Inside OC with Rick Reiff

“He Writes the Songs”

THIRD PLACE: Shawn Price, Halloween Every Night

“Night of the Living Dead”

Best Sports Broadcast or Video

FIRST PLACE: Rick Reiff,  Inside OC with Rick Reiff

“After the Fall” with Todd Marinovich

Best TV News Program

FIRST PLACE: Rick Reiff, Inside OC with Rick Reiff

Best Use of Multimedia

FIRST PLACE: Gabriel San Roman, OC Weekly

“OC Speakly podcast”

DESIGN/GRAPHICS

Best Cover

FIRST PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly 

“Sept. 8, 2017”

SECOND PLACE: John Cheresh

​”The Story of OCSA”

THIRD PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly

“Best of 2017”

HONORABLE MENTION: Denise Smaldino Rainey, OC Family

Best Page Design

FIRST PLACE: Denise Smaldino Rainey, OC Family

“Fairy Tale Manor”

SECOND PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly

“Away & Home Summer Guide 2017”

THIRD PLACE: Denise Smaldino Rainey, OC Family

“Make a Splash This Summer!”

Best Graphic

FIRST PLACE: Jeff Goertzen, Shark Tech

Best Illustration 

Leslie Agan

Best Political Cartoon

Leslie Agan

“Snitch Trap”

PHOTOGRAPHY

Best News Photo

FIRST PLACE: Richard Koehler

SECOND PLACE: Jeff Antenore

THIRD PLACE: Brian Feinzimer

Best Feature Photo

FIRST PLACE: Steven Georges

SECOND PLACE: Steven Georges

THIRD PLACE: Christopher Trela 

Best Photo Essay (print)

Dustin Ames, OC Weekly

“With 18 Bajillion Things to Do, See and Eat, No Single Trip to Tokyo Will Leave You Satisfied” 

Best Slideshow (online)

FIRST PLACE (TIE): Brian Feinzimer 

“Anaheim Hills Blaze”

FIRST PLACE (TIE): Steven Georges

“Homeless series”

SPECIAL

The Real O.C. Award

FIRST PLACE: Deepa Bharath, OC Register

“Most Influential 2017: Rida Hamida and Benajmin Vazquez bring halal tacos, cultural mingling, to mosques throughout Southern California”

SECOND PLACE: Brooke Edwards Staggs, OC Register

“Seniors board ‘cannabus’ for trip to medical marijuana dispensary”

THIRD PLACE: Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil, Times OC 

“Latino Muslims find home at mosque led by Cambodian refugees” 

Award winners for the 2017 annual contest for work produced during 2016.

BLOGS

Best Entertainment/Culture Blog
FIRST PLACE: Nate Jackson (editor), Heard Mentality, OC Weekly

Best Lifestyle/Family Blog
FIRST PLACE: Brad A. Johnson, Brad A. Johnson: Food & Travel

BROADCAST

Best Broadcast
THIRD PLACE: Matt Kollar, OC Weekly
“The Donald Trump Rally: Orange Man Comes to Orange County”
SECOND PLACE: Matt Brown, Chapman University
“One Strong Teammate: Carter Ankeny”
FIRST PLACE: Anthony Porrazzo, Spotlight Video
“Orange Catholic Foundation’s Conference on Business and Ethics”

PHOTO

Best News Photo 
HONORABLE MENTION: Eric Hood, OC Weekly
Ku Klux Klan Rally and Counter-Protest @ Pearson Park in Anaheim
THIRD PLACE: Michael Goulding, Orange County Register
SECOND PLACE: Richard Koehler, Orange County Register
FIRST PLACE: Steven Georges, Behind the Badge

Best Sports Photo
THIRD PLACE: Matt Masin, Orange County Register
SECOND PLACE: Matt Masin, Orange County Register
FIRST PLACE: Michael Goulding, Orange County Register

Best Feature Photo
HONORABLE MENTION: Steven Georges, Behind the Badge
THIRD PLACE: Steven Georges, Behind the Badge
SECOND PLACE: Christopher Trela, Newport Beach Independent
FIRST PLACE: Matt Masin, Orange County Register

Best Portrait
THIRD PLACE: Matt Masin, Orange County Register
SECOND PLACE: Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register
FIRST PLACE: Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register

Best Photo Essay/Slideshow
SECOND PLACE: Eric Hood, OC Weekly
FIRST PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly

ADVOCACY JOURNALISM OR SPECIALTY PUBLICATION

Best News Story 
SECOND PLACE: Bill Rams, Jaimee Lynn Fletcher, Behind the Badge
BTB Special Report: 164 on-duty cops shot so far this year
FIRST PLACE: Jaimee Lynn Fletcher, Behind the Badge
VIDEO: Training, instinct save OCSD deputies from suicidal man who fired dozens of rounds from illegal automatic rifle

Best News Feature Story
SECOND PLACE: James Reed, Related California
Less traffic No sprawl Art and culture for all
FIRST PLACE: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge
Shot six times, this officer made sure not to let bad guy end the career he loves dearly

Best Feature Story 
THIRD PLACE: Richard Chang, THE Journal
Robotic Telepresence Device Allows Student to Attend School Virtually While Receiving Treatment
SECOND PLACE: Liz Goldner, KCET Artbound
“Healing Through Art: PTSD Survival Stories”
FIRST PLACE: Amy DePaul, Narratively
The Thrill-Seeking Bodysurfers of California’s Most Terrifying Wave

Best Music/Entertainment Story or Review 
FIRST PLACE: Jessica Peralta, Halloween Every Night
‘The Witch’ Is a New Kind of Horror Classic

Best Arts/Culture Story or Review 
FIRST PLACE: Liz Goldner, KCET Artbound
“Laguna Beach in the Sixties: A Colony for the Arts”

DESIGN/GRAPHICS

Best Cover 
THIRD PLACE: Denise Smaldino, OC Family
“What are you thankful for?”
SECOND PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly
“The Rainbow Man”
FIRST PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly
“Native Tongue”

Best Page Design
FIRST PLACE: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly
“Uncle Creepy”

Best Political Cartoon 
SECOND PLACE: Luke McGarry, OC Weekly
“Pokemon Go Meets Black Lives Matter (subtitled Middle-Class Priorities)”
FIRST PLACE: Leslie Agan, OC Weekly
“Santa Ana River Pastoral”

PRINT
Best News Story 
THIRD PLACE: Martin Wiskol, Orange County Register
“Democratic surge shrinks GOP lead”
SECOND PLACE: Anh Do, Los Angeles Times
Unlikely bond forms between O.C. jail escapee and his hostage
FIRST PLACE: R. Scott Moxley, OC Weekly
Did OCDA Ignore Doctored CHP Reports to Convict Motorist of Murder?

Best News Feature Story
HONORABLE MENTION: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register
‘Open and affirming’: Irvine church is a haven for LGBT
THIRD PLACE: Nuran Alteir, Los Angeles Times
At local community colleges, transgender students’ names are now whatever they prefer
SECOND PLACE: Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register
Veteran who died at Doheny gets “dignified end” after friends, strangers put together details of his life
FIRST PLACE: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register
Silence about gun violence is no longer an option for New Hope pastor in Orange

Best Investigative Story
HONORABLE MENTION: R. Scott Moxley, OC Weekly
Who Masterminded The Wood Chipper Plot Against A Judge, Prosecutors and FBI agents?
THIRD PLACE: Tracy Wood, Voice of OC
‘Behested Payments’ Add Another Layer of Money in Politics
SECOND PLACE: Tomoya Shimura, Orange County Register
“PAC money overtaking city elections, with $2.4 million spent in Irvine, Anaheim alone”
FIRST PLACE: Tony Saavedra, Orange County Register
Police might not know where their guns are, and the law says that’s OK

Watchdog Award
FIRST PLACE: R. Scott Moxley, OC Weekly

Best Public Affairs Story 
HONORABLE MENTION: Anh Do, Los Angeles Times
“For Asians in the U.S. illegally, ‘there’s more shame and more quiet’”
THIRD PLACE: Jordan Graham and Theresa Walker, Orange County Register
“As Santa Ana Civic Center homeless population grows, so do crime, fear and disease”
SECOND PLACE: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC
“OC’s Rise in Suicides Largest Among Major U.S. Counties”
FIRST PLACE: Mary Carreon, OC Weekly
“How Irvine Became SoCal’s First Non-Toxic City”

Best Feature Story 
HONORABLE MENTION: Hannah Fry, Daily Pilot
“Balboa Island sculpture is planned to memorialize couple as a symbol of the community”
THIRD PLACE: Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil, LA Times
“Jails serve inmates and immigrants”
SECOND PLACE: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register
“Nonprofit law firm goes to battle for hundreds of O.C. Veterans”
FIRST PLACE: Keith Sharon, Orange County Register
“On 9/11, he was in the Pentagon and his childhood friend’s plane crashed into it”

Best Round-Up or Best Of
THIRD PLACE: Christopher Trela and Catherine Del Casale, Newport Beach Independent
Off the Menu: Memorable Dining Experiences of 2016
SECOND PLACE: Gustavo Arellano, editor, OC Weekly
Fans Remember Their Encounters in Orange County With Kobe Bryant, OC’s Most Regular Famous Guy
FIRST PLACE: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register
OC Fair: Here are the must-try foods for 2016

Best Business Story 
HONORABLE MENTION: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register
How to fix the housing crisis: Embrace high-density development or face rising prices and rent, experts say
THIRD PLACE: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register
How hard is exporting? Here’s how one small Irvine business went global
SECOND PLACE: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register
No voucher, no vacancy, no help: The cruel realities of Section 8 housing in Orange County
FIRST PLACE: Matt Coker, OC Weekly
Why OC Must Lose the ‘War’ On Sober-Living Homes

Best Sports Story
HONORABLE MENTION: Mirin Fader, Orange County Register
#DiegoStrong: La Habra football player is in the fight of his life – and he won’t give up
THIRD PLACE: Ryan Kartje, Orange County Register
Retiring Vin Scully, the voice of generations, says farewell to Dodger Stadium on Sunday
SECOND PLACE: Mirin Fader, Orange County Register
Queens of the court: They may be petite, but their love of basketball is huge
FIRST PLACE: Joey Kaufman, Orange County Register
Most Influential 2016: Sam Darnold helped save USC’s season

Best Arts/Culture Story 
HONORABLE MENTION: David Jerome, Orange County Register
Mr. Bucketlist: Rubbing elbows with celebrities I actually remember
THIRD PLACE: Todd Harmonson, Orange County Register
Spend a fortune on ‘Hamilton’? Worth it!
SECOND PLACE: Richard Chang, Laguna Beach Magazine
Lasting Landmarks: Laguna architect Mark Singer, who died in September, lives on in his work around town
FIRST PLACE: Nick Schou, OC Weekly
Curtis Rainbow Helped to Organize the Biggest Hippie Happening in OC History. Now, He’s Homeless

Best Arts/Culture Review
THIRD PLACE: Dave Barton, OC Weekly
‘Marilyn Minter: Pretty/Dirty’ at OCMA Nails the Artist’s Pathology of Beauty
SECOND PLACE: Liz Goldner, ArtScene
“Helen Lundeberg”
FIRST PLACE: Liz Goldner, Art Ltd.
Report: Orange County

Best Music/Entertainment Story or Review
HONORABLE MENTION: Daniel Kohn, OC Weekly
Irvine Meadows Says Its Final Goodbyes Before Getting Demolished for Apartments
THIRD PLACE: Josh Chesler, OC Weekly
The Story of Sublime’s Iconic Sun Logo and How It’s Rising Into the Mainstream
SECOND PLACE: Nate Jackson, OC Weekly
Gabby Gaborno Tells His Fans Goodbye With a Birthday Show of a Lifetime
FIRST PLACE: Gabriel San Roman, OC Weekly
The Life and Times of Malvina Reynolds, Long Beach’s Most Legendary (and Hated) Folk Singer

Best Food/Restaurant Story
HONORABLE MENTION: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
Brad A. Johnson’s guide to Chinese food in Orange County
THIRD PLACE: Bradley Zint, Daily Pilot
Bon Voyage, Nino – 88-year-old who started Laguna’s Ristorante Rumari at 60 is ready to retire
SECOND PLACE: Christopher Toland, OC Weekly
A History of Loquats in Orange County, and How So Many Ended Up in Santa Ana
FIRST PLACE: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
Best of the best: Brad A. Johnson’s annual chef and restaurant awards

Best Food/Restaurant Review
THIRD PLACE: Edwin Goei, OC Weekly
Taverna in Laguna Beach Has Mastered the Art of Risotto
SECOND PLACE: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
Review: Hana re
FIRST PLACE: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
Review: The Ritz

Best Travel Story 
THIRD PLACE: Joseph Pimentel, Orange County Register
Hong Kong Disneyland vs. Anaheim: How does theme park differ abroad?
SECOND PLACE: Jessica Kwong, Orange County Register
Cuba: How to get there ahead of the American tourist invasion
FIRST PLACE: Susan Christian Goulding, Orange County Register
Here’s how we found bliss on a trip to Belize

Best Profile
THIRD PLACE: Meghann Cuniff, The Daily Journal
“JAMS co-founder and former justice Jack Trotter retires”
SECOND PLACE: Keith Sharon, Orange County Register
“This ‘Unsung Hero’ was a convicted murderer until Gov. Brown set him free immediately”
FIRST PLACE: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register
“How Amar Santana went from an impoverished childhood to ‘Top Chef’ contender”

David McQuay Award for Best Columnist
THIRD PLACE: David Jerome, Orange County Register
Mr. Bucketlist
SECOND PLACE: Barbara Venezia, Daily Pilot
FIRST PLACE: Norberto Santana Jr., Voice of OC
Behind the Orange Curtain

Marjorie Freeman Award for Best Humorous Story 
HONORABLE MENTION: Roderick Reed, Laguna Beach Independent
To be truly tired one must experience a vacation
THIRD PLACE: Mark D. Crantz, Laguna Beach Independent
“Party Hardy”
SECOND PLACE: Kedric Francis, OC Family
Silly move puts Dad in a sticky situation
FIRST PLACE: Pamela Knudsen, Los Angeles Times
I had to ditch all the dating apps so I could find love

SPECIAL

The Real O.C. Award
THIRD PLACE: Nuran Alteir, KPCC
This Ramadan, breaking the fast while getting to know a new country
SECOND PLACE: Hannah Fry, Daily Pilot
O.C.’s iconic piers, with their colorful pasts, help define their cities
FIRST PLACE: Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly
Ah, Pachucos! Orange County’s Great Zoot Suit Panic of 1943

SKY DUNLAP AWARD

For lifetime achievement and community service

Thomas Johnson

Award winners for the 2016 annual contest for work produced during 2015.

DIGITAL/BLOGS

Best News Story
First place: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC
“Supervisors Backed Off Criticism of Jail Phones After Contributions From Vendor”
Second place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge
“A young police explorer, a funeral, and the one thing he dreamed of having: a badge”
Third place: Nick Gerda, Voice of OC
“Dog Attack on Pregnant Woman Raises More Questions About County Animal Control”

Best News Feature Story
First place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge
“Anatomy of a Cold Case: After 40 years, La Palma Police believe they have their killer”
Second place: Amy DePaul, Voice of OC
“Battered Lives: Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse Hard for Immigrant Families”
Third place: David Washburn, Voice of the OC
“A Fighter Steps Out of the Ring”

Best News or Political Blog
First place: Norberto Santana Jr., Voice of OC

Best Public Affairs Story
First place: Adam Elmahrek, Voice of OC
“Fast Times at Rancho Santiago: College District Officials Travel in Luxury on Taxpayer’s Dime”

Second place: Thy Vo, Voice of OC
“Dick Jones’ Sweet Deal in Westminster”

Third place: Amy DePaul, Voice of OC
“Battered Lives: Santa Ana’s Ongoing Struggle With Domestic Violence”

Best Feature Story
First place: Greg Hardesty, Behind the Badge
“From the back of a Fullerton PD car, a suspect utters surprising words to arresting officer”
Second place: Jaimee Lynn Fletcher, Behind the Badge
“Crips gang member shot in face reunites with Tustin PD officers who arrested him”

Third place: Thy Vo, Voice of OC
“Struggles of Second Generation Reveal Long Shadow of War”

Best Food Blog
First place: Kristine Hoang, editor, “Stick a Fork in It,” OC Weekly

Best Entertainment or Culture Blog
First place: Nate Jackson, editor, “Heard Mentality,” OC Weekly
Second place: Matt Coker, OC Weekly

Best Music/Entertainment Story
First place: Nate Jackson, OC Weekly
“Why Should People High Five Each Other More Often at Coachella?”

Best Music/Entertainment Review
First place: Daniella Litvak, Orange Curtain Review
“VietLove or VietLust? : Vietgone @ South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa”

Best Arts/Culture Story
First place: Liz Goldner, KCET Artbound
“The Roots of Radical Art at University of California, Irvine”
Second place: Liz Goldner, KCET Artbound
“Sandow Birk: Re-contextualizing the California Experience”
Third place: Richard Chang, Los Angeles Times
“Young Chinese Artists Have a Lot to Say”

Best Lifestyle or Family Blog
First place: Greg Hardesty, Lori Basheda, Jaimee Lynn Fletcher, Behind the Badge

PHOTOGRAPHY

Best News Photo
First place: Steven Georges, Behind the Badge
“Photo of Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez”

Best Photo Essay (print)
First Place: Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register
“Shrines, prayers for Our Lady of Guadalupe”
Second Place: Michael Goulding, Orange County Register
Third Place: Leonard Ortiz, Coast

Best Sports Photo
First place: Michael Goulding, Orange County Register
Second place: Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register
Third place: Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register

Best Feature Photo
First place: Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register
“Christmas Babies”
Second place: Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register
“Military School Graduation”
Third place: Cindy Yamanaka, Orange County Register
“Virtual Reality”
Honorable mention: Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register
“The Wedge”

Best Portrait
First Place: Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register
“Photo from June 14”
Second Place: Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register
“Photo of Graduate”

Third Place: Ana Venegas, Orange County Register
“Photo of The Most Venerable Thich Quang Thanh”

Best Slideshow (online)
First Place: Julie Leopo, The Voice of OC
“Summer In The City: Innocence Lost and Found”
Second Place: Julie Leopo, The Voice of OC
“The Voice of Fourth Street”
Third Place: Steven Georges, Behind the Badge
“Garden Grove Police Help Homeless”
Honorable Mention: Brad Johnson, Orange County Register
“Where to Eat In Mexico”

BROADCAST

Best News Story
First place: Anthony Porrazzo, Orange County Catholic
“Fr. James Nieblas Receives Bishop’s Blessing Prior to Meeting Pope”

Best Sports Story
First place: Anthony Porrazzo, Orange County Catholic
“It Was Mater Dei Over Servite in Football Rivalry”

Best Feature Story
First place: Matt Kollar, OC Weekly
“What’s It Like Behind the Scenes at Medieval Times?”
Second place: LP Hastings, OC Weekly
“Real Shop Cats of OC”

DESIGN & GRAPHICS

Best Page Design (single story)
First place: John Cheresh, UCI @ 50
“A Half-Century of Superlatives”

Best Graphic or Illustration
First place: Bob Aul, OC Weekly
“Guilty”
Second place: Kurt Snibbe, UCI@50
“Aldrich Park”

Best Cover
First place: Denise Smaldino, Orange County Register
“Creativity”

Second place: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly
“Masquerade”

Third place: Denise Smaldino, Orange County Register
“Let’s Eat Out”
Honorable Mention: Dustin Ames, OC Weekly
“Stink City”

PRINT

Best News Story
First place: Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register
“Tangled in trouble: Record number of ensnared whales, may be due to warmer waters”
Second place: Scott Schwebke and Alma Fausto, Orange County Register
“‘They are going to whup me’: Carjacking, kidnapping suspect calls Register while barricaded inside Santa Ana mobile home”
Third place: Deepa Bharath, Orange County Register
“After UC Irvine grad chooses to die, ‘Death with dignity’ gains traction, but some fear dire consequences”

Best News Feature Story

First Place: R. Scott Moxley, OC Weekly
“Accused Murderer Awaits Execution While OC Prosecutors Hide Exculpatory DNA”
Second Place: Anh Do, Los Angeles Times
“Vietnamese refugees began new lives in Camp Pendleton’s 1975 ‘tent city’”
Third Place: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register
“Death threats, protests and lawsuits: Little Saigon newspaper war is about ideology, not just circulation”
Honorable Mention: Susan Christian Goulding, Orange County Register
“‘It’s like something you’d see on TV’: 29 years after he held her just once, woman found her father on Facebook”

Best Profile
First Place: Jordan Graham, Orange County Register
“How an obsessive photo collector unwittingly accumulated three storage lockers full of ‘priceless’ O.C. history”
Second Place: Anne Valdespino, Orange County Register
“The Fab Five: Are these the best ‘Iron Chefs’ in Orange County?”

Third Place: Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register
“Everyday Heroes: Howdy’s Homeless Helpers and how you can get involved”

Best Feature Story, as published in a newspaper
First Place: Anh Do, Los Angeles Times
“Vietnamese refugees began new lives in Camp Pendleton’s 1975 ‘tent city’”
Second Place: Susan Christian Goulding, Orange County Register
“Being parents of suicide victim ‘a club you don’t want to be in’”
Third Place: Greg Mellen, Orange County Register
“Aaron’s heart: Man got a life-altering gift after Huntington Beach woman decides to donate her brother’s organs”

Best Feature Story, as published in a magazine
First Place: David Ferrell, Coast Magazine
“Notes on a Winery”
Second Place: David Ferrell, Coast Magazine
“Laguna artist Elizabeth McGhee finds beauty in the past”

Third Place: Richard Chang, Laguna Beach Magazine
“Capturing the Canyon: The Story of the Tell”

Best Business Story
First place: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register
“A push to end mandatory workplace arbitration: Will aggrieved workers get their day in court?”
Second place: Jeff Collins, Orange County Register
“In the continuing drought, can Orange County keep building?”

Third place: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register
“Stalling, disputes, evictions: What’s slowing Union Market grand openings at The District”

Honorable mention: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register
“Frank Jao’s story: From refugee to business mogul”

Best Sports Story
First Place: Josh Chesler, OC Weekly
“Eddie Bravo Became a Jiu Jitsu Legend with One Win. Can His Fighting Style Now Conquer MMA?”
Second Place: Mirin Fader, Orange County Register
“CSUF soccer star thrives after overcoming homelessness, personal challenges”

Third Place: Keith Sharon, Orange County Register
“How Mickey Mouse and China led to that life-sized Mike Trout bobblehead”

Best Round-up or “Best of” Feature
First place: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register
“Santa Ana’s 4th Street Market: A guide to the food hall and tips on must-try dishes”
Second place: Gustavo Arellano, Edwin Goei, Charles Lam, and Dave Lieberman, OC Weekly
“The Only Taco Guide to Orange County You’ll Ever Need”

David McQuay Award for Best Columnist
First Place: Mark D. Crantz, Laguna Beach Independent
Second Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register

Best Arts/Culture Story
First Place: Margot Roosevelt, Orange County Register
“Sold-out shows and thousands of DVDs sold: So why is Little Saigon’s popular ‘Paris by Night’ fighting to survive?”
Second Place (tie): Matt Coker, OC Weekly
“David Koenig has exposed the Disneyland secrets Mickey doesn’t want you to know about”
Second Place (tie): Richard Chang, Los Angeles Times
“Que pasa, Romeo?”
Third Place: Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly
“Enough’s Enough: It’s Time to Save Orange County’s Chicano Murals”

Best Arts/Culture Review
First Place: Dave Barton, OC Weekly
‘Alien She’ Brings Riot Grrrl Energy to OCMA
Second Place: Paul Hodgins, Orange County Register
“‘Of Good Stock’ captures sisterly love, rivalry”

Third Place: Liz Goldner, art ltd.
“Alien She”

Marjorie Freeman Award for Best Humorous Story
First Place: Mark Crantz, Laguna Beach Independent
“Always on the Wrong Side”
Second Place: Kedric Francis, OC Family
“Gray is the way: Why old dads rule”

Third Place: Roderick Reed, Laguna Beach Independent
“Something Fishy on Valentines Day”

Best Food/Restaurant Story
First Place: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register
“Doritos born at Disneyland? Top iconic foods with O.C. roots”
Second Place: Paul Hodgins with Bo McMillan, Orange County Register
“Vodka, in flavors you can savor”
Third Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
“25 Best Things to Eat in O.C.’s Little Saigon”

Best Food/Restaurant Review
First Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
“Restaurant review: Twenty Eight”
Second Place: Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register
“Restaurant review: Tra House”
Third Place: Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly
“Carnitas Uruapan in Santa Ana Is Pig Heaven”

Best Travel Story
First Place: Susan Christian Goulding, Orange County Register
“Winetasting a trail along Santa Ynez Valley’s Foxen Canyon Road”
Second Place: Nancy Luna, Orange County Register
“Quick Getaways: Shake Shack stacks up to hype in Las Vegas”
Third Place: Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register
“Quick Getaways: As spring approaches Mammoth still beckons”

Best Music/Entertainment Story
First Place: Nate Jackson, OC Weekly
“The Soul of Billy Preston is Being Fought Over in a Santa Ana Courtroom”
Second Place: Kathleen Luppi, Los Angeles Times
“Rocker Marco Mendoza’s new life with The Dead Daisies”
Third Place: Aimee Murillo, OC Weekly
Why South County is Becoming a Necessary Haven for House Shows

Honorable Mention: Joe DeLillo, Orange County Register
“Letterman’s retirement will leave emotional void”

Best Music/Entertainment Review
First Place: Joseph Pimentel, Orange County Register
“Disney’s new World of Color celebrates Walt Disney’s legacy”

Best Public Affairs Story
First Place: Kristine Hoang, OC Weekly
“OC’s Homeless Await El Niño in the Santa Ana Riverbed”

THE REAL O.C. AWARD

For the story, review, feature, blog, column, photo or broadcast/video that best captures something special, surprising, telling or essential about Orange County
Joseph Pimentel, Orange County Register
“The first two kids to walk into Disneyland”

SKY DUNLAP AWARD

For lifetime achievement and community service

Dennis Foley