The following candidates have applied for a position on the 2026 Orange County Press Club Board of Directors. Candidates were asked to provide a short biography and a candidate statement. The OC Press Club is publishing their responses unedited.

Ballot responses will be collected until October 21, 2025.

Hosam Elattar, Voice of OC

During my tenure as a local award winning reporter, I have covered school districts’ response to the COVID pandemic, a corruption scandal in Anaheim, the official recognition of Anaheim’s Little Arabia after decades of community advocacy, heightened food insecurity since the start of the global pandemic, a push for ethnic studies courses at local schools, housing & homelessness, religion and local government across North OC.

I want to serve on the Board of the OC Press Club to help defend and grow journalism in Orange County and Southern California. Our job is essential to inform residents about issues that are impacting their quality of life and holding elected officials accountable. Amid a sea of news deserts, it is vital that local journalists band together to protect our institution and the public’s right to information. I would like to see the press club host more networking and informational events as well as boost scholarships the press club gives to younger students.

Carrie Freitas, KTM Agency

Though I’m not currently an active journalist, I was trained as a journalist, with internships at Orange Coast Magazine, KABC-TV News, KNBC-TV News and CNN’s LA Bureau. I have written for Riviera Magazine and served as the Editor-in-Chief of Coast Kids Magazine for four years (owned by Freedom Communications — the OC Register’s former parent company). I also am a sometime contributor to Fox 11 KTTV News as a guest on-air talent for food and gift guide segments. I have been working as a PR pro since 1992, and own and operate my own marketing + PR firm, KTM Agency, based in Newport Beach.

I am a staunch advocate of a free press and for a healthy and thriving local press ecosystem, in particular. I firmly believe that our democracy can’t survive without a free and healthy local press and that our communities will cease to thrive without it. As such, I will do whatever I can to champion and support journalists in Orange County. I believe I have a strong reputation for standing behind these statements and genuinely value and appreciate every media professional in this community. In my first year (this past year) as an OC Press Club Board Member, I worked with a committee to improve the OC Press Club Awards Gala, making it run more smoothly than ever before — and ensuring our members were celebrated and honored in a special way. I’ve brought strong energy and leadership to the board, often taking charge of projects and ensuring they are completed in a timely and strategic manner. I would love the opportunity to be a board member again in order to bring some additional concepts to life, including additional events that provide an opportunity for journalists to connect and build community outside of their respective newsrooms. I also have continued to donate to the OC Press Club scholarship fund, showing my investment in supporting the next generation of journalists. Thank you for considering me for your vote.

Breeana Greenberg, Times Media Group

I graduated from Chapman University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in journalism. I’m currently completing my Master’s of Science in Journalism at USC and freelancing for Times Media Group. I grew up in Newport Beach and attended high school in Santa Ana.

I’m passionate about telling individuals’ stories and keeping communities informed about their local governments, which is why I especially enjoy writing for hyper-local newspapers. As an undergraduate, I covered Newport Beach City Council meetings for Voice of OC through its collegiate news service and wrote for the Laguna Beach Independent as a contributing writer. I also served as the Dana Point City Reporter for Picket Fence Media, covering South Orange County.

I briefly taught at Chapman University as a part-time lecturer for the journalism department and discovered a deep passion for education. That experience inspired me to return to graduate school, with the goal of reentering higher education and continuing to share the importance of local journalism with the next generation of reporters.

If reelected, I’m interested in expanding the board’s outreach with local university journalism programs and increasing student participation in the press club awards. I’m also interested in helping more young journalists into the field by encouraging local news organizations to offer information on scholarships and grants when seeking interns. I’m committed to demonstrating the press club’s value to its membership by promoting more networking and educational events.

Les Goldberg, Senior Reporter of Orange County 

More than 60 years practicing journalism and public relations and most recently serving as reporter for Senior Reporter of Orange County and various trade publications.

Journalism in its traditional form is in my blood, and has been a part of my life since working on my high school newspaper. It is the basis of my public relations career and my work as a mentor and adjunct professor.

Hanna Kang, Orange County Register

Hanna Kang is a reporter for the Orange County Register, where she covers K-12 and higher education as well as the cities of Irvine, Fullerton and Orange. She previously reported on politics for the Register, covering the 2024 presidential election. Before that, she worked as a data fellow at Insider and a data reporter at Crosstown LA. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

I’m running for the Press Club Board because I care deeply about strengthening Orange County’s journalism community and supporting the next generation of reporters. As a local reporter, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of press freedom, community-focused reporting and building trust with diverse communities.

If elected, I’d bring that experience along with a collaborative spirit and a commitment to mentoring young journalists. I believe the Press Club plays a critical role in building community among reporters, celebrating our work and advocating for the values that sustain a free press. I’d be honored to help carry that mission forward.

Sharael Kolberg, Freelance

I’m a Laguna Beach-based travel writer with 20+ years of experience covering adventure, wellness, and luxury travel. My work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Travel, U.S. News & World Report, Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, AAA Westways, and more.

I’m the 1st Vice Chair for the Society of American Travel Writers’ (SATW) Freelance Council and a mentor for SATW, a media delegate for Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), a media herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC) and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).

As a long-time professional journalist and active member of the Orange County Press Club, I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of outlets — from national publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report to regional publications including the Orange County Register and Laguna Beach Magazine. My freelance background gives me a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing today’s journalists, particularly in Orange County’s dynamic media landscape.

In addition to my editorial work, I bring extensive experience in event planning, networking, and professional development. As Vice Chair of the SATW Freelance Council, I regularly organize panels, webinars, and professional development seminars for writers and PR professionals. I am also tapped as an expert for media panels. I enjoy building bridges between journalists and the broader communications community, and I believe these skills will translate well to planning the Press Club’s annual gala, hosting networking events, and strengthening our member community.

I am equally committed to supporting the next generation of journalists. I have mentored emerging writers, taught journalism courses, and worked with students to develop their reporting skills. Serving on the Board would allow me to continue that work locally by helping steward scholarships and fellowships that inspire young journalists in Orange County.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to help further the Press Club’s mission of fostering community, advocating for press freedom, and celebrating journalistic excellence.

Patrice Marsters, Newport-Mesa Unified School District

I spent the majority of my career at OC Weekly, starting as an intern while the paper was in its infancy and ending as managing editor when it was shuttered 24 years later. After a two-year editorship at LW Weekly in Seal Beach, I transitioned to public school PR. For about two decades, I have served as a mentor to future journalists from Newport Harbor High School.

Currently holding the honor of being the longest-serving member of the OC Press Club board, I’d like to continue the tradition of promoting and celebrating great storytelling and photojournalism in the county. As the industry changes, we have to grow and nurture new skills while still preserving the integrity of what it means to be journalists.

Erika Taylor, Voice of OC

Erika Taylor is a Garden Grove native and a Tracy A. Wood reporting fellow at Voice of OC, where she works as a photojournalist covering transportation, libraries, culture and open space across Orange County. She began reporting for the Voice in August 2022 through the newsroom’s partnership with Chapman University, the Collegiate News Service.

Taylor graduated from Chapman with a B.S. in business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in visual journalism in 2024. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Journalism at the University of Southern California.

As a past OC Press Club scholarship recipient and an emerging journalist shaped by strong mentors, I know firsthand how vital it is to “water new seeds” in Orange County’s drying news desert.

As a board member, I’ll help to champion reporters’ rights and help make our club a true hub for collaboration, training and advocacy that keeps independent journalism alive. I’m interested in strengthening local student reporting through crucial training and mentorship opportunities that link the OC Press Club’s member newsrooms, local schools and universities while strengthening the club’s scholarship fund.

In my time as a reporting fellow at Voice of OC – where I’ve faced press pens and ‘media policies’ at public meetings aimed at limiting media coverage – I have grown to understand that protecting press freedom starts at home. I believe the board has a responsibility to defend reporters’ rights to ask tough questions without fear.

Destiny Torres, LAist

My name is Destiny Torres, and I am a multimedia journalist. Today, I am a full-time reporter at LAist, covering all things Southern California, including Orange County, as well as digital equity. I’ve covered stories on how local government decisions impact youth, police oversight and other accountability reporting.

Before the LAist, I covered county government and the city of Santa Ana for the Orange County Register.

My vision is for the OC Press Club to continue being a pillar for our journalist community. I’d like to organize more panels, more free training and more opportunities for us to see one another and lift each other up as we navigate this ever-evolving industry.

Andrew Turner, Daily Pilot / L.A. Times Community News

Andrew Turner is a reporter for the Daily Pilot. Before joining the Pilot in October 2016, he covered prep sports as a freelancer for the Orange County Register for four years. His work also has been used by the Associated Press and California Rubber Hockey Magazine. While attending Long Beach State, he wrote for the college newspaper, the Daily 49er. He graduated with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and history.

I first joined the Orange County Press Club in 2023, and it has been an honor to serve this community of media professionals, many of whom I grew up reading and who have played a role in inspiring others to pursue journalism as a career. I was humbled to serve as vice president of the club and chairman of the scholarship committee this year. It’s important that we support each other and future generations, and that we are visible in doing so. We have done this through community efforts like classroom visits, judging contests and providing scholarships. I would welcome more ideas.

John Underwood, Voice of OC/ Event New Enterprise

Previously employed by NationaL Public Radio/ KLON/ KJAZZ/Event News Enterprise/OC Register/ OC Weekly/ Voice of OC

The advent of social media, live streaming, and the I-phone documentary platforms has transformed the role and the definition of journalist in popular media.

David N. Young, Community Media Corporation

David N. Young is a working journalist and internationally recognized public affairs strategist who has worked in a variety of public capacities throughout his career. He first joined the Orange County Press Club Board in 2019. Currently, he is an editor with Community Media Corporation and has formerly served as editor of the Catalina Islander, the Seal Beach Sun and other publications. Based for many years in Washington, D.C., he now lives and works in Southern California. As a strategist, has counseled local, state, and federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, public officials and nonprofits. He was awarded the journalism award in high school, the telecasting innovation award in college and was first named to Who’s Who in America in 1994.  He attended the LSU School of Journalism and studied broadcasting at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. His work has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Information Agency and others.

OCPC needs to become visible in the overall community.

 

It’s election season at the Orange County Press Club! We’re seeking passionate individuals to share their voices and ideas as members of the 2025–26 Board of Directors.

As part of the Board, you will:

• Host networking and informational events for members
• Work alongside groups throughout California to advocate for press freedom and other issues important to journalists in Orange County
• Steward the next generation of journalists through scholarships and fellowships
• Organize and host the annual press gala and award ceremony

If you’re interested, we encourage you to please apply by the deadline, Tuesday, Sept. 30. You can find the application link here.

For any questions, please reach out to our board member Carrie Freitas at carrie@ktmagency.com.

Winners of the Orange County Press Club’s 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards were announced on June 18, 2025, at the Anaheim Hills Country Club. Congratulations to all!

 

JOURNALISM DIVISION

To qualify for the journalism categories, entrants must be a recognized journalistic entity, including print formats and produce content meant for public consumption that adheres to the following standards:

• The INN (Institute for Nonprofit News) standards for its member news organizations, emphasizing editorial excellence, independence, and transparency, ensuring members produce original, fact-based journalism.

• The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics, which emphasizes seeking truth, minimizing harm, acting independently and being accountable.

• The Associated Press industry standards for journalistic ethics, emphasizing accuracy, fairness, and avoiding bias or conflicts of interest.

 

Best News Story

First Place: Scott Schwebke

“Aliso Viejo residents claim herbicide spraying near their homes in making them sick,” Orange County Register

Second Place: Noah Biesiada

“How did County of Orange executives lose track over $10 million meant to feed seniors?” Voice of OC

Third Place: Hanna Kang

“What California’s plan to get insurance to high-risk fire areas mean for Orange County,” Orange County Register

Honorable Mention: Yusra Farzan

“Hundreds of ducklings hatched unexpectedly at a warehouse in Brea,” LAist

 

Best News Feature Story

First Place: Pat Maio 

“Temecula’s wine country hits baby boomer skid as more vineyard owners opt to sell,” Orange County Register

Second Place: Jeff Collins

“Anguished homeowners struggle to keep their insurance,” Orange County Register

Third Place: Scott Schwebke

“Dream home turns into expensive, toxic nightmare for distressed Long Beach family,” Press-Telegram

Honorable Mention: Chris Haire

“Holy Jim was a sanctuary, but after Airport fire, it could soon become a memory,” Orange County Register

 

Best Breaking News Story

First Place: Los Angeles Times Staff

“Police arrest 47 at UC Irvine after sweeping protest camp, clearing barricaded building,” Los Angeles Times

Second Place: Tony Saavedra, Michael Slaten and Destiny Torres

“Federal investigators raid homes of Supervisor Andrew Do, his daughter and Viet America Society president,” Orange County Register

Third Place: Hosam Elattar and Noah Biesiada 

“OC Coroner: Former Anaheim Councilman Brandman Died of Meth Overdose,” Voice of OC

Honorable Mention: Annika Bahnsen, Michael Slaten and Jonathan Horwitz

“Police take some protesters at UC Irvine into custody, break up Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” Orange County Register

 

Best Public Affairs Story

First Place: Sara Cardine

“Costa Mesa complex at the center of long legal dispute will be razed, judge rules,” Daily Pilot

Second Place: Yusra Farzan, Jill Replogle and Nick Gerda

“‘We f***ing started a fire’: Orange County records document missteps by officials leading up to devastating Airport Fire,” LAist

Third Place: Michael Slaten 

“Disney plan to grow theme parks up for critical vote that will shape Anaheim for decades,” Orange County Register

 

Best Feature Story

First Place: Sharon Stello

“Heaven Sent,” Newport Beach Independent

Second Place: Jeff Collins

“Unfinished schooner landlocked in Trabuco Canyon seeks its next adventurer,” Orange County Register

Third Place: Samantha Dunn

“Why aren’t mobile homes considered among affordable housing fixes?” Orange County Register

 

Best Public Health Story 

First Place: Noah Biesiada 

“Orange County Leaders Ramp Up Questioning Of Another Major Pandemic Contract,” Voice of OC

Second Place: Noah Biesiada

“How Did County of Orange Executives Lose Track of Over $10 Million Meant to Feed Seniors?” Voice of OC

Third Place: Michael Slaten 

“Health officials had ‘dire’ concerns at start of Tustin hangar fire. Worries since have eased, but not for all residents,” Orange County Register

 

Best Political Story

First Place: Yusra Farzan 

“Santa Ana’s Measure DD could set precedent for noncitizen voting in California,” LAist

Second Place: Hanna Kang

“Why is the race for California’s 45th congressional district so close?” Orange County Register

Third Place: Hanna Kang and Victoria Le 

“In OC’s Little Saigon, these voters share what matters most to them in November,” Orange County Register

Honorable Mention: Billy Fried

“We Finally Beat Medicare,” Laguna Beach Independent

 

Best Round-Up or Best Of

First Place: Anne Valdespino

“10 Orange County Restaurants That Have Shaped Our Image of Mexican Cuisine,” Culture OC

Second Place: Sarah Mosqueda

“No salad says L.A. like the Caesar. 10 of the best to try right now,” Los Angeles Times

Third Place: Culture OC Staff 

“Fall Preview 2024: Our Writers Have Chosen Their Top Arts and Culture Picks,” Culture OC

 

Best Business Story

First Place: Andre Mouchard

“Southern California group, officials face return of old problem: child labor,” Orange County Register

Second Place: Jeff Collins

“Village at Orange closing its interior mall after 50 years of making memories,” Orange County Register

Third Place: Pat Maio 

“Boeing Strike squeezes California aerospace suppliers, including Independent Forge in Orange,” Orange County Register

Honorable Mention: Christopher Trela

“Visit Newport Beach Finds Success with Creative Tourism Campaigns,” Newport Beach Independent

 

Best Sports Story

First Place: Haley Sawyer

“Ranching, rodeo and football: How Kain Medrano built his own success at UCLA,” Orange County Register

Second Place: Todd Harmonson

“Dodgers, fans honor legacy of Fernando Valenzuela before Game 1 of World Series,” Orange County Register

Third Place: Andrew Turner

“It feels like a dream:’ Minter miracle lifts Edison to Division 1-A state titlets Edison football to Division 1-A state title,” Daily Pilot

 

Best Coverage of a Live Event

First Place: Fashion Castillo

“OC Shines Bright For Christmas,” Voice of OC

 

Best Arts/Culture Story

First Place: Paul Hodgins

“Classical Music is Booming. Theater? Not So Much,” Culture OC

Second Place: Christopher Luu

“Malls are dead? As if,” InStyle

Third Place: Todd Harmonson

“Here’s how to have the most enjoyable experience at the Hollywood Bowl,” Orange County Register

Honorable Mention: Ashley Ryan

“Casa Romantica is Steadily Coming Back to Life After the 2023 Landslide,” Culture OC

 

Best Arts/Culture Review

First Place: Paul Hodgins

“Orange County Gets a Big Dose of Muti Magic,” Voice of OC

Second Place: Eric Marchese

“SCR World Premiere Paints a New Portrait of Joan Rivers,” Culture OC

Third Place: Christopher Trela

“Stealing Pulp Fiction Screens at Lido Theater,” Newport Beach Independent

 

Best Music/Entertainment Story

First Place: Timothy Mangan

“What Does a Conductor Do? What Will Alexander Shelley Do?” Culture OC

Second Place: Peter Lefevre 

“Ukulele Against the Machine,” Culture OC

Third Place: Christopher Trela

“Newport Beach Composer Joseph Mulroy’s Musical about OC Surfers Gets Full Staging at Irvine Valley College through April 14,” Newport Beach Independent

Honorable Mention: Paul Hodgins

“Pacific Symphony in Transition, Part 3: Finding a New Conductor for Changing Times,” Culture OC

 

Best Music/Entertainment Review

First Place: Timothy Mangan

“Prieto and Pacific Take the Fifth (Mahler’s, That Is),” Culture OC

Second Place: Paul Hodgins

“Just How Great is Great Park Live?” Culture OC

Third Place: Timothy Mangan

“Matthew Halls Leads Pacific Symphony in Challenging Vaughan Williams,” Culture OC

 

Best Health/Wellness Story

First Place: Spencer Grant and Mara Casey

“BeWell OC Laguna Beach: The Right Help at the Right Time,” Laguna Beach Independent

Second Place:  Shawn Price

“Starry Nights,” Parenting OC

Third Place: Shawn Price

“Are the Kids All Right?” Parenting OC

Honorable Mention: Spencer Grant and Mara Casey

“Home Sweet Home: Lifelong Laguna a Win-Win for Volunteers and Members,” Laguna Beach Independent

 

Best Environmental News Story

 

First Place: Pat Maio

“These Southern California startups are part of a growing epicenter of EV truck production,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Gabriel San Román

“Good sand is hard to find in efforts to rebuild San Clemente’s eroding beaches,” Daily Pilot

 

Third Place: Erika Ritchie

“What is it like counting 528,000 albatross nests on Midway Islands,” Orange County Register

 

Honorable Mention: Andrew Turner

“Grazing a path to safety: Laguna Beach fights fire with goats,” Daily Pilot

 

Best Education Story

 

First Place: Andre Mouchard, Michael Slaten and Teri Sforza

“UC Irvine leaders defend response to student protests in answers to Academic Senate,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Erika Ritchie

“Laguna Beach community questions decision to send autistic students out of district,” Orange County Register

 

Third Place: Mindy Schauer 

“5½ months for a second chance? Troubled SoCal teens choose a military-style school,” Orange County Register

 

Honorable Mention: Kaitlyn Schallhorn

“Crisis in Gaza revives student activism that some considered long gone,” Orange County Register

 

Best Food/Restaurant Story

 

First Place: Anne Valdespino

“Why the Ecology Center Wants to Change the Way You Think About Everything You Eat,” Culture OC

 

Second Place: Brad A. Johnson

“America’s Next Great Restaurant,” OLTRE

 

Third Place: Cynthia Rebolledo 

“Students Learn the Ins and Outs of High-End Dining at OCC’s Captain’s Table,” Culture OC

 

Honorable Mention: Jonathan Horwitz

“Old Towne Orange has nearly 50 restaurants. How did it become a dining destination?” Orange County Register

 

Best Food/Restaurant Review

 

First Place: Brock Keeling

“Israel-Hamas war weighs heavily on owner of Anaheim’s Knafeh Cafe,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Brad A. Johnson

“Season to Taste,” OLTRE

 

Third Place: Brock Keeling

“Darkroom, Orange County’s most ambitious restaurant this year, opens in Santa Ana,” Orange County Register

 

Best Travel Story

 

First Place: Edwin Goei 

“This must be Long Beach,” Los Angeles Times

 

Second Place: Richard Simon

“Five Decades Later: My Return to the Amazon,” Newport Beach Independent

 

Third Place: Sharon Stello

“Cultural Immersion,” Laguna Beach Magazine

 

Honorable Mention: Brad A. Johnson

“A Never-Ending Feast,” OLTRE

 

Best Profile

 

First Place: Samantha Dunn

“Most influential: Darin Nakakihara keeps teaching, finding joy through ALS battle,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Brock Keeling

“61 Hundred Bread opens its first brick-and-mortar bakery in Santa Ana,” Orange County Register

 

Third Place: Jonathan Horwitz

“Cal State Fullerton botanist Edward Read tried for 7 years to make this water lily bloom,” Orange County Register

 

Honorable Mention: Sharon Stello

“Melding Art and Science,” Laguna Beach Magazine

Best Religion Story

 

First Place: Hanna Kang

“Will Orange County’s Muslim voters support Kamala Harris? For some, it’s complicated,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: John Fredricks

“Somali Americans Reflect on One of the Most Dangerous Countries in the World for Christians,” Epoch Times

 

Third Place: Hosam Elattar 

“Orange County Celebrates a Fresh Start This Spring,” Voice of OC

 

Honorable Mention:  Hosam Elattar and Erika Taylor

“Light at The End of the Tunnel: OC Celebrates The Winter Holidays,” Voice of OC

 

Marjorie Freeman Award for Best Humorous Story 

 

First Place: Billy Fried

“On the Can in Japan,” Laguna Beach Independent

 

Second Place: Spencer Grant and Mara Casey

“Rose Garden Wedding of Byrdie and Max Was a Howling Success,” Newport Beach Independent

 

Third Place: Mark Crantz

“Resilience,” Laguna Beach Independent

 

Series or Multiple Stories

 

Best Investigative Story or Series 

 

First Place: Nick Gerda, Jill Replogle, Yusra Farzan and Ted Rohrlich

Exposing OC Supervisor Andrew Do’s corruption scheme, LAist

 

Second Place: Jill Replogle and Nick Gerda

Exposing a $275,000 no-show mental health contract linked to Andrew Do — leading to a full refund for taxpayers, LAist

 

Third Place: Sara Cardine

How one Orange County community college district found $8M of its own money, Daily Pilot

 

Best Election Coverage

 

First Place: Orange County Register Staff

“Voter Guide/Election Coverage,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Noah Biesiada and Hosam Elattar

“Funding Campaigns,” Voice of OC

 

Third Place: Norberto Santana Jr.

“The Real Judges of OC,” Voice of OC

 

Honorable Mention: Hanna Kang

2024 Election, Orange County Register

 

Best Beat Reporting 

 

First Place: Andre Mouchard

Environmental coverage, Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Jeff Collins

Housing and real estate, Orange County Register

 

Third Place: Hosam Elattar, Spencer Custodio and Noah Biesiada 

Auditing Anaheim, Voice of OC

 

Honorable Mention: Gabriel San Román

Disney labor and politics, Daily Pilot

 

Best Long-Form Feature Story or Series

 

First Place: Hosam Elattar 

Santa Ana City Manager Settlement Fallout Series, Voice of OC

 

Second Place: Kaitlyn Schallhorn 

Women in Motorsports, Southern California News Group

 

David McQuay Award for Best Columnist 

 

First Place: Norberto Santana Jr.

Voice of OC

 

Second Place: Teri Sforza

Orange County Register

 

Third Place: Brad A. Johnson

OLTRE

 

Honorable Mention: David N. Young

Young at Heart, The Event News Enterprise

 

Multimedia

 

Best Video

 

First Place: Scott Hays

“From Saigon to OC,” OC World

 

Second Place: Rick Reiff

“Transforming the Irvine Ranch,” OC World

 

Third Place: Manuel Gomez

“Empowering Communities,” OC World

 

Honorable Mention: Jessica Peralta, Shawn Price and Eddie Monahan

“King Kong at Maverick Theater 2024,” Halloween Every Night

 

Best Use of Multimedia

 

First Place: Jessica Peralta, Shawn Price and Eddie Monahan

“WonderCon Unites Fans with Comics, Pop Culture, Horror and More,” Halloween Every Night

 

Second Place: Scott Hays

“Highlights from The Bowers Comic Expo 2024 in Santa Ana,” OC World

 

Third Place: Jessica Peralta, Shawn Price and Vanessa Vela 

“Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales in Costa Mesa Turns 1,” Halloween Every Night

 

Best Use of Data

 

First Place: 

Kaitlyn Schallhorn and Daniel Aitken

“These are the bills that OC legislators are trying to pass,” Orange County Register

 

Best Audience Engagement/Use of Social Media

 

First Place: Dorothy Elder

“”Ask Me Anything:” A live Q&A about Orange County’s 2024 November election,” Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Edwin Goei

“L.A. County’s Most Popular Sushi Restaurant is Inside a Supermarket,” Monster Munching

 

Third Place: Carolyn Burt

“In-N-Out Burger says it raised its prices,“ Orange County Register

 

Best Audio Storytelling/Podcast

 

First Place: UC Irvine School of Social Ecology

“Red County, Blue County, Orange County,” UC Irvine School of Social Ecology

 

Best Informative Graphic

 

First Place: Jeff Goertzen 

Landslides, Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Malena Gonzales

Nosferatu Comes to America, Halloween Every Night

 

Third Place: Caitlin Navo 

A Lasting And Lonely Legend: 60 Years Of ‘Last Man On Earth’, Halloween Every Night

 

Best Illustration

 

First Place: Jeff Goertzen 

Thanksgiving Survival Tips, Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Caitlin Navo 

Spring Heeled Jack, Halloween Every Night

 

Third Place: Caitlin Navo

Werewolves of London, Halloween Every Night

 

Best News Photo

 

First Place: Jeff Gritchen

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires, Orange County Register

 

Second Place: John Fredricks

Migrant Looks Upon Immigration Polices being Made, Epoch Times

 

Third Place: Maximo Santana

OC Airport Fire, Voice of OC

 

Honorable Mention: Paul Bersebach

Peace, Orange County Register

 

Best Sports Photo

 

First Place: Keith Birmingham

Paris 2024, Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Keith Birmingham

World Series Walk Off, Orange County Register

 

Third Place: Paul Rodriguez

Unbelievable, Orange County Register

 

Honorable Mention: Paul Rodriguez

Out of Reach, Orange County Register

 

Best Feature Photo

 

First Place: John Fredricks

Migrant child, Epoch Times

 

Second Place: Jeff Gritchen

K9 ride, Orange County Register

 

Third Place: Brad A. Johnson

Lobster on the coals, OLTRE

 

Honorable Mention: Maximo Santana

Giant panda, Voice of OC

 

Best Portrait

 

First Place: Paul Rodriguez

A.J., Los Angeles Times

 

Second Place: Dustin Snipes

The Many Sides of Arash Homampour, Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine

 

Third Place: Paul Bersebach 

Symphony Composer, Orange County Register

 

Honorable Mention: Brad A. Johnson

Mixologist at Tre Dita Bar, OLTRE

 

Best Photo Essay

 

First Place: Mindy Schauer 

About Face: Troubled SoCal Teens Choose a Military-Style School, Orange County Register

 

Second Place: Brad A. Johnson

Closer Look: Les Mutines at The Brando, French Polynesia, OLTRE + Brad A Johnson, Food & Travel 

 

Third Place: Julie Leopo 

An Original Chicano Barrio in Santa Ana Gets a New Mural and Pocket Park, Voice of OC

 

The Real O.C. Award 

For the story, review, feature, column, photo or broadcast/video that best captures something special, surprising, telling or essential about Orange County

 

First Place: Scott Hays

“The Power and Awe of Music,” OC World

 

Second Place: Ivy Dai

“Historic Laguna Beach Building That Was Once a Millionaire’s Private Art Museum Has Transformed Into a Public Arts Center,” Culture OC

 

Third Place: Jessica Peralta

“10 Years at The Frida Cinema,” Culture OC

 

Honorable Mention: Norberto Santana Jr.

“Santana: Finding The Real Judges of OC,” Voice of OC

 

Journalist of the Year 

 

Nick Gerda

 

SPONSORED CONTENT DIVISION

These categories are open to agencies who are paid to produce content directly for clients specifically for placement in various media or for agencies who produce content for internal communications and consumption.

 

Best News Story, Sponsored Content

 

First Place: Greg Mellen

“STEPS program’s Turbo Cafe hitting on all cylinders,” CUSD Insider

 

Second Place: Greg Mellen

“Santa Ana Police Women’s Hiring Expo: changing culture, changing the world,” Behind the Badge

 

Third Place: Patrice Marsters

“Students Navigate the World in Annual Geography Bee at Lincoln Elementary,” Newport-Mesa Unified School District

 

Honorable Mention: Richard Chang

“CSULB Class of 2024 celebrates Commencement,” Cal State Long Beach

 

Best News Feature Story, Sponsored Content

 

First Place: Greg Mellen

“First responders ride waves of relief,” Behind the Badge

 

Second Place: Richard Chang

“Award-winning Beach TV News serves as diverse pipeline from CSULB to the industry,” Cal State Long Beach

 

Third Place: Mimi Ko Cruz and Heather Ashbach

“Leveraging inspiring futures,” UC Irvine

 

Best Feature Story, Sponsored Content

 

First Person: Greg Mellen

“Former addict thanks arresting officer – three years later,” Behind the Badge

 

Second Place: Greg Mellen

“Galactic achievement for Special Olympics athlete,” CUSD Insider

 

Third Place: Patrice Marsters

“Student-Led News Crews Build Skills and Confidence Through Elementary School Broadcasts,” Newport-Mesa Unified School District

 

Best Music/Entertainment Story, Sponsored Content

 

First Place: Greg Mellen

“Artist of the Year discovers passion for musical theater following challenging experiences,” CUSD Insider

 

Second Place: Richard Chang

“How the CSULB Wind Symphony’s performance at the Kennedy Center was the experience of a lifetime,” Cal State Long Beach

 

Third Place: Patrice Marsters

“Costa Mesa Student Releases Independent Album Using School’s Music Tech Lab,” Newport-Mesa Unified School District

 

Best Arts/Culture Story, Sponsored Content

 

First Place: Greg Mellen

“Learning Mandarin keeps Huntington Beach kids (and their mom) immersed and on the go,” CUSD Insider

 

Second Place: Richard Chang

“Discover the inspirations behind 60 years of public art at The Beach,” Cal State Long Beach

 

Third Place: Laila Freeman

“Going for Baroque: Gonzalo X. Ruiz balances deep commitments to his family and his music,” Signal Tribune (underwritten by Journalism Arts Initiative)

 

Best Food Story, Sponsored Content

 

First Place: Richard Chang

“CSULB alumna shares thrill of earning a Michelin star for Long Beach’s Heritage restaurant,” Cal State Long Beach

 

Second Place: Patrice Marsters

“Students Learn to Make Healthy Choices Thanks to Nutrition Lessons,” Newport-Mesa Unified School District

 

Best Feature Photo, Sponsored Content

 

First Place: Paul Rodriguez

Graduation, CUSD Insider

 

On June 18, join us for a night of celebrating excellence in O.C. media!

The Orange County Press Club’s annual Excellence in Journalism Gala is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course, 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road in Anaheim.

Parking is free, and there will be a cash bar.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased via PayPal – here.