Three writers and photographers from the San Diego Community Newspaper Group were honored with multiple awards Oct. 23 at the 39th annual San Diego Press Club’s “Excellence in Journalism Awards” at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. The majority of awards collected by the trio were credited to The Peninsula Beacon. • FIRST-PLACE HONORS Scott Hopkins, still photography category: photo essay “Coming full circle…and a new beginning,” a touching account of the recent Point Loma High School graduation. Mike McCarthy, investigative reporting category: “Brown pelicans flood the coastal skies,” a look at this year’s proliferation of the coastal bird species. Mike McCarthy, still photography, news: “Giraffe infuses electricity Into OB parade,” a clever shot of an unusual parade entry. • SECOND-PLACE HONORS Scott Hopkins, sports category: “Pointers can’t break Cathedral’s CIF spell, fall for 5th straight time to Dons,” a story on the football team’s disappointments after a tough loss. Scott Hopkins, education category: “PLHS students reap rewards of motivational tutoring program,” profiling four students involved in the Reality Changers college preparation course. Scott Hopkins, profiles category: “REMEMBERING JUNIOR SEAU: PLHS coach recounts playing side by side with legend when both were young prep All-Stars,” describing a young Seau before he became an All-Pro performer. Patricia Walsh, architecture and design category: “Point Loman blends tech with ‘earth first’ approach in dome home,” about a homeowner who built an eco-friendly dome house in a neighborhood of traditional single-family homes. • THIRD-PLACE HONORS Scott Hopkins, sports category: “After 25 years, lady hoopsters still got game,” an account of a reunion of the 1987 Pointer girls’ state championship team and their game against the current varsity team. Patricia Walsh, gardening category: “How does your community garden grow? Ask PLNU, Westminster Presbyterian,” a look at a joint planting project between the two parties. NOTE: Patricia Walsh also had a second-place win in the science/technology category: “Scripps climate scientists to share stage with Dalai Lama at UCSD,” about the work of Prof. Richard Somerville in the area of climate change. The win was credited to the La Jolla Village News. The awards recognized the excellence of these journalists and the dedication each demonstrates week in and week out. “We couldn’t be more proud of these freelancers and community journalists,” said Kevin McKay, managing editor for the San Diego Community Newspaper Group. “We have many talented and skilled freelance writers and photographers, but this trio stands out, as evidenced by the multiple honors at this year’s San Diego Press Club awards. It’s an honor to work with these journalistic stars.”