The Peninsula Beacon and Beach & Bay Press, of San Diego Community Newspaper Group, garnered five first place, and a total of 11 awards, at the San Diego Press Club’s 45th Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards banquet held on Oct. 30. Peninsula Beacon and Beach & Bay Press editor Thomas Melville earned three firsts, two seconds, and one third place for writing and photography. Peninsula Beacon writer Scott Hopkins earned two firsts, two seconds and a third also for writing and photography. Hopkins awards were: First place: Photography feature, light subject – “Pointers light the night,” Peninsula Beacon.
First: Non-daily newspapers, breaking news – “Dramatic helicopter rescue at Sunset Cliffs on Sunday,” Peninsula Beacon.
Second: Photography, sports – “Point Loma girls win school’s first water polo title,” Peninsula Beacon.
Second: Non-daily newspapers, sports – “Pointers win second soccer CIF championship in three years,” Peninsula Beacon.
Third: Non-daily newspapers, business and financial – “After 58 years, Nati’s Mexican Restaurant in OB to close June 7,” Peninsula Beacon. Melville’s awards were: First place: Non-daily newspapers, Headlines, Beach & Bay Press.
First: Non-daily newspapers, travel-international – “Dia de los Muertos brings Mexico City back to life,” San Diego Community Newspaper Group.
First: Photography feature, serious subject – “Home for the Holidays,” Peninsula Beacon.
Second: Photography feature, light subject – “Go with the flow,” Peninsula Beacon.
Second: Photography, news – “King Tides make a splash,” Peninsula Beacon.
Third: Non-daily newspapers feature, light subject – “Slick party at Sunset Cliffs,” Peninsula Beacon.