Three San Diego Community Newspaper Group writers have been recognized for excellence by the San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
The SPJ 2007 Journalism Awards were presented June 28 at the Bali Hai restaurant on Shelter Island. A total of 687 contest entries were judged by the SPJ Greater Oregon Pro Chapter and the SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter.
Former La Jolla Village News reporter Adriane Tillman won first place in the science/technology category, nondaily newspapers, for her story “SIO scientists spill their ‘Truth’.” In giving this story the top award, judges said, “What a terrific way to localize a story that has received so much national and international attention. The approach ” having leading scientists in climate change weigh in on Al Gore’s controversial documentary ” was executed masterfully and thoughtfully. A very interesting and well-written piece.”
Tillman is currently reporting for a community weekly in Westchester, New York, about 40 miles outside New York City.
SDCNG free-lance writer Nicole Sours Larson won a first-place award in the political/government category, non-daily newspapers, for her probe into questionable security practices during last year’s election, “County voting machines entrusted to minors.” The story was written for the Peninsula Beacon and published in all SDSCNG papers. In their comments, judges said, “Wow. Great reporter’s instinct in a new twist to the possible problems of electronic voting machines. Great job in exposing that this is being done, and exploring why this is being done.”
Longtime La Jolla Village News arts critic Charlene Baldridge was also recognized for her outstanding work. Her “La Jolla Playhouse premieres stirring, haunting ‘Zhivago'” won honorable mention in the competitive review/criticism category, nondaily newspapers.
All of us at SDCNG are very proud of these writers, along with all the other staff members who help bring our community newspapers to you, the readers, each week.