A. JOURNALISTS OF THE YEAR A1. PRINT (Over 50,000 circulations) Patrick Range McDonald, LA Weekly Comments: "Range" is an appropriate middle name. What incredibly detailed reporting on a variety of complicated topics. What an ability to make us feel as if we know the players. What skill in explaining messy situations. The very essence of solid journalism. 2nd place: David Evans, Bloomberg Markets, "Duping the Families of Fallen Soldiers" HM: Mariel Garza, Los Angeles Daily News Editorials A2. PRINT (Under 50,000 circulation) Radley Balko, Reason Magazine Comment: ―Radley Balko is one of those throw-back journalists that understands the power of groundbreaking reporting and how to make a significant impact through his work. Time and time again, his stories cause readers to stop, think, and most significantly, take action. Congratulations!‖ 2nd Place: Dan Evans, Glendale News-Press HM: Ryan Vaillancourt, Los Angeles Downtown News A3. TELEVISION JOURNALIST Ana Garcia and Fred Mamoun, KNBC-TV Garcia and Mamoun shoot, write and edit compelling stories. One of their strengths as a team is the obvious respect for their subjects, and the ability through contacts in the community to land exclusive interviews and opportunities. They are strong storytellers and the pieces move! 2nd Place: Antonio Valverde, Univision Valverde has a wide range as a journalist. He is able to work with various segments of the community to tell compelling stories. He has political acumen and can accurately and fairly tell stories, while also reaching out to the disenfranchised to share their stories of life in L.A. A4. RADIO JOURNALIST Susan Valot, KPCC Comments: Well-rounded reports with authoritative, informed tone. Great use of sound. Valot‘s work is some of the best we‘ve heard. 2nd Place: Brian Watt: KPCC HM: Kitty Felde: KPCC A5. ONLINE JOURNALIST Daniel Heimpel, FosteringMediaConnections.org 2nd Place: Chris Hedges, Truthdig.com HM: Robert Scheer, Truthdig.com A6. SPORTS JOURNALIST N/A A7. ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST Kim Masters, KCRW-FM Radio Comments: Nice voice in both senses of the word, along with substantive content. Covering a story about outed CIA agent Valerie Plame, she tracked down Plame to comment on her portrayal, rather than just talking to the actress. She also gave a lot of information on entertainment agents that broadened the picture the public was likely to have of that occupation. 2nd Place: Tara Wallis-Finestone, NBC LA HM: George Pennacchio, KABC-TV A8. PHOTO JOURNALIST Rick Loomis, Los Angeles Times A9. DESIGNER N/A B. DAILY/WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS Over 50,000 circulations – including news bureaus and correspondents B1. HARD NEWS Tracy Manzer and Sarah Peters, Long Beach Press-Telegram, "Heroes foil bank heist" Comments: The writing was appropriately-paced for the category and the story content. I enjoyed the writers' use of sensory details and factual information, presented with a slightly humorous/sarcastic tone that made this piece fun to read. B2. NEWS FEATURE Patrick Range McDonald, LA Weekly, ―The Parent Trigger‖. Comments: Documents a groundswell of democracy while explaining a new law through a real-world prism. Powerful. Incredibly well-sourced and informative, yet provides a human touch. The story of poor minorities trying to make a change documented how the masses can move the establishment. Inspiring to others, this story shows what newspaper do like no other. Bravo. 2nd Place: Thomas Curven, Los Angeles Times, ―Walking Away from Grief‖ HM: Kristopher Hanson, Long Beach Press-Telegram, ―Dangers Close to Home‖ B3. PERSONALITY PROFILE Steve Friess, LA Weekly, ―A Tragic Love Story‖ 2nd Place: Charlotte Hsu, LA Weekly, ―Forever Scared — The Story of Herman Atkins‖ HM: Karen Robes Meeks, Long Beach Press-Telegram, ―Murchison: A Portrait of a Long Beach Lobbyist‖ B4. INVESTIGATIVE/SERIES David Evans, Bloomberg News, "Fallen Soldiers' Families Denied Cash Payout as Insurers Profit" Comments: These articles are the soul of great investigative journalism, uncovering a shocking system whereby the families of slain soldiers are tricked about benefits, and where shameless insurance companies reap big profits at the expense of those families. Best of all, it led to immediate Congressional investigations and action. 2nd place: Beth Barrett, LA Weekly, "The Dance of the Lemons" HM: Monica Alonzo and Simone Wilson, LA Weekly, "Culture of Cruelty" B5. BUSINESS Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times, "California unfriendly to business? Figures say no" Comments: This is an authoritative and well-documented piece that refutes the common wisdom of California's tax structure being unfriendly to business. 2nd place: Beth Barrett, LA Weekly, "Barry Minkow 2.0" HM: Donna Howell, Investor's Business Daily,