SLO Tribune wins top honor at California Journalism Awards for third straight year
The Tribune was named the best news organization of its size in the state for the third straight year at the 2024 California Journalism Awards.
The Tribune won the award for general excellence in Division 3 at the California News Publishers Association’s annual gala on Saturday night in Los Angeles.
It was the top award and one of 34 The Tribune won overall across a wide range of categories including public service, investigative reporting, photography and visual journalism, environmental and health reporting, and others.
Among the awards were seven first place, seven second and seven third.
“These awards are recognition of a year’s worth of tireless work by our newsroom of reporters, editors and visual journalists, who are committed to telling the stories of San Luis Obispo County with honor and integrity every day,” said Tribune editor Joe Tarica, who attended the ceremony with reporter Chloe Jones. “I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts, their passion for local journalism and their dedication to the truth, keeping you informed about the most important news in your community.”
Ahead of the awards, Jones also served as a panelist on a session about investigative journalism, to discuss The Tribune’s reporting on the public records case in Paso Robles involving City Councilmember Chris Bausch.
The Tribune also won general excellence in 2022 and 2023 and has won the top award five out of the last seven years, in 2018 and 2019 as well.
The Los Angeles Times won general excellence for Division 1 and the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat for Division 2.
Here’s a full breakdown of The Tribune’s awards:
First place
Enterprise reporting: Chloe Jones and David Middlecamp, ”Thomas Jodry fell from a SLO parking garage 5 years ago. Where does his case stand?”
Environment reporting: Mackenzie Shuman, Joan Lynch and David Middlecamp, ”Eroding bluffs could send SLO County homes tumbling into the ocean. What can be done?”
Fine arts reporting: Stephanie Zappelli and Laura Dickinson, ”How a SLO drag king put self-expression center stage. ‘Drag can be so many things’”
Photojournalism: David Middlecamp and Laura Dickinson, “The Tribune wins 2024 photojournalism award”
Video journalism, news: David Middlecamp, “See drone video of eroding bluffs in Pismo Beach”
Artistic photo: David Middlecamp, “Morning fog over Bishop Peak”
Community focus award: Chloe Shrager, Stephanie Zappelli, Stephanie Finucane and Joe Tarica, coverage of the LGBTQ community at the Board of Supervisors
Second place
Transportation reporting: Hannah Poukish, “Where are SLO County’s deadliest roads? These 3 areas have the most fatal crashes”
Coverage of local election: Chloe Shrager, “2 church groups sent political questionnaires to SLO County candidates. Are they legal?”
Environment reporting: Stephanie Zappelli and David Middlecamp, “Ranch the size of San Francisco preserved forever in eastern SLO County”
Writing: Stephanie Zappelli, “Ranch the size of San Francisco preserved forever in eastern SLO County”
Sports feature story: Matthew Ho, ”Who will ref the games? High school sports in SLO County face ‘dire situation’”
Video journalism, other: David Middlecamp, “Coach teaches pickleball to inmates at SLO prison. ‘It’s addicting’”
News photo: David Middlecamp, “Fire at Blacklake”
Third place
Public service journalism: Chloe Jones, Sadie Dittenber, Joe Tarica and Stephanie Finucane, “Paso Robles city manager files $2 million claim, alleging harassment from councilman”
Investigative reporting, Chloe Jones and Sadie Dittenber, “Paso Robles councilman, Cal Coast News reporter fabricated lies to oust city manager, couple says”
Breaking news: Staff, “Possible tornado hits SLO County, leaving trees flattened, thousands without power”
Health reporting: Kelsey Oliver and David Middlecamp, “Patients witnessed ‘erratic’ behavior from SLO doctor — one said he was sexually assaulted”
Homelessness reporting: Joan Lynch and Stephanie Zappelli, “Morro Bay has new homeless camping rules. Do they help or say ‘get the hell out of here’?”
Innovative technology award: Joe Tarica and Kaytlyn Leslie, AI mapping
Video journalism, news: David Middlecamp, “Ali’s 20,000 mile journey to United States through Amazon”
Fourth place
Writing: Kathe Tanner, “’I will die owning Eberle.’ How the godfather of Paso Robles wine made his mark on SLO County”
In-depth reporting: Chloe Jones and David Middlecamp, “SLO County gun range violated contract and owes nearly $400K, audit says. Could it close?”
Housing and land-use reporting: Stephanie Zappelli and David Middlecamp, “Would Measure A-24 block Morro Bay battery plant project? New law could leave loophole”
Local coverage of election: Chloe Shrager, “Election Reality Check: How does SLO County test and secure its Dominion voting machines?”
Photo story/essay: David Middlecamp, ”Aging on the streets”
Fifth place
Labor reporting: Matthew Ho, “Who will ref the games? High school sports in SLO County face ‘dire situation’”
Editorial comment: Stephanie Finucane, “Corruption-buster Debbie Peterson accused of bilking Grover Beach taxpayers. That’s rich | Opinion”
Health reporting: Stephanie Zappelli and Laura Dickinson, “How a SLO business owner with ‘dynamic disabilities’ uses their own struggles to help others”
Food writing/reporting: Kathe Tanner and Laura Dickinson, “SLO County cinnamon roll empire started with a simple bread mix and a little girl’s request”
Profile story: Stephanie Zappelli and Laura Dickinson, “How a SLO drag king put self-expression center stage. ‘Drag can be so many things’”
Coverage of business and the economy: Kathe Tanner and Laura Dickinson, “How this SLO lingerie shop with the quirky name thrived and adapted over 40 years”
Feature photo: David Middlecamp, “Gone with the wind”