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Voice of OC brought home a record 34 awards at this year’s California Journalism Awards, held last month in Los Angeles winning nine first place awards in categories ranging from Religion, to Photo Essay, to Breaking News, the Environment and Homelessness.
In addition to the awards gala, the California News Publishers Association hosted a mini conference featuring the nominees. County Reporter Noah Biesiada was on a panel called, “Investigative Reporting: Taking Big Swings and Getting Buy In.” Biesiada’s series, “Attacked at Work” was highlighted alongside work from Cal Matters, the LA Times and the Monterey County Weekly.
Director of Photography Julie Leopo received First Place for her Photo Essay, “‘Becoming a Civilian Again,’ Veterans Use Equine Training to Combat Mental Stress.”
“Photos had a clear focused topic and told a story with a solid mix of portrait and live images,” wrote one judge. “Excellent design and use of photography! Right number of images, not too many and plenty of variety. Well photo edited. A clear standout for 1st place.”
Team coverage was recognized with multiple first place wins including:
- Breaking News – the entire news team worked together to cover former Anaheim Mayor Sidhu’s guilty plea
- Environment Reporting – Noah Biesiada, Spencer Custodio and Norberto Santana were recognized alongside Chapman University student journalists Vivieene Ayers and Sara Bass for their work on the fallout from the Tustin Hanger Fire.
- Housing and Land Use Reporting – Hosam Elattar and Noah Biesiada’s work on the city of Orange’s attempt to sidestep Sacramento’s housing laws.
- Coverage of Local Government – Hosam Elattar, Noah Biesiada, Spencer Custodio, and Brandon Pho’s deep dive into the Anaheim Corruption Probe investigation also received a first-place nod.
- Enterprise News Story or Series – Noah Biesiada and Norberto Santana teamed up to cover the breaking news story of Tustin’s Historic Navy Hangar Fire and the effects of the toxic ash on the surrounding community.
- Homelessness Reporting – Noah Biesiada was recognized for his story bringing to light the treatment of the homeless in advance of a surfing competition in San Clemente.
- Photo Story/ Essay – Julie Leopo won for her work, ‘Becoming a Civilian Again,’ Veterans Use Equine Training to Combat Mental Stress which highlighted a unique therapy program for veterans offered at the Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano.
Hosam Elattar also swept the Religion and Faith Writing category winning first, second and fourth place for his stories Orange County Celebrates Islamic New Year with Julie Leopo; This Ramadan, Meet Five of the Newest Members of OC’s Muslim Community; and OC Jewish Community Celebrates Hanukkah: a Festival of Lights with Erika Taylor.
“Great local reporting on efforts to bring awareness to Islamic traditions. Felt like I was there. Stunning photos,” wrote the judge about Elarrar’s Islamic New Year story.
The judge also wrote praise for Elattar’s Ramadan story too,, “I loved how distinctly local this felt. What a cool idea to feature recent converts to Islam. Enjoyed meeting the new faces.”
For the complete list of CNPA winners, click here.
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