Pomerado Newspapers wins nine SPJ awards

Pomerado Newspapers won nine awards in the 2016 San Diego Society of Professional Journalists competition.

The winners in daily and non-daily reporting and writing (newspapers and magazines), audio, online, video and college media, plus several special awards, were announced on July 21 during the organization’s annual awards banquet, held at the Kona Kai Resort & Spa on Shelter Island.

Eight of Pomerado Newspapers’ awards were in the non-daily reporting and writing division.

Rancho Bernardo News Journal reporter Elizabeth Marie Himchak won five awards. They were:

• First place in education for “Turtleback’s Bucketfillers get a new perspective by feeding the homeless.”

• Second place in news or feature series for “Drought alert.”

• Second place in review/criticism for “Rep’s new offering raises issues.”

• Third place in non-deadline news story for “Land lease fee halts 4S Ranch Library expansion” and

• Third place in review/criticism for “‘Singin’ in the Rain’ making splash through June 7 at Spreckels.”

Pomerado Newspapers sports editor Michael Bower won two awards. They were:

• First place in sports story for “PHS grad achieved dream without inking scholarship” and

• Third place for “‘Miracle baby’ living a dream.”

Pomerado Newspapers editor Steve Dreyer received second place in opinion/editorial for “Blooming PUSD recall should be nipped in bud.”

In the all media photography division freelance photographer Criselda Yee received third place in news photo for “Family, friends celebrate Bob Emery’s life.”

A list of all the 2016 awards can be viewed at tinyurl.com/SD-SPJ16.