Streetsblog, Santa Monica Next, and LongBeachize Have a Dozen Finalists for L.A. Press Club Awards

It is awards season for journalism in Southern California, and the recent announcement of finalists for the 58th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards gives us a chance to pat ourselves on the back as we celebrate some excellent work by the Southern California Streets Initiative team.

There were over 1,000 submissions in various categories, and we are thrilled to announce that between LongBeachize, Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog CA, and Streetsblog L.A., our publications, writers and photographers have over a dozen entries listed as finalists, a new record for SCSI.

Before we go on, let this serve as a quick reminder that award-winning, independent journalism isn't free. All of those on our team are professional writers and photographers, and we need your support to keep going. You can always donate online by clicking here.

The "Best Blog" category has only been around for two years. Under the leadership of Joe Linton, Streetsblog L.A. has won this award for both years. We hope that this year is no different, as Streetsblog is one of the finalists for the award. Also competing in the category are two blogs from the Hollywood Reporter and the excellent TruthDig.

Last year, Brian Addison was named the "best online journalist" in Southern California for his work at the Long Beach Post and LongBeachize. This year, we're hoping that Damien Newton, who is a finalist in that category, can keep that streak going. Streetsblog L.A. communities editor Sahra Sulaiman received 2nd place in this category two years ago.

Addison, Newton, and Sulaiman have each been singled out for individual awards across the online and photography sections.

A list of all SCSI's finalists can be found after the jump. A nearly complete list of finalists in all categories can be found at the L.A. Press Club website. LongBeachize has more coverage here.

Best Blog
Streetsblog Los Angeles

Best Online Journalist
Damien Newton

Best News Photo
Sahra Sulaiman, Streetsblog L.A.
“Dana Gilbert Returns to Ask for Promised Jobs"

Best Photo Essay
Brian Addison, LongBeachize
“Addressing Homelessness in Long Beach (and It Starts with Your Assumptions)” 

Online - Hard News
Damien Newton, Santa Monica Next
"Step Forward or Backing Down? Council Debates Airport Plan"