Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
At the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) San Diego Pro Chapter annual dinner and awards presentation held June 22 at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News was presented with ten awards for outstanding journalism, photography and graphic design in the non-daily category for 2005. It was the only publication (daily or non-daily) to win awards for articles pertaining specifically to the Fallbrook/Bonsall area and the greatest number of awards won in a single year by the community newspaper.
In the category of Education, the Village News swept all prize levels — first, second and honorable mention (third).
First place in Education was awarded to Lisa Harpole for “Bonsall fails second charter school,” an article produced in December 2005 that provided a deep examination into the facts, actions and politics involving the Bonsall Union School District’s decision to shut down their second charter school, Bonsall Charter Academy for Learning (BCAL). The article detailed the frustrating plight of the embattled students and parents as well as the district’s financial disclosures.
“$1 million still needed for FHS athletic facilities,” written by Sarah Bates in November of 2005, garnered second place in the Education category at the SPJ awards. An unvarnished look at the woeful state of Fallbrook High School’s athletic facilities, the article keenly described how refurbishment and upgrades are needed at the site. The article included the district’s ongoing struggle to raise the needed funds for the project to augment state funds and developer fees that can be used.
Third place (honorable mention) in Education was awarded to Ron Jonason for “Rosie the Riveter,” published in May 2005. This interesting piece gives readers a close-up look at the exhibit featuring Rosie the Riveter, displayed in the California State History Museum’s section honoring California’s Remarkable Women. Featuring a question and answer segment with Fallbrook resident and museum curator Faye Jonason, the live model used to make a full body cast for the exhibit, the article discusses both the capable and determined women who contributed to the success of the United States during World War II and the casting process itself of the museum model.
The Village News brought home both second and third place (honorable mention) in the Sports category, with articles written by Joe Naiman.
Naiman took second place for “Boxer, bodyguard to stars now lives in Fallbrook.” This story details the life and times of Fallbrook resident Joey Barnum, known for his remarkable boxing career and bodyguard service to some of Hollywood’s biggest starts. The article discloses interesting facts including Barnum’s father’s employment by Al Capone and how he himself started off in a life of crime before turning his life around. It is an interesting and informative read, generously garnished with eye-opening highlights.
“Faster than a speeding bullet?” (September 2005) by Naiman took third place in the Sports category and deftly follows the athletic accomplishments of a Fallbrook dachshund, Truffles Reed, in the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals. The story details the competition between the dachshunds and provides insight into this unique event.
In the Breaking News category, “Troubled waters persist at Rainbow Water District,” (September 2005) a disturbing, factual look into the turbulence within Rainbow Municipal Water District, written by Lisa Harpole, won second place. This story investigates the question circulating amongst community members regarding the safety of drinking water within the district, based on the citations issued by the California Department of Health Services and the frequency in which the leadership of the district has changed.
Receiving third place (honorable mention) for Columns was Nathalie Taylor for her descriptive and informative “Dining Out” articles. Recognized for three specific examples, “Yama Restaurant and Sushi Bar — a taste of Japan” (January 2005), “‘Midsommer’ in Sweden means savory delights” (July 2005) and “Greek Oasis — an exotic harmony of cuisine and entertainment” (September 2005), Taylor takes readers on a fabulous journey through a wide variety of international cuisine with expertise and flair.
In the Multi-Cultural Stories or Series category, “Latinos comprise 30 percent of Fallbrook’s population” took third place honors. A collaborative effort between writers Debbie Ramsey and Sarah Bates, photojournalists Fred Chase and Ron Jonason and Spanish/English translator Sayra Cisneros, this article addresses the increasing Latino population in Fallbrook and resulting changes in education, healthcare and business enterprises to meet the growing need of this segment of the population. The effects on crime and tourism are discussed and anticipated increases in the Latino population are projected.
“Fallbrook Garden Club: 75 years strong” (September 2005), written by Sarah Bates with graphic design by Karina Ramos, earned third place (honorable mention) in the Features sector of the SPJ competition. A detailed, expansive feature that chronicles the Fallbrook Garden Club from the Dust Bowl of the 1930s to current-day 2005, this piece tells the historical story of this organization that began with humble roots, persisted through World War II, flourished with expansion as the years passed and continues to make notable contributions to this community.
Winning third place in Feature Photos was Ron Jonason for his “Getting ‘Gussied Up’ for a Hot Summer Night” , a photo that showed a woman applying lipstick and using the side mirror on a vintage vehicle to aid her in the process. This artsy photo is a perfect example of lighthearted summer fun in the Friendly Village.
Including the ten awards presented for 2005, the Village News has received 37 journalism awards from the Society of Professional Journalists since 1999.
Guest speaker for this year’s event was San Francisco Chronicle investigative reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada, who along with colleague Lance Williams, recently published “Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports.” Fainaru-Wada and Williams began investigating the BALCO steroids case almost three years ago and their reporting has led to numerous national honors.
Editor’s Note: To read or re-read any of the Village News’ award-winning stories for 2005, go to http://www.myvillagenews.com and click on “award-winning stories.”
See Award Winning Stories:
Bonsall fails second charter school
$1 million still needed for FHS athletic facilities
Boxer, bodyguard to stars now lives in Fallbrook
Faster than a speeding bullet?
Troubled waters persist at Rainbow Water District
Yama Restaurant and Sushi Bar -- a taste of Japan
Midsommer' in the Sweden means savory delights
Greek Oasis -- an exotic harmony of cuisine and entertainment
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