Index-Tribune sets record with 21 California Journalism Awards

Every year, the California Journalism Awards invites hundreds of newspapers in the state, from small weeklies like the Index-Tribune to major dailies like the Los Angeles Times, to submit their best work from the prior year. In the 2021 contest, the Index-Tribune was awarded 21 honors, including first place for Wildfire Feature Coverage, Editorial Comment, Sports Feature Photo and News Photo.

“We don’t do this important work for the recognition, of course,” Index-Tribune editor and publisher Emily Charrier said. “But with a small staff who works incredibly hard on every story and photo, it is always exciting when we can be honored by our peers as one of the best newspapers in California.”

Hosted by the California News Publishers Association, entries are judged by journalists across the state, as well as experts in the field from around the country. The contest is categorized based on a newspaper’s circulation and whether it is weekly or daily, which put the Index-Tribune in the 4,301-11,000 weekly division.

“With 11 awards, including four out of the five presented for News Photo, it was an especially good year for photography,” said Charrier, who was recently voted chair of the California News Publishers Association’s board of directors. “Our longtime photographer Robbi Pengelly is the gem that keeps giving, having spent decades shooting the people and places of Sonoma Valley.”

First place

Wildfire Feature Coverage: “60 Seconds to launch,” by Chase Hunter

Talk about right place at the right time, new reporter Chase Hunter was on a general ride-along with the Sonoma Valley Fire Department the day the Valley’s biggest fire of 2021 happened to break out. The up-to-the-moment coverage impressed the judges, as did the strong use of quotes (“At least I had a chance to shower”).

Editorial Comment: “Pandemic has fueled some unhealthy habits,” by Emily Charrier

The Index-Tribune’s coverage of the stark rise in opioid deaths in Sonoma Valley fueled this piece on pandemic coping mechanisms.

News Photo: “First Shot,” by Robbi Pengelly

It was the face Manuel Ramora Ramirez made while receiving his first COVID vaccine shot at La Luz that impressed the judges. “I like to think the [photographer] meant to juxtapose that smiling mug on the back wall with the grimace on the guy’s face,” the judge wrote.

Sports Feature Photo: “Track Painting,” by Robbi Pengelly

The annual painting of the track at Sonoma Raceway before the NASCAR races is always a visual feast.

Second place

Wildfire Feature Coverage: “Unsheltered, fires and public space,” by Chase Hunter

When homeless campers were moved off the Montini Preserve due to fire danger, the Index-Tribune asked, “Where do they go next?”

Sports Action Photo: “Jump Shot,” by Robbi Pengelly

The action in Pfeiffer Gym rarely disappoints, especially during this shot in action between the Sonoma Dragons and Napa Grizzlies.

Profile Story: “Finding the roots in Maria Colin’s art,” by Chase Hunter

While homeless and housing insecure, this Sonoma Valley resident created an outlet via her electric art.

Land-Use reporting: “Pacaso in Sonoma,” by Index-Tribune staff

Pacaso’s fractional timeshare model has been of concern to many communities across Wine Country, including the residents on Old Winery Court.

Third place

Sports Action Photo: “Under the Lights,” by Robbi Pengelly

When it’s time for wrestling season, the lights go down, making for a stunning visual.

Artistic Photo: “Vineyard,” by Robbi Pengelly

It’s easy to marvel at the beauty of Sonoma’s vineyard just as the fall sets in.

News Photo: “Wayward balloon,” by Robbi Pengelly

Now commonplace in Sonoma, a misdirected hot air balloon delighted judges.

News Photo: “At risk for eviction,” by Robbi Pengelly

“It’s all in the eyes,” judges noted of the tears that welled in Barbie Hoffmann’s eyes as she packed up her home of 25 years.

Feature Story: “At risk for eviction,” by Chase Hunter

After losing her business in the pandemic and her husband unexpectedly, Barbie Hoffmann found herself packing up a lifetime of memories when she could no longer afford her home.

Artistic Photo: “Halloween,” by Robbi Pengelly

The witches and goblins returned to the Plaza this Halloween, bringing beauty and whimsy for a photographer’s lens.

In-Depth Reporting: “Opioids in Wine Country,” by Chase Hunter

In this enterprise series, the Index-Tribune explored the 100% increase in opioid deaths from 2020 to 2021, and the resources being deployed to aid those caught in the crosshairs.

General Excellence (Print), Index-Tribune staff

With creative headlines, compelling stories and unique photography, the Index-Tribune was named the fourth best newspaper of its size in the state.

Fifth place

Feature Photo: “Budbreak at Sangiacomo,” by Robbi Pengelly

The tried-and-true sign of the season always makes for a beautiful shot.

Front Page Layout and Design, Yovanna Bieberich

Our longtime page designer always puts in the extra effort to make sure the pages are visually alluring in addition to being packed with information.

Artistic Photo: “Maureen in Mustard,” by Robbi Pengelly

When Maureen Cottingham stepped down from her role as director of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance, she picked the perfect color to wear.

News photo: “Collision,” by Robbi Pengelly

Judges noted the strong use of composition and lighting in this unfortunate accident.

General Excellence (Digital), Index-Tribune staff

Presented for web presence, including dynamic content and design, this honor shows that the Index-Tribune is a digital leader in the industry.

(Find links to all the award winners at sonomanews.com)