Last night’s big winners didn’t include any surprises, but it did highlight how many talented and thought-provoking scribes we have in this fair city. Congratulations to all the winners, including:

Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times (Over 100,000 Circulation)
Judges’ comments: Healy’s work stood out for its incisive journalism, going beyond merely reporting how things are and explaining how things ought to be. She examined the forces behind the marketing of pharmaceuticals and the influences on physicians and patients.

Anat Rubin, Los Angeles Daily Journal, (Under 100,000 Circulation)
“Prosecutors Target Drugs on Skid Row.”
Judges’ comments: Rubin’s series on L.A.’s crackdown on the homeless and its “quality-of-life” crime-fighting program made for a must-read. It also provided a reality check against glowing pieces published elsewhere.

Antonio Valverde, KMEX (Television)
Judges’ comments: This was quality work from a quality journalist who is a relevant, solid storyteller.

Steven Cuevas, KPCC (Radio)
Judges’ comments: Cuevas’ work left us wanting to hear more. His story selections, audio production and delivery were strengthened by outstanding writing. All these talents woven together had the listener by his side as homeless people peeked out from a tent or a stunned homeowner sifted through the rubble of her house.

Michael Collins and Denise Anne Duffield, EnviroReporter.com, (Online)
“Schooled for Scandal”
Judges’ comments: The amount of supplementary material and the detailed analysis of supporting documents were astounding. Aided by forceful and effective writing, Collins and Duffield presented a comprehensive exploration of a local issue with national significance.

Congratulations!

Who Knew?
The Valley’s getting denser. Traffic’s getting worse. Schools, water, sewer and power systems can get over-burdened. Welcome to the new urban LA.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
The Bel Air burglaries garner yet another story. The local rumor is that at least one gang member is a resident, and not of the servant’s quarters, either.

Their Chemical Romance
CalTech entices more women, but is still tragically short of running backs.

Their Chemical Romance, part two
The Health section actually features informative, interesting pieces–all by Melissa Healy. How did this happen?