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CalMatters journalists were honored for reporting on immigration and the border and, investigative reporting in the Best of the West awards.
The contest recognizes journalism excellence in 14 western states, with about 1,100 annual entries.
Immigration and Border Reporting, First Place
CalMatters reporters Sergio Olmos and Wendy Fry, along with our partners on the project Evident Media and Bellingcat, won first place. The team won for the investigation and mini-documentary, ”Border Patrol said it targeted known criminals in Kern County. But it had no record on 77 of 78 arrestees.”
The judge said: “Extensive public records work, on-the-ground reporting, open-source investigation using social media videos, and an interview with (Border Patrol leader Gregory) Bovino exposed the truth behind Border Patrol’s Jan. 7 raid on Kern County farm workers … The investigation was rigorous and timely. The videos were captivating.”
Congratulations to the other finalists, Yesenia Amaro of The Oregonian in second place for “Immigration in Oregon” and Nina Shapiro of Seattle Times in third place for “Northwest immigration reporting.”
Investigative Reporting, 2nd Place
CalMatters’ reporters Robert Lewis and Lauren Hepler, won second place for “License to Kill.”
The judge said: “An incredible investigation that used deep data analysis and powerful reporting to reveal how the California Department of Motor Vehicles routinely allows drivers with horrifying histories of dangerous driving, including DUIs, crashes and numerous tickets to continue to operate on our roadways, often with deadly consequences.”
Congratulations to the other finalists, Cynthia Dizikes and Joaquin Palomino of the San Francisco Chronicle in first place for “Failed to death,” and Kyle Hopkins and Marc Lester of Anchorage Daily News in third place for “Slow Justice.”
