The Los Angeles Press Club recognized Alta Journal with a total of 16 wins for first, second, and third places at its 65th annual Southern California Journalism Awards. The event, held in the ballroom of L.A.’s historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel, honored media outlets, writers, photographers, and illustrators for editorial excellence throughout the 2022 calendar year.

First-place winners include California Book Club host John Freeman for his book criticism work in Alta. “John Freeman’s beautifully written reviews are not mere criticisms,” LAPC judges wrote. “He delves deep into an author’s motivation and a book’s history, bringing more context to the subjects at hand.”

Justin Chapman’s “Welcome to Slowjamastan,” a look at the creation of a micronation in a California desert, won top honors in the Feature Music/Arts, over 1,000 Words category. Judges found this entry to be “an informative and fun exploration of micronations setting the right tone of seriousness and absurdity.”

Alta contributor Sam Wasson’s “The Man That Got Away” took top honors in two categories: Gender and Society and Personality Profile, Film Personalities. Judges described Wasson’s feature as a “heartfelt and breathless ode to a fascinating man who truly embodied a showbiz icon, communicated with care and admiration.”

Mark Smith’s powerful work on the cold case article “She Has a Name” won first place for Illustration. “Compelling, profound and powerful imagery,” remarked the judges. “The view from above brings the viewer right into the scene.”

Alta creative director John Goecke won Best Issue for his work on Issue 20: Bookstores of the West. Said the judges, “From front cover to back, Alta Journal is a treat for the eyes and the brain. This issue in particular boasts an especially creative cover; terrific photography, page design and illustrations; as well as in-depth and thought-provoking articles.”

Alta’s second-place winners:

Cover Art: John Goecke for Issue 21: Made in California
Graphic: Matt Twombly for “They Build Rockets Here”
Photo Essay (Single Topic) Culture/Entertainment: Gordon Wiltsie for “California Is Hog Wild”
Criticism of Art/Architecture/Design: Joseph Giovannini
Feature Music/Arts, over 1,000 Words: Adam Fisher for “Evel Knievel, Astronaut”

Alta’s third-place winners:

Illustration: Victor Juhasz for “My Chicano Heart”
Commentary/Analysis of Film: Monica Corcoran Harel for “Acting Your Age”
Technology Reporting: Ajay Orona for “A Rat-Filled Casino”
Science Reporting: Lydia Lee for “Olympian Dreams”
Criticism of Books: David L. Ulin

“We’re so pleased to see the work of Alta’s writers, photographers, illustrators, and designers recognized across so many categories,” said Alta editorial director Blaise Zerega. “It speaks to the breadth of our coverage and excellence of our contributors. Congratulations to all the winners!”

Check out Alta’s roundup of our 29 nominations for this year’s LAPC Southern California Journalism Awards. The list of winners from all media outlets can be found on the LAPC’s website.•