Each year, our intrepid “little” magazine competes against news publications of similar circulation sizes throughout the state in the California News Publishers Association’s California Journalism Awards. Our editorial and production team picks our favorite articles, photos and print layouts to submit in a multitude of categories.
As in years past, Comstock’s was well represented among the 2025 winners, earning four first-place, five second-place, three third-place, two fourth-place and two fifth-place awards, including best reporting on food, agriculture, fine arts and profiles.
We’d like to thank you, our readers and subscribers, for inspiring us to do our best work covering business trends, communities and life in the Capital Region. If you’d like to support this locally owned and operated magazine, now in its 37th year, please consider subscribing to our print edition and weekly newsletter (which won a second-place award!)
One more thing: Is there a recent Comstock’s story you think deserves recognition? Let us know at dmorlan@comstocksmag.com. We’ll appreciate your input when submission time comes around for the 2026 awards.
– Dakota Morlan, managing editor
Here are Comstock’s winning stories from the 2025 California Journalism Awards:
First place in agricultural reporting: “The Central Valley Tradition of Cattle Ranching Faces an Uncertain Future“ by Brad Branan
Longtime Comstock’s contributor Brad Branan also took the photos for his feature story about what three Central Valley ranchers have done to stay in ranching and why they continue to work in such a demanding industry.
First place in fine arts writing and reporting: “The California Modernist Dream Is Alive in Sacramento’s Newest Historic District” by Kendall Morlan
Fans of Midcentury Modern architecture drooled over Kendall Morlan’s Unlisted series profile of an emblematic Eichler home, part of a community in South Land Park that recently gained historic district status. Francisco Chavira took the photos.
First place in food writing and reporting: “Behind the Doors of Sacramento’s Small Food Factories“ by Becky Grunewald
From Corti Brothers’ ravioli to Kobasic’s Candies, this mouthwatering Taste series survey of Sacramento’s beloved small food factories charmed readers (and the judges). The photos were taken by Gabriel Teague.
First place in profile stories: “Fritz Grupe: At 87, He’s a Real-Life Western Legend“ by Ed Goldman
Part of Comstock’s Icon series, Fritz Grupe — the celebrated developer, rancher, farmer, winegrower, Western art collector, humanitarian and champion carriage racer — was vividly profiled by longtime contributor Ed Goldman. Bea Ahbeck snapped his portrait in his 11,000-square-foot cabin-mansion, or … cansion?
Second place in general excellence: Comstock’s magazine
Following a three-year winning streak in this category, we’re still honored by the second-place award. This award is shared by Editor Judy Farah, Web Editor Jennifer Fergesen, Managing Editor Dakota Morlan, Art Director Ruvi Palafox, Editorial Designer Kelsey Perez and the many contributors who make Comstock’s excellent.
Second place in illustrations: “An Employee Accidentally Shared an Email With Sensitive Data. How Can We Know It Won’t Happen Again?“ by Jack Ohman
In recent years, Suzanne Lucas’ wildly popular Evil HR Lady column has been elevated by the hyperbolic imaginings of Pulitzer Prize-winning illustrator Jack Ohman. This poor woman’s attempt to wrangle a winged email back into her computer had us giggling. Ohman also received a fifth-place recognition for another Evil HR illustration, this one depicting the creepy-crawlies that might surround someone who doesn’t wash his hands after using the restroom.
Second place in coverage of business and the economy: “The Industry Is Struggling, but Regional Vintners Think Wine Can Still Win“ by Scott Thomas Anderson
Has the California wine bubble burst? Scott Thomas Anderson, longtime contributor and new editor of The Appeal Democrat, posed the question to local winegrape farmers and vintners after three years of negative sales. Photos were taken by Rachel Valley.
Second place in print inside page layout and design: Comstock’s 2025 Women in Leadership by Ruvi Palafox
Art Director Ruvi Palafox’s vividly sleek layout has our 2025 Women in Leadership popping off the page. Francisco Chavira took the photos.
Second place in newsletters: Comstock’s Weekly Headlines Newsletter by Dakota Morlan
The distinction suggests you might be missing out if you’re not subscribed to our newsletter, which keeps you up to date on the latest Capital Region business insights. Plus, some tips from the editors.
Third place in print front page layout and design: Comstock’s Covers by Ruvi Palafox
This award was for three of our favorite covers in 2025. Designed by Art Director Ruvi Palafox and photographed by Francisco Chavira, this cover features the kaleidoscopic colors of compacted aluminum cans behind three generations of men, part of the October Family Business issue.
Third place in writing: “Research Suggests That This Strong Emotion Can Be Harnessed to Improve Mental Health“ by Jennifer Fergesen
Web Editor Jennifer Fergesen wrote this well-researched and whimsical piece about finding awe in the everyday. Melinda Arendt created the illustration.
Third place in print inside page layout and design: “Excitement in Sacramento as the A’s Take the Field at Sutter Health Park“ by Ruvi Palafox
Another win for Art Director Ruvi Palafox, whose design showcases the much-anticipated A’s debut at Sutter Health Park, which longtime contributor Steve Martarano wrote about and photographed.
Fourth place for coverage of youth and education: “Sacramento-Area Schools are Still Grappling With Academic and Social Recovery From the COVID-19 Pandemic“ by Graham Womack
Part of Comstock’s special report on education, this feature story checked in on students and schools still dealing with the repercussions of COVID-19 lockdowns that began nearly half a decade earlier.
Fourth place for feature photo: Agustín Arteaga by Francisco Chavira
Talented photographer Francisco Chavira, who has taken home CNPA awards every year since he began contributing to Comstock’s, set Crocker Art Museum CEO Agustín Arteaga against a backdrop of one of the priceless paintings under his purview.
Fifth place for transportation reporting: “The Future Of Electric Vehicles Is Taking Shape in Sacramento“ by James Stout
James Stout continues his streak of wins in the transportation category streak with this feature on electrified vehicles in the Capital Region. His reporting involved taking an electric bike ride with the global media director of Stark Future — all in a day’s work.
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