We’re proud to share that Boyle Heights Beat is nominated for four Southern California Journalism Awards presented by the Los Angeles Press Club, recognizing our work published during the 2024 calendar year.

The nominations, announced this week in categories ranging from public service to feature writing, underscore our team’s deep commitment to community-centered journalism. Founded in 2010, Boyle Heights Beat is part of The L.A. Local News Initiative, a pioneering coalition of philanthropy, media, and community organizations working together to ensure Angelenos have access to the news they need.

Among the finalists:

Reporter Andrew Lopez was nominated in the “Personality Profile” category for “The fall of José Huízar: How an Eastside hero rose to the top and how it all came crashing down,” an unflinching portrait of the former councilmember and what his legacy means for Boyle Heights.

Reporter Alejandra Molina was also recognized in the “Personality Profile” category for “Boyle Heights and Latinos play a central role in Ysabel Jurado’s bid to unseat Kevin de León,” which captures the stakes and shifting power dynamics of a key City Council race.

Youth reporter Sofia Peña is a finalist in the “Best Feature Writing, Off-Campus Issues” category for “For Boyle Heights’ mostly Latino residents, Rissho Kosei-kai offers exposure to Buddhism,” a moving look at cross-cultural spiritual connection in a predominantly Latino neighborhood.

Senior Editor Jessica Perez received recognition in the “Public Service” category for “We asked CD 14 residents what they wanted from their next leader. Here’s what they said,” a project grounded in the voices and hopes of local residents at a pivotal political moment.

In addition, Boyle Heights Beat is a proud publishing partner for a fifth nomination: an election overview by Cal State L.A.’s UT Community News, in partnership with CALÓ News and Boyle Heights Beat.

The L.A. Press Club honors will be awarded on June 22 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A.

For a full list of nominees, visit lapressclub.org.