Southern California News Group celebrated two of its own journalists Wednesday evening, Oct. 22, when they were honored for their contributions to the industry by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Greater Los Angeles Chapter.
Mark Acosta, a metro editor who helps oversee coverage for The Press-Enterprise and SCNG’s Inland-area editions, and Larry Maestas, the managing editor in charge of SCNG’s design center, were among four other professional and two student journalists recognized Wednesday in Burbank at the chapter’s 49th annual Distinguished Journalist Awards banquet.
“We’re very grateful to SPJ for recognizing the achievements of Mark and Larry, both of whom have honed their craft over many decades,” said Frank Pine, executive editor of SCNG. “These are talented, committed journalists who inspire our teams and serve our readers with passion, commitment and conviction.”
Acosta, who started as an intern at The Press-Enterprise in 1990 and was hired full time the following year, told the audience Wednesday evening that journalism is a team sport, and thanked his colleagues for their support.
“I just want to credit all of the people I’ve worked with,” Acosta said. “My dad used to say no coach, no manager throws a pitch, throws the football. It’s other people that do that, so thank you all.”
Acosta said after the ceremony he was humbled to be among those honored, and inspired by his fellow honorees.
“The work we do is a calling to serve the reader and the community,” Acosta said. “Events like last night’s make me eager to get back to work. Every day is a unique challenge. And all these years later, every day is still a pleasure.”
Maestas, who wrote his first high school newspaper article in 1976, has worked as a reporter and editor at publications across Southern California. In 2020, he was named senior editor and managing editor of the SCNG design center.
“I’m a small town guy from Barstow … and SPJLA, my colleagues have decided I was worth this honor and I appreciate it,” Maestas said Wednesday evening, giving special thanks to his family for their support.
“And I know you have that same support or else you wouldn’t be able to do your job,” Maestas told the 100-plus journalists in attendance. “It’s amazing what the families have to go through so we can live our dream.”
SPJLA also recognized Joanne Griffith, the chief content officer of Marketplace; Lolita Lopez, an investigative reporter and anchor for NBC4; Teresa Watanabe, a former Los Angeles Times reporter; and Diana Martinez, the editor of the San Fernando Valley Sun and owner of the LA Media Group. Student journalists Delilah Brumer, a junior transfer at UCLA, and UCLA graduate Lex Wang were also honored.
John F. Szabo, the city librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, was named the Freedom of Information award winner.