2025 Q2 Photo Essay

Points for Q2 PPAGLA Quarterly Contest 2025

Ringo Chiu                                                                              360 points

Robert Gauthier                                                                    340 points

Gina Ferazzi                                                                            320 points 

Cristina Salvador Klenz                                                        280 points

Jill Connelly                                                                             260 points 

David Swanson                                                       220 points

Mike Goulding                                                                        180 points

Robert Hanashiro                                                                   130 points 

Michael Coons                                                                         100 points 

Patrick Fallon                                                                            90 points

Terry Pierson                                                                             90 points 

Thomas Cordova                                                                       90 points 

Keith Birmingham                                                                     90 points 

Ghawam Kouchaki                                                                    80 points

Brandon Richardson                                                                 70 points 

Scott Mitchell                                                                             70 points 

Genaro Molina                                                                          60 points 

Mindy Schauer                                                                           50 points 

William Liang                                                                               40 points 

Amy Gaskin                                                                                   30 points 

Daniel Dreifuss                                                                             30 points

Paul Rodriguez   30 points

Dana Rene White                                                                          20 points 

Sarah Reingewirtz                                                               20 points

Quarter 2 judges, K.C. Alfred, Nel Cepeda, Meg McLaughin

Overall, a great category. Once again, good protest photos filled this category. 1st. Were the most storytelling. Had wide variety of action, overall, medium, details. Great light and moments. Same goes for second place. Nice light, moments, graphic compositions. 3rd, Nice series of a true photo essay. Great b&w photos that were super clean and storytelling from a car. HM, Another nice set of photos from the protest. 

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First Place: David Swanson, Reuters

A man with a Mexican flag stan on one of five Waymos set on fire during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

A man throws a rock toward police vehicles during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles Police vehicles sit pelted with rocks and debris during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles Police officers run for safety during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Mounted police and office charge forward toward protesters during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

The California National Guard stand outside of the Roybal Federal Building during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Multiple law enforcement agencies protect the Roybal Federal Building during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

A Los Angeles Policeman takes aim during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

A man is shot point blank by a Los Angeles Sheriff during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

A man that was shot is tackled by a man during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles Police stand guard in front of a mural during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

A Mexican dancer waves a U.S. flag as armed officers stand on the Los Angeles City Hall steps during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California.

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Second place: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES, CA - Los Angeles Police officers shoot tear gas as they advance on demonstrators who formed a makeshift barricade downtown during a protest against immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 8, 2025: Protesters run as Los Angeles Police officers shoot tear gas as they advance on demonstrators who formed a makeshift barricade downtown during a protest against immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

COMPTON, CA - Protester hide behind a dumpster as LA County Sheriff deputies shoot rubber projectiles during a protest against ICE raids on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Alfredo Flores, 51, of Los Angeles, right, moves his walker onto the sidewalk as Los Angeles Police officers shoot tear gas as they advance on demonstrators who formed a makeshift barricade downtown during a protest against immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Alfredo Flores, 51, of Los Angeles is overcome by tear gas from LAPD during a protest against immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

COMPTON, CA -JUNE 7, 2025: LA County sheriff deputies point non-lethal weapons towards advancing protesters during a demonstration against ICE immigration raids on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.

COMPTON, CA - Protester hide behind a dumpster as LA County Sheriff deputies shoot rubber projectiles during a protest against ICE raids on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.

COMPTON, CA - Protester hide behind a dumpster after lighting a grocery cart on fire as LA County Sheriff deputies shoot rubber projectiles during a protest against ICE raids on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - A protester prays in the the middle of the street near City Hall as Los Angeles Police officers advance on demonstrators downtown during a protest against immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

COMPTON, CA - Wearing face protection, demonstrators march towards law enforcement while protesting the ICE immigration raids on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.

COMPTON, CA - Law enforcement from a skirmish line behind a temporary fence to keep protesters from advancing towards the freeway during a protest against ICE immigration raids on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - A demonstrator waves a Mexican flag in front of a dumpster fire after another night of unrest during a protest against immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Third Place: Cristina Salvador-Klenz / Freelance

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Omari Edinburg, 31, has been living on the street for three years. He went to high school in Mereno Valley. His photograph was taken on Anaheim Street where he often sits outside of a small shop near the intersection of Cherry Avenue.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. A man named Reginald has a contemplative moment as he puts on his shoes in a gas station parking lot where he had been sleeping.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Nancy Duarte, 45, and Thomas Chaulsett, 49, are Long Beach residents who are currently homeless. Nancy has been on the street since she was 21-years-old. She was incarcerated and said, “I always end up back on the streets.” She attended both Long Beach Lakewood and Millikan high schools and left after becoming pregnant. Thomas was kicked out of his home and his been homeless for 10 years.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. A couple shares an embrace on E. Ocean Boulevard adjacent to Bixby Park.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Sofia Nixon, 7 and her brother Sam, 1, pose for a portrait on Gardenia Avenue in Long Beach. The children had been playing outside their home.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Performer Adrianna Barbosa of Long Beach works out at Bixby Park with an aerial hoop also called a lyra. Adrianna does other types of performances like slack lining, fire spinning and dancing with fire. She is also a real estate agent.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Raúl Palate of El Salvador spreads messages of Christ and Christianity not only with his sign but by distributing handbills along Anaheim Street in Long Beach.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Samuel Munoz, 36, sleeps in alley just West of Pacific Avenue and Anaheim. Has been living on the street for 10 years.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. A man sleeps in the middle of the sidewalk near Atlantic Avenue just north of E. Wardlow Road in Long Beach.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. Daryl Stanley, at left, says that Long Beach Police pulled over the vehicle that the three men were riding in because the driver failed to signal. After being detained, the men were free to go.

Photos From My Car - Long Beach - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels driving through both Long Beach and Signal Hill California. All the images are taken from within my vehicle and depict the current plights of Long Beach residents. Protests, homelessness, crime, accidents and unusual scenes are among the subject matter that the residents in Long Beach also witness as they commute in their cars. No press passes required; these moments are all in public view as pass by in our cars. The purpose of the essay is to raise awareness to issues in our community, and to show its beauty and uniqueness. This man often sleeps outside the Pizza Hut on Cedar Avenue and Willow Street. Sometimes he has blankets and boxes as shelter and other times he sleeps in the open without protection.

Honorable Mention: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES, CA - An 8PM curfew was put in effect in Los Angeles after unrest during subsequent days of protests against immigration raids by ICE. If protesters defied the curfew and failed to disperse, they were corralled, zip tied and arrested. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers special response teams detain a protester who threw objects toward the officers as the stood guard at the backside of the Federal Building off Alameda Street on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Protesters carry signs and banners against the immigration raids while protesting on the backside of the Federal Building on Alameda Street on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Posters containing pictures and names of those detained by ICE agents hang on a mirror sculpture on 1st Street downtown on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - An anti-immigration raid protester walks in front of the California National Guard as they stand patrol on the backside of the Federal Building during anti-immigration raid protests on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - A flower was placed in front of the California National Guard on the backside of the Federal Building during anti-immigration protests on Alameda Street on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - A protester waving a Mexican/American flag taunts CHP officers who are holding a skirmish line on Alameda Street on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 10, 2025: LAPD along with the mounted police begin to enforce the curfew against protesters who remain in the area near Temple Street on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - LAPD on horseback begin to enforce the curfew against protesters who remain in the area near Temple Street on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - LAPD along with the mounted police begin to enforce the curfew against protesters who remain in the area near Temple Street on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Protesters are lined up with zip ties on their wrists after being arrested for defying the 8PM curfew and for failing to disperse on Alameda Street during anti-immigration raid protests on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Protesters with zip ties on their wrists are loaded onto a bus after being arrested for defying the 8PM curfew and for failing to disperse on Alameda Street during anti-immigration raid protests on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES, CA - An arrested protester yells thorough an open window while inside a Los Angeles Police Department bus filled with arrestees for defying the 8PM curfew and for failing to disperse on Alameda Street during anti-immigration raid protests on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Meet your judges

The group has collectively been staff photographers at The San Diego Union-Tribune for over 50 years. They have traveled to photograph the Olympics, Super Bowls, NCAA basketball, political conventions, disasters and conflicts overseas.  In San Diego they photograph all the regular events like wildfires, Comic-Con, SDSU basketball, the border, the military, everything along the coast and soon-to-be World Series Champions Padres.  

K.C. Alfred

Meg McLaughin

Nel Cepeda