2025 Q3 Picture Story

Points for Q3 PPAGLA Quarterly Contest 2025

Robert Gauthier                          540 Points

Ringo Chiu                                    500 Points

Jill Connelly                                   430 Points

Cristina Salvador Klenz               400 Points

David Swanson                             360 Points

Gina Ferrazi                                   320 Points

Mike Goulding                               260 Points

Robert Hanashiro                          210 Points

Thomas Cordova                            200 Points

Will Lester                                       190 Points

Keith Birmingham                          170 Points

Michael Coons                                140 Points

Scott Mitchell                                  110 Points

Patrick Fallon                                     90 Points

Terry Pierson                                      90 Points

Ghawam Kouchaki                             80 Points

Jonathan Alcorn                                  80 Points

Genaro Molina                                     60 Points

Paul Rodriguez                                      50 Points

Mindy Schauer                                       50 Points

William Liang                                           40 Points

Amy Gaskin                                              30 Points

Daniel Dreifuss                                         30 Points

Dana Rene White                                      20 Points

Sarah Reingewirtz                                      20 Points

Ronen Tivony                                               20 Points

Quarter 3 judges: Kent Porter and Christopher Chung

Only two awards in this category. Most of the entries could have used less repetition.  First place was perhaps the best entry from all the protest winners throughout. Good spacing, clean moments and a crisp edit. Second place is overall repetitive with some good quality moments, but needed a tighter edit; the color images mixed in with the black and white are confusing; rule of advice is to commit to one or the other.    

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First Place: Jill Connelly / Freelance

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Immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration led to widespread protests in Los Angeles against Trump and ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement). Protesters gathered at City Hall on July 4 and went to the Royal Federal Building to confront the National Guard and Marines who were deployed to Los Angeles. There were 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard deployed to LA. Later in July the troops were withdrawn after criticism of deploying military troops on domestic soil. Protester Elizabeth Natividad dressed as the Statue of Liberty with chains and Trump wearing a Nazi uniform on her skirt, on the steps of City Hall on July 4, 2025.

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Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

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Protesters wave flags at City Hall on July 4, 2025 in protest of the Trump administration. It was one of hundreds of protests around the country.

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Protesters at City Hall hold signs against deportation on July 4, 2025.

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Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

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Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

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Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

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Marines stand guard outside the the Federal Building in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025.

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Protesters wave flags across the street from Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025.

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A man is emotional as he sits on the steps of the Edward R. Royal Federal Building holding a flower that says “Humanity is For All” to peacefully confront the Marines on July 4, 2025.

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Second Place: Cristina Salvador Klenz / Freelance

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The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows.

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The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows.

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The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_04.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_05.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_06.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows. Mason Capote, 13, of Norwalk practices his matador skills during the Vacada.

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The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_08.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows. A young boy tries to escape a charging cow during the Vacada.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_09.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows. Children grab the arena fence to get away from the running cows. An adult gives a warning to a child who is participating in the Vacada.

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The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows. Children and adults grab the arena fence to get away from the running cows.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_11.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows. Children grab the arena fence to get away from the running cows. A group of young adults tries to avoid a calf during the Vacada.

PICSTORY_5622080498_PortugueseVacada_12.JPG

The Portuguese DES (Diving Espírito Santo) Hall in Artesia, California, was founded in 1927 to promote Portuguese heritage and traditions with year round activities and festivals. Each year in July, the DES commemorates the Divine Holy Spirit with a festival that includes the Vacada or running of the cows. The Vacada is typically held on the Friday before the Bull Fights, which is the main event of the festival. Various sized cows are let loose in the arena and adults as well as children are given the opportunity to chase the cows. Before the cows are released into the arena the announcer states what age group is able to participate depending on the size of the cows. The Vacada is a family experience and adventure.

Third Place: Ringo Chiu / Freelance

Smoke rises from a burning car as law enforcement officers confront protesters during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy aims a less-lethal launcher as smoke and tear gas fill the air during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A demonstrator on a motorcycle waves a Mexican flag in front of a burning vehicle during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A burned-out car burns in the street as Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies move through the area during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Demonstrators stand on a burned-out car and wave flags during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Protesters move down a debris-strewn street toward law enforcement vehicles during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A man reacts as a flash-bang device explodes near him during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A protester is engulfed in smoke as a flash-bang device deployed by sheriff’s deputies detonates near him during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Fireworks explode near police vehicles as protesters clash with law enforcement during a nighttime demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A protester carrying a fire extinguisher moves through smoke-filled streets during a nighttime demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in riot gear advance behind armored vehicles during a nighttime demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A man yells at law enforcement officers from his car window as Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies stand nearby during a nighttime demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Honorable Mention: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Jeff and Alisa Alulis join Dug as he relaxes at the Den Urban Dog Retreat moments before receiving a sound bath for dogs. Wellness for dogs is a niche industry that mirrors the spectrum of wellness treatments for humans. As with humans, it swings from the relaxing and rejuvenating to the dubious. We follow Dug as he attends a few spa experiences throughout greater Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Den Urban Dog Retreat is a boutique wellness center for dogs. They're putting on a sound bath for dogs. Sound healer Crystal Cao says she configured the event for canines: It was only 30 minutes long due to their attention spans (no distracting squirrels within eyeshot, but still) and she played “lower, primal, base tones to keep them calm and centered.” But every time she swayed the ocean drum, filled with beads that mimicked the sound of rain, Dug got up to explore, standing in front of it, head cocked to the side.

Studio City, CA, Monday, June 23, 2025 - Dug visits Buddy Canine Wellness for some hydrotherapy. He is assisted by Buddy owner Jazz Pritchard. Dug is up for nearly any water adventure. But walking on a treadmill, in a glass tank filled with water at chest level was new to him — and admittedly a little scary at first. But the folks at Buddy: Canine Wellness in Studio City were so patient he got through it.

Studio City, CA, Monday, June 23, 2025 - Dug visits Buddy Canine Wellness for some hydrotherapy. Buddy isn’t affiliated with a veterinary practice. It doesn’t diagnose or prescribe but focuses, instead, on preventive health through fitness and recreation. In private sessions, dogs perform strength building and cardio workouts on an underwater treadmill or in a small swimming pool heated to 85 degrees, supposedly to aid blood circulation. (The initial hourlong visit is $250 with fitness assessment; then it’s $100 for 30-45 minutes.) The workouts are zero- or low-impact and easy on the joints, so suited for older dogs or those with arthritis or recovering from injuries.

Studio City, CA, Monday, June 23, 2025 - Buddy owner Jazz Pritchard showers him after a therapy session..

Studio City, CA, Monday, June 23, 2025 - Dug visits Buddy Canine Wellness for some hydrotherapy. Owner Lisa Alulis caresses Dug as they prepare for a hydrotherapy. Dug is in excellent health. So he visited Buddy for recreation — several clients come to burn off energy when it’s too hot to walk outdoors.

Hollywood, CA, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - Dug waits patiently for humans to start his journey Collar and Comb via limo for a mud and blueberry facial. Collar & Comb is a canine luxury ecosystem, with three social houses for dogs and their humans, three grooming salons and four private dog parks, not to mention a fleet of high-end vehicles to transport four-legged clients. And Dug got the true VIP treatment. He was whisked into a soundproof “spa suite,” where the founder, Paul Leonard, and master stylist, Yanko Hernandez, prepared the ingredients for his treatments.

Hollywood, CA, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - Dug goes to Collar and Comb via limo for a mud and blueberry facial. They swirled hand-muddled blueberries and raw honey into organic, sugar-free yogurt for his facial; they stirred exfoliating Japanese volcanic sand into mineral-rich Korean mud for his hydrating mask.

Hollywood, CA, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - Dug was blown dry and finished off with a hotel-grade, organic cotton towel, rubbed with nourishing paw-balm and spritzed with “show dog” scent cologne.

Redondo Beach, CA, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - Dug gets a Reiki massage from practitioner Stacey Gong from Tailwagger’s Massage at the beach. Reiki for humans is a Japanese energy-healing modality that, practitioners say, aids relaxation, pain relief and overall health by realigning the body’s energy centers, or “chakras.” For dogs, it looks like a gentle petting session.

Hollywood, CA, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - Dug returns home via limo, accompanied by his owner, Jeff Alulis.

Redondo Beach, CA, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - Dug finds a happy place after receiving a Reiki massage from Tailwagger’s Massage at the beach.

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Meet your judgeS

Judges are Kent Porter and Christopher Chung, staff photographers with the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.  Both were on the team which won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County.  With nearly 80 years of combined photojournalism experience, they have judged numerous contests and are consistent winners in CNPA's Better Newspaper competition.