The North Coast Current was recognized for local news excellence with four awards Tuesday, July 18, from the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter.

The Current won first place online News Site in the contest’s Digital category.

Publisher and Editorial Director Roman S. Koenig won first place for Nondaily Politics/Government reporting for his story “Reluctance, questions shadow Encinitas council vote to approve districts,” which covered the city of Encinitas’ split into voting districts. Koenig also won second place for Nondaily Editorial/Opinion for “Editorial: Muir on the right side of Encinitas council vote.”

Contributor Lauren J. Mapp won third place for her story “Encinitas opting for an electoral divide,” also about Encinitas’ contentious split into electoral districts.

In addition to publishing the Current, Koenig is a lecturer in San Diego State University’s Journalism and Media Studies program, and teaches journalism at National University and San Diego City College, where he also teaches cinema courses.

Mapp is a local freelance writer and senior in San Diego State University’s Journalism and Media Studies Program.

The Society of Professional Journalists is a national organization representing print, online and broadcast journalists, journalism educators and students. More information about the San Diego Pro Chapter can be found online at https://spjsandiego.org/.