The North Coast Current won 12 awards July 12 at the annual banquet for the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Chapter.

The Current won awards for its online content and design: First Place for Online Design (awarded to Publisher and Editorial Director Roman S. Koenig) and Honorable Mention for Online News Site.

Contributing writers and photographers were also recognized by SPJ for their work with the Current.

Manny Lopez: First Place Non-Daily Business Story for “Transfer of flower power,” about the changing ownership of Ecke Ranch.

Scott Allison: Second Place Online Photography for “Homecoming,” about the return of Marines at Camp Pendleton from deployment; and Honorable Mention Online Photography for “Mary Fleener lives art on the edge,” about Encinitas artist Mary Fleener.

Christopher Earley: Second Place Non-Daily Environmental Story for “Seeds of destruction,” about a program to remove invasive trees and plants from local lagoons; and Second Place Non-Daily Feature Story for “Pharmacy wrapping up after 38 years,” about the closure of Rancho Park Pharmacy.

Helen Hawes: Second Place Non-Daily Food Story for “Carlsbad coffee roaster focuses on the art of coffee,” a profile in the Current’s Real Beans series about La Costa Coffee Roasting.

Ernesto Lopez: Honorable Mention Non-Daily Political Government Story for “Newspaper publisher quietly steps into the political fray,” about the contentious Encinitas City Council campaign of 2012.

Lauren Ciallella: Honorable Mention Non-Daily Food Story for “2Good2B at forefront of ‘free’ foods revolution,” a profile about a local gluten-free cafe.

Koenig also won individual awards: First Place Non-Daily Opinion/Editorial for “Who watches the watchdog?” about the state of local journalism; and Second Place Non-Daily Opinion/Editorial for “Strike a pose for hypocrisy” about the controversy over teaching yoga in Encinitas schools.