To celebrate our very best stories, photos and features from throughout 2023, the Signal Tribune editorial staff has awarded our favorites in the inaugural edition of … The Tribbies!
Categories include:
- Best News Story
- Best ‘In Photos’
- Best Feature Photos
- Best Feature Story
- Best Issue
- Best Art Story
- Best Story Intro
Best News Story
Written by Kristen Farrrah Naeem, this investigative news story dove into decades-worth of allegations against Morningland Monestary. Farrah Naeem’s analysis into alleged crimes that took place from the ’70s to present day is harrowing, sinister and difficult to sit with, but a necessary read.
Excerpt:
…When they were 14 years old, Tease and her twin sister were initiated into a Morningland order called the Daughters of Isis. Tease told the Signal Tribune that this was when Morningland clergy began to instruct the twin girls to watch pornography, grooming them for sexual abuse.
By the time they were 16, Tease said that she and her sister were “fully submerged” into Morningland, spending all day at the compound, often not being able to leave until well after midnight. Her mother had been asked to do the same, but told clergy she had to continue working to provide for her children. Unbeknownst to their mother, Morningland leaders had pulled the girls out of high school…
Honorable mentions:
Best ‘In Photos’
In Photos: 15th annual Cambodia Town Parade returns with theme of ‘Stop the Hate’
Richard H. Grant captured the beauty in a beloved cultural tradition that made its return to Long Beach in 2023 to celebrate the beginning of the Cambodian new year. Children, families, elders and various city officials traveled down Anaheim Street, filling the road with Cambodian flags, confetti and smiling faces.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Feature Story
Quiet comfort and curly hair care: the unique offerings of Black Sheep Salon
This feature story looked into Long Beach’s most inclusive hair salon, where curly-haired, neurodiverse and disabled patients are catered to. Our reporter, Kristen Farrah Naeem, spoke to the founder of the salon and her journey creating the inclusive shop.
Excerpt:
… When the pandemic hit in 2020, salons were closed and Rolla had extra free time on her hands. She used that time to educate herself online about how to specifically care for curly hair and natural hair patterns.
She began to envision a salon that would not only focus on those with curly or kinky hair, but also the disabled and neurodiverse communities—people who are not typically catered to in the average salon.
“I have had clients that haven’t been able to fit into chairs and I’ve seen a lot of really uncomfortable experiences,” Rolla said. “And I had a really hard time finding an owner that was on board with the things that I was on board with. And I got really frustrated. And so I had a vision and I decided to go for it and I’m here now.” …
Honorable Mentions:
Best Feature Photos
Local singer Calinnah writes songs for sad girls
Richard H. Grant took advantage of a stunning Signal Hill landmark and a sunny SoCal day for these breathtaking feature photos of local singer Calinnah.
Honorable Mentions:
Best Art Story
The Kingfisher magazine—a home of inclusivity, creativity for Long Beach’s wild animals
This feature story on local artist Marley Aikhionbare and their literary magazine turns the pages on a publication filled with stories of self-identity, mental health, cowboys, aliens and inclusivity. The welcoming home for writers continues to publish quarterly magazines with entries from around the country.
Excerpt:
… At 18 pages, three poems, one fictional short story, plenty of photos, original art designs and an accompanying playlist that can be followed on Spotify, the magazine immerses readers into a fictional world full of vulnerability and creativity: Camp Kingfisher.
“I think it just became so important to me to highlight marginalized and specifically disabled voices in writing, because that’s one thing you can really turn to,” Aikhionbare said.
While growing up with autism and being nonverbal, Aikhionbare said they found it difficult to connect with people …
Honorable Mentions:
Best Story Intro
Pull the plunger and prepare for passionate pings with the Long Beach Pinball League
This feature story by Samantha Diaz dives into the world of the competitive pinball league in Long Beach. The intro to the story follows one player, Mitch Kasse and delves into multiple player’s reasons for loving the retro game.
Mitch Kasse uses his entire body to play pinball.
His checkered flat cap dips low and pops back up as he closely tracks the small metal ball that holds his fate. He looks comfortable in his crouched stance, ready to give the machine a swift jolt with his hips if a tilt is needed. As his eyes dart swiftly over the illuminated, chaotic playfield, it’s clear only one thing matters—it’s pinball night.
Kasse is one of over 30 passionate pinball players who will congregate to the Long Beach Beer Lab each Tuesday over the next month for the second season of the Long Beach Pinball League. On the night of Feb. 28, the league is sandwiched into the eastern corner of the Beer Lab. Players crowd around the 10 machines to watch their opponents (constantly cheering them on), weave in between one another to make room for the next player and run to and from the next room to replenish themselves with frosty craft beers and homemade pizza …
Honorable Mentions:
Best Issue
Autumn Issue: This issue captured the Halloween spirit through highlighting spooky local businesses, fun Halloween finds and a striking autumn cover featuring fall leaves and spider webs captured by Richard H. Grant.
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