Access Humboldt's Illuminate 2026 Celebrates Local Journalism and Open-Records Efforts
Nine Humboldt journalists competed for "The Sunnies" at the Eureka Theater Thursday as Access Humboldt honored local reporting and open-government work.
Nine local journalists from six outlets competed Thursday evening for Access Humboldt's Ray of Sunshine Awards as the nonprofit's second annual Illuminate event brought together Humboldt's journalism and civic communities at the Eureka Theater on F Street.
The March 19 ceremony, held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County, presented three "Sunnies" recognizing the best journalist, best photojournalist, and best youth journalist in the county. Winners were selected by the boards of Access Humboldt and the League.
The 2026 finalists spanned the breadth of local independent media: Mark Larson as a freelance photojournalist, Mark McKenna and Lisa Music from the Redheaded Blackbelt, Isabella Vanderheiden from the Lost Coast Outpost, Abraham Navarro from Redwood News, Griffin Marcuso from The Lumberjack, and Maryanne Casas-Perez, Noelle Doblado, and Pamela Hernandez from El Leñador.
Access Humboldt created the Sunnies to recognize excellence in local journalism and related Freedom of Information Act and open government efforts. The event fell squarely within National Sunshine Week, the March 15-21 period that celebrates the media's essential role in supporting good governance and promoting civic participation.
The Illuminate event is a year old. At the 2025 inaugural ceremony, also held at the Eureka Theater, Access Humboldt executive director Christina Marie Jeffers presented the first Ray of Sunshine award to Thad Greenson of the North Coast Journal. That year's reception benefited Access Humboldt's Broadcasting Backpacks Program, which provides media equipment to local libraries.
Thursday's event was free and catered, with wine and beer available for purchase, and included a panel discussion alongside the awards presentation. Access Humboldt describes itself as a nonprofit community media center providing transparency in government, locally produced content, and emergency information broadcasts to Humboldt County residents.
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