San Diego journalist group dings Mayor Gloria's office for lack of transparency

Other winners, who will be happier to earn their titles, include…

• Emily Cox, public affairs director for San Diego Superior Court, was named the public official who has most prioritized transparency and access to information.
• Will Carless, a San Diego-based USA Today reporter, winning the Sunshine Award for the reporter who went above and beyond to hold officials accountable.

Driving the news: The journalist group awarded winners last night at Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan.

What they're saying: SD-SPJ officers said Gloria's office won the "wall" award for denying reporters access to interviews, news conferences and site tours, as well as not issuing press credentials to freelancers through SDPD and opting not to participate in debates ahead of the March primary.

• The group commended Cox for quick response to information requests, helping reporters dig into case files and launching a virtual town-hall series to help the public understand how the court works.