Oaklandsides Alejandra Armstrong, Roselyn Romero, Darwin BondGraham receive journalism honors

Alejandra Armstrong, audience engagement editor at The Oaklandside, received the Unsung Hero Award for 2025 from the Society of Professional Journalists' Northern California chapter. Senior news editor Darwin BondGraham and public safety reporter Roselyn Romero were also recognized for their in-depth interview with then Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Editor-in-chief Tasneem Raja praised the interview for its crucial role in accountability journalism during a pivotal democratic moment. Armstrong, who has been with Cityside since 2022, ensures that journalism is tailored to serve diverse communities effectively. She emphasizes the importance of addressing fundamental questions about why and for whom the journalism is produced.

Cityside attracts more than 600,000 monthly visitors, with The Oaklandside alone drawing 268,000. Armstrong highlighted the significance of audience feedback in shaping their journalism, stating that such recognition from the SPJ board is meaningful. The SPJ NorCal will host its 40th annual excellence in journalism awards ceremony on Thursday at the Bayview Opera House in San Francisco.