Earlier today, the Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists recognized Streetsblog Los Angeles editor Damien Newton for “Distinguished Work in New Media” for 2013.

The Distinguished Work in New Media award was created in 2008 and is given to a journalist who uses the new media’s unique characteristics and capabilities while striving to uphold traditional journalism’s highest standards of honesty, accuracy, responsibility and accountability.

In response to receiving this honor, Newton released the following statement:

“I am truly humbled by all of the recognition Streetsblog Los Angeles received this year starting with the American Planning Association, continuing with the Los Angeles Press Club, Los Angeles City Council, and Annenberg School of Journalism, and now from the Society of Professional Journalists. While my name is on the plaque, any award won by a member of our team is a reflection on all the writers, editors, donors, commenters and board members that works so hard to produce Streetsblog Los Angeles, Santa Monica Next and LongBeachize every single week day.

In particular, I would like to share this honor with Sahra Sulaiman, a uniquely talented and dedicated writer whose work has literally changed the way people think about Streetsblog and the communities that she covers.

A special thanks also to my family, especially Marybeth and my Mother, who supported my vision for Streetsblog in easy and hard times.

And last, a thanks to OpenPlans, the founders of all the Streetsblogs and our partners in publishing. “

The awards banquet will be held in Spring of 2014, with the date and location to be announced.