2021
The Daily Citizen won its first national award for excellence in journalism, earning the “Breaking Barriers Award” from the Institute for Nonprofit News for its stories that humanized and helped the homeless.

2017
San Diego Press Club, Excellence in Journalism (non-daily category)
First Place, Feature – Serious Subject – Schools Are Out for Underground Elephant
First Place, Food – Roast Masters
First Place, General News – Exit Planning
First Place, Profile – Matchmaker, Ambassador, Advocate
The Alliance of Area Business Publishers, Editorial Excellence (large newspaper category – international competition)
Silver, Best Recurring Feature – Startup Page

2016
San Diego Press Club, Excellence in Journalism (non-daily category)
Third Place, Health & Medicine – Out of the Shadows
2015
San Diego Press Club, Excellence in Journalism (non-daily category)
First Place, Health & Medicine – Healing Forces
First Place, Environment – Sector Shifts as Biofuel Is Running Out of Gas