SAN FRANCISCO — Dec 2, 2025 — The San Francisco Press Club announced today that Carla Marinucci, the acclaimed senior writer for POLITICO’s California Playbook and one of California’s most respected political journalists, has been honored with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Covering politics in California, the nation’s most populous state, for nearly 40 years has been an honor and an adventure – and receiving the San Francisco Press Club’s recognition with a Lifetime Achievement Award is truly a dream,” said Marinucci. “That’s because the SF Press Club has, for decades, fought for press freedom, advocated and supported young journalists, and recognized the work of so many great journalists in the Bay Area over the years. Its work is more important than ever, which is why I’m so grateful to be considered worthy of this award.”
Marinucci brings nearly four decades of reporting experience across politics, business, investigative journalism and international affairs. Her reporting has taken her from City Hall to global flashpoints, interviewing gang leaders, movie stars and world leaders, including Mikhail Gorbachev and Donald Trump. An investigative series she conducted on abuses against undocumented immigrants helped a young Latina escape enslavement, ultimately allowing her to become a U.S. citizen.
Before launching POLITICO California Playbook in 2015 as the organization’s first West Coast hire, Marinucci served as senior political writer for the San Francisco Chronicle and political editor for the San Francisco Examiner. She has covered six presidential elections and seven gubernatorial races, including the historic 2003 recall, and traced the rise of leaders such as Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris and Jerry Brown.
In 2013, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Professional Journalists for her distinguished coverage of California politics.
“Carla is one of the most influential, respected, and fearless journalists California has ever produced,” said Curtis Sparrer, president of the San Francisco Press Club. “Her reporting has shaped public understanding for decades and inspired countless journalists. We are thrilled to present her with this much-deserved recognition.”
For inquiries about sponsorships or future events, contact the Press Club Board at curtis@bospar.com.
About the San Francisco Press Club
The San Francisco Press Club is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status. Founded in 1963, it provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and collaboration among professionals in news and public relations media, encourages students entering journalism through scholarships, and promotes public understanding of the media through workshops and educational programs. For more information, visit: https://sfpressclub.org