The votes are in for the SJtoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. Check out the finalists below, including the winner that you, our readers, voted for.
Winner: “Lowriders visit San Jose City Hall” by Darlene T.
When San Jose officially ended its ban on lowriding in 2022, the United Lowrider Council, their supporters + other local lowrider clubs gathered for a massive rally at City Hall to mark the one-year anniversary. This picture perfectly captures that moment — the celebration, the joy, and the community.
Finalist: “Lake Almaden Lantern Festival” by Alex G.
San Jose’s inaugural Water Lantern Festival held over the summer was a sight to behold. Hundreds of little lanterns with messages of hope + joy floated by on the dark waters of Lake Almaden. We can’t wait for next year’s festival.
Finalist: “View from Bella Montagna Winery” by Jennifer B.
What’s better on a hot summer afternoon than a cool, fruity Sauvignon Blanc? This shot at Bella Montagna, with a scenic view of east San Jose, is the perfect vibe for a relaxing time. Pssst, you can check out our guide to wineries in the great 408 for more scenic spots.
Runner-up: “Hiking above Alum Rock Park” by Dave L.
The views on the many hiking trails around SJ are positively immaculate. The view from the top of the hill at Alum Rock Park showcases the natural beauty of the South Bay. And even though we could only choose three finalists, we wanted to give props for this incredible shot.
Runner-up: “The ducks at Lake Alamden” by Alex G.
There’s nothing fowl about this incredible photo of a duck at Lake Almaden Park. We were really winging it trying to fit this photo into our finalists, but unfortunately, we could only include one submission by each photographer. Kudos to you, Alex G., we loved taking a gander at your photos.
