DOWNEY -- Three stories published by the Downey Patriot have been named finalists in the California Newspaper Publisher Association's state journalism competition. 

Staff writer Alex Dominguez is a finalist in the "Breaking News" category for his story about a Downey woman who narrowly avoided becoming a victim at last October's Las Vegas mass shooting. 

Ashley Enslin, 26, was at the Route 91 Music Harvest Festival when a shooter opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay, leaving 58 people dead. Eslin escaped with relatively minor injuries. 

Meanwhile, DowneyPatriot contributor Lawrence Christon was named a finalist in the "Best Writing" category for his essay on Jerry Baxter, a reclusive figure who played tennis at Furman Park. 

The article attempted to trace Baxter's whereabouts after he stopped showing up at Furman Park. It turns out he had died a couple months prior. 

Finally, Patriot editor Eric Pierce is a finalist in the same "Best Writing" category for his article on Dr. Mary Stauffer. 

Published on her 100th birthday, the article chronicles Dr. Stauffer's life of charitable giving and her impact on the Downey community.

Winners will be announced April 14 at a banquet in Sonoma, Calif. A list of all contest finalists can be found here.