(California Girl) Kim Taylor and (constructor extraordinaire) Patrick Merrell

(LA Times crossword editor) Rich Norris and (2014 puzzle #7 constructor) David J. Kahn

Constructor Pete Muller, Deb Amlen (Wordplay doyenne), (the fiendish) Amy Reynaldo , (Cru Dinner regular) Barry Weprin

Trip Payne (leaning at the door), (speed solver) Katie Hammill, (Cru Dinner co-conspirator) Dan Chall

(Cru Dinner co-conspirator) Chris Aldrich with Cru Dinner regulars Julia Ousley, Linda Murray, & Zulema Seligsohn

(Rookie) Chic Lynne and (his non-competing wife) Nancy Brackett. Chic's take on the tournament, "Humbling".

(Two time competitor) Dave Eastwood

(A-List competitor) Al Sanders and (constructor) Tom Pepper

Lion Rowley, Bonnie Sirower, Janet Bradlow (they've known each other forever)

(Rookie) Anne Flinchbaugh, (retired diplomat) Jack Aubert

Peter Broda finally made it to the Cru Dinner

Ben Bass, Alex Jeffrey (Cru Dinner rookies), Jan & Joanne Koski, after a year's absence

(the one and only) Mimi Raphael , (her son-in-law) Jim Russell, (and daughter) Judy Raphael

(after a 2 year Cru Dinner absence) Leonard Williams and Karen Lazar (voted Best Smile)

(Cru Dinner first-timers) Martin Solomon, (his non-competing fiance) Cecilia Betancur, (and rookie) Sean Molley

(constructor) Sarah Keller drops in to say hello.

(Cru Dinner & tournament regulars) Fay Eastwood and Jim (yes, that J!m) Jenista

Brendan Emmet Quigley & Mike Alpern. We've been taking these pictures since 2004!

Mike Alpern, J!m Jenista (How DOES he do it???)

Chic Lynne, ready for puzzle #1

Pre Puzzle #1. Pencil sharpening time.

Pre Puzzle #1. Excitement in the air.

J!m's Sunday Outfit

(Constructor, Judge, vocalist) Vic Fleming and (constructor, musician) Pete Muller in rehearsal

Will catches up

Setting up for the finals

Mike Alpern and (constructor & Minnesota crossword nexus), George Barany