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LAist’s Nick Gerda named Journalist of the Year by LA and OC press clubs
LAist's Nick Gerda was named the L.A. Press Club's Online Journalist of the Year.
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Dana Littlefield
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LAist
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LAist’s watchdog correspondent Nick Gerda won the L.A. Press Club’s Online Journalist of the Year award for his investigative work that uncovered the scandal involving former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do and the millions of misspent pandemic dollars intended to feed hungry seniors.
The investigation uncovered more than $13 million in public funds Do had quietly awarded to a nonprofit without disclosing that his daughter worked as a leader there. Federal investigators found that most of the money came from federal COVID relief funds earmarked to help seniors in need during the pandemic.
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Weingart Center has been continuously out of compliance for nearly four years, according to an LAist review of records. Audits found multiple failures to properly account for taxpayer money. -
Critics say the current state-approved housing plan will make the city overcrowded. -
Families can get notified when services reach their area and whether they qualify.
LAist's investigation inspired three state bills, two of which went into effect this year, and a third will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
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"With far fewer local reporters covering local government than in the past, it’s all the more crucial that leaders are held to account," Gerda said. "The Andrew Do scandal illustrates what can go wrong outside public view when government leaders operate with little transparency or checks on power. I’m glad this reporting has reminded so many of us — myself included — of why local investigative reporting matters."
Gerda won Journalist of the Year at the Golden State Journalism Awards contest and was named Journalist of the Year by the O.C. Press Club. Nationally, Gerda also won first place in this year’s Dan Rather Medals for News and Guts, and the work was a finalist for an Investigative Reporters & Editors award.
What’s the latest?
Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison, and is expected to report to prison in August.
The federal government has seized $2.4 million from bank accounts and real estate properties at the center of the scandal. The money is expected to be returned to the constituents Do was supposed to be serving as supervisor.
More L.A. Press Club wins
LAist was awarded first place in public service and received a handful of second place wins, including for Local Political/Government Reporting, Crime/Corruption, and Investigative Reporting.
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Our newsroom also won first place awards for:
- News Feature (Audio): Mariana Dale, Monica Bushman, Ross Brenneman, LAist Studios, and Imperfect Paradise team for:
- Limited Series Podcast: Antonia Cereijido, Emily Guerin, Jill Replogle, Erin Stone, Makenna Sievertson, LAist Studios, and Imperfect Paradise team for:
Editors note: Destiny Torres is an O.C. Press Club board member.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
