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Makenna Sievertson
What I cover
I cover the daily drumbeat of Southern California — the events, processes and nuances that make it such a unique place to call home. I break down government meetings, evolving policies and community events with a focus on the housing and homelessness challenges confronting some of our most vulnerable residents.
My background
I’ve been helping audiences make sense of Southern California since I started at LAist in 2023. After growing up in Eagle Rock, I wrote and reported for L.A.-area radio stations, covering emergency services and entertainment and more. I defected to the East Coast for a few years to coordinate broadcast media coverage in the U.S. Capitol.
My goals
I want my reporting to help readers make sense of everything the region has to offer and feel more connected with their neighbors — whether they’re across the street or across the county.
Best way to contact me
I would love to hear your feedback, questions and ideas. You can reach me by email at msievertson@laist.com. Or if you have a tip you’d like to share more privately, you can reach me on Signal. My username is @makennas.78. You can follow this link to reach me there or type my username in the search bar after starting a new chat. For instructions on getting started with Signal, see the app's support page.
Stories by Makenna Sievertson
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Many officials celebrated the results of last year’s count, but it’s unclear if homelessness in the region will continue to decline in the face of funding losses.
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The ruling could factor into an ongoing contempt-of-court hearing.
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The Superior Court order stems from a legal challenge by a coalition of West L.A. residents who asked a judge to intervene.
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The city was ordered to pay the fees for L.A. Alliance and other organizations that sued the city and county of Los Angeles in a push for more shelter
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Wildlife officials confirmed to LAist the roughly 550-pound animal has left and the crawlspace had been secured.
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The organization says it has cared for more than 1,500 pets and wildlife during the fire and its aftermath.
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The CD 11 Coalition for Human Rights argues the city is moving ahead with a pilot program it doesn't have the authority to implement.
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The group is accused of planning a New Year’s Eve bombing attack on businesses. A fourth defendant is expected to appear in federal court later this month.
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Thousands of people will flock to Pasadena, with millions more tuning in on TV.
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LAist hit the road again to take a roundtrip Waymo ride from downtown to Arlington Heights using freeways
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Authorities say scammers are falsely claiming animals have been injured and asking people to send money.
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The atmospheric river is expected to peak around Christmas Eve, with wet weather potentially continuing into the weekend.
