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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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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.
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The star recognizes the department’s work during the January fires in Los Angeles.
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Officials are urging people in Altadena to steer clear of wildlife equipment after a bear trap was tripped by a member of the media.
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The Ceremony of the Unclaimed Dead, a tradition since 1896, honors some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.
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The clinic has assisted more than 300 survivors of the January fires, and helped recover at least $750,000 in FEMA assistance and millions more from insurance claims.
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The 550-pound male bear is back to his old tricks after being relocated miles away in the Angeles National Forest.
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The hearing was ordered by a federal judge overseeing a settlement in a lawsuit brought against the city by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights.
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Jackie and Shadow typically lay eggs in January, but officials say they could arrive a bit later than usual this upcoming season.
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Greystar is the largest landlord in the country and manages hundreds of rental properties in California, officials say.
