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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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No need to drop more quarters into the machine.
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Crews have been making steady progress on the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon since the red flag conditions subsided.
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The Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors voted to change the business model and contract out some services.
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Wildfires, fireworks, and fireplaces can have a serious impact on air quality in SoCal.
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Shaking was likely felt as far away as Santa Maria and briefly prompted a tsunami warning.
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The ban also includes wax or paper fire logs.
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Turnout was down, voting in person was up.
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Both current and former drivers told LAist relieving themselves in the back of their delivery vans was incredibly common, even without the big holiday rush.
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L.A. City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez announced Friday she wants the city to directly contract with service providers and cut ties with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
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The zoo is caring for 15 of the federally protected species, including six babies, as part of an international recovery program.
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Problems highlighted in audit of Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority may be ‘tip of the iceberg,’ judge says.
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Officials say this next round of testing is a major milestone.
