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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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The audit is the city’s first look into the LAPD Air Support Division program.
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Deputy Arturo Atilano-Valdez was one of the four LASD employees to die by suicide in a 24 hour period last month.
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Only about a third of L.A. city employees called Los Angeles home, according to the City Controller’s office.
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A graduate student’s discovery in random genetic testing could be game-changing.
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The audit points to data quality issues and inefficient referral processes as part of the problem.
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The gondola would take people from Union Station in downtown L.A. through Chinatown to Dodger Stadium.
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The multi-million dollar Caltrans stormwater drainage upgrade will also help a salmon species swim to their habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains.
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The suspect was identified as Jerrid Joseph Powell. The 33-year-old is linked to another homicide and robbery that took place in San Dimas. No motive has been identified.
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A majority of the 23 flagged locations are in the downtown L.A. area. Still, officials caution that doesn't mean we'll see another 10 Freeway fire.
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Tens of thousands of gallons of raw sewage spilled in the area, prompting warnings from health officials.
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The parents of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer say his killing while on duty outside the Palmdale station could have been prevented.
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Unhoused people can now pick up free bags of premium dog and cat food in Skid Row.
