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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 selection comes after CEO Va Lecia Adams Kellum announced her resignation in April.
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Va Lecia Adams Kellum's departure, now planned for Friday, comes as the organization continues to deal with a loss of county funding.
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The short-term rentals company disputes the allegations and says it will continue to support the city's recovery efforts.
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Hammer Museum Director Emeritus Ann Philbin has chosen the public radio stations for the $500,000 pay-it-forward grant.
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Results of the 2025 count show homelessness dropped by 3.4% in the city of L.A. and by 4% countywide, according to LAHSA.
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The point-in-time count, overseen by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, is the largest of its kind in the country.
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LAist reported that documents showed Va Lecia Adams Kellum signed a contract and two amendments with Upward Bound House, a Santa Monica-based nonprofit.
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The inaugural director, Sarah Mahin, will help lead the county’s overhaul of the homeless services system.
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The new director is not expected to be named until their employment contract is finalized and the salary has been approved. County leaders haven't said when that will be.
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Visit Big Bear, the event co-organizer, said it’s deeply committed to balancing the desires of the local community with the natural environment.
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Several Black-led groups shared direct calls to action and suggested ways people can get involved, including supporting protests and mutual aid.
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Federal judge orders stepped up monitoring and criticizes city officials for failures that "undermined public trust."
