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Nick Gerda
What I cover
I’m a reporter focusing on government accountability in Southern California, including around the homelessness crisis. I try to find answers to questions like: Why does it often seem like there’s so little progress around homelessness? What can be done to make systems more effective? And how are people in charge of these systems using their authority?
My background
I grew up in L.A. and Orange County and previously covered the county government in Orange County for more than a decade — often reporting on issues like homelessness, public safety, mental health and the role of money in politics. At LAist, my reporting on corruption spurred a criminal investigation that led one of Orange County’s most powerful officials to resign, plead guilty and get sentenced to years in prison for a scheme that diverted millions in food money from needy seniors. For that work, in 2025, I was honored to be named journalist of the year for California, SoCal and Orange County and to receive the national Dan Rather Medal for News and Guts.
My goals
I want my coverage to inform the public and inspire positive change by identifying areas for improvement in the ways leaders are exercising power.
Best way to reach me
Email: ngerda@laist.com. Signal: @ngerda.47
Stories by Nick Gerda
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The administration has been seeking to freeze billions from California and four other Democrat-led states.
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LAist found a single federal case in California involving the funding in question, representing a tiny fraction of 1% of the total spending.
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In the Palisades, a bell was rung 12 times for the 12 people who died in the fire. In Altadena, people call on Edison and insurance companies to provide more support.
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The administration cited alleged fraud. Local officials and service providers say the impact could be devastating for families in need.
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“The soil is still so saturated from all this rain,” says National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Thompson.
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LAist reported on the allegations a day before L.A. City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion seeking more information.
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Hydee Feldstein Soto called an opposing side’s expert witness for campaign money before a high-profile trial this fall. Her campaign says she didn’t know about the connection.
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The L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal to inform the public about settlements once they are finalized.
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The city- and state-backed deal banned the buyer from ever telling the public who was receiving the taxpayer funds, according to an LAist review of records.
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Weingart Center has been out of compliance for nearly four years, according to an LAist review. Audits found multiple failures to properly account for taxpayer money.
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Citing LAist’s coverage, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath is proposing to require the county to publicly post details of all future settlements with county executives.
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The outside investigation was commissioned after Do pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge for actions as an Orange County supervisor.
