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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 day after the court ordered him to pay, records show Do gave his wife all his ownership of their home. Authorities say none of his assets appear to be available.
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“Do’s federal bribery conviction was the tip of the iceberg,” said his successor, Supervisor Janet Nguyen. She called for further investigation by law enforcement.
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The money’s recovery stems from an LAist investigation into millions of unaccounted-for public dollars.
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Mayor Bass criticized the county as the council considers letting it manage city homelessness spending. Supervisor Horvath fired back, saying the current system is failing.
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Shifting to city control would likely take a year and a half, officials said. Mayor Bass is urging them not to pull funding without a plan in place.
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A federal judge ordered Sithy Yi’s release after her attorney argued her detainment was unconstitutional
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The L.A. Homeless Services Authority has been under fire for more than a year after audits found it failed to properly track its spending.
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The August payout to Fesia Davenport was first revealed by LAist.
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Union leaders say Fesia Davenport told workers there was no money for raises while — it turns out — she was negotiating her payout. She didn't respond to requests for comment.
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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.
