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
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Mayor Karen Bass is set to answer questions at the town hall where she plans to update residents on the homelessness crisis and community safety. -
It’s 10 times as many beds as the county promised a year ago to end the civil rights case. -
“Watching this is tragic,” Judge David O. Carter said. He disputed the VA’s claims that it has no obligation to act in the best interest of veterans. -
Hundreds of veterans who have severe disabilities from their service can’t get housing because their disability compensation puts them just over the income threshold for housing aid. -
Herb Scannell led efforts to expand podcasting and diversify the organization, and made the controversial decision to cut 21 positions in June. -
The 424-page document could open a new chapter in the long-running "snitch scandal" that has upended multiple murder cases in Orange County. -
On the agenda: Storm shelter prep, data problems and people getting kicked out of shelters. -
Due to the problems, most of the stations where unhoused people can access free water opened over a month late. -
Near record-breaking high heat is expected through Tuesday. Here are places to stay cool, from Thousand Oaks to the Coachella Valley. -
Officials focused shelter efforts at people living where the risk was highest – along rivers and flood zones. But only a few hundred emergency shelter beds were launched, despite over 50,000 people living outdoors in L.A. County.
