-
Listen Listen
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
-
Sarmiento is calling for changes in how Orange County awards contracts after LAist reports that his colleague Andrew Do failed to disclose that his daughter ran a nonprofit that received millions of taxpayer dollars.
-
It’s the second high-profile instance to emerge recently of O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do not disclosing a relevant family relationship during official proceedings.
-
Over the past year, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was involved in directing $3.1 million to a mental health center where his daughter, Rhiannon Do, was president.
-
The proposal is headed to the full city council for final approval. You can weigh in before the vote.
-
The funding for the troubled nonprofit comes on top of a previous $10 million the council approved in June and another $2 million earlier this month.
-
Bass followed up with the VA secretary on a federal rule that LAist previously reported was keeping hundreds of unhoused veterans with disabilities around the country from accessing housing.
-
A vote on the issue is expected Tuesday by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.
-
The L.A. city council unanimously confirmed Mayor Karen Bass’ appointment to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority.
-
Lourdes Castro Ramirez, who oversees much of the state’s homelessness and housing spending, will start as Karen Bass’ chief of housing and homelessness on Nov. 6.
-
The new beds won’t end homelessness, but people on all sides say it’s a major step to make crucial treatment more accessible.
-
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.
