Highlights from SPJ/LA's Regional Conference: Tips on Data Reporting

One of the panels offered at SPJ/LA's Region 11 Conference at the Universal City Hilton was a session on data reporting.

The panelists were Los Angeles Times senior writer Doug Smith, L.A Times digital editor Ryan Menezes, and KPPC's data reporter Aaron Mendelson.

Smith walked the audience through how he used data to report on the city's plan to build housing for those experiencing homelessness in city-owned parking lots.Here is Smith's presentation.

Menezes talked about how he uses data science to do data reporting. He talked about projects on crowded homes, campaign donations to gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom from the cannabis industry, the city's controversial deferred retirement option program.

Here is a link to Menezes' presentation.

Mendelson spoke about his investigation into behested payments made to Mayor Eric Garcetti from "individuals, businesses and foundations, some of which have won sizable contracts and crucial approvals from the city in recent years."  He also gave six tips when using data.Here is a link to Mendelson's presentation.