Data Reporter

Nikie Johnson

Nikie Johnson is a data reporter for Southern California News Group, using numbers and public records to uncover meaningful stories. If she can color-code a spreadsheet, it’s a good day. Previously she was breaking news editor for SCNG’s Inland newspapers (The Press-Enterprise, the Sun, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the Redlands Daily Facts) and all sorts of things for the P-E before that (web/social editor, Hemet bureau editor, copy editor, salsa maker in chief). She’s a proud University of Houston alumna and a native Nebraska Cornhusker.

Construction workers unload roofing tiles at the future Santa Ana Veterans Village, which will provide permanent supportive housing to ex-service members. The city helped developers get financing by committing a stream of revenue from future “project-based” rent vouchers to the project. Santa Ana is one of just 15 California jurisdictions on track to meet state-mandated housing goals. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

California needs more housing — 97% of its cities, counties fail to issue enough RHNA permits

February 19, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.

An analysis of 2018 housing data shows most jurisdictions got a failing grade in permitting new homes.

Weekly maps from the U.S. Drought Monitor show just how drastically this year’s above-average rainfall has affected drought conditions across California. (Graphic by Nikie Johnson, SCNG, using U.S. Drought Monitor images)

Time-lapse map shows how winter rains have washed away California’s drought

February 27, 2019 at 8:31 a.m.

Drought conditions have retreated, then returned, then retreated again since 2016, and are currently almost completely gone -- for now.

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