Get the latest from Erika D. Smith
Commentary on people, politics and the quest for a more equitable California.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
Latest From This Author
Mayor Karen Bass talks about the thousands she’s moved into interim housing. But it’s the removal of encampments that will make Angelenos believe it.
Following complaints, elected officials have backed away from an ambitious idea for the Marina Freeway. But can L.A. afford to keep indulging NIMBYs?
What was supposed to be a win with the appointment of Laphonza Butler is testing California’s political sisterhood and loyalties to Rep. Barbara Lee.
The death of Dianne Feinstein and her replacement by Laphonza Butler fulfills a pledge Gavin Newsom made. But not without some issues along the way.
California’s governor vowed to pick a Black woman to fill the vacancy in the Senate. But he won’t get many takers without the ability to run again.
After months on strike, Black writers and actors will soon find out whether members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA truly care about diversity and inclusion.
What has been unfolding at the Ballona Wetlands represents a new model to fix a complicated homelessness problem that’s mostly of L.A.’s own making.
Even as insurers flee California, lawmakers couldn’t hammer out a deal to fix the collapsing market. Inaction will only make disasters more expensive.
Resources are being marshaled to help those who made the expensive pilgrimage to the playa. It’s another reminder who really matters and who doesn’t.
A judge sentenced the longtime L.A. politician to 3½ years as a deterrent to government corruption. Some still argue he shouldn’t have been charged.
