Dakota Smith covers City Hall for the Los Angeles Times. She is part of the team that won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in breaking news for reporting on a leaked audio recording that upended City Hall politics. She joined the newsroom in 2016 and previously covered City Hall for the Los Angeles Daily News. She is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College and lives in Los Angeles.
Latest From This Author
Council President Paul Krekorian’s office sent out an email supporting a candidate. Did it cross a line?
March 6, 2024
The outcome will help determine the future of Los Angeles’ handling of homelessness, policing and public safety, and efforts to make housing more affordable.
March 6, 2024
The two candidates in the west San Fernando Valley are blasting each other as untrustworthy in the run-up to Tuesday’s election.
March 2, 2024
Raman and De León aren’t viewed as friends or allies. But both are in tough reelection campaigns and touting progress on homelessness in their districts.
March 1, 2024
Just 4% of voters in Los Angeles County had returned ballots through Thursday.
Feb. 24, 2024
The Times and Consumer Watchdog are seeking to make public 33 search warrants, affidavits and other documents in the government’s case.
Feb. 22, 2024
Former CBS boss Leslie Moonves agreed to pay an $11,250 fine in an ethics case involving the city of L.A. But the City Ethics Commission rejected the fine as too low.
Feb. 21, 2024
Serena Oberstein, a Northridge resident and nonprofit leader, is challenging incumbent John Lee in a campaign that promises a new approach to homelessness in District 12.
Feb. 21, 2024
While some at City Hall are staking out positions on the bike and bus lane measure, others — including Mayor Karen Bass — have kept silent.
Feb. 17, 2024
The former aide has filed a retaliation claim against the city of Los Angeles. Price’s office has denied her allegations and said she ‘harassed’ other aides.
Feb. 15, 2024