Erika D. Smith is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times writing about the people, politics and quest for a more equitable California. She joined The Times in 2018 as an assistant editor, expanding coverage of the state’s homelessness and affordable housing crises. She previously worked at the Sacramento Bee as a columnist and editorial board member. Before the Bee, Smith wrote for the Indianapolis Star and Akron Beacon Journal. She is a graduate of Ohio University and a native of Cleveland.
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Commentary on people, politics and the quest for a more equitable California.
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Latest From This Author
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.
Oct. 1, 2023
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.
Sept. 26, 2023
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.
Sept. 20, 2023
Even as insurers flee California, lawmakers couldn’t hammer out a deal to fix the collapsing market. Inaction will only make disasters more expensive.
Sept. 14, 2023
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.
Sept. 4, 2023
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.
Aug. 29, 2023
The L.A. City Council approved big pay raises to beef up the LAPD and ensure public safety. That crime is already down is apparently beside the point.
Aug. 24, 2023
What’s allowed in schools changes. That’s why a new Black studies curriculum tied to California’s reparations task force will roll out differently.
Aug. 7, 2023
As president, Trump normalized racism. Now U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has been assigned to his felony case tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Aug. 2, 2023
The short answer is probably not. But the movement is 10 years old and, after several controversies, public opinion is down. Some want a new strategy.
July 16, 2023