Erika D. Smith is a former columnist for the Los Angeles Times who wrote 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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In the small but growing â€cannabis equity’ movement, Kika Keith, owner of Gorilla Rx Wellness Co., is the most prominent advocate in California.
Once known for violence and corruption, Inglewood has become a hub for sports and entertainment. Housing costs are climbing, but James T. Butts Jr. defends the growth.
A confluence of life events led to Prophet Walker’s reputation for leveraging the power of celebrities, politicians and developers for the poorest Angelenos.
The San Diego Democrat has long been a force in politics, including in the Assembly. But she has achieved near-rock-star status as the godmother of reparations.
Known for his global stature and civic work in Ohio, the Laker has tapped a core group of friends and family to build an economic empire rooted in Los Angeles.
People who exist at the nexus of multiple movements for liberation are the ones who drive us forward, treating the struggle for equality with urgency.
In a lot ways, many of us remain locked in our bubbles, not entirely understanding the thought processes of people of other races and ethnicities.
Santa Monica is exploring what to compensate the descendants of Silas White, a Black businessman whose land was seized by eminent domain before he could open a beach club.
The longtime Oakland lawmaker was defeated in the primary by Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey, disappointing a close-knit California sisterhood. But all is not lost.
No longer is it just “vote for the best person.” Our most basic civic duty has become complicated and tiring. The Senate primary is but one example.