Reporter for the LA Times.
Dakota Smith on KCRW
More from KCRW
LA’s dirty beaches: Surfers are ‘stoked,’ families are cautious
EnvironmentYou might know that Los Angeles beaches get dirty after a winter storm, but it remains a problem in the summer, too. Why? And does it keep anyone away?
Community catalogs wildlife to change borderland reputation
AnimalsVolunteers spent days cataloging the wildlife around the U.S. southern border during the annual Border BioBlitz to establish the region as a biodiversity hotspot.
RV sweeps: ‘I don’t know where they think we’re going to go’
HomelessnessAs LA officials ramp up operations to clear RV encampments from city streets, RV dwellers parked on one Sun Valley street wonder where to go next.
‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar’ explores a musical prodigy
TheaterWorld-famous pianist Hershey Felder talks about his new role as composer Sergei Rachamanioff in the new play, “ Rachmaninoff and the Tsar ,” at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.
What is justice for families evicted from Chavez Ravine?
HistoryThe construction of Dodger Stadium displaced hundreds of people who lived in Chavez Ravine decades ago. Former residents and descendants don’t agree on reparations.
OC trans community struggles with housing injustice
Orange CountyAlianza Translatinx , a group led by trans people of color, released a study showing a lack of housing resources for trans people in Orange County.
Son of late ‘Famous Amos’ reflects on dad’s joy and optimism
HistoryThe founder of Famous Amos Cookies, Wallace “Wally” Amos, died this week at age 88.
The Supreme Court criminalizes being homeless
HomelessnessThe Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow cities to ban people from sleeping outdoors presents a major shift in the perception of poverty and homelessness in the U.S.
California’s undocumented undergrads want on-campus jobs
Business & EconomyCalifornia could lead the nation with a bill that would open up on-campus jobs at public universities and colleges to the state’s 60,000 undocumented students.