Eric Smith

Professor of Political Science, UC Santa Barbara

Guest

Professor of Political Science Professor at the University of California Santa Barbara, specializing in environmental politics

Eric Smith on KCRW

The price of oil crossed the $100-a-barrel threshold at the first of this year. Last week, it hit a record $147, then dropped below $130. But it's creeping up again today.

To Drill or Not to Drill

The price of oil crossed the $100-a-barrel threshold at the first of this year. Last week, it hit a record $147, then dropped below $130. But it's creeping up again today.

from To the Point

Offshore oil drilling is almost an abstract issue in California, except in Long Beach and Santa Barbara, where giant rigs dominate the scenery.   Now the high price of gasoline has…

Is California Ready to Rethink Offshore Oil Drilling?

Offshore oil drilling is almost an abstract issue in California, except in Long Beach and Santa Barbara, where giant rigs dominate the scenery.   Now the high price of gasoline has…

from Which Way, L.A.?

More from KCRW

Heat and drought are both straining the state’s water supply, and Governor Gavin Newsom is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Community activists and some city leaders say they are not satisfied with the LAPD’s explanation about the “miscalculation” that led to the dangerous detonation of illegal fireworks in…

from KCRW Features

Koreatown’s Wi Spa is the latest battleground in the culture wars — after a video went viral suggesting a transgender patron was admitted to a women-only section of the spa.

from KCRW Features

July 1. The plan is crammed full of spending for all kinds of programs, funded in part by federal COVID relief aid and an unexpected windfall in tax revenue from wealthy Californians.

from KCRW Features

Last week, the Democratic-controlled House passed legislation to form a select committee to investigate what spurred the breach of the Capitol on January 6th and what happened on the…

from KCRW Features

LA County says the average daily COVID case rate and test positivity rate have doubled in the past week.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Roughly 53% of LA County residents are fully vaccinated, but cases and hospitalizations are rising. As the Delta variant spreads, people ages 18-29 are being hit hardest.

from Greater LA

This week on Left, Right & Center, it’s a special presentation of our companion show All The Presidents’ Lawyers.

from Left, Right & Center

LA’s nightclubs are back, ushering in a “Roaring 20s” momentum.

from Greater LA