Environment and transportation reporter with the San Diego Union Tribune.
Joshua Emerson Smith on KCRW
More from KCRW
Thousands of miles from home, Ukrainians in LA reflect on war and spread art
InternationalA new residency for Ukrainian artists in LA allows six filmmakers and art historians to take a break from Russian shelling and soak up LA’s art and culture.
SoCal solar industry’s future may be dimmer due to CA rule changes
Climate changeRooftop solar is about to get more expensive, so local solar installers are busy but expecting tough days ahead. The Imperial Valley is known for agriculture.
Can LA capture enough stormwater to meet residents’ needs?
EnvironmentSoCal’s drought restrictions are over for now, but this winter’s rainwater won’t last long. LA County captured lots of stormwater, but not enough to provide lasting relief.
To save more water and create more renewable energy, turn to solar canals
EnvironmentAbout 10% of the water shuttled through the LA Aqueduct gets lost to evaporation. To stop it, LA DWP wants to cover some of those miles of water with solar panels.
Downey Rose Parade float back on its wheels after 2 years of financial struggles
ArtsAfter the pandemic led to financial troubles, Downey’s float returns this year to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
What’s bringing so much rain and flooding to CA?
CaliforniaSeveral storms are rolling across California, bringing intense wind and flooding. They’ll replenish but not totally fill reservoirs due to long-standing drought.
Nature’s gifts: The hidden life of trees and the joy of animals
EnvironmentGerman forester and author Peter Wohlleben explains how trees have a sophisticated method of communication and the ability to feel and heal.
Doing home improvements? Inflation Reduction Act can help
Business & EconomyThe Inflation Reduction Act includes billions of dollars for people to make climate-friendly improvements to their homes. Here’s how to qualify for it.
Whittier Narrows Dam critically needs an upgrade to protect 1.2 million Angelenos
EnvironmentRepairing the Whittier Narrows Dam was reclassified in 2016 from “high urgency” to “very high urgency” by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.