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

The outcome of congressional races in Orange County could determine whether Republicans keep their majority in the House of Representatives.

from KCRW Features

The assassination of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare insurance company, has prompted a national reckoning of how corporate entities commit crimes on a daily basis…

from Scheer Intelligence

Gaza today symbolizes nothing but death, destruction and oppression.

from Scheer Intelligence

The Irvine Police Department purchased a Tesla Cybertruck to promote its D.A.R.E drug program. But some taxpayers say the money should be spent elsewhere.

from KCRW Features

The Anaheim City Council postponed their vote on a proposed ordinance to set a $50 limit for gifts to council members.

from KCRW Features

Young progressives with Chispa rallied Latino voters for Democrat Derek Tran in OC’s 45th District, a race that hasn’t been called.

from KCRW Features

What can we expect if RFK Jr. becomes health secretary? Will Trump take action on Dreamers? Plus, KCRW analyzes how progressives influenced the Democratic mandate.

from Left, Right & Center

Little Saigon’s Vietnamese community has long leaned Republican. Now local Democrat Derek Tran is trying to peel away votes in an OC swing district.

from KCRW Features

Does “working class” mean what it used to? Is fracking getting more attention than it deserves? Plus, KCRW examines what came out of one culture war in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

from Left, Right & Center