Angela Hawken, Ph.D. is associate professor of economics and policy analysis at the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. A transplant from South Africa to Los Angeles, Hawken has studied corruption, drugs, and crime, among many other thorny topics. Before participating in a panel discussion on the legacy of James Q. Wilson, she sat down in Zócalo’s green room to answer questions on jacarandas, smoking, and frightening animals.
What’s your favorite city in the world?
Tbilisi, Georgia.
Who’s your favorite South African musician?
Johnny Clegg.
What’s the best thing about Malibu?
The ocean view.
Compared to the nations of Georgia and Afghanistan, how corrupt are the cities of Los Angeles County?
Not at all.
What non-human animal fills you with terror?
Snakes.
What sport would you outlaw?
American football.
Californians smoke less than residents of any other state apart from Utah. How can we make them smoke more?
Why would you want to?
What is the most destructive thing that’s believed by most people?
That all “evidence” is evidence-based. It’s very destructive in the policymaking process.
What’s the best cure for jetlag?
Not eating on the flight, then having a huge meal when you land.
Which city has the best jacaranda trees?
Pretoria, South Africa.