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Podcasts AirTalk
Southern California, now and then: Celebrating 30 years of a region
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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Apr 1, 2015
Listen • 48:01
Southern California, now and then: Celebrating 30 years of a region
The year was 1985, and on April 1 at Pasadena City College, a young broadcaster by the name of Larry Mantle sat behind a KPCC microphone for the inaugural broadcast of AirTalk.
The 10th annual Brentwood Parade started after the 5K and 10K morning runs. The parade which ran down San Vicente Boulevard, featured rare animals and rare entertainers all in a row on May 24, 1985.
The 10th annual Brentwood Parade started after the 5K and 10K morning runs. The parade which ran down San Vicente Boulevard, featured rare animals and rare entertainers all in a row on May 24, 1985.
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Los Angeles Public Library
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Supporters look on as California Governor Gray Davis (C) concedes the recall election to challenger Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on October 7, 2003 .
Supporters look on as California Governor Gray Davis (C) concedes the recall election to challenger Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on October 7, 2003 .
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Rich Scmitt/AFP/Getty Images
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California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrates his victory over Democrat Treasurer Phil Angelides on Election Night in Los Angeles, California on November 7, 2006. .
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrates his victory over Democrat Treasurer Phil Angelides on Election Night in Los Angeles, California on November 7, 2006. .
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David McNew/Getty Images
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US Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole delivers a speech on Hollywood's movie making values on a sound stage at 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles on July 30, 1996. .
US Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole delivers a speech on Hollywood's movie making values on a sound stage at 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles on July 30, 1996. .
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J. DAVID AKE/AFP/Getty Images
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Then US president Ronald Reagan protecting himself from chilling winds at Los Angeles International Airport on December 29, 1987 as he boards Air Force One for a flight to Palm Springs, CA, where the first family spent New Year's Eve.
Then US president Ronald Reagan protecting himself from chilling winds at Los Angeles International Airport on December 29, 1987 as he boards Air Force One for a flight to Palm Springs, CA, where the first family spent New Year's Eve.
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JEROME DELAY/AFP/Getty Images
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Defendant O.J. Simpson (C) cheers while standing with his attorneys F. Lee Bailey (L) and Johnnie Cochan Jr (R), after hearing the not guilty verdict in his criminal murder trial, Los Angeles, California on October 3, 1995.
Defendant O.J. Simpson (C) cheers while standing with his attorneys F. Lee Bailey (L) and Johnnie Cochan Jr (R), after hearing the not guilty verdict in his criminal murder trial, Los Angeles, California on October 3, 1995.
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AFP/Getty Images / Pool
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People and their belongings line a sidewalk across from a burned out apartment in Los Angeles. The apartment was attached to a row of stores that were burned and looted, 30 April 1992. 
People and their belongings line a sidewalk across from a burned out apartment in Los Angeles. The apartment was attached to a row of stores that were burned and looted, 30 April 1992. 
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AFP / Stringer
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Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign at Rosewood Elementary School in Westwood on Feb. 11, 1987.
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Los Angeles Public Library
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3rd Street looking east toward Flower Street and the 3rd Street Tunnel. Office towers are seen on Bunker Hill in 1995.
3rd Street looking east toward Flower Street and the 3rd Street Tunnel. Office towers are seen on Bunker Hill in 1995.
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Los Angeles Public Library
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Five-term LA Mayor Tom Bradley speaks at AIDS Walk LA 1988.
Five-term LA Mayor Tom Bradley speaks at AIDS Walk LA 1988.
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Mr Flikker/Flickr/ Creative Commons
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Cars lie smashed by the collapsed Interstate 5 connector few hours after Northridge earthquake in Sylmar, California.
Cars lie smashed by the collapsed Interstate 5 connector few hours after Northridge earthquake in Sylmar, California.
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JONATHAN NOUROK/AFP/Getty Images
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The year was 1985, and on April 1 at Pasadena City College, a young broadcaster by the name of Larry Mantle sat behind a KPCC microphone for the inaugural broadcast of AirTalk.

The year was 1985. On April 1, at Pasadena City College, a young broadcaster by the name of Larry Mantle sat behind a KPCC microphone and hosted a show called "AirTalk." 

At the time, a gallon of gas cost about $1.10 and a postage stamp cost 22 cents. The compact disc, the Super Mario Brothers and New Coke were introduced to America. Microsoft released the first version of Windows and the first .com domain name was registered. All while Ronald Reagan served as President of the United States. 

30 years later, that same broadcaster still sits behind a KPCC microphone and continues to bring his loyal listeners the latest in news, entertainment, and culture from Southern California.

Join us as Larry Mantle celebrate 30 years to the day of hosting the region’s longest continuously-running daily talk radio program (no April Fooling) with a special 2-hour live broadcast from our Crawford Family Forum. True to form, Larry and special guests will address the issues of the day as well as take a look at Southern California then and now with a conversation on what’s to come. There may even be a few surprises!

Scroll down for awesome content from today's celebration and from Larry's career.

Here are some notable interviews from yesteryear, including a Q&A on Scientology from 1988, which Larry says was one of the toughest he's done in 30 years: 

Oh, and then there's the overwhelming amount of wonderful Twitter love we got from listeners, fans, show guests, KPCC colleagues, and even a couple of elected officials.

Sincerest thanks to everyone who was a part of making today special for Larry and to everyone who has helped over the years! The show wouldn't be at 30 without you!

With #KPCClove,

The AirTalk Team

Credits
STAFF-HEADSHOTS-2023
Larry Mantle
Host, AirTalk
STAFF-HEADSHOTS-2023
Austin Cross
Host, All Things Considered, AirTalk Friday
A headshot of a smiling man with brown hair wearing a red collared shirt
Matt Dangelantonio
Senior Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
STAFF PORTRAIT lindsey wright
Lindsey Wright
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
STAFF-HEADSHOTS-2023
Lucy Copp
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
A photo of a young man with glasses and a moustache wearing a black jacket with the Manchester United soccer club insignia on it.\
Manny Valladares
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Tamar Faggen
Tamar Faggen
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
A photo of a man wearing a collared shirt
Jason Rodriguez
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek