On April 29th, 1992, Los Angeles erupted in riots. Sparked by anger after four white police officers were acquitted for the beating of black motorist Rodney King, thousands wreaked havoc on the city for six days. Widespread looting, arson, assault and murder left 53 people dead, thousands injured and over $1 billion in property damage. Several members of the KPCC news team were there to cover the story, a defining event for many journalists. Nick Roman, Frank Stoltze and Kitty Felde worked for KLON at the time (now KKJZ). Cheryl Devall was an NPR reporter in Chicago, who arrived the day after the riots began. Nearly 20 years later, they share their memories of those volatile days and reflect on what it taught them about journalism and the region we call home. Where were you during the riots of ’92? How did the experience change your view of Los Angeles? How far have we come from those days of racially motivated violence, and could it happen again?
Guests:
Nick Roman, KPCC Managing Editor
Cheryl Devall, KPCC Senior News Editor
Frank Stoltze, KPCC reporter
Kitty Felde, KPCC Washington Correspondent