Pasadena (Wed., Jan. 5, 2005) - On Friday, January 7, 89.3 KPCC will kick off a yearlong celebration of the 20th anniversary of AirTalk with Larry Mantle with a live broadcast from Palm Springs. The program begins at 10 a.m.

AirTalk Host Mantle will discuss how Coachella Valley residents are coping with the rapid growth and development of the region, as well as the huge popularity of gambling. A variety of officials from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Indio are expected to participate. Mantle will also talk to officials of the Palm Springs Film Festival about the festival's significance to the region and the film community at large.

Mantle has hosted AirTalk since its inception in April 1985, and throughout 2005 89.3 KPCC is celebrating the longest continuously running radio talk show in southern California. As part of that celebration, AirTalk will broadcast from a different significant southern California location each month.

The January 7 show will originate from the San Jacinto Room at the Wyndham Palm Springs, 888 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. Listeners are invited to attend and must R.S.V.P. to AirTalk@kpcc.org. (Please do not call to R.S.V.P.)

This program is supported in part by grants from Southern California Edison and the California Community Foundation. Established in 1915, the California Community Foundation is one of the largest and most active philanthropic organizations in Southern California, with assets of more than $600 million. In partnership with its donors, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions with funds for health and human services, affordable housing, early childhood education, community arts and culture and other areas of need.

KPCC is the flagship station of Southern California Public Radio. In the past three years KPCC has won more awards for excellence in journalism than any other radio station in Southern California. KPCC is also the fastest-growing public radio station in the country, airing the signature public radio news and talk programs from NPR, along with Air Talk with Larry Mantle weekdays from 10 a.m.- 12 Noon, and Talk of the City with Kitty Felde weekdays from 2-3 p.m.