Pasadena, CA (Mon. Jan. 10, 2005) - AirTalk Host Larry Mantle will moderate the first-ever Young Professionals Mayoral Debate on Monday, January 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. Mayoral contenders Richard Alarcon, Bob Hertzberg, Bernard Parks and Antonio Villaraigosa square off to debate the important issues which affect LA. The El Portal Theatre is located at 5269 Lankershim Boulevard. The debate will air Tuesday, January 18 on AirTalk from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The candidates have been invited to address and offer solutions on a myriad of issues impacting the city and its young professional residents. Topics for debate include housing, job production, business development, transportation and education. For more event information or tickets reservations, visit lacyd.org or email airtalk@kpcc.org.

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. Visit www.kpcc.org for more information.