Sure, there had been tacos al pastor before he did them, but after the popularity of King Taco, everybody had tacos al pastor. People had had carnitas before, but, suddenly, everybody had carnitas. It just seemed to form the template of what the modern Los Angeles taqueria should be. 

--Jonathan Gold, 2013

Nine years ago, Los Angeles lost an unsung hero, Raul Martinez Sr., the founder of King Taco. To find out why this man was so important to LA, I shared a taco or two (or three) with the late Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer Jonathan Gold at King Taco #1 in Cypress Park. (Gold died in 2018.)

Support for this podcast comes from Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live; and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Off-Ramp theme music by Fesliyan Studios.

In 2013, I visited an utterly charming and impish Harlan Ellison at his remarkable home and talked at length with him about his work as a prolific Sci-Fi writer. Then came the dreaded - and expected - phone call from Harlan's alter-ego. (Ellison died in 2018 but I wouldn't be surprised if he sent an angry message from beyond about using his name and "Sci-Fi" in the same sentence.)

Support for this podcast comes from Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live; and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Off-Ramp theme music by Fesliyan Studios.

Director Florian Gallenberger tells KPCC's John Rabe about making the award-winning film, "John Rabe."

Ashes of Oakridge

KPCC's Off-Ramp welcomes PBS's "This Old House" to Los Angeles. Norm and Kevin tell all to host John Rabe.

"John Rabe" director Florian Gallenberger in conversation with KPCC's John Rabe ... Puppet shows on the 405... Ellen Geer brings out religion, notorious Milady in adaptation of "Three Musketeers" at Theatricum Botanicum ...

This Old House finally comes to LA ... "Sister Carrie" too controversial, Theodore Dreiser was scandalous, too ... Harry Partch adds a bajillion notes to the scales ... Dinner Party Download's dinner with Wallace Shawn ... Skirball Center exhibits The Chosen albums ...

A money management class at a homeless shelter ... Jon Bon Jovi supports LAMP with a tour ... Russ Parsons: how to bbq without stress ... MUST READ: Ray Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine" ... Queena Kim says goodbye ... Lisa See on her latest: "Shanghai Girls" ... a violin master class with Jennifer Frautschi.

Joel Grey - a Broadway, Silver Screen, and TV triple threat - talking with KPCC's John Rabe about his almost 60 years in show business.

Actor and Director Joel Grey ... Shirley Jahad's EV diaries ... James Beard Foundation award winners Jonathan Gold and Colman Andrews ... Eat-LA, a guide to help you avoid "Food Panic" ... Dinner Party Download meets Marissa Silver ... Cabaret with The Brown Betties ...