Odd or Even? That Was the Question
- Share via
With the nation in the midst of an
energy crisis, Los
Angeles County supervisors voted to implement Gov. Ronald
Reagan’s gas rationing plan, which would allow motorists to go to gas stations only on odd or even weekdays, depending on the last digit of their license plates. A week earlier, fistfights and attempted vehicular
homicides had been reported as motorists tried to fill up before the long Washington’s Birthday weekend. At one point, all of the LAPD units in the Southwest Division were assigned to traffic duty to help the situation.
Motorists had to wait in line for hours even if all they wanted to do was top off their tanks.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy.
