IN HISTORY

A Look Back at What Made Los Angeles What It is Today

15years ago this week: L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley said he would appeal to Congress to fund the $3.3 billion Metro Rail project after the Reagan Administration announced that it did not intend to cover 62 percent of the cost, as previously expected Local retailers breathed a sigh of relief after a late holiday shopping rush produced satisfactory sales and thin profits.

THE NEWSMAKER

Martha Gallagher complained that she had received hundreds of calls and letters from phone companies, as 65,000 Alhambra residents prepared to become the first in Southern California to select long-distance service from eight competing firms as a result of the Bell System breakup. “Salespeople just barge right in through the door,” said the annoyed florist shop owner.

THE NUMBERS

december 20, 1984

Dow Jones Industrial Average 1210.14

London gold $315/oz.

Four-pack Eveready batteries $.88

Computer phone modem $549