9 episodes
Norco 80 LAist
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- True Crime
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4.0 • 550 Ratings
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In May of 1980, the sleepy streets of Norco, California were turned into an all-out war zone in what is one of the most violent bank robberies in American history. From LAist Studios in collaboration with Futuro Studios comes the new podcast—Norco ’80 based on the book by Peter Houlahan. Listen as host and producer Antonia Cereijido tells the unbelievable true story about God, guns, survivalism and the bank robbery that changed policing in America forever. Using eyewitness testimony and never before heard police tapes, Norco ’80 takes listeners on a wild ride, and serves as a cautionary tale in the context of America being immersed in the middle of an economic crisis, revamped end of the world paranoia and a complex conversation about policing.
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Chapter 8: Danger Signs
The Norco Bank Robbery happened over 40 years ago, but its legend continues influence how police officers are trained today. Thanks to one very popular VHS tape.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Chapter 7: George Smith
George Smith speaks to us in his first-ever recorded interview, from a correctional facility in Corcoran, California.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Chapter 6: The Trial
The “Norco 3” face the death penalty in one of the highest profile trials in Riverside County history.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Chapter 5: Big Guns
After the chase finally ends, a shell-shocked police force demands bigger, more powerful weapons.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Chapter 4: The Final Chase
The robbers lead police on a winding chase that ends in a devastating standoff at the top of a mountain.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Chapter 3: The Robbers
George Smith didn't set out to rob a bank. He just wanted to survive the apocalypse.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Customer Reviews
Amazing podcast
This podcast is beautifully done. Antonia synthesizes local history and systemic forces at play that contextualize this story in a way most “true crime” podcasts do not. Really amazing feat!
Poor facts
This starts out great but the narrators personal opinions start creeping in. By the last episode it’s obvious how she feels about police and anyone white. Her stats on police shootings are not correct or accurate. This would have been an amazing and interesting series to hear if it would have been a fair and unbiased narration. I would have thought NPR would have done a better job and reported fairly. RM
To preachy
They need to stay on subject. Imagine if a non-woke person did this story. It would be awesome. But, here we are with this ideology that is tearing this country apart. A ‘almost’ at best.