The L.A. Olympics, 25 years later

In hindsight, considering the wild success of the Los Angeles Olympics, it might seem odd that anyone did not want to be part of the games that opened 25 years ago this week. Kevin Modesti in the Daily News.

The Soviet Bloc had its reasons, of course.

Less famously, so did the San Fernando Valley.

As a result of a fight that had classic Valley themes but far-reaching implications, this became the biggest Southern California community to miss out on hosting Olympic sports events - though that doesn't keep it from sharing in the games' financial legacy.