Charles in Charge! Scott Baio Calls to Tell Us About California Crime

BUCK: Clay, we have quite a reach here and we also like a lot of the same shows. Did you ever watch Charles in Charge growing up? ‘Cause I watched Charles in Charge as a kid.

CLAY: Oh, of course!. I watched every 1980s show.

BUCK: I bring it up because we were talking about the dysfunction in Sherman Oaks, California, and Charles, from Charles in Charge — a show that you and I watched countless hours of — Scott Baio, the actor, has called in to tell us apparently about what’s going on in Sherman Oaks. Scott, thanks for the ring. We appreciate it.

BAIO: Yeah, you’re welcome. I was listening to you guys earlier as I do most mornings, and, you know, I don’t want people to think that that was a one-off, that situation, ’cause I live a couple miles from there, and it is infinitely worse than what that guy is talking about. I mean, it’s everywhere out here in the San Fernando Valley.

BUCK: Scott, what kind of stuff are you seeing?

BAIO: I see people… When I drive with my kid, I gotta turn her head away. She’s 14 years old. I see people defecating on the sidewalk. You see people in parks shooting up. There’s people passed out everywhere. I mean it. It’s not the isolated. It’s all over the place. And I’m about ready to get out of the state. So, you know, just so you guys know, that it’s no joke out here.

CLAY: When did it start, Scott? ‘Cause I spent a lot of time in L.A., too, and this is awesome that you’re calling in. But was there a moment in time when you noticed, “Hey, this has gotten out of control”?

BAIO: I’d say in the past… I think, probably since Governor Newsom, it’s really gotten bad, and maybe a little before that. So, maybe four or five years ago. It’s just… It’s out of control, guys. Listen, I’ve been here for 45, almost 50 years. I’ve seen this place go from an absolute paradise to a cesspool, and —

BUCK: Yeah, they should make a show called Newsom in Charge where he manages to destroy one of the greatest states in the country. Scott Baio, everybody. Scott, thanks so much for calling in, man. We are honored that you are a listener. Thank you very much.

BAIO: God bless you guys. Thank you.

CLAY: That is phenomenal, Buck — and also, remember Scott Baio got the name drop in Bill Maher, the clip that we played over the weekend.

That is phenomenal.