RADIO TALKS REVIVE '90S FOR RIORDAN DJS SOUND OFF ON MAYOR'S NEW YEAR'S EVE.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

During back-to-back appearances on two radio programs Friday, Mayor Richard Riordan received a pat on the back for steering the city through potential Y2K problems as well as a chance at redemption for the city's less-than-spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations.

While the mayor basked in congratulations from Andy Chanley on KCWR-FM (103.1) with his ``hug a Y2K technician day,'' he also heard some more of the criticism that has marked the city for the past week following what has been charitably described as lackluster events to celebrate the end of the 1900s.

``You do have to explain what the hell happened,'' radio host John Kobylt said to Riordan during a brief interview on radio station KABC-AM (790). ``Line dancers at Van Nuys Airport with Jan Michael Vincent . . . as grand marshal? Who's in charge here?''

Riordan took responsibility - ``the buck ends with me'' - as he blamed the rain for dampening attendance.

``Actually, we had a great celebration,'' Riordan said, citing his own attendance at all the events, which included Mexican folklorico dancers, drummers and gospel singers along with the line dancers. ``I got a little wet, but had a great time. The problem was the first rain we had in 175 years on New Year's Eve.

``We don't have an Eiffel Tower to become the center of attention. Maybe we could rent it for a day.''

Kobylt and his partner, Ken Chiampou, offered the mayor a chance to overcome the new city image of not knowing how to throw a party by trying again next New Year's Eve - capitalizing on the real turn of the millennium.

``We'll trademark it,'' Kobylt said. ``Los Angeles, the beginning of the new millennium.''

To which Riordan added approvingly: ``You can say, Los Angeles, the only honest city in the world.''

Kobylt said he had permission from his management - the station is owned by the Disney Corp. - to work on and promote the concept.

Riordan promised to work with them on the proposal, which Kobylt reminded him would be his last New Year's Eve as mayor.

``It will be your farewell as mayor,'' Kobylt said. ``You'll want people to remember you.''

Riordan said he would have aides talk to them despite the advice he received after Jan. 1.

``Someone told me I should keep my day job and give up trying to be a promoter,'' Riordan said.

Listeners offered their own ideas for celebrating the next New Year's Day, with one suggesting fireworks around the city.