Huell Howser visit Pierce College.
Photo by: Amber-Rose Kelly

Long-time television host Huell Howser, creator and host of “California’s Gold,” will address the Pierce College campus and the public at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 in the college’s Great Hall.

“California’s Gold” is one of the longest-running and popular series about California ever produced.

The success of the show has helped launch six additional series about life in the Golden State, including “Visiting with Huell Howser,” “Road Trip with Huell Howser” and the newest series, “Downtown.”

Howser’s shows can be seen six nights a week on KCET-TV in Los Angeles and at various times on California PBS stations across the state. His programs also air in Florida, Oregon, Nevada and Tennessee. His work isn’t just limited to California, however. He’s also traveled to Israel, Cuba, Europe and twice to the Soviet Union.

Howser was born and raised in Tennessee. His television career started in the 1960s when a fluke guest appearance as a college student on the local news landed him a spot as a reporter. Just a few months after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he found himself on the evening news.

After a stint in New York City as a man-on-the-street reporter, he came to Los Angeles in 1981 as a lifestyle reporter for KCBS-TV. His enthusiasm for his new home inspired the idea for “California’s Gold.” He wanted to be an everyman like his idol, fellow southerner and journalist Charles Kuralt.

His simple idea of traveling the state to uncover California’s un-told treasure chest of stories launched a television success story.

“We operate on the premise that TV isn’t brain surgery.  The stories are what it’s all about,” Howser said.  “If you have a good story, it doesn’t have to be overproduced.  I want our stories to reveal the wonders of the human spirit and the richness of life in California, including its history, people, culture and natural wonders.”

Howser’s guest appearance at Pierce College is part of the Media Arts Department’s Speaker Series, a free, semester-long effort funded by the ASO.  The campus and community is invited.

Refreshments will be served. Parking is available for $2 in Lot 1, near the Sheriff’s Station off Brahma Drive and Winnetka Avenue.

For more information, contact Stefanie Frith with the Media Arts Department at (818) 719-6492.

WHAT: Huell Howser, host of “California’s Gold,” will speak to the Pierce College campus and the public.

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 26

TIME: 11:15 a.m.

WHERE: Pierce College, in the Great Hall

INFO: Stefanie Frith, Pierce College Media Arts Department, (818) 719-6492