[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 3 (Monday, January 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING HUELL HOWSER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 14, 2013

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, last week, California lost one of its most 
beloved individuals, Huell Howser. Huell was known to so many 
Californians as the friendly host of California's Gold, the long 
running public television program from which he retired late last year.
  Huell's southern accent made it clear that he wasn't a native 
Californian. He was born in Tennessee but moved to Los Angeles in 1981 
to become a reporter for KCBS. He fell in love with his new home and 
created his own television show dedicated to life in California. The 
premise was simple. He, a cameraman, and a hand-held microphone 
traveled across the state, visiting everything from national parks to 
little known mom-and-pop shops, in search of California stories. He 
found them.
  His folksy charm was disarming and his impromptu interviews were 
lighthearted and friendly. He talked to nearly everyone he met and 
found the most incredible stories ranging from tragic and touching to 
obscure and wonderful. But regardless of where he was visiting, his 
genuine enthusiasm stole the show. He was known for his ``gee-wiz'' 
demeanor and being completely fascinated with everything he stumbled 
upon, often exclaiming ``That's amazing!'' The LA Times once called him 
``magnificently unslick.'' Many Californians have mastered their own 
impression of him, with love of course.
  California's Gold ran on public television for 19 years. It became 
many Californians' ``comfort television.'' Huell Howser was always a 
pleasure to watch. Each episode would show you everything you ever 
wanted to know about a place, and perhaps a little more.
  He was a personal friend and I will always have fond memories of our 
Thanksgivings together at my brother Jim's home in San Pedro. I will 
never forget listening to Huell and my mother Ramona share stories of 
Nashville where she attended high school.
  Since his passing, there has been an outpouring of tributes from his 
fans across the state who remember him for his optimism and sincerity. 
He is truly irreplaceable.

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