California's Gold

The history of California is really the history of this country. Like the host and producer, Huell Howser, I am not a "native" Californian but have become an avid student of California history over the last 15 years thanks largely to the efforts of Hower & Co. Although I had been living here a few years and had visited most of the "requisite" attraction of the state, or so I thought, I was in near ignorance of the history and hidden gems all around me until I saw the first couple of episodes of "California's Gold" on PBS. I distinctly remember the episodes about the Poppy Preserve in the Antelope Valley, the reenactment of wooden ski racing near Downieville, and the hydraulic mining demonstration in North Bloomfield (Huell manning the "monitor") from the first couple of seasons. I could instantly relate to Howser's folksy awe in discovering some new place of forgotten history almost always sitting right under the current residents' noses (myself included). I always gave history short shrift in school until the accessible format of this show made me give it another look. Now I'm a member of the California Historical Society and a collector of early CA photography. If you out-of-stater's get a chance, catch a few episodes when you are in town and you'll be hooked. You can then order all the old seasons thanks to the magic of the DVD!

He was not born in California, but he made California like many others before and after him his home. The series from the public broadcaster KCET covered nearly everything Southern California has to offer. There's a lot he didn't get to, but Southern California is a very big place. You can access the entire archive of the program on Chapman University's website. You can also find content on KCET and on Google's Youtube. I rewatch these shows whenever I want to relax and destress. Chapman University in Orange was connected to the Los Angeles Red Car public transportation system featured in California Gold and also in the film Who Framed Roger Rabit.

Absolutely enchanting show. I used to watch this show years ago while going through my wild and care free days of drinking and partying. Many is a sleepy morning I have spent exploring california with Huell Howser. This is the best show to watch at like 7AM on a Sunday while nursing a hangover from the night before. Huell is an imperturbable optimist who finds something "AMAZING!" in everything whether it be a gold panning operation or sewage treatment facility. Whether your an old viewer or discovering this show for the first time, you will not be disappointed. We should all hope to be as enchanted by the mundane as he. Much love for this show.

I've been watching this show since I was 16 years old, I'm 22 now. I don't actually live in California, but the show is so well done that the wide angles, the correct iris apertures, even the audio really makes you feel like you're on a school trip everyday going to a different place.

Huell Howser has really made his homework on informing the world about the interesting overlooked places in California.

What I like most about the show, is that Huell acts as if he was a typical tourist, like most of us, and asks the exact questions we would ask, I always like the modern and practical perspective he gives to the show. That element of surprise he gives to the places he visits really gives a punch to the real amazement I would have if I'd be visiting there.

Huell Howser!! You Rock!!!!!!!

I think Huell Howser is so funny and good at what he does. It's funny when he gets up on peoples face to interview them. He's got this funny annoying accent that probably make Californians hate his guts. I've been watching Californias Gold with Huell Howser since I was 14 years old, (I am 23 now) Anyway, there is something about this program that makes me feel comforted and happy when I'm sad, It really cheers me up to know that I live in such an awesome place called California. Huell takes me places I never knew existed on my neck of the woods. It's good to know that his documentaries play a major part on bringing tourism to California from all over. He just makes things appear very interesting and amusing.

E.S