Huell Howser memorial, sunset salute to be held at Griffith Observatory

Admirers of Huell Howser will gather at Griffith Observatory on Tuesday for a sunset memorial organized by City Councilman Tom LaBonge. 

Huell, a beloved staple in California public television, died Sunday, prompting an outpouring of appreciation from fans and public figures alike. 

"Huell had a tremendous enthusiasm for California landmarks like the Griffith Observatory," LaBonge said in a statement. "And now we must say goodbye to our own California landmark, Huell Howser."

Huell Howser: Career in pictures

The ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m., at the steps of the observatory, where there will be speeches given in tribute until 5:07 p.m., when there will be a sunset salute.

As the host of programs like "California's Gold," "Visiting,"  and "Road Trip," Howser was known for his down-home demeanor and contagious enthusiasm ("Would you look at that!") for the subjects he covered, which ranged from well-known California travel destinations to obscure roadside attractions and intriguing everyday people.

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-- Wesley Lowery

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Photo: Huell Howser at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancster. Credit: Howser Production Company / KCET