Support for LAist comes from
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Stay Connected
Listen

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Huell Howser Memorial: Councilman Organizes Gathering for Fans in Griffith Park

huell-howser-innout-2010.jpg
Huell Howser in 2010 (Photo via Facebook)
()

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

Following news of local TV icon Huell Howser's death on Monday came word the beloved broadcaster did not want any sort of memorial service to mark his passing. However, recognizing Howser's special place in the hearts of Angelenos, L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge is organizing a public gathering in Griffith Park for fans to honor the unique Tennessean who made L.A. his home.

KNX's Claudia Peschiutta tweeted info about the just-planned event, which will take place Tuesday afternoon:

In response to concerns Howser did not want such an event to take place, Peschiutta reports LaBonge is aware of Howser's wishes and has a very basic vision for the gathering: "Tom concedes Huell didn't want a memorial. I think that's why they're keeping it simple, remarks and watching the sunset," she tweets.

Support for LAist comes from

Details regarding Howser's death have not been made public. The 67-year-old best known for his colorful explorations of California's characters and locales on independent TV died early Monday morning in Palm Springs of natural causes.

UPDATE: LaBonge's office sent out additional details about the gathering.

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
3:30 P.M. Gather at the steps of Griffith Observatory
4:00 P.M. Remarks
5:07 P.M. Sunset Salute

WHERE:
Steps of the Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027

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

As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.

Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.

Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.

Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist