Huell Howser, popular Producer/Host of the great PBS series California's Gold, will serve as the parade Grand Marshal.

Huell will be recognized with a special award honoring his many contributions to California tourism.

A native of Tennessee, Huell Howser began his television career at WSM-TV in Nashville after receiving his B.A. degree from the University of Tennessee. Huell's work in television has carried him through travels worldwide, including Egypt, Israel, Haiti, Nicaragua and Europe, and twice to the former Soviet Union.

Huell later joined WCBS-TV in New York City as host of a magazine-style series. He then came to Los Angeles in 1981 to work as a reporter for KCBS-TV. Huell joined public television station KCET/Los Angeles in 1987 to produce "Videolog," a series nominated for an Emmy Award under his leadership.

Huell is a frequent speaker to civic and student groups, and is the 1996 Honorary Chairman of the California PTA. He is also active in numerous charitable, civic and social groups in California.

Read LA City Beat's interview with Huell (Adobe PDF).