Riverside, Calif., November, 2001-- Syndicated television show host Huell Howser, producer of California’s Gold, recently taped a half-hour show at La Sierra University’s World Museum of Natural History.

William M. Allen, PhD, professor of chemistry and director of the World Museum, television presenter Huell Howser, E.A. "Billy" Hankins, MD, curator of vertebrate biology, and California's Gold cameraman, Troy, all were involved in taping an episode of the PBS program on Nov. 20.

Drs. William M. Allen and E.A. "Billy" Hankins III, the World Museum's director and curator of vertebrate biology, respectively, introduced the freeze-dried creatures preserved in the museum, as well as mineral spheres, precious and semi-precious minerals and polished gems. They conducted Howser and his cameraman through the museum and the preparation labs where animals (usually donated by zoos) are prepared for display. It is rumored that the labs and storage rooms are even more fascinating than the displays!

The World Museum is open on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00, and other times by appointment. Many people, especially children, enjoy spending Sabbath afternoon marveling at the two-headed snake, wolves, tiny bats, jungle cats, and intricately designed feathers on birds of prey. Animals in the still-life zoo include primates and other mammals, birds, reptiles, and its most famous occupant, Minnie the Komodo Dragon.

Howser is known in California for his Tennessee drawl, and "Wow, I didn’t know that!" reactions to interesting sights and phenomena. Recent California’s Gold programs have featured California windmills and wind turbines, a visit to the Channel Islands, and a series of shows on the California missions.

In his television career, Howser has traveled to many places outside California, including Egypt, Israel, Haiti, Nicaragua, the former Soviet Union, and Europe. A former host of a magazine-style show in New York, Howser moved to Los Angeles to work as a reporter in 1981, and joined the PBS station KCET-28 in the late 80s. Currently Howser hosts a southern California show, "Visiting… with Howser" where he meets with many people and cultures in vastly different neighborhood communities.

The California’s Gold based on La Sierra University’s "beautiful, wooded campus" (quoting Howser) promises to be a "wowing" episode and will be aired on California PBS channels in January 2002, according to Howser. For information on air times, visit http://www.calgold.com.

Dr. Bill Allen, left, is interviewed by Huell Howser, producer and host of California's Gold

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