Season 9

2001 · 43 episodes

Episodes

1Zanja MadreHuell uncovers the literal roots of Los Angeles' water infrastructure by exploring the "Mother Ditch" (Zanja Madre), the city's original 1781 irrigation network. He joins amateur archaeologists who have uncovered a long-lost section of the brick-lined trench.
2Cambodian CommunityHuell travels to Long Beach to spend the day exploring the largest Cambodian community outside of Cambodia. His cultural tour dives deep into local neighborhood markets, traditional music, community art installations, and authentic cuisine.
3Fake FoodHuell visits a highly specialized local manufacturing company that builds incredibly realistic artificial food displays. The segment reveals the creative molding, painting, and plastic engineering processes used to construct synthetic food replicas utilized by restaurants, museums, and movie studios.
4Barber CollegeHuell drops in on a local Southern California barber college to witness the specialized techniques and old-school training of next-generation hair stylists. He chats with student barbers and brave patrons receiving classic straight-razor shaves.
5Stan BetzHuell travels to Anaheim to spend the day with legendary custom automotive painter and hot rod car builder Stan Betz. The episode highlights Betz's master artistry in custom color-matching, his deep roots in Southern California's historic car culture, and a tour of his famous workshop.
6Fire AntsHuell embeds with agricultural inspectors and vector control technicians battling invasive red imported fire ant infestations in Southern California. The episode details the ecological threats the pests pose to regional farming and home gardens, demonstrating tracking methods used to keep neighborhoods safe.
7Herb JeffriesHuell sits down for a heartfelt interview with legendary singer and actor Herb Jeffries, famously known as the "Bronze Buckaroo." The episode honors his historic career breaking racial barriers as Hollywood's first Black singing cowboy star of 1930s Western films.
8Rose GardenHuell spends a fragrant afternoon touring the historic Exposition Park Rose Garden in Los Angeles. The episode details the history of the seven-acre sunken garden, showcases thousands of vibrant rose bushes, and interviews the master gardeners who meticulously maintain the urban botanical treasure.
9Pig 'n WhistleHuell visits the newly restored, historic Pig 'n Whistle restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard. The episode explores the legendary 1927 establishment's rich entertainment history, its famous carved wooden ceilings, and its multi-generational legacy as a favorite gathering spot for Golden Age movie stars and theatergoers.
10Vine St. BuildingHuell takes an architectural and historical tour of an iconic commercial high-rise building located on Vine Street in Hollywood. The segment breaks down the structure’s mid-century design, its ties to early entertainment history, and its preservation role in the modern neighborhood.
11PanoramaHuell meets local artist Sara Velas on Hollywood Boulevard to discover her deep passion for Victorian-era panorama art. He explores a kitschy, round South Pacific-style rotunda building transformed into an immersive museum housing a massive 360-degree painting of the early Los Angeles basin.
12Santa Barbara StagecoachHuell travels out to a regional historic site or preservation ranch to explore the early transit history of California's stagecoach lines. The episode features an up-close look at fully restored vintage coaches and examines the rugged operational lifestyle of the frontier drivers who navigated early western trails.
13WormsHuell dives into the world of vermicomposting by visiting a specialized regional commercial worm farm. The educational episode breaks down the science of organic waste management, detailing how earthworms recycle organic scraps into highly valuable, nutrient-rich soil fertilizer for local agriculture.
14Koi FarmHuell heads out to the High Desert, just east of Barstow, to discover an unexpected agricultural gem in Newberry Springs. He tours a highly specialized local farm dedicated entirely to breeding and raising prized ornamental Koi fish.
15Hollywood ReservoirHuell Howser takes an exclusive tour of the Hollywood Reservoir, a hidden water infrastructure landmark nestled in the Hollywood Hills. The episode highlights the historic Mulholland Dam, explores the surrounding nature trails, and details the reservoir's vital engineering role in supplying drinking water to Los Angeles.
16Adult School GraduationHuell attends an inspiring and emotional commencement ceremony celebrating adult learners completing their high school diplomas and specialized vocational certifications. The program profiles non-traditional students of various ages and backgrounds as they reflect on overcoming educational barriers to achieve their personal and career goals.
17Long Beach PikeHuell takes a nostalgic look back at the history and lasting cultural legacy of The Pike, Long Beach's famous historic oceanfront amusement zone. The episode reviews vintage archival photographs and interfaces with local historians and residents who share memories of the iconic mid-century wooden roller coaster, arcade halls, and seaside boardwalk.
18Electric CarHuell investigates the future of automotive transit by testing early-generation electric vehicle infrastructure in Southern California. The episode details the mechanical engineering, charging logistics, and environmental goals driving alternative energy innovation.
19Petersen MuseumHuell steps inside the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to review a highly popular temporary exhibition. The feature details the historic overlap of American rock-and-roll history and car culture, highlighting landmark vehicles like the original Monkeemobile.
20Modjeska HouseHuell explores the eastern foothills of Orange County to tour the Arden Helena Modjeska House and Gardens. He details the history of the 19th-century Shakespearian actress who immigrated from Poland to settle in Anaheim.
21Garden GroveHuell takes a Friday night stroll along the historic Main Street of downtown Garden Grove. He interacts with families gathering for local open-air markets, regional eateries, and a popular weekly classic hot rod and car meetup.
22Top of San JacintoHuell rides the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park. The episode highlights a sentimental reunion with wilderness park rangers while exploring the high-altitude trails, native environment, and outdoor safety tips for hikers.
23Lake HemetHuell travels out to the scenic San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County to spend a day exploring Lake Hemet. The program details the engineering history of the historic 1895 masonry dam, explores the surrounding regional campgrounds, and highlights the outdoor recreational activities available to visitors.
24Healthy FoodHuell Howser explores the evolving landscape of health and wellness cuisine in Southern California. The episode visits innovative local kitchens, organic markets, and plant-based eateries to showcase how regional chefs utilize fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create nutritious and flavorful menus.
25IdyllwildHuell takes a weekend escape up into the San Jacinto Mountains to profile the mile-high artistic village of Idyllwild. He tours the community's local Town Hall, historic motels, and rustic storefronts while highlighting its clean alpine charm.
26St. Vibiana'sHuell takes a historic tour of the former Cathedral of Saint Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. The episode details the architectural preservation of the 1876 landmark following major earthquake damage and explores its civic transition into a dynamic public performing arts and event space.
27Blood DonorHuell visits a regional blood bank or mobile donation center to highlight the vital medical importance of community blood drives. The episode interviews dedicated healthcare workers and local donors to emphasize the impact of life-saving donations.
28People SpeakHuell hosts a uniquely spontaneous, community-driven episode structured around capturing the unscripted voices, opinions, and colorful personalities of everyday Southern Californians chatting in a bustling public space.
29Constitution DayHuell joins local educators, students, and community members to participate in a regional civic celebration honoring Constitution Day. The program explores how schools and local organizations promote civic literacy and uphold democratic traditions.
30Dodger GameHuell drops in on the busy operations behind the scenes at Dodger Stadium to spend a morning inside the official Los Angeles Dodgers ticket office. The segment highlights the logistics of handling massive fan demands, phone lines, and legacy ticketing operations.
31Enlistment CeremoniesHuell visits a regional military processing station to document the formal traditions, ceremonies, and emotional moments surrounding new recruits as they officially enlist. The episode captures personal stories from the young men and women preparing to enter the armed forces.
32September 11th SpecialHuell hosts a solemn, reflective program documenting regional memorial ceremonies and community gatherings held across Southern California to honor the victims and first responders on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
33Dental MuseumHuell goes behind the scenes at the University of Southern California to tour the historic USC School of Dentistry. The program highlights the facility's academic history, advanced dental training technology, and its vital community outreach programs providing accessible healthcare.
34HummingbirdsHuell goes behind the scenes into the "Bird Hall" archives at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Guided by the museum's resident ornithologist, he examines the unique biology, local nesting habits, and behavior of native California hummingbirds.
35Thai TownHuell Howser explores the vibrant cultural heritage, traditions, and culinary footprint of the Thai community in Los Angeles. The episode features visits to neighborhood marketplaces, traditional restaurants, and cultural landmarks, highlighting how local residents preserve their ancestral customs.
36Community GardenHuell visits a hidden urban oasis nestled right alongside the 110 freeway near Dodger Stadium. He profiles a remarkable, volunteer-run community garden that teaches local first-grade school children how to grow crops and connect with nature.
37ObservatoryHuell travels to the summit of Mount Wilson to explore the historic astronomical observatory founded in 1904. The episode highlights the landmark telescopes that revolutionized modern astrophysics and interviews astronomers about the site's ongoing scientific importance.
38YamashiroHuell takes an architectural and historical tour of Yamashiro, a spectacular 1914 Asian-style palace nestled in the Hollywood Hills. The episode highlights its authentic Japanese design elements, historic gardens, and its transformation into a landmark dining destination.
39Noah PurifoyHuell journeys out to Joshua Tree to tour the sprawling outdoor assemblage art park created by legendary artist Noah Purifoy. The episode explores how Purifoy spent the final decades of his life constructing monumental sculptures out of salvaged materials in the open desert.
40Vietnamese New YearHuell travels to Westminster and Garden Grove - the heart of Little Saigon - to participate in a vibrant Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebration. The episode highlights traditional food markets, musical performances, flower festivals, and multi-generational family customs.
41Dragon MuseumHuell visits a specialized local cultural museum to explore the rich history and artistry behind traditional Chinese festival dragons. The program examines the detailed paper, bamboo, and textile construction of these massive processional figures used in Lunar New Year celebrations.
42Inspirational StoriesHuell visits the Northridge Hospital Medical Center’s specialized rehabilitation center. He conducts a series of emotional, moving interviews with local patients and families sharing positive insights into overcoming severe physical hardships.
43Owens Dry LakeHuell visits a specialized local cultural museum to explore the rich history and artistry behind traditional Chinese festival dragons. The program examines the detailed paper, bamboo, and textile construction of these massive processional figures used in Lunar New Year celebrations.