Tuolumne County Resident Hosts New PBS Show
Walkin California is a new television show that will debut on PBS next week, hosted by a Tuolumne County resident.
Steve Weldon, the host of Walkin’ California, was Wednesday’s “Newsmaker of the Day”.
KVIE, the PBS affiliate in Sacramento, has agreed to be the flagship station for this new show.
“We have two shows in the can”, said Weldon. “Theses shows will air over the next few weeks on a number of PBS stations throughout California, Oregon and Nevada. If the shows succeed, KVIE will give us the green light for a full season of episodes and they are going to offer the program to PBS stations throughout the nation.”
Walkin’ California is about getting out of the office and off the couch and exploring all the diversity that this incredible state has to offer.
“We will take you from your living room to enjoy crystal clear mountain streams, alpine meadows, the tallest redwood trees in the world, and quaint small town Americana at its best, said Weldon. “We will walk through well known National Parks and to many of California’s hidden jewels! In exploring the geography of the state we will meet the interesting folks that proudly call our destinations “their” home.”
When asked if he is wanting to become the next Huell Howser (the late legendary host of PBS shows that showcased California), Weldon laughed and said, “No. Not at all. I don’t want to try to emulate or impersonate the late Howser. My camera guy is Cameron Tucker and he worked with Howser for eight years. He said that Howser prided himself on being a reporter. I’m trying to put a different light on the state, as I’m more of an explorer and an entertainer.”
Weldon has called Tuolumne County home since 2000. The show is sponsored by the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau.
Episode #1 (which explores a 22 mile trail on Catalina Island) will air on Wednesday December 19th at 7 PM on KVIE. It will re-air on Friday Dec 21st at 7 PM and on Sunday December 23rd at 6 PM. Episode #2 (which explores a thirty-two mile trail inside of Yosemite National Park) will air soon after.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
