Huell Howser Memorial Set for Tuesday at Griffith Observatory

A memorial for California television icon Huell Howser will now be held on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Tom LaBonge tipped off KNX Wednesday morning about the event, which is open to the public.

A family spokesman had earlier said there would be no private or public services for Howser.

According to a release from LaBonge's office, the memorial will include a "sunset salute" at 5:07 p.m. and a formal program beginning at 4 p.m.

It is not clear whether the family would be attending.

"Huell had a tremendous enthusiasm for California landmarks like the Griffith Observatory," said LaBonge in a release. 

"And now we must say goodbye to our own California landmark, Huell Howser."

The Griffith Observatory is located in LaBonge's city council district 4, where Howser lived on Rossmore Avenue.

Howser also served as master of ceremonies at LaBonge's first swearing-in held in 2001 at the Observatory.

Shuttle buses will be provided from parking at the Greek Theater to the Observatory, where guests will begin gathering at 3:30 p.m.

Howser's death deeply affected both new and long-time Southern Californians and became a national story.

He died at 67 in Palm Springs after only recently retiring as host of the long-running "California Gold" on KCET.