Latest news with #PatPattison
Los Angeles Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Seal Beach host of ‘Best of California' gets local Emmy nod for WWII episode
Ever since Pat Pattison decided to create for himself a 'second-act career' as an actor and on-air personality at the tender age of 55, things have been taking off. The Seal Beach resident, who spent three decades in merchandising and marketing for toy companies and as vice president of Creative Services at Disney, appeared in a handful of roles before putting on his producer's hat in 2021. That's when he began filming segments for 'Pat Pattison's Best of California,' a series of adventures on a whirlwind road trip captured in 30-minute segments about the state's hidden gems, historical spaces and their human caretakers. Since the endeavor began, Pattison has filmed more than 30 episodes alongside daughter Liza, who works as a producer behind the scenes and occasionally appears on camera. The show airs locally on Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. on MeTV station KAZA-TV Los Angeles. The pair have filmed Southern California's haunted hotels, mansions and theme parks, taken viewers into the Petersen Museum's automobile vault and tested the veracity of the claim that the state's best steaks are served up in the city of Nipomo. Oftentimes, the hosts take tips from viewers or announce their travel plans ahead of time and let people weigh in on obscure or must-see stops along the way. But an episode that premiered last Veterans Day, on the region's many ties and contributions to World War II, has been accepted as a nomination for special recognition — an Emmy Award. Pattison nominated the episode for consideration by the Los Angeles chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, in the Culture/History category and got official word last month that he'd been picked as a contender. 'I was sitting in my car in Seal Beach when ['Best of California'] former Executive Producer Shirley Neal texted me, 'Congrats on the Emmy nod,'' Pattison recalled Tuesday. 'That was my first clue.' One thing that sets 'Our World War II: California, Part 1' apart from other installments of the show is that Pattison shares hosting duties with a special guest visitor. Chris Cangilla is a Chicago-area videographer/producer and co-host (with brother Ken Cangilla) of the podcast 'Our WWII Dad,' which allows the children of veterans to share the histories and highlights of their father's service. The two men met through a mutual friend and instantly hit it off, Pattison being the son of a retired Army captain who fought in Okinawa and Cangill, whose father, despite being of Italian descent, was attached to the Army 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), a unit composed of Norwegian-speaking Scandinavian Americans. While recording a podcast on the topic, Pattison and Cangilla began discussing Southern California's rich World War II history — from blimp hangars in Tustin that housed dirigibles for use by the Navy at the El Toro Marine Corps base to the Queen Mary's transporting troops across seas to the little known fact that the only land attack on the continental U.S. by the Japanese happened in Goleta. 'Pat said, 'You know what, Chris? You need to come out here to Southern California,' Cangilla recalled in a call Wednesday. 'I didn't know anything about these areas. Southern California has such an interesting World War II history that not many people know about.' During a trip last August, Cangilla got an up-close look at the one remaining blimp hangar and filmed a segment with Pattison on Goleta's former Ellwood Oil Field where, on the night of Feb. 23, 1942, a Japanese submarine shelled 25 5-inch rounds, destroying an oil derrick and pumphouse while President Franklin Roosevelt was delivering one of his famed fireside chats. 'This was just months after Pearl Harbor, so everyone was on high alert, and everyone assumed the Japanese were going to come,' Pattison said. In the episode, the pair order a meal at the city's Timbers Roadhouse, where scorched beams from the attack have been incorporated into the restaurant's building, before moving on to the Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing's aviation museum in Camarillo. Awaiting them there was uniform historian Jack Luder, who inspects the many insignias, patches and decorations on the uniforms worn by Cangilla and Pattison's fathers to learn more details about their military service. 'He looked at my dad's uniform and told me things I'd never heard about my father,' Pattison said, recalling how he learned his father had participated in an amphibious assault. 'It was like discovering the Rosetta Stone.' The co-hosts were so enthusiastic about their subject that they filmed enough for a second episode, which aired Feb. 23. It includes an interview with the daughter of Bob Clampett, a Warner Bros. animator who created Porky Pig and penned patriotic Bugs Bunny clips during World War II, and a trip to Lake Norconian, a former luxury resort once transformed into a Naval hospital after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Although a local Emmy Award would not be Cangilla's first — he's won two Chicago-area awards for previous production work — the podcaster acknowledged a win would be a fitting way to memorialize a rewarding collaboration and a personal learning experience. 'I can't thank Pat enough for connecting me with California's history. It just really worked out and was really cool that we were able to put that together,' he said. 'Winning this Emmy would mean a great deal, because of the connection we share with our World War II dads and honoring them. I'm hopeful — we'll see what happens.' The Local Los Angeles Emmy Awards ceremony, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, takes place July 26. For more on Pattison's road trips, visit To watch 'Our WWII Dads,' visit
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
2025 Top 10 Hidden Gem Awards announced by 'Pat Pattison's Best of California' TV show: May is California Tourism Month
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, April 30, 2025 / / -- Just in time for May, officially California Tourism Month, Pat Pattison, the host of ' Pat Pattison's Best of California ' has released his list of the top ten 'Hidden Gems' for Summer Travel. This is an annual review of the places Pattison has been to and featured on his national TV show and social media platform, 'Pat Pattison's Best of California.' The show is locally seen in Los Angeles on MeTV Sundays at 7:30am, and nationally on and and many streaming outlets. Pat and his crew , including his on-air actress daughter Liza Pattison, have determined these to be 'the Best of The Best' but also 'Hidden Gems' that deserve to have a spotlight shined on them and are not known to the general traveler. One criteria Pat uses is fun for families with a special eye for destinations that are senior-friendly. Here is the list of this year's 'Top 10 Hidden Gems': Museum for Families-Haggin Museum, Stockton, CA The Haggin Museum in Stockton is a captivating blend of art and history, making it a must-visit for families. Visitors can delve into Stockton's past and admire an incredible collection by illustrator J.C. Leyendecker. The museum also features fascinating agricultural history exhibits, such as an early Caterpillar tractor. A perfect mix of education and inspiration! Address: 1201 N Pershing Ave, Stockton, CA 95203 Phone: (209) 940-6300 Website: Haggin Museum BestofCA segment: Haggin Museum Best Spa and Resort-Yaamava Resort and Casino, Highland, CA California's second most-visited destination after Disneyland, Yaamava' Resort & Casino in Highland offers a luxurious escape. Whether guests indulge in a rejuvenating spa day, catch world-class entertainment, or try their luck at the casino, this resort is a one-stop destination for relaxation and excitement. Address: 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346 Phone: (909) 864-5050 Website: Yaamava' Resort BestofCA Segment : Yaamava' Resort Best Hidden Gem City-Redding, CA Redding, California's sunniest city, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise! From jet skiing on Lake Shasta to exploring ancient caverns and even touring the massive Shasta Dam, Redding offers adventure for all. Visitors don't want to miss Turtle Bay Exploration Park or take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Sundial Bridge. Website: Visit Redding BestofCA segment: Things to do in Redding, CA Best Hidden Gem State Park-Pio Pico State Historic Park Immerse in California's rich history at Pío Pico State Historic Park, the former home of the last governor of Mexican California. This hidden gem tells the story of one of California's most controversial eras and serves currently as a peaceful retreat. Address: 6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606 Phone: (562) 695-1217 Website: Pío Pico State Historic Park BestofCA Segment: Pío Pico State Historic Park Live Events/Festivals - Coronado Island Film Festival For 3–4 days, film enthusiasts converge on the beautiful Coronado Island to celebrate cinema at the Coronado Island Film Festival. The event is packed with screenings, panels, and, of course, fantastic food and wine! Great environment to enjoy some amazing films! Address: Venues all over Coronado Island Website: Coronado Island Film Festival BestofCA Segment: Senior-Friendly Travel Hack-Sequoia Shuttle, Visalia, CA The Sequoia Shuttle is a convenient and affordable way to explore the breathtaking Sequoia National Park, especially for seniors. With round-trip transportation from Visalia and unlimited shuttle service within the park, it's a stress-free way to enjoy nature's wonders. Address: 425 E Oak Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 Website: Sequoia Shuttle BestofCA segment: Sequoia Shuttle and Visalia Food Experience-Boysenberry Festival, Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, CA The annual Boysenberry Festival in the Spring and Knott's Berry Farm is not to be missed! Pat Pattison's Best of California has tried dozens of Boysenberry-themed foods and desserts. Boysenberry/Lemon Tart, Pulled Pork Sandwich on Boysenberry Corn Bread and Boysenberry Cole Slaw, on and on and on. Great value with a tasting ticket and easy place for families to hang out. Address: Kott's Berry Farm-8039 Beach Bl. Buena Park, CA 90620 Website: Knott's Berry Farm BestofCA segment: Knott's Boysenberry Festival Best Food & Drink Restaurant: Rock & Brews -various locations Seldom is this award given to a chain, but this season Pat Pattison's Best of California visited two locations of Rock & Brews and fell in love! The chain, founded by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanly of Kiss and Restaurateur Michael Zislis, now has seventeen locations, yet another CA export! They visited the locations in Buena Park and the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. Website: Rock & Brews homepage BestofCA segment: Rock & Brews: History Book & Historic Spot – 'Made in California' by George Geary and Bob's Big Boy Beatles Booth! Author/Chef George Geary has written about the origins of many fast-food chains in California! Pat Pattison's Best of California loved 'Made in California Vol. 1 and 2.' They also agree with George that Bob's Big Boy in Burbank is a true historic treasure from that era. To add to its magic it also has a designated Beatle Booth where the Fab Four ate when in town in the early 60's to perform. Website Author George Geary and Made in CA book Website: Bob's Big Boy Burbank BestofCA segment: Geary Bob's Big Boy Beatle Booth Best Made in CA Product: Paskenta Brewery & Distillery - Rolling Hills Casino & Resort, Corning, CA. Tucked inside Rolling Hills Casino, Paskenta Brewery & Distillery, named for the Paskenta Nomlaki Tribe, owners of the Rolling Hills Casino & Resort. This is a true hidden gem, crafting bold, locally inspired beers. Signature offerings, such as the Peskenta Pale Ale with its crisp citrus notes and the Deep Roots Amber, a smooth, malt-forward brew, showcase the best of California's ingredients. With a dedication to quality and community, Peskenta Brewery is redefining local craft beer. Address: 2655 Everett Freeman Way Corning, CA 96021 Website: Rolling Hills Casino Resort BestofCA segment: Paskenta Brewery & Distillery: About 'Pat Pattison's Best of California' 'Pat Pattison's Best of California' evolved from Pattison's YouTube and Facebook video travel segments. The show highlights California's natural wonders, unique history, and fascinating people from all over the state. It most recently won the prestigious Image Award from the Native Daughters of the American West for its work in history education on TV. A veteran on-air host and actor, Pattison has been the host of the business show 'Remade in California' for Spectrum Cable. He has a book, Creative YOU Turn, based on his second-act journey. He is also a regular contributor to PBS's and Pattison has always worked in the entertainment industry where he was V.P. Creative Services at Walt Disney Studios as well as positions at KTTV-TV, WTTG-TV, WCVB-TV, Disneyland, and the head of marketing for the Merv Griffin Show over his long career. The show also airs nationally on MeTV in Los Angeles, and many CW affiliates. The show is available to stream on Tubi, Roku, BIZ-TV, and First-TV. Facebook: @bestofCA YouTube: 'Pat Pattison's Best of California' Instagram: _bestofcalifornia Website: For more information: Pat Pattison: 626-429-3296 CESD Talent Agent: Karen Cabada 310-981-6423 News agent David Brunner DBA: 484-695-5187 To schedule news appearances, public speaking, or book interviews: Jon Book: 619-778-0849 Amanda Kent Boundless Media USA +1 313-403-5636 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. 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