Follow the ‘Open Road’

Doug McConnell, far right, interviews Mike Benziger for a segment of his “Open Road” television show at Jack London State Historic Park. McConnell, a longtime explorer of the region (“Bay Area Backroads”) and beyond, said the park is one of his favorite landmarks and landscapes in California, and London one of his favorite figures in California history.

“Jack was a globe-trotting writer and celebrity, but first and foremost, he was a Bay Area boy who found his special passion on lovely land he purchased in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain.” The show included the story of how the nonprofit Valley of the Moon Natural History Association took over the facility for the state.

“All in all, I have no doubt Jack would be pleased to know his ranch is in very good hands.” The show airs again August 23, 6:30 p.m. on NBC Bay Area. Meanwhile, see the preview here.