SAN DIEGO — 2024 is a big year for KFMB TV, this May CBS 8 will celebrate our 75th Anniversary. In this Zevely Zone, I went to Balboa Park to show off one of the ways we're commemorating the major milestone. KFMB TV is San Diego's first and oldest television station and to mark 75 years of success, we're sharing the spotlight with some of San Diego's oldest businesses that have been chugging for a long time too. That meant a trip to the Balboa Park Miniature Train.
"Alright welcome aboard everybody, for your safety please remain seated," said Terra the train's engineer.
A few months ago, the little train celebrated a big birthday too, number 75. Since 1949, when KFMB TV hit the air, the station that delivered Raquel Welch, Regis Philbin and decades of memorable anchor teams wasn't on this journey alone.
"You know the San Diego Zoo we run the Balboa Park Miniature Train, so you are going to get see some interesting little highlights you are going to see at the San Diego Zoo," said Marco Wendt, ambassador of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
"Oh, I see a gorilla, oh they got a hippo, too," said Marco while pointing out statues along the train's route.
Marco was born and raised in San Diego just like me. I'm a native San Diegan, I was born at the Naval Hospital in Balboa Park, and this was my first miniature train ride.
"Well, this is perfect we are starting a good tradition," said Marco.
For just four dollars, visitors can take a four-acre tour of Balboa Park just like CBS's 8 Hal Clement did with his daughter 32 years ago.
We have archive footage of Hal and much more. The oldest television station in San Diego has the deepest archives that include footage from 60 years ago. Although the passengers are different, the faces filled with joy remain the same.
"I'm 88 now but I probably went on this when I was 60 for the first time," said Coral Miller.
She was passing on the experience to her great grandson Dean. Year after year, everyone's favorite feature remains the same.
"Marco, are we going through that tunnel?" I asked. Marco yelled, "I think we are sir, here we go!"
With smiles like these, it's no surprise CBS 8 and the Balboa Park Miniature Train have been on the right track for 75 years. From now until our anniversary on May 16th, 2024, I will showcase other iconic San Diego businesses every other Monday on CBS 8.
For more information about the Balboa Park Miniature Train operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, click here.
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