KUSI’s Dave Scott of World of Wonder Retires
After three decades delivering the weather and captivating viewers with unique segments, veteran KUSI-TV meteorologist Dave Scott has announced his retirement. His final broadcast aired on the evening of Sunday, March 27. Scott, who first joined KUSI in 1992, is stepping away from his distinguished television career to fully dedicate himself to his lifelong passion: jazz music. His departure marks the end of an era for many San Diego viewers who followed his work, including the popular “World of Wonder” features.
Scott explained that his decision to retire at this juncture, approaching his 65th birthday in April, stems from a profound realization about the finite nature of life. He shared with Times of San Diego that the recent passing of his brother at age 55, followed by the deaths of his mother in 2019 and his father in early 2020, served as a powerful “wake-up call.” These personal losses underscored the preciousness of time and inspired him to embark on a new chapter focused on his dreams and family. He expressed a desire to spend more quality time with his children and devote more energy to his music.
For twenty years of his tenure, Dave Scott primarily worked the demanding weekend shifts at KUSI, covering both early morning and nighttime newscasts. This schedule often involved live remote broadcasts from various locations around San Diego County. Scott fondly recalled instances where he would bring his two young sons along on these early morning assignments. He noted that they would often still be asleep when he put them in the car, only to wake up on location at places like the beach or the zoo, turning work trips into memorable experiences.
Scott’s deep affection for music, specifically jazz, began at a young age. He discovered his passion for the trombone at 12 while growing up in Hawaii. A pivotal moment occurred when he heard the renowned jazz trombonist Trummy Young perform at the Sheraton Waikiki. Young, who played for 12 years with Louis Armstrong in his famous All Stars band, presented the trombone in a way Scott had never encountered before – playing melody rather than just holding whole notes. Hearing Trummy Young’s performance was a revelation for Scott, instantly making him realize that pursuing music was what he wanted to do with his life.
Acquiring his first trombone required dedication. Scott’s father, who ran a typewriter business, struck a deal with him: if Dave could save $200 towards the $300 cost of a trombone at Harry’s Music Store in Honolulu, his dad would cover the remaining amount. Determined, Scott took up a newspaper delivery route job and diligently saved the money. Coincidentally, Trummy Young was also working at the music store at the time, allowing Scott to have the incredible experience of buying his very first trombone directly from his idol.
Dave Scott’s entry into the world of weather reporting also involved an unusual step, one involving baked goods. In the late 1980s, while still a college student, he took a box of donuts and visited the local National Weather Service office specifically to meet the chief meteorologist, Wilbur Shigehara. This proactive approach paid off, as he was allowed to intern there and gain invaluable knowledge about meteorology. Although he also interned in the sports department at Channel 10, his true aspiration remained weather forecasting.
In 1990, armed with his resume videotape, Scott traveled to a TV station in Yuma, Arizona. Demonstrating remarkable persistence, he waited in the lobby throughout the entire day, hoping to speak with the news director. His patience was rewarded when the director finally emerged and agreed to review his tape. Two weeks later, he received a job offer, but for a sports reporting position. Still determined to work in weather, Scott declined the offer after consulting with his father, who reminded him of his ultimate goal. Just one week later, the same news director called back and offered him the weather job he desired.
Scott spent a year working as a TV weathercaster in Yuma, gaining initial on-air experience, followed by another year in Tucson. He then made the move to San Diego, arriving at KUSI in the summer of 1992. Initially, Scott was known for wearing bow ties on air, a stylistic choice he adopted as a tribute to Bob Dale, a legendary San Diego TV weathercaster from 1925 to 2008. Dale was a significant idol for Scott, and he reasoned that if bow ties worked for Bob Dale’s successful career, they might work for him too. Before Dale’s passing, he generously gave Scott some of his own bow ties, a gesture Scott deeply cherished.
Over his extensive career at KUSI, Dave Scott is perhaps best known for his prolific and engaging segments, especially his “World of Wonder” series. He estimates he produced between 4,000 and 5,000 of these segments, which focused on a wide array of nature-related topics. The “Dave Scott World Of Wonder” features became a beloved part of KUSI’s programming, offering viewers fascinating glimpses into the natural world around them. In addition to “World of Wonder,” Scott also spent three years producing and hosting “More of the Wild,” an animal series created in collaboration with San Diego Zoo’s famed ambassador, Joan Embery. Scott spoke highly of working with Embery, noting the amazing way animals responded to her, describing it as a “magical gift.”
Dave Scott, former KUSI meteorologist and creator of World of Wonder, with his trombone, ready to pursue his passion for jazz music
Beyond his on-air reporting and segment production, Dave Scott also pursued formal meteorological education. In 1997, he completed his certification in broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University. The following year, he earned a bachelor’s degree in geosciences with an emphasis in meteorology from the same university. His academic efforts culminated in January 2001 when he was awarded a seal of approval in broadcast meteorology from the prestigious American Meteorological Society (AMS). Scott expressed great pride in achieving the AMS seal, highlighting that it required several years of dedicated hard work completed while simultaneously working full-time in television.
Throughout his career, Scott had the opportunity to interview many notable figures, including celebrities like Robin Williams, Carol Channing, and astronaut Neil Armstrong. However, he stated that the most amazing people he met were the everyday citizens of San Diego. He held particular reverence for the heroes in the military and survivors of Pearl Harbor, such as Stu Headley and Ray Chavez, whom he was fortunate to interview multiple times. Scott emphasized the critical importance of these interviews, serving as a reminder to everyone of the immense sacrifices made by military servicemen and women for the freedoms enjoyed in the country.
As he transitions into retirement from television, Scott is actively pursuing his musical ambitions. He is currently a member of a band that performs weekly at several restaurant venues throughout San Diego County. Those interested in booking his band can reach out via email at info@sunlandmusic.com. Reflecting on his broadcasting career, Scott found it hard to believe how quickly 30 years had passed. He conveyed profound gratitude to the McKinnon family, the owners of KUSI, as well as his colleagues at the station, whom he considered his KUSI family. Most importantly, he thanked the viewers at home, for allowing him to become a part of their families over the years. Scott feels that “all the stars have aligned”, signaling that it is the right time for him to move on and embrace this new chapter centered around his musical passion.
