Leeza's a big fan of Retro Bill

By GARY LYCAN The Orange County Register

Leeza Gibbons is well known as one of the signature voices and faces on KBIG/104.3 FM. She visits the weekday morning show with Leigh Ann Adam and Charlie Tuna and her own syndicated Hollywood Confidential show airs there 9 p.m.- midnight Sundays.

What most people don't know about her is her advocacy of better TV programming for children. And she thinks she has found a winner in Retro Bill, a lively character who puts fun in a safety-education program he presents around the nation, including next weekend in Orange County.

"I truly believe he is going to be the next Mister Rogers. From safety to self-esteem, our kids are at risk and parents are looking for more relatable information," she said in an interview.

Retro Bill is Bill Russ, a man who produced a highly praised video for DARE, the drug prevention and nonviolence program. "I watched his video. He was brilliant, so I called him to ask how I can help," she said.

Retro Bill is appearing in Encinitas (San Diego County) on Monday and Thursday, and in Orange County on Saturday in the Brea Mall Center Court, lower level, noon-3 p.m. His show runs about 45 minutes, and he will sign autographs.

Russ knows kids are glued to video games and after- school sports these days, so he carved a niche for himself by creating a retro-looking character with pompadour hair and a snappy-looking leopard- print jacket. It's as much about looking forward and individuality than retro, and it has worked in reaching the kids, Gibbons said.

Next goal for the radio-TV performer is to get Retro Bill a national TV show. "He is retro, but he is so happening right now. It's very validating for kids."

Readers who want more information can go to Russ' Web site, www.retrobill.com.