Dr. John Husing is a research economist who has studied Southern California’s growing economy since 1964. He has produced city- and county-specific economic development strategies for the region’s local governments and today works as the chief economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Before joining the panel at a Zócalo/The California Wellness Foundation event, “Will the Inland Empire’s Sprawl Create the Community of the Future?” Husing talked about his expansive art collection.
What is your favorite city in the Inland Empire?
It has to be Redlands, which is where I live. If you drive around Redlands there are people walking, running, on bicycles … And if you enjoy dining we have two or three of the best restaurants in all of Southern California. It’s a beautiful place.
How many countries have you traveled to?
65.
If you had to pick one city, what was your favorite?
Paris.
Do you prefer travel by boat, airplane, or train?
Personally, I prefer the train. I don’t do it very often because my wife has extreme motion sickness.
Describe yourself in five words.
Intellectual. Aggressive. Ethical. Athletic. Adventurous.
Do you prefer tacos, or sushi?
No. I love both.
What’s your favorite drink?
Single malt Islay scotch.
What art is on your walls?
Our house looks like an art museum, we have a Lichtenstein, a Calder, and we also have artifacts from my adventure travels: masks, bows and arrows, a wooden tablet with the Quran from Mali … you name it. We have a rock made out of a paper bag that is by an artist who was my girlfriend in college.
What does it take to get you on the dance floor?
When I ran a casino I was on the dance floor every night.
