July's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.” All those who attend will receive a free G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you.

THE DATE: July 13th, 2010 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: Mexico Restaurante Y Barra
(8512 Santa Monica Blvd.West Hollywood) Map
THE TIME: 7:00pm to 10:00pm (closing time)

THE GHOST(S):

Near the corner of La Cienega and Santa Monica Blvd, and not far from the hill that local motorists fear, sits what would be a very nondescript building if it weren't painted bright pink, festooned with colorful pinatas, and oozing with Rock n' Roll history. Although, this plain building has had many tenants (and colors) over the years, it is perhaps most famous as the (bright yellow) headquarters (and crash pad) of the quintessential L.A. band, "The Doors." From the late 1960's thru the early 1970's, this simple two-story structure was known as "The Doors Workshop."

The upstairs was their offices, where business was conducted and fan mail answered. The ground floor served as their rehearsal space. After a suggestion from a producer at Elektra Sound Studios, the album "L.A. Woman" was recorded in this building to avoid the time pressures of rented studios (between October of 1970 and February of 1971). A few months later on July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison, The Doors' charismatic lead singer (a.k.a. "The Lizard King") died in a bath tub in Paris.

Ever since, legions of devoted fans make pilgrimages to his grave in France on the anniversary of his death, while ghost hunters journey to this West Hollywood restaurant to make contact with his ghost. The fact that most paranormal investigators head to the restroom inside this Mexican-themed establishment is no reflection on the cuisine, or an allusion to Morrison death (which occurred in a bathroom), but instead is based on the belief that his spirit is felt strongest in this room. Before becoming a unisex latrine, this small chamber was once the sound booth, where Morrison recorded his vocals. Thus, perhaps his frustrated spirit is still trying to lay down one more track since witnesses claim the room's doorknob will sometimes inexplicably jiggle, as if someone where trying to enter (or exit).

Also, throughout the restaurant, employees have noticed lights that turn on an off by themselves, as well as "phantom footsteps" and drinking glasses that shatter for no apparent reason. (Note: on a recent visit, a member of GHOULA witnessed this phenomena as a water glass that had been set down on a table, suddenly split in half, cracking into two equal-sized pieces.)

Although, his ghost has also been seen in his former Laurel Canyon home over the years, and there have been other ghostly claims from many local bars, clubs, motels, and liquors stores he frequented in this small section of town. In a recent interview, The Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, while visiting this restaurant to reminisce about the "Doors Workshop" said "His spirit is here for sure!"

http://www.gogomexico.com/press.html
(to see last month's location...)

Happy July 4th!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend from your friends at GHOULA!.

Every year, GHOULA pays tribute to this great country by profiling a ghost from American pop-culture that has ties to Southern California. This year, we celebrate the little 1963 Volkswagen Bug known affectionately as "Herbie" or "The Love Bug." Although the inanimate star of six movies and a TV series may seem like a strange choice, since most people don't think of the lovable "Herbie" as being super-natural, the only way to explain this machine (with a mind of its own) is that it must be a haunted vehicle. Not only is the folklore of Southern California (the true home of car culture) filled with stories of "ghost cars" (from "phantom low-riders" to "James Dean's Deathmobile"), but the mythology of Herbie is also connected to our region. His most recent address (from "Herbie: Fully Loaded") was Riverside. Why, and by whom, this lovable bug was haunted was a mystery until the fifth "Love Bug" movie, which was released in 1997, when his true origin was revealed, and it was even more sinister and dark than anyone could have imagined.

It turns out that not only was Adolf Hitler interested in obtaining artifacts that had super-natural powers (as seen in the Indiana Jones movies), but he was apparently also conducting very unnatural experiments, trying to meld the human spirit with a machine in an effort to create the perfect solider. The results of this unholy alliance (according to the film) was the invention of a "People Car," (half-human, half-vehicle) or as Hitler called it a "Volks Wagon." (There's even actual archival footage of Hitler inspecting a model of the Volkswagen cut into the movie). The film has other bizarre, un-Disney moments, like the death, burial, and resurrection of Herbie, as well as the creation of an "evil Herbie" (using the original Nazi plans). Yes, in turns out that "The Love Bug" was the result of Hitler fascination with the occult. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

The Love Bug can be seen locally at the Peterson Museum (map) as well as Blackhorse Motors. (map).

NEW from GHOULA Press!

The Park After Dark:
An Unauthorized Guide
to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth

Formerly titled "Disneyland After Dark"

By Richard Carradine

Many books have been written about the history, secrets, and design of Disneyland, but this guide looks at the California landmark from a different angle. It explores the little known ghost stories and strange folklore surrounding this famous tourist destination, and offers new insights into this beloved theme park. (130 pages)

Price: $13.00

(To purchase this book...)
(GHOULA Press...)

Highlights from June's SWS

Thank you to everyone, who made the trek out to Monrovia to visit the haunted Aztec Hotel. It was the biggest turnout for one of our gatherings yet (I stopped counting at 75 attendees). Also a special thank you to the owner and staff of this famous roadside attraction for their gracious invitation to our group.

In the haunted room #120, apparently a group of people (on the tour) heard a voice coming from the restroom. When the door was opened to investigate the sounds, the person holding the door knob was shocked (with the possible ambient electricity in the room). It's interesting to note that an paranormal investigation was conducted in that room a couple of weeks before our event, and they concluded that that bathroom was very active. The ghost-hunting team even heard the toilet flush on its own. Is there an "other-worldly occupant" in bathroom, or is it just faulty plumbing? You decide.

We would also like to thank GHOULA-member Damon, who parked his hearse in front (pictured above) as well as the bands that performed that night (Hexam Heads, Future Ghost, and Lost Lake). GHOULA is also working on putting together another ghost-themed concert in the near future.

(to read more about the ghosts of this hotel...)