Ghost of the Week: Abbot Kinney Haunts Own Street

Tourists come from all over the world to Venice, California see all the colorful characters and eccentric artists that populate (and perform in) this area. So, a man strolling down the street dressed in Victorian formal-wear (complete with top hat, cape and cane) will generally not get a second look from the locals. It’s only when that man vanishes into thin air that the double takes begin.

Such is the case on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, between Venice and Main, where for at least the past three decades this strange phenomenon has been witnessed. Although this ghost’s identity is not known for certain, it is commonly believed to be the spirit of Abbot Kinney, himself.

Why this wealthy real estate developer from the turn of the last century strolls through that neighborhood is also unknown. In life, Kinney designed and built Venice as a themed resort destination for the wealthy, and a center for the arts in California, which is exactly what it became in the 1920’s, when silent movie stars made it their playground.

However, when the movie stars moved on, it became just another sleepy beach community, and eventually became incorporated into the City of Los Angeles. It was at this time that many of the canals where paved over and much of the Italian architecture destroyed. Perhaps, Abbot Kinney’s restless ghost wanders the streets because his most famous achievement in life did not come to fruition as he had intended.

Ghost of the Week: The King of Calabassas

Today, the Leonis Adobe is part of a park that is open to the public, where school children and curious locals go to get a glimpse of what life was like in the San Fernando Valley of the 1800’s. It is a peaceful oasis filled with rustic charm, where one can relax and daydream about the romantic early days of California. However, the truth surrounding this historic house is more the stuff of nightmares. 150 years ago, the area was very different indeed.

The Adobe was home to one of the most hated men in Los Angeles’ history, the tyrannical Miguel Leonis, who ruled most of the western valley with an iron fist, killing anyone who came close to his property. Much blood was spilt protecting this land, some of which he didn’t actually own. Given Miguel Leonis’ larger than life ferocity, it’s no wonder that only a few years after his death in 1889, ghost stories concerning this highly feared man began to surface. Apparently, to this day, even in death, he still watches over his property, making his presence known to those he feels shouldn’t be there. Visitors have experienced a wide gambit of manifestations (his figure, his footsteps, his voice, and even his touch), making the Leonis Adobe a tempting place for local ghost hunters.

The Leonis Adobe is located at 23537 Calabasas Road.

Ghost of the Week: Castle Green's Woman in White

Castle Green (99 S. Raymond St., Pasadena) - Located in the heart of old Pasadena, sits one of the most foreboding hotels in Southern California. Built in the late 1890's, it served as a luxury resort destination for traveling Easterners for many decades. When its run as a hotel finally came to an end, it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Its only activity was to serve occasionally as a movie location. Today, this imposing structure is still closed to the general public, but in recent times has been sectioned off into private residences.

With its influx of new residents came an influx of new ghost stories. The current tenants have reported everything from door knobs turning by themselves to phantom foot steps. The most prominent ghost however is a woman dressed in a white Victorian gown that wanders the halls followed by the faint scent of perfume. Her identity and connection to the building is unknown.

Normally closed to the public, one of Southern California’s most historic (and haunted) grand hotels from the 19th century will open its doors for four hours. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!

Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, 1pm-5pm
Holiday Tour of Castle Green, $20
99 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

The Event benefits the Friends of the Castle Green

Join us for Miniature Ghoulf:13 Holes from Hell

Meet the GHOULA gang at the Sherman Oaks Castle Park Miniature "Ghoulf" Course at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 27th in full zombie attire for bloodthirsty putting. Not a PMGA sanctioned event, this will be an exhibition game only. NO WAGERS.

For park information, visit http://www.laparks.org