Monday, January 14, 2008

Ghost of the Week: The King of Calabassas

Leonis Adobe
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.
Miguel Leonis

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.



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