GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of the month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual social 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 (square) GHOULA. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff about our group. (i.e. LOOK FOR SOMEONE WITH A GHOULA BUTTON)
THE DATE: June 13th, 2018 (Wednesday)
THE PLACE: Los Toros
21743 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311 (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to 10:00pm (3:00pm - 8:00pm is Happy Hour)
THE GHOST(S):
Chatsworth rests in the North-Western edges of the San Fernando Valley, in the shadow of some of the most picturesque rock formations in Los Angeles County. These vistas have been the backdrop for many movies, TV shows, and commercials, doubling for Old West locales and distant hostile planets. Not only are these same hills the site of a formerly top-secret rocket/missile testing base, but they have also served as the home (or hide-out) for numerous outlaws and fringe cults (including the infamous "Manson Family" that went on a killing spree in 1969). In addition to cowboys, padres, Native Americas, actors, rocket-scientists, bandits, zealots, and murders, this rocky area also has had numerous ghostly visitors over the years. Not only do large numbers of spirits roam the surrounding topography, but they also populate one of the neighborhood's most beloved landmarks.
Los Toros opened its doors in 1967, and for more than half a century they have been serving up Mexican food to the hungry locals. In that time, they have earned a reputation for having the best bean dip in the valley, as well as at least four resident ghosts and possibly many more. There are the apparitions of an older man and an older lady, who may greet you at the entrance, since this is where most of their sightings occur. It should be noted that although they haunt the same spot, they have not been seen together, and apparently take turns appearing to customers. Then there is the "well-dressed man" who spends his time in the after-life hanging around the restaurant's bar (wouldn't you). Lastly, there is a phantom female seen in the far ends of the restaurant, at the end of the night, seemingly clearing tables that had either not been used or were already cleaned earlier. Additionally, there are disembodied voices heard, cold spots felt, and objects moving by no visible means. whether these are from the before-mentioned spirits, or additional ones haunting this establishment is unknown. Likewise, the identity and motivations of the four most-seen ghosts is also a mystery, although it is presumed that the woman clearing the table is most likely a former waitress eternally finishing up her duties.
In 1969, a couple of years after they originally opened, two youths attempted to buy beer at the bar, and were turned away by the bartender for being under-aged. The hooligans returned later, after operating hours, with a fire bomb, and blew-up part of the restaurant. Although there were employees in the building at the time, no one was hurt in the explosion, and the culprits were easily caught and charged with arson. Could this traumatic event in the restaurant's history cause the residue energy within its walls? Speaking explosions, it has long been rumored that their have been many accidental explosions over the years at the secret base due to experiments with rocket fuel. Could Los Toros' ghosts be former aero-space engineers visiting the local hangout they enjoyed in life? Then again, like the supposed vanishing waitress, maybe these ghost are ex-employees still returning to their happy workplace long after they died. Who knows?
So come out, join us, share ghost stories, and toast this ghost... If you dare!
(to read about the last haunted location... )
(to see a map of previous SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations... )
