October 2009  "May you have a Spooktacular October!" - Richard and Debbie Senate...and Meggie!

(NOTE: My regrets for not getting this blog out sooner. I have been beset with
a nagging illness and a death in the family. Richard and Debbie Senate
are always available for you, contact them. Thank you,
John Anthony Miller, webster for the site.)

Movie Star’s Home Investigated by Senates

The Halloween Season is upon us and Mr. Senate has a whole bevy of new tours, talks and adventures planned for the season.

“I am excited at the new prospects,” he said in a telephone interview with this reporter. “I started out the Fall with an impromptu investigation of a Hollywood Actress’s home.  She was someone only a film aficionado would know.  Dorothy Herbert, who starred in “B” pictures and old Republic serials, was the focus of the investigation.  Perhaps her greatest role was in the classic serial, said to be the best one made in the 1940s, Dr. Satan’s Robot. She retired and raised horses. She loved her retirement and so it seems she lingers on at the house she loved in life.” 

Mr. Senate was joined by his wife Psychic Debbie Christenson Senate, Psychic Researcher Roberta Abbot and Megan, his daughter and a gifted dowser.  

“I will have a full report ready in the future. I am still doing research on Ms. Herbert and the events reported at the house,” adds Mr. Senate. 

We will look forward to his report. 

Richard & Debbie on the Lee Fitzgerald Show

The popular cable TV show had Richard and Debbie appear as a guests and they were asked to show there stuff at an unknown haunted house located in Mira Monte.  The team went to the large posh home not far away and they did pick up a presence using their tools.   The always skeptical host, Lee Fitzgerald, was surprised when what ever it was touch him with an ice cold and invisible hands!

It was a great show and may well have changed a skeptic into a believer! “I was pleased with what we found,” explains Mr. Senate. “I believe we confirmed the stories of ghosts in the old house.”

Mr. Senate and daughters making a Video

The Senates are making a 28 minute video to be titled Professor Senate’s Museum. 

“It is based on an exhibit I mounted at the Phantom Bookshop many years ago,” explains Mr. Senate. “I painted a large canvas banner that hung at the bookstore and I have kept it for many years.  The show will feature haunted places and ghosts in California.  I have wanted to do something like this for a long time and my daughters cornered me and said I should just do it. It’s about ½ done and it is hoped that I can get it finished by Mid October. I might post it on line when done. I may even make other episodes in the future but—I will only do this if its fun.” 

Investigation Planned for Truckee, California

The historic gold rush town of Truckee has several haunted sites. Mr. Senate’s sister Patricia has moved there and they are planning to look into the ghosts of the Truckee Hotel and the old Jail. There are several haunted sites in the town. “The most curious sighting is that of a Civil War Confederate soldier,” informs Mr. Senate. “History does record that Confederate irregulars were in California and that they once robbed a gold shipment to send to the South. There was a shootout that might be California’s only Civil War “Battle” (or skirmish). They may well have had a link to Truckee.”  This investigation might well re-write the history of California in the Civil War.  Patricia has already begun collecting data and she has felt the icy cold of the old Jail.  The report might be the basis of another video in the future. 

Mr. Senate’s Novel is Published! THE FLIGHT OF THE HERCULES.
A new "Steam Punk" extravaganza!

At long last Mr. Senate’s novel “The Flight of the Hercules” is released.  It will be in both hardback and soft cover.  The book is a real adventure and it is hoped that Mr. Senate’s fans will find it fun. It is in a new style called “Steam-Punk” and combines history with wild adventure. 

If you are interested, e-mail Mr. Senate at hainthunter@aol.com  and he will send you information on how you can get a copy.  More data  in future issues of the Ghost Watch Newsletter. 

    

Ghost Tours for the Fall

 10/10  (Sat) Ghostly Ventura Tour - 8:00pm-10:00pm (City Hall)

10/17  (Sat) Ventura City Hall Séance with Debbie Senate - 10:30pm-12:30am (NEW)

10/24  (Sat) Reyes Adobe Ghost Tour - 8:00pm-10:00pm (Agoura Hills)*

10/25  (Sun) The Ghost Bus Tour - 8:00pm-9:30pm (Meets at City Hall)

10/26  (Mon) Haunted Ventura Ghost Tour - 8:00pm-10:00pm (City Hall)

10/27  (Tues) The Haunted Cemetery in Ventura- 8:00pm -9:30pm (Memorial Park)

10/28  (Wed)  Ortega Adobe Séance with Debbie Senate -10:30pm-12:30am (NEW) This will sell out fast.

10/29  (Thur) Ghost Hunting Class for Kids - 7:30pm-9:30pm (City Hall)

10/30  (Fri) The Ghost Bus Extended Tour - 8:00pm-10:00pm (Meets at City Hall)

10/31  (Sat) Halloween City Hall Séance with Debbie Senate - 10:30pm-12:30am

11/2    (Mon) Day of the Dead Tour  - 8:00pm-9:30pm

11/ 7   (Sat) Ghost Hunting Class for Kids - 7:30pm-9:30pm (City Hall)

11/13  (Friday) Special Ghosts and Ghouls Tour - 8:00pm-10:00pm (City Hall)

11/14  (Sat) Reyes Adobe Ghost Tour - 8:00pm-10:00pm (Agoura Hills)* 

12/12  (Sat) Mysterious City Hall – 7:00pm-9:00pm

Tickets can be purchased for most tours through the City of Ventura at
www.CityofVentura.net
or call

805-658-4726.

*Tours in Italics can be purchased at Agoura Hills Community Services.  818-597-7361

Richard and Debbie Senate will also be telling ghost stories at the Brocalli’s Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Hayride in Ojai.   Oct 16-17.  

Mr. Senate’s Ghost Class at Ventura College

Mr. Senate will be offering a five week class on ghosts and haunted houses though the Community Services office of the Ventura Community College. The class will go over how to hunt ghosts and some of the many investigations done by Richard and Debbie Senate over the years.  This will also feature a field trip to a known haunted site TBA.  The class is an in-depth look at this popular subject.  To sign up, call the Ventura College Community Education at 805-654-6459.   If you have questions about the class contact Mr. Senate at his e-mail hainthunter@aol.com The class meets for 5 Wednesday nights starting 10/7.  

Famous People who became Ghosts          
By Mr. Richard Senate

1. Julius Caesar  who appeared to his assassins before they were killed in battle.

2. King Henry VIII who appeared to many over the years most recently to Charles the Prince of Wales.

3. Anne Boleyn,  Henry VIII second wife whom he had decapitated for witchcraft. She is seen in several spots in England including the Tower where she met her end.

4. Sir Walter Raleigh, haunts the Tower of London where he was imprisoned before his death. He walks the walls on moonlit nights.

5. Andy Jackson haunts the White House and his old home, the Hermitage, in Tennessee. where he died

6.  Abraham Lincoln, haunts the White House as well as several other places, most notably Ford’s Theater where he was slain. Also at Ford’s is his killer John Wilkes Booth.  Old Abe was manifest to Harry Truman once in 1945.

7. Lily Langtry, The famed singer is said to haunt her house in Leighton (now demolished) and was seen several times by the residents.

8. Billy the Kid, controversial westerner and gunfighter is seen in Sumnerlace where he was killed by Marshal Pat Garret.

9. Doc Holiday, The gunfighter friend of the Earp Brothers, and a participant in the 1888 Gunfight of OK Corral, walks the streets of Tombstone dressed in black with a fancy vest.   

10. Mark Twain, American writer, seen at his brothers old home in Carson City, and on the streets of Virginia City, Nevada where he once lived and worked. 

11. Jack London, American writer, haunts his old house, now in ruins at Glen Ellen, CA but he also stops in at the Valley of the Moon Saloon from time to time

12. Edgar Allen Poe haunts his old Baltimore home, now a museum, where he and his beloved wife lived before her tragic death.   His grave site is also haunted. 

13. Jefferson Davis, the first and last president of the Confederacy haunts Monroe where he was imprisoned after the Civil War. So far he has not been seen in the Confederate White House in Richmond, VA.  

14.  General Beaugard   of the Confederacy, the man who designed the rebel southern cross flag haunts the Beaugard House in New Orleans, now a museum.  

15.  Richard Nixon is said to haunt his boyhood home and grave site in Yorba Linda, CA now converted into his presidential library.  

16. Elvis Presley haunts Graceland, his Memphis mansion where he died and is buried.

17. Rudolph Valentino haunts his grave site and his old home in Beverly Hills, Falcon’s Lair.  He died at 31 a superstar of silent Hollywood. 

18 Clifton Webb, Actor haunts his Beverly Hills home and his tomb in Hollywood, CA.

19. Mae West, Actress, haunts her old apartment building in Hollywood, CA.

20. Mamie Eisenhower haunts her old home in Gettysburg PA. Now a museum.

21. Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada.  His home, now a museum, in Toronto is rumored to be haunted.

22. John Lennon, Singer, haunts the Dakota Apt. building where he was gunned down.

23. Buffalo Bill Cody, western entertainer, haunts his old house in Wyoming.  

24. William S. Hart, cowboy movie star haunts his mansion in Newhall, California. Home is now a museum.

25. Michael Jackson, said to haunt his old Neverland Ranch and other places linked to the tragic entertainter's life.

Quote worth remembering:

“It is wonderful that in six thousand years have now elapsed since the creation of the world, and still it is undecided whether or not there has ever been an instance of the spirit of any person appearing after death. All argument is against it, but all belief is for it.”

    Dr Samuel Johnson (1709—1784)

Megan and Richard Senate’s Coloring Book for sale

Last year Richard and Megan put together 13 Ventura County Ghosts as a simple Coloring Book for kids who wanted to know about the legends and ghost stories of this California County. The little book was a hit and sold out. Now they have improved and re-printed the booklet for sale this Halloween. They will be offered at Brocalli’s Pumpkin Patch in Ojai.  Richard will be telling stories there on October 16 and 17.   “The hayride is a scary one,” Mr. Senate warns people, “but I would not miss it for the world.  The Pizza at Brocalli’s is the best I have ever tasted too. Try it and see if you agree.” 

The Ghostly Gazette Magazine on Life support!

With much fanfare Mr. Senate introduced a new on-line magazine. There was some interest and free copies of the proto-publication were sent out, but there seems little interest in the project.  “We can’t make a magazine with only 15 people interested,” laments Mr. Senate. “ I will put together one more issue and offer it for free to people but, if no one comes forth to contribute stories or pictures I will have to close the project. I do not have the time to do this on my own. I want to thank those few people who have helped with this project. The Ghostly Gazette will then truly become a ghost.”  

If you want to see a FREE copy contact me at hainthunter@aol.com at my web site:  www.RichardSenate.com or www.ghost-stalker.com and I will send you the October Issue.  It will focus on Hollywood and the supernatural.”  

AUGUST GHOSTWATCH NEWSLETTER August 2009
The official Newsletter of Richard And Debbie Senate

Pioneers of the Paranormal Conference a success

The event held at the Clock Tower Inn located in Ventura with a large number attending. Debbie gave readings and Mr. Senate gave a stirring talk of the problems that face ghost hunting today. He warned that paranormal groups must stop their infighting and work together. Young people, who take up ghost hunting just a thrill, are giving us all a bad name. Seeing TV ghost hunters "bating" the ghost to do something on camera have inspired these would-be investigators to threaten the ghosts to appear and even resort to vandalism in an attempt to have something happen. Because of this many haunted sites are closing their doors to ghost hunting teams. Mr. Senate called for a set of ethics for ghost hunters and some way to co-ordinate findings. To that end Mr. Senate is starting up a new place for paranormal investigators to share information. It will be in the form of an online Magazine. The speakers were great at the conference—Mr Barry Conrad’s talk was informative and all who came enjoyed the cool balmy weather in Downtown Ventura.

The new magazine was launched August 3 with the proto-cop sent out.
^{It is a simple work but as they say—from the small acorn the might oak doth grow. "I worked long and hard to set up the magazine," reports Mr. Senate. "I want a place where people can share ideas without ridicule. Here all ideas from the most scientific to the most far out will be printed and discussed. We have long needed such an outlet. I can’t do this alone. I need people to submit their ideas and ghost hunts. I want theories and thoughts. The first magazine focuses on what are ghosts and some ideas about them. The following magazine will make a special focus ghosts in Hollywood and the film capital. I have not worked out all the bugs just yet but any advise is welcome. If you would like to be sent a free copy just e-mail me at hainthunter@aol.com.}"

Quote Worth Remembering:

"Those who crave for adventure will find it in Psychical Research"

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

We can not all become explorers in far away lands or fly into the sky to examine space but we can all take up the challenge of psychic research. We can delve into the unknown universe of the paranormal realms by looking into haunted places, strange mysteries, and bizarre happening. There are great discoveries just waiting for the right person to find an answer. There are thrills, and yes, even some dangers for psychic explorers are truly entering into an unknown country and not everything in this land is harmless. Not all ghosts are Casper the Friendly Ghost. Still, the call to adventure must be heeded by a select few as they attempt to find answers to the greatest riddle of them all—what happens when we die?

New exciting tours set for August and September 2009

August 15, Saturday, Unsolved Mysteries of Ventura County. A tour of great crimes and their outcomes. Starting at the Ventura City Hall, formerly the County Court House.

1 to 3 pm. For tickets call 805-658-4726

August 22, Saturday night. Cemetery Park tour and ghost hunt. 8:30 to 10:00. Do bring your cameras, e-meters, tape recorders and flashlights for a rousing good time at the old burying ground. Yes, people have seen things here. For tickets call 805-658-4726

August 29, Saturday night Ghosts and Ghouls tour of City Hall. Several ghosts walk the old resorted building. A very popular tour Mr. Senate will go over the many stories of ghosts at this location and even invite people to take part in some "experiments." For tickets call 805-658-4726. A fun tour!

September 5 Saturday night. Ghostly Ventura. This tour is part history and part ghost hunting. Join Richard Senate in a quest for the identity of the mysterious "Lady in Red" seen in the west wing hall. Who is she and why does she walk? For tickets call 805-658-4726

Mr. Senate’s New Novel set to publish soon:

"I love to write but few of my works of fiction have ever seen the light of day," reports Mr. Senate in a telephone interview. "I am pleased that the Lost Continent Magazine has published parts of my Steampunk novel "The Flight of the Hercules" in the pages of their adventure magazine and now they are offering hardback addition with beautiful art to the public. It’s an adventure tale set in 1895 that harkens back to my first favorite author—Jules Vern. I had great fun writing the piece and I hope people will have fun reading the work."

Mr. Senate is now working on the sequel "The Voyage of the Plunger" set in 1898. As the name implies it’s about a submarine. If anyone would like to purchase a copy of the Flight of the Hercules, all the needed data will be in forthcoming newsletters.

Glen Tavern Inn Video Cancelled.

The management of the historic Glen Tavern Inn has blocked all psychic investigation after several ugly incidents happened. The Santa Paula Hotel has long been known for its ghostly residents and several groups have investigated the place since the late 1980s. Recently priggish ghost hunters have caused mischief at the site leading to customers checking out. Conversations with the new general manager indicate that in the future all ghost hunts will not be welcome on property. Mr. Senate had planned a video on the site for youtube to outline the many ghost stories at the place but now, due to their new altitude, he has cancelled the project. "I respect their wishes and will stop all investigations there or even encouraging people to go to the site," says Mr. Senate. "I have seen the immature ways some unthinking ghost hunting groups use. They are so determined to find something they can become a nuisance. I fully understand the management and would ask all involved in the paranormal to not venture over the threshold of the establishment."

Three New booklets set for publication: Haunted Downtown Ventura, The Naked Ghost Hunter and Survival Ghost Hunting.

Three short pamphlets are about to be published each one with a different subject. They reflect Mr. Senate’s ongoing quest for new knowledge on the paranormal. A brief sketch of the booklets is provided here:

HAUNTED DOWNTOWN VENTURA.

A reprinted and updated version of a booklet long out of print. First printed by the Phantom Bookshop Press, 50 signed copies were sold. The booklet is updated with new art and new stories and offered for the collector of rare books on the paranormal. ‘I always liked this booklet." Says Mr. Senate. "I am glad it has returned to thrill a whole new generation of ghost hunters."

THE NAKED GHOST HUNTER.

A controversial theory that sex and ghost hunting might well be linked is outlined here. "I have long held that ghosts are energy," remarks Mr. Senate. "Sexual energy can, I believe, re-charge or enhance psychic events in haunted places. It’s a controversial theory and one that might get me in a little hot water but, I believe it is worth of study and I look forward to some ghost hunters taking up the challenge to see if this concept is valid. I have also included a number of hotel sites for ghost hunters to challenge the unknown using sex as a tool."

The idea isn’t all that strange and one that many WICCANs follow.

SURVIVAL GHOST HUNTING.

This is a short booklet with all the basics of ghosthunting. It grew out of Mr. Senates notes from his class in ghosts and haunted houses. It is short and easy to read for any new comer to the study of ghost hunting outlining what to do and how to do it.

These booklets should be ready for the fall season. Cover designs by Megan Senate

Richard Senate’s Ethics for Ghost Hunting

1. First of all, do no harm.

2. Never vandalize or damage property. Be like a ghost and leave no evidence of your visit behind.

3. Never drink or take controlled substances when ghost hunting.

4. Don’t jump to conclusions. Follow where ever the data takes you. Remember not everything is supernatural.

5. The investigations not done until the paperwork is complete.

6. Share your data with other ghost hunters!

7. Never trespass –even if cool places are closed to you.

8. Check your facts! Don’t believe what data you learn from paranormal sources. Check them out.

9. Always be respectful to ghosts and patrons. Remember, someday you might become a ghost!

10. Save all data! Any physical evidence must be preserved.

July 09 Newsletter

GHOSTWATCH

The Official Newsletter of Richard & Debbie Senate

Ventura Para-Con book signing event!

Mr. Senate is hosting a special event on August 1. This will bring together some of the biggest names in the paranormal field including some of the pioneers of ghost hunting, psychics and writers. Mr. Senate will welcome all to his home town and be glad to sign the books he has authored and show some of his videos. The event will be held at the Clocktower Inn, located in the shadow of Mission San Buenaventura, in the heart of Ventura. For this occasion he has re-printed his booklet: "Haunted Downtown Ventura." A full list of all taking part and the location of the event will be available soon.

The list of people interested in coming, at present, are:

Janice Oberding, Nevada Ghost Expert.

Barry Conrad the Videographer,

Victoria Gross - psychic, tarot, author,

Marla Brooks - Ghost of Hollywood author,

Tom Durant　 - Altered States Radio and researcher

Gian Temperelli - co author Peter James Book

Michael and Marti Parry - will be doing a Gallery Reading

Scott Michaels the historian from Dearly Departed Tours

Mark Nelson the psychic and radio host

The Haunted tours of America web site has listed the top ten psychic investigators in the world!

"I am speechless that I have made this list, but honored to have been recognized for my 30 years of work in ghost hunting," so says Mr. Senate after getting the news he was part of this list. Others on the list include:

1) Brad Sterger, author of 166 books, 2) Jason Hawes, founded of TAPS, 3) Dale Kazmarek, president of the Ghost Research Society, 4) Mark Nesbitt, author of the Ghosts of Gettysburg, 5) Lisa Lee Harp Waugh, Texas psychic, 6) Troy Taylor, author of 49 books, 7) Richard Senate, author of 15 books, 8) Greg Myers, EVP specialist, 9) Loyd Auerback, Professor at JFK University and author of 7 books, 10) Patrick Burns, Investigator, Haunted Evidence TV show.

The Ghosts of Mission Santa Barbara is now posted on YouTube. This new Video was made by Richard Senate and his two daughters Megan and Sarah and focus on a few of the stories of the old Spanish Mission in Santa Barbara, long considered a California Landmark. See it and comment on the five minute film. It is the third video Mr. Senate has produced so far. He is planning to finish a forth video before Para-Con in August on the many ghosts of The famed Glen Tavern Inn. "This is one of the most haunted places in the west," he said in an interview. "I and many others, have investigated the 1911 Inn and came away with psychic results from Dr. Kenny Kingston to Rob Wlodarski. More work is needed at this site. New research indicates it might sit upon a "psychic Vortex" that could open portals to other realities". We look forward to seeing Mr. Senate’s findings. He is also working on a new video on the Glen Tavern Inn, Santa Paula’s haunted landmark. It should be ready in a few weeks.

A recent poll indicates that the belief in ghosts has grown over the last few years and now stands at a majority of Americans. This despite the fact that the number of people who report real encounters with ghosts has not jumped much over the last few decades. The work of TV shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures has made an impact on the national mind set.

"When I started this psychic adventure in ghosts back in 1978 polls indicated that only 10% of Americans believed in ghosts," reports Mr. Senate. "Back then it wasn’t a popular study as it is today and anyone calling themselves a ghost hunter faced jokes and downright prejudice. People need to remember that a lot of folks fought long and hard to make this study a respectable one."

The Travel Channel TV show "Ghost Adventures" recently worked with Mr. Senate on their investigation and lock down at the old Spanish Mission of La Purisima. The three guys picked up all sorts of data in the 24 hour investigation with perhaps the most dramatic the infrared video of a full figure in the garden. The image may well be one of the Spanish Soldiers from the Mission’s past. The image clearly shows cross straps, a pouch at the waste, and the distinctive padded shoulders of his uniform. It’s not as clear, but the figure seems to be holding a short barreled "escopeta" cavalry musket. Lights were photographed in the chapel and plenty of EVP voices and music. It was a great show and Mr. Senate was pleased to be part of this project.

The sudden and unexpected death of singer Michael Jackson has sparked debate on the question of his ghost. There are several reasons to think that he will be manifest as a phantom. 1) He had a great ego that would keep him earthbound. 2) He had unfinished business in the form of his London concerts and his three children. 3) He died very suddenly without even knowing that he was dying. 4) His links to the earth are many. The real question is where will he haunt? Mr. Senate believes his ghost will haunt his old Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara. It was at his Disneyland-like retreat that he spent his happiest hours.

"Time will tell if Jackson will be manifest as a ghost," states Mr. Senate. "His many fans may hold him like a magnet and prevent him from moving on. At least that is what the Spiritualist beliefs contends."

July 25, The Taste of Ventura. 12:00 2:00 This is a Lunch with a twist, featuring fine restaurants in Ventura with stories of Ghosts, and bizarre history. Call 805-658-4726 for tickets.

July 18, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The Ghosts of Downtown Ventura. This is a special tour. It will start at the fountain in front of the old Mission San Buenaventura. Ghosts do walk the Streets of Ventura and this tour will point out places where ghosts are seen regularly. E-Mail Richard if you can take part in this tour hainthunter@aol.com Fee $10.

July 19, (Sunday) 1:00 to 3:00 You Can Talk to Ghosts! This is a special tour that will give people a chance to try communication with ghosts. Our target will be the ghosts of Valdez Alley. If interested E-Mail Richard at hainthunter@aol.com - the fee is $14. This is a tour for adults only. Bring cameras as well. Tour will be canceled if there isn’t enough interest. Tour starts in front of the Mission San Buenaventura.

Psychic Debbie Senate has a birthday on July 24<sup>th.

She and her family will be celebrating that day but you can send her a birthday greeting via hainthunter@aol.com



Mr. Senate accepting bookings for Fall</sup>

The Fall months, with Halloween, is the busiest time for Mr. Senate and his wife. He is getting lots of bookings for event at this early date. "I haven’t been this busy in years," admits Richard. "Almost every Saturday in October is booked with a special program set for Halloween Night at City Hall Ventura. Strangely, November 1st , the "Day of the Dead," is still open. Many dates are open in the middle of the week, as well as in November." If you would like to have the Senates give a talk or special tour it would be best to contact them now. It’s first come, first serve.

Quote worth Remembering:

                                                     -Andrew Jackson Davies

           Richard and Debbie Senate's Ghost Watch Newsletter for July 2009

"The Top Ten Best Paranormal Experts in the world today"

Richard Senate is recognized as being one of the top ten paranormal researchers in the world.


Richard Senate one of the worlds top leading paranormal expert with over 30 years of paranormal knowledge.

He is an "Historian And Ghost Stalker" author of several prominent books on ghosts and paranormal phenomenon, and has appeared on just about every paranormal television and radio show there is.