Ghostwatch Newsletter

The Offical Newsletter of Richard and Debbie Senate

October 2008

Richard and Debbie Senate will not be part of Las Vegas Ghost Conference.

Due to the treatment of  friends of the Senates by those who are running the  “Sin City Para Conference” this October the two pioneer ghost hunters are withdrawing their names from this event. “It is with a sad heart that we must cut our ties with the conference,” laments Richard Senate. “Debbie and I could not continue with this event in light of some of the revelations brought to our attention.”  The Senate’s wish the organizers well in their efforts.  They will be part of the Fresno Paranormal Conference at the Sky Ranch in Oakdale on October 10, 12, 13. 2008.  

New Investigation Planned for Glen Tavern Inn.

Mr. Senate’s new class on Ghosts and Haunted Houses offered by the Ventura College will feature a new investigation on the historic Glen Tavern Inn. New sightings of a phantom little girl are becoming common in the 1911 Inn and this spike of activity is ideal for a ghost hunt and investigation.  “We are planning to do the investigation and make a short video of our findings to post on YouTube” explained Richard in a recent phone interview. “We have some exciting new experiments to try in this investigation.”

Senate’s Video “Ghosts of Olivas Adobe” is a popular feature on Youtube now.  

October Tours from Richard Senate

October 4    Ghost Hunt Class  7-9 pm

A special class for those who wish to learn how to hunt ghosts the Richard Senate way will be offered at Ventura’s City Hall. A class for younger people interested in the science of ghost hunting.

Call the City of Ventura for Tickets 805-658-4726

October 17 & 19 Olivas Ghost Hunt Tour. 7- 11

The popular ghost tour is back as we look over the old hacienda seeking to solve her ghostly mysteries.  We can’t guarantee a ghost but ,some strange things have happened on this tour.  For tickets call 805-658-4726

October 27  Ghost Tales at the Olivas Adobe 8-10 pm

A story telling program with campfire and Mr. Senates chilling tales, some based on real events with the paranormal.  A night of bizarre stories in the haunted courtyard of the adobe.  For tickets call 805-658-4726

October 28  Haunted Ventura  8-10 pm

A look at City Hall’s many ghosts and a chance to try some experiments at spirit communication.  This will be a night you will never forget.  Call 805-658-4726

October 30 Olivas Ghost Hunt  7-11 pm

A tour filled with experiments and stories in this expanded ghost hunt at this site. Do bring along your flashlight and cameras.  The focus will be on the Native American Servants and their lot at the old house. For tickets call 805-658-4726,

October 31  Halloween Séance at Olivas Adobe.

This tour will sell out fast because the spaces are limited.  The event will last from 10:30 to 12:30 and we will attempt to speak with the ghosts of the Olivas Adobe.  Anything can happen.   What better way to spend Halloween than at a séance at a haunted house—NO CHILDREN ARE PERMITTED.  

Call the city of Ventura for Tickets 805-658-4726 UPDATE: New dates have been added to this unique offering. 

Cat Woman Haunts Ojai Cottages

From the Ojai and Ventura View newspaper. By Richard Senate

The two small Victorian Cottages on South Montgomery Street, Ojai, are boarded up now. They are forlorn and shabby and slated for demolition.  They do not fit into new plans for the street, that or it might be they are just too far gone to restore or save. I am told only a dispute on the historic trees and plant life has forestalled the bulldozers from reducing the landmarks into rubbish.  Perhaps the old homes will be only a historic memory soon. 

Some whisper that the two buildings are haunted by the last resident, an elderly lady named Irene Noble. Some say she was crazy and more than a few referred to her as "The Cat Woman."   The stories of her insanity may well be folklore as some remember her as mentally sound up until the end. One thing all can agree on is that she loved cats. Some were feral felines she fed and took in; others were cats that locals just left with her. Once over fifty of the animals called the two small cottages home and their numbers alone were the source of controversy.  The old woman who was their benefactor is gone now, the cats were removed but memories, like ghosts, cling to places.  They say that when the moon is full in the Ojai, there are phantom felines lingering on the porch and around the house. They say that the ghost of Ms. Noble walks with her ever present cane, still surrounded by her phantom cat friends, still loyal to her even after the transition called death. The houses may well be torn down but, I will not be shocked if the ghost of Cat Woman haunts the street still and is seen by those who walk the lane late at night. 

Special Tour of Haunted Ojai October 25

A special walking tour of the ghosts of Ojai will be presented by Richard on October 25, Sunday from 2 to 4 P.M.  This tour will pass the Cat woman cottages as well as visit other sites in the community rumored to hold ghosts.  A very special tour offered only though the Phantom Bookshop for $21.00 each. Contact phantom@phantoms.com for tickets. There will be limited space for this chance to work with Mr. Senate. He will have his books for sale as well. 

Quote Worth Remembering:

“ The only road to a fuller grasp of reality is the exploration of super-normal perception.”

                                                                                Dr. Albert Schweitzer

Re-Print of Classic Senate Book will feature Updates

The Re-print of the 1998 book The Ghost Stalker’s Guide to Haunted California will feature new photographs and updates on the sites in California investigated by Mr. Senate and his wife. It will have new data on the sites as well as new tips on ghost hunting.  “I am glad this work is being reprinted and revised,” said Mr. Senate. “I always thought it was my best work and a handy guide to anyone interested in the paranormal.” 

The classic book is offered though the Phantom Bookshop and signed copies can be reserved (still being revised)  at phantom@phantoms.com .