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