Between the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County and the Simi Valley in Ventura County is the Santa Susana Mountains. Now, there are plenty of websites and books you can research for history of this area of Southern California. Lots of authentic western history here. An old stage road which was in operation in the 1800s. Native American history which goes back to thousands of years and involve the Chumash who were perhaps the most dominant tribe in the area. According to the website http://fpssm.org/history.php "Foundation for The Preservation of The Santa Susana Mountains" Chumash history goes back over 20,000 years in this region.
According to http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/21299/files/sspshp%20historic%20resources_adb.pdf Santa Susana Pass State Historical Park Cultural Overiew from the spring of 2007 by Alexander D. Bevil, there have been European settlers in the area since 1769. The area was under the rule of Spain until Mexico won its independence and then the area became, the Northern part of the Republic of Mexico until 1848.
Major industry, both nuclear with a sodium reactor which operated for a time in this area and Aerospace and Outer Space related industry have had facilities there as well. So its easy to understand, this area which borders Los Angeles County and Ventura County has been a hub of social and cultural activity for as long as anyone can recall. It encompasses natural history with the Native Americans and modern society as we know it today and, all that have come in between now and, the early pre-history days.
The pass and the surrounding area has seen its share of tragedy and the strange and bizarre as well.
THE STRANGE IN THE SANTA SUSANAS
There are many tales of cults, crime and death in the Santa Susana's. In the late 1950s there was a cult living in Box Canyon and they were blown up by dynamite. Krishna Venta and, his The Fountain of the World cult was reportedly blown up in a bombing suicide attack involving dynamite by two disgruntled followers.
http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2004-04-02/Neighbors/013.html
According to a Camarillo Acorn article from 2013, people have seen barefoot apparitions of the Fountain of The World cult still walking around Box Canyon.
http://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/news/2013-11-01/On_The_Town/Local_haunts_full_of_history_and_spirits.html
Many deaths have been recorded within this region over the years. Most infamous perhaps was the death of Donald J. (Shorty) Shea. Part time actor and ranch hand at the Spahn movie ranch. Shea was allegedly murdered by members of the Manson family. His body was not found until 1977. Eight years after he was murdered.
My recent personal interest in the Santa Susana Mountains, the pass and the Manson family began in April of 2016 while accompanying two friends of mine who were looking for the Manson cave and who were wanting to take photos of both the cave and also the site where the murder of Shorty Shea allegedly took place.
At the site where, it is alleged that Shorty Shea met his demise, there is a large tree which some refer to as the Manson Tree. The story is, infamous cult leader and lifetime criminal Charles Manson would sit in this tree for hours and contemplate life and, create songs and, in general just chill out.
The tree and the site are next to a road. Below this is a bluff and the bluff sits above the railroad tracks. The story I was told is, Shorty was driven to the site of the tree and was beaten up badly and left for dead.
April 2016
My friends and I arrive at the site of the Manson Tree and explore the area and take photos. It was one particular photo which was part of a set of three photos that something curious caught my eye upon review.
Here are the three photos in sequence
According to http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/21299/files/sspshp%20historic%20resources_adb.pdf Santa Susana Pass State Historical Park Cultural Overiew from the spring of 2007 by Alexander D. Bevil, there have been European settlers in the area since 1769. The area was under the rule of Spain until Mexico won its independence and then the area became, the Northern part of the Republic of Mexico until 1848.
Major industry, both nuclear with a sodium reactor which operated for a time in this area and Aerospace and Outer Space related industry have had facilities there as well. So its easy to understand, this area which borders Los Angeles County and Ventura County has been a hub of social and cultural activity for as long as anyone can recall. It encompasses natural history with the Native Americans and modern society as we know it today and, all that have come in between now and, the early pre-history days.
The pass and the surrounding area has seen its share of tragedy and the strange and bizarre as well.
THE STRANGE IN THE SANTA SUSANAS
There are many tales of cults, crime and death in the Santa Susana's. In the late 1950s there was a cult living in Box Canyon and they were blown up by dynamite. Krishna Venta and, his The Fountain of the World cult was reportedly blown up in a bombing suicide attack involving dynamite by two disgruntled followers.
http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2004-04-02/Neighbors/013.html
According to a Camarillo Acorn article from 2013, people have seen barefoot apparitions of the Fountain of The World cult still walking around Box Canyon.
http://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/news/2013-11-01/On_The_Town/Local_haunts_full_of_history_and_spirits.html
Many deaths have been recorded within this region over the years. Most infamous perhaps was the death of Donald J. (Shorty) Shea. Part time actor and ranch hand at the Spahn movie ranch. Shea was allegedly murdered by members of the Manson family. His body was not found until 1977. Eight years after he was murdered.
My recent personal interest in the Santa Susana Mountains, the pass and the Manson family began in April of 2016 while accompanying two friends of mine who were looking for the Manson cave and who were wanting to take photos of both the cave and also the site where the murder of Shorty Shea allegedly took place.
At the site where, it is alleged that Shorty Shea met his demise, there is a large tree which some refer to as the Manson Tree. The story is, infamous cult leader and lifetime criminal Charles Manson would sit in this tree for hours and contemplate life and, create songs and, in general just chill out.
The tree and the site are next to a road. Below this is a bluff and the bluff sits above the railroad tracks. The story I was told is, Shorty was driven to the site of the tree and was beaten up badly and left for dead.
April 2016
My friends and I arrive at the site of the Manson Tree and explore the area and take photos. It was one particular photo which was part of a set of three photos that something curious caught my eye upon review.
Here are the three photos in sequence
Photo 1 by Manson Tree April 2016
Photo 2 by Manson Tree April 2016
Photo 3 by Manson Tree April 2016
It was upon my review of this 3rd photo that I noticed what appeared to be a human image which can be seen to the right of the investigator, in the middle of that opening that looks kind of like an upside down triangle. The investigator in the photo has neither confirmed or offered his opinion as to what I am seeing. However, others have confirmed for me that, they too are seeing the same thing. Below are some close ups of the image I am seeing. Just let me say that, as an investigator I know and realize there are many reasons we see images in photos. I am conscious of the phenomena of Paredolia, which is defined as the minds eye perceiving a familiar shape or pattern where none exist. Is it possible that multiple and separate individuals could perceive the same shape and/or pattern even if it didn't really exist? I don't know. Review the image below and decide for yourself.
Close up and cropped version of Photo 3.
In this zoomed in and cropped version of Photo 3, I see an image in that triangle shaped opening to the right of the investigator. Do you see it to?
Comparison view of Photo 3
Above is a comparison view of photo 3. In this view I have circled the image I am seeing in the triangle area to the right of the investigator. To the far right I have inserted a zoomed in close up of the image.
What do you see? I will state that at the time these photos were taken it was early afternoon on a Saturday and to our knowledge no other individuals were in the area or on this location. In May of 2016 I went back to the location and observed the area where this figure would have been sitting beyond this tree. My observation confirmed for me that it certainly was possible that someone could sit down back in that area as it is an open area. However, it would take some effort to get to the area as the footing and terrain is not an easy one to traverse.
What do you see? I will state that at the time these photos were taken it was early afternoon on a Saturday and to our knowledge no other individuals were in the area or on this location. In May of 2016 I went back to the location and observed the area where this figure would have been sitting beyond this tree. My observation confirmed for me that it certainly was possible that someone could sit down back in that area as it is an open area. However, it would take some effort to get to the area as the footing and terrain is not an easy one to traverse.
May 2016, One Month Later. Area Behind Manson Tree
This is approximately a month later in May 2016 and this is the area the figure would have been sitting down between the foliage. In the background of this photo. As you can see there is plenty of room for a person to sit down there but, also as you can see, it would not be easy to get to that spot. Consider all this and think about what you believe the image possibly is. The Manson Tree is the tree to the far right.
Audio Captures From The Manson Tree
In May of this year (2016) I returned to the Manson Tree location to do EVP and ITC work. On the previous excursion there was no time to do this unfortunately and, my compadres were in a bit of a hurry. Also, the area around the tree is not one that lends itself to moving around easily. The footing is somewhat loose and you can slip and fall a good distance if not careful.
Can you tell me where this is? "Chatsworth" Do you know where you are? "Behind the Manson Tree"
This audio recording was executed, utilizing a PSB-7 Spirit Box. Just to set the scene for you, this is early afternoon on a Saturday. This location, except for the occasional passing car or truck is isolated with not much around it. Being that this is the Santa Susana Mountains and Pass area, Chatsworth is just down the road from here. So, when the male voice responds Chatsworth he is correct. The second more raspy sounding voice is saying "Behind the Manson Tree". Two distinctly different sounding voices and responses to two direct questions. These are not EVP. These voices came over a device that scans radio frequencies very quickly and continuously. It is believed that Spirit communication can utilize the white noise of static, radio, television etc. Direct responses to direct questions can lead to the conclusion that direct communication is taking place between the investigator and Spirits who are able to hear and understand. Also the answers indicate awareness and intelligence. The answers also indicate the Spirits are in close proximity to the location.
Wear your head phones and turn up the volume.
Wear your head phones and turn up the volume.
Do you know what the Spahn Ranch is? "Yes sir, I do! Movie set"
Here is another wonderful audio capture, using the Spirit Box PSB-7. A female voice perhaps. Sounds female to me. Giving a direct answer to a direct question. The question is whether or not they know what the Spahn Ranch is. The Spahn Ranch was an old ranch that was utilized by the movie industry. It was also the temporary home to the Manson Family in 1969. The reason for the question is the Spahn Ranch is connected to the Manson Tree for reasons which have already been explained. Again, this is not EVP but ITC or Instrumental Trans-communication. The method of two way communication between the living and the Spirit world via devices which scan radio frequencies and/or produce white noise.
The response here again represents the following:
1. Awareness on the part of the Spirit responding
2. Direct response to a direct question
3. Intelligence with a knowledge of the history of the subject being asked about.
4. Another distinctly different voice and personality from those exhibited in the responses to the previous audio posted here. Same day and same location.
Does human intelligence survive the physical death of the body? I believe one may feel it is possible it does based on these answers.
The response here again represents the following:
1. Awareness on the part of the Spirit responding
2. Direct response to a direct question
3. Intelligence with a knowledge of the history of the subject being asked about.
4. Another distinctly different voice and personality from those exhibited in the responses to the previous audio posted here. Same day and same location.
Does human intelligence survive the physical death of the body? I believe one may feel it is possible it does based on these answers.
The Manson Cave
I am sure, many are familiar with the story of the Manson Family. The cult of young people who were lead by a charismatic career criminal named Charles Manson. In August 1969 they murdered several individuals at the home of Actress Sharon Tate and Director Roman Polanski. The next night they savagely murdered a middle aged couple known as the Labiancas.
See this Los Angeles Times story from April of this year (2016)
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-manson-followers-chilling-description-20160415-story.html
In December 1969 Life Magazine did a story and pictorial layout on the Manson Family with a now famous photo of the family sitting beneath a rock formation overhang which became to be known as the Manson Cave even though it really is not a cave at all.
See this Los Angeles Times story from April of this year (2016)
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-manson-followers-chilling-description-20160415-story.html
In December 1969 Life Magazine did a story and pictorial layout on the Manson Family with a now famous photo of the family sitting beneath a rock formation overhang which became to be known as the Manson Cave even though it really is not a cave at all.
Photo taken by G. S. Reynolds June 2016. A more classical shot of the Manson Cave.
The above photo is the basic head on frontal view of the overhang/ cave. a couple of smaller rocks appear to be missing.
Photo taken by G. S. Reynolds June 2016. Angled from the right, side view of Manson Cave.
The Manson Cave itself juts out from the bluff wall, which is just below the road. It is the perfect natural shelter of which a hiker or transient could keep him or herself out of the elements or weather. I could imagine Native Americans utilizing this formation while out hunting or traveling through the mountains.
After I had arrived here at this site I proceeded to do some EVP and ITC sessions to see if I could get any responses.
One particularly entertaining EVP Capture, was an attempt on my part to walk over to the Manson Cave and, sit down on the large rock to the right and do an EVP session. Previously, I had captured the name Sam while standing next to the cave. So, I was addressing Sam as I sat down and, I either fell over on my own or, was pushed. I personally felt I had been off balance and fell over but, the EVP I captured immediately after, suggests that maybe that was not the case. Watch the following video and listen closely to the audio as the spirit suggests that perhaps I was pushed.
After I had arrived here at this site I proceeded to do some EVP and ITC sessions to see if I could get any responses.
One particularly entertaining EVP Capture, was an attempt on my part to walk over to the Manson Cave and, sit down on the large rock to the right and do an EVP session. Previously, I had captured the name Sam while standing next to the cave. So, I was addressing Sam as I sat down and, I either fell over on my own or, was pushed. I personally felt I had been off balance and fell over but, the EVP I captured immediately after, suggests that maybe that was not the case. Watch the following video and listen closely to the audio as the spirit suggests that perhaps I was pushed.
EVP, Manson Cave, June 2016, "Sam Did It!"
So, when you watch the above video , have your headphones on and turn up the volume. The voice / EVP occurs just after I topple over and start to get up. I repeat the voice 3 times so you can hear it. Its very quick so pay attention.
Spirit Boxy PSB-7 ITC recording. voice responds "Tex Watson"
Charles "Tex" Watson was Charles Manson's number one henchman. He organized the dirty work for Charlie. He was a key figure in the trial of Charles Manson and the Manson Family in relation to the Tate/Labianca murders. Tex is 70 years old now and currently incarcerated for the murders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex_Watson
When you consider, that 1969 is 47 years ago and, I as an investigator, utilizing an ITC device (Spirit Box PSB-7) was able to visit the infamous location of the Manson Cave and, this device randomly just happens to produce the name of a key figure with the Manson Family, "Tex Watson", you have to consider that there are things and powers beyond our comprehension at work here. Tex is still alive and in prison, so, this is not his spirit calling out his name. Whatever this is. Be it spirt, or elemental spirit energy, which is tied to this location it presents an awareness and intelligence and, it knows why I am there. Beyond that I am not sure how any other conclusion can be made.
I hope you found this interesting and informative and, that it stimulated a desire to learn more about the paranormal, the Santa Susana Mountains and Pass and or the history of the paranormal in Southern California.
Feel free to review my other pages of audio captures, videos and photos on this site.