The Ghoul’s Guide to Santa Barbara

Was it random? Was it targeted? In this episode, Liz tells us about the meth-fueled murder of Phillip Bogdanoff at a Santa Barbara County nude beach.

This week, we'll learn more about Black history in Santa Barbara, focusing on the remarkable story of Otto Hopkins and his iconic Cotton Club. Through exploring Hopkins' life and the cultural significance of the Cotton Club, we uncover a lesser-known yet vital chapter in the broader narrative of African American contributions to American society.

Born in the late 19th century, Otto Hopkins was a trailblazer in Santa Barbara's Black community. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, Hopkins emerged as a prominent figure, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to uplifting his community.

Against the backdrop of segregation and racial tension, Otto Hopkins established the Cotton Club in the heart of Santa Barbara. Serving as a vibrant hub for Black culture, the Cotton Club provided a space for artistic expression, entertainment, and community bonding.

Plus, a side trip to find out about Edmund O. Hansen, Santa Barbara's one-year mayor who seemed great (or at least entertaining) but inadvertently helped bring about the end of the Cotton Club.

Join us as we unravel the story of 29-year-old Michael Stephenson, a wanderer who left his home in Chicago a decade ago, only to find himself living on the streets of Santa Barbara. Summers tells us how Michael lost his life one fateful night in August 1985, then became a symbol of the dangers facing the homeless.

Ghost sightings at a 1980s Santa Barbara fire house? Yes, please! Liz gives us a delightful rundown of the eerie occurrences reported at Santa Barbara City Fire Station 4. Tucked away in the scenic surroundings of the San Roque neighborhood, this fire station once had a reputation for more than just fighting fires.

Hear about firefighters’ encounters with strange happenings within the station's walls. From unexplained footsteps to sightings of shadowy figures, the stories paint a picture of a place where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur.

We'll delve into the history of Fire Station 4, which had recently moved from De La Vina Street when the sightings began, and the possible explanations behind these ghostly encounters. Whether it's the lingering spirits of past firefighters or something else entirely, the tales of paranormal activity offer a glimpse into a side of the fire station rarely discussed. And then, just when you thought this episode had everything: bring in the psychics, found through a local psychic fair (the 80s were wild).

So, if you're curious about the mysteries that lie within Santa Barbara City Fire Station 4, join us as we explore the ghostly legends that continue to intrigue, unsettle, and hugely entertain those who dare to investigate. 

In this week's episode Jen tells us about The Ojai Vampire in our neighboring Ventura County.

The still-unsolved case that haunted local law enforcement for decades... A 20-year-old Carpinteria woman is found murdered, and Leonard Kirkes, a CHP officer who destroyed vital evidence, is tried, convicted, and then finally set free on appeal. But was he [allegedly] actually guilty?

A death at a hotel party during Prohibition leads to Fatty Arbuckle being accused of murder! Summers tells us about Fatty and his connection to Santa Barbara.

Liz tells us all about the history and haunting of Brinkerhoff Avenue in downtown Santa Barbara.

Learn more than you ever needed to know about the sugar industry, and how the tiny town of Betteravia sprung up outside of Santa Maria and became a ghost town a hundred years later.