Meet our Ghost Hosts
You can’t very well be expected to take a spine-tingling journey to the dark side without the aid of some very seasoned guides. Meet some of the guys and ghouls eager to regale you with tales of wandering spirits, malevolent forces and spooky souls that accompany you through the sinister streets and graveyards on your tour of the doomed. See you on the Other Side!
El Charro
El Charro embodies the history of the Californios - the people who built California and San Diego with guts and passion. His family originated in Mexico and came to Alta California to work on the rancheros. Just as early Californios did, he struggled and thrived in a constantly changing territory. Working as a vaquero for the well-known Bandini family in the 1840s, he spent much time in San Diego, where he crossed paths with many of the city's early pioneers. They have all passed on, but his soul lingers still, telling the legends and history of the dead, who can no longer speak for themselves.
El Charro
El Charro embodies the history of the Californios - the people who built California and San Diego with guts and passion. His family originated in Mexico and came to Alta California to work on the rancheros. Just as early Californios did, he struggled and thrived in a constantly changing territory. Working as a vaquero for the well-known Bandini family in the 1840s, he spent much time in San Diego, where he crossed paths with many of the city's early pioneers. They have all passed on, but his soul lingers still, telling the legends and history of the dead, who can no longer speak for themselves.
Gravedigger Dave
When you are no longer able to make your own bed, I am more than willing to do it for you. Just don’t be expecting “turn down” service. And if you are ever tempted to learn the dark secrets from beyond the grave, come pay me a visit. I’ve got the dirt on everyone. But only when you are ready. Until then, keep those between the buried and me.
Irene Amy Strong
After an unsuccessful marriage, she attended a dressmaking school, graduating with honors. At her father’s urging, she made her way to San Francisco, but due to the cold and damp weather, she moved to San Diego in 1897, where she soon was in charge of her thriving garment business. She made frequent trips to Europe, particularly France, to learn of the newest fashions and purchase fancy material. Her talents led her to become a highly-sought-after seamstress of the era.
Mary Chase Walker
After arriving in San Diego on July 5, 1865, Walker became the first teacher of the newly constructed Mason Street School. Walker was paid $65 a month. The Mason Street schoolhouse was the first public school to be built in San Diego County.
Juan Mendoza
I made my way from lower California during the Mexican revolution. My actions during this period in history bordered on “dangerous." No different than any other man carrying a six shooter and knife. I lived the code of the west to never back down from a fight. After the revolution, I was employed as a ranch foreman for Colonel Cave Johnson Couts on the Rancho Guajome. A heated argument between Colonel Couts and myself would be my demise at the hand of Mr. Couts on the morning of February 6th, 1865, in Old Town San Diego.