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Shocktober: Mystery Spots
So many unexplainable phenomena clutter the Southern California landscape that it's difficult to focus on just one. Since Steven Cojocaruspends lots of time in NYC, today's Shocktober entry will stick with local "mystery spots" : areas that seem to defy the laws of nature. Often called "Gravity Hills," "Spook Hills," or "Magnetic Hills," these sites are usually hills or stretches of road where vehicles seem to roll up instead of down.
There's an urban legend about Loma Alta Street in Altadena about a girl who borrowed her parents car without permission and took it for a joy ride with friends. When they got to this hill, the car lost control and crashed, killing all its passengers. "Some" say that if you put your car in neutral at the bottom of the hill you will accelerate up the hill. One especially fanciful version of this story claims that after experiencing this strange occurence you may find fingerprints on the outside of your vehicle.
Further east, there's also a reputed "Gravity Hill" near Whittier in Turnbull Canyon.
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There are reports of similar hills in San Pedro and the San Fernando Valley, near Sylmar on Lopez Canyon.
Are they real? Not likely...most such spotsare optical illusions created by the landscape.
Wish the same could be said for Mr. Cojocaru
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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