This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
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.
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
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
