The Chumash Cemetery and the Coyote Canyon Legend

The Ghost of Coyote Canyon

"Tell me about the old Chumash cemetery and Mr. Richardson," said Nick, as they walked to the barbeque at Blue River Park.

"Oh, you won't believe it, Nick!" said Bill. "People at Coyote Canyon say that on nights when there's a full moon they see an American Indian Warrior. He has a black horse and gallops through the canyon. They think he's a ghost and they're scared!"

"The ghost of an American Indian warrior?" asked Nick, surprised.

"Yeah," said Michelle, "and some people want to sell their new homes!"

"I'm sure Mr. Richardson isn't very happy about that," said Nick.

"No," said Bill, "but he continues building there."

"He and his wife live at Coyote Canyon," said Michelle.

"Have they ever seen the ghost of the warrior?" asked Nick, laughing.

"No one knows," said Michelle. "But I'm sure Luke Langley's happy that Wild Wolf spoke at the parade this morning. He's the other builder in town and he isn't selling any of his new homes. People prefer to buy in Coyote Canyon because there's a beautiful view of the Ventura Mountains."

Meeting Pam Rivers

"Hi guys!" said a tall, pretty girl with black hair, dark eyes, and glasses.

"Hi, Pam!" said Michelle. "Pam Rivers, this is Nick Chan, our best friend from Montego Bay."

"Happy to meet you, Nick," said Pam, smiling.

"Me, too!" said Nick. "Bill and Michelle said you're an American Indian."

"Yes, I am," said Pam. "My grandfather, grandmother, and uncle live on the reservation, but I don't. My Uncle George has a riding stable with a lot of horses. People go there to ride, and he gives horseback riding lessons too. It's the only business on the reservation, and a lot of Chumash work there."

"A riding stable!" said Nick. "I love horses!"

"I'm glad you do," said Pam. "You can come and visit one day."

"Thanks, I will," said Nick.

The Chumash Concerns

"Did you hear Wild Wolf speak at the parade?" asked Bill.

"Yes, I did," said Pam sadly. "The older Chumash are very upset about the homes at Coyote Canyon. They believe the earthquakes are a sign from the Great Spirit. They're afraid there will be stronger earthquakes and other disasters. Our ancestors are buried at Coyote Canyon."

"The Chumash are right," said Michelle. "There's a lot of land behind the canyon. Mr. Richardson can go and build there."