WORDS AND IMAGES : Our (Ghost) Town : The author of ‘Haunted Ventura’ says that no fewer than 20 buildings in the city are inhabited by spirits.

Do you believe in ghosts? Or are you a skeptic? Either way, celebrate Halloween by exploring with author Richard Senate the supernatural phenomena he describes in his new book, “Haunted Ventura.” According to the author, ghosts--including a well-dressed lady who haunts Ventura City Hall--are manifesting themselves at more than 20 local buildings and sites. Senate will describe his personal encounter with an icy specter and sign his book from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Edie’s Treasure Room, 433 E. Main St.

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In keeping with the spooky Halloween tradition, the Storytelling and Music Festival series at Ventura College features Jon Spelman, who will read an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”--from the monster’s point of view. The performance is tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ventura College Theater. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 654-6459.

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This Saturday, Moorpark College is offering two one-day writing workshops: Melissa Hartman will teach a poetry class focusing on techniques to enhance creativity, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student’s work will also be read and discussed. LeeAnne Krusemark will teach the Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop will cover how to submit manuscripts, write query letters and find markets for magazine articles to novels.

An Introduction to Fiction Writing is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Call 378-1408 for registration details.

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Woody and Merrillan Thomas will appear in person at a screening of their travel film, “New England Sampler,” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Oxnard Civic Auditorium, 800 Hobson Way. Tickets are $6.50. Call 486-2424 for details.

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The Ojai Film Society will screen Barbara Kopple’s Academy Award-winning documentary, “American Dream--USA 1991,” at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ojai Playhouse, 145 E. Ojai Ave. Critics have called this candid depiction of the 1984 Hormel meatpackers strike in Minnesota “an emotionally wrenching human drama.”

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Tuesday is Election Day. The old proverb, “Where there is no vision the people perish” is quoted in “The Wit and Wisdom of Politics.” Vision has been an issue in this campaign. Exercise your voting franchise.

Speaking of politics, Santa Barbara resident H. R. Haldeman, former Nixon aide and Watergate player, will speak at noon Wednesday in the Garvin Theatre at Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive. The free lecture is sponsored by the philosophy department and faculty enrichment committee. Call 965-0581.