Group to Discuss Winter Solstice

The paintings at Stoney Point and Burro Flats in Chatsworth and how they relate to the winter solstice will be discussed at the monthly general meeting of the Santa Susana Mountain Park Assn. on Monday.

Archeologist John Romani, who has conducted research in the west San Fernando and Simi valleys for 30 years, will present slides documenting the relationship of the area rock paintings, or pictographs, to the winter solstice.

“John Romani has done extensive archeological and other kinds of research in the area, especially Burro Flats,” said Susan Gerke, the association’s treasurer, adding that Romani’s presentation will include information about “Native American contributions, the historical significance of the area, open space and leaving things the way they’ve been for centuries.”

Al Knight, anthropologist and outgoing vice president of the association, called the observance of the winter solstice, Dec. 21, the most important religious ceremony of the Valley’s Native American tribes, the Chumash and Fernandeno.

“The entire local Native American Indian religious ritual cycle is centered on the moment of winter solstice,” Knight said. “It’s like rolling together our Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s celebration in one event.”

The free meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the community room of the Glendale Federal Bank, 21821 Devonshire St. in Chatsworth.

For more information, contact Gerke at (818) 704-9304.