Source: Los Angeles Daily News
https://www.dailynews.com/2009/02/15/world-of-santeria-includes-southern-california/
The crucifix adorning the gate and a life-size figure of a Buddha on the porch suggest the home is religious. But you won't recognize the faith until you go inside and find Charles Guelperin going through his morning Santeria rituals.
In a study filled with unusual objects, Guelperin meditates with his forehead on an urn representing Obatala, the holiest of Santeria spirits. He then kisses it before brushing himself with an elaborate large horsetail that symbolically cleanses him for the day ahead.
This is the kingdom of Guelperin, who looks like an aging Marine with Old-World mystic eccentricities that can quickly frighten and intimidate.
Guelperin, 62, is a santero, a priest of Santeria.
"We do not have churches, temples or synagogues," said Guelperin, a chain cigar smoker after his morning rituals. "My home here is my temple."
Today Santeria, a blend of Afro-Caribbean voodoo and the devotion to saints among many Latino Roman Catholics, has become so big in Los Angeles that many consider the city the Santeria capital of the country.