Reggie Bannister (1st AD) is the hero from Phantasm franchise. Gigi Bannister was Co-Producer on Phantasm V: Ravager and SFX Coordinator on Phantasm IV and V.
You can see "easter eggs" in the background including a Phantasm Sphere and Space Gate.
The Jacobs Ladder was hand made by the Prop Master (Peter Cress). You can see his brother, Ken Cress' (Gaffer) name worked into the formula on the chalkboard.
The location was the historic San Timoteo County School in Redlands, CA.