City Has Changed Cemetery Openings

The City Council announced a revised visiting schedule for the Grand View Cemetery. Beginning January 1, the cemetery will only be open two Sundays a month from noon to 4 p.m. This schedule will be in place until June; however, the council reserves the right to re-evaluate this decision in March.

Glendale took the initiative to open the grounds after the owners and families of people buried there reached an impasse on allowing visitors.

According to the cemetery owners, they cannot afford liability insurance to allow visitors, while the question of the cemetery's future is decided in court.

Paul Ayers, attorney representing many of the families, said he believes the Glendale facility does have a future, possibly under the operation of a non-profit entity.

"The place has good bones," he said, drawing an unintended laugh. He explained that he meant Grand View could be cleaned up and has a potential for more internments and inurnments.

City Manager Jim Starbird said the city has spent $31,000 so far, using hourly staff and volunteer supervisors. He expressed concern that if the city continues to open the gates weekly, there will be less incentive for the owners to reach a solution to the issues.

Ayers said one of the major issues remaining is who will control the 51 percent ownership held by Marsha Howard, former cemetery operator who died recently.

For updated information on the cemetery, visit www.ci.glendale.ca.us or call 548-6464.