Students using cemetery as shortcut
The Simi Valley Public Cem- etery is in need of higher walls and tighter security, according to cemetery manager Barbara Scroggins.

FILE PHOTO

During a meeting of the El Rancho Simi Valley Cemetery District last week, Scroggins asked for help in dealing with nearby high school students who she says regularly use the cemetery as a shortcut between Royal Avenue and the Arroyo Simi.

Construction on the west side of the Rancho Simi Community Park, which is directly across from the cemetery, has caused some youths to climb over the cemetery's cremation wall to get through without have to walk around the park, she said.

"They do it all the time," Scroggins said. "They just don't care. There is no respect, and I'm concerned about what could happen if somebody falls and gets hurt."

Scroggins said there is not enough money in the cemetery district's budget to pay for security, but another option could be to build up the walls or install high fences.

District officials will discuss the issue more in-depth at the next cemetery district meeting on Dec. 12. The Simi Valley Public Cemetery is at 1461 Thompson Lane.

- Darleen Principe