Governor signs bill allowing Simi to build new cemetery
State law changed to accommodate city's request
By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Wednesday that allows the city of Simi Valley to build a new public cemetery.

"I was very happy to know that the governor signed the bill," Mayor Paul Miller said. "The next task is to find an acceptable piece of property to build a cemetery."

The bill, AB 1932 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth (RSanta Clarita), is a measure that authorizes the city to dedicate, own and operate five or more acres of land to be used as a public cemetery.

Smyth said he was not surprised to hear the bill was signed, but he was glad nonetheless.

"We had all indications that once we got the bill to the governor's desk it was something that he would support," said Smyth, who introduced the bill to the Legislature Feb. 12.

Currently, the city has three cemeteries, including the Simi Valley Public Cemetery, Mt. Sinai Memorial Park and Assumption Cemetery- only one of which is nondenominational.

Ordinarily, state law prevents a municipality from operating a cemetery that is five acres or larger, but this new legislation relieves the city of that law.

According to state documents, the special legislation is only applicable to Simi Valley due to its unique circumstances and demand for public burial sites.

"This is an important first step in meeting the needs of the people in our city," Miller said. "A city our size should have a nonsectarian cemetery. We have a great Jewish cemetery, we have a great Catholic cemetery, but people who are nonsectarian have no place to bury their family members."

Miller added that residents should not have to leave the city to bury loved ones or visit grave sites, and that the option for a hometown burial is necessary.

With the bill passed, the city can now take over the management of the Simi Valley Public Cemetery- also known as Pioneer Cemetery- off Royal Avenue, which is nearing capacity, and secure land for the creation of a second public graveyard.

Founded in the early 1900s, the 5.3-acre public cemetery is owned and operated by the Rancho Simi Cemetery District.

In its review of the district, the Ventura County Local Area Formation Commission found significant fiscal and management problems and consequently, has recommended that the city take over the cemetery.

"I think obviously from doing the research you see that there really is a need for an expansion of the cemetery and I think the city has shown that they are certainly capable of handling the management of it," Smyth said. "This (bill) just provided the vehicle for them to do that."

The mayor said the city has a couple places in mind for a new cemetery, but that it is too early to speculate.

Miller added that he appreciated the assemblyman's work on carrying the bill through to fruition.

Smyth said that while he heard some good-natured jokes from colleagues about "killing the bill" or "burying the bill," it is exactly the kind of legislation that made him want to run for the state office.

"It doesn't have a statewide impact, but it does make a difference for the residents and communities I represent," he said.