The Piru Cemetery Board met on Thursday, January 21, 2010 with an agenda packed with actions to increase community participation as they move forward with much-needed improvements at this nearly 100-year old institution. In November 2008, voters overwhelmingly approved Measure M. This $25 per parcel annual tax will provide necessary funds to enable the district to better maintain this important part of Piru’s heritage as well as expand to allow for the future operation.

One action taken at this month’s meeting was to move to expand the board of trustees from its current 3 member board to 5 members. This will result in greater community input and involvement. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors must first formally approve this change. Following their action, expected in February, the County and District will begin advertising and accepting applications from interested persons from within the community. This was part of the overall refinement of the board’s by-laws and strategic plan.

Another action taken was to open the gates on Saturdays and Sundays to allow cars to enter the cemetery grounds. In the past, nighttime vandalism prompted the former board to keep gates locked. While the pedestrian gate remained open, this offered limited access, especially for elderly visitors to the cemetery. Local and family members are now welcome to pay their respects in a much more accessible manner. These gates will be open from 7 am to 5 pm on weekends.

The board also moved forward with plans to upgrade existing facilities. This includes improving the asphalt driveways, repainting the buildings, and increasing overall landscape maintenance. These plans will be set into motion in the coming weeks and months.

The board will also begin developing a work plan and designs as they explore options to build for the future. Monthly meetings are set to allow regular and increased community contributions. During the 2010 calendar year, monthly meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month in the Piru Community Center, 802 Orchard Street and begin at 6 pm. The next meeting is Thursday, February 18th.

For more information contact Board President Andy Arias at 805-521-1554 or by email at tactman@aol.com