The Piru Cemetery, a special district with its operations located on Center Street in Piru, met December 17, 2009 with a full agenda of action and planning matters for the new year and beyond. This district won overwhelming voter support in November of 2008 to impose a $25 per parcel tax for a 20-year period. This tax, known as Measure M, will allow for the cemetery to plan and make needed improvements for nearly 200 new gravesites and place columbarium’s, or vaults, for cremated remains of departed loved ones.

The Piru Cemetery is nearly 100 years old and reaching its capacity. It is also in need of very much desired site improvements for maintaining this local institution. In addition to the expansion these funds are dedicated to site improvements, such as fence and driveway repairs, irrigation system upgrades and other operational systems to maintain this local cemetery of nearly 1,000 gravesites.

The Board of Trustees also elected new officers for 2010. This includes new President Andy Arias, Vice-President Cecilia Boschee and Secretary-Treasurer Richard Ramos. John Avila, who has served the district for nearly 50 years, will continue as a valued resource in many aspects of our cemetery operations.

In related action, the board presented a new set of By-Laws and their Strategic Plan for community review and comment. The board has held a series of workshops under the guidance and support from Supervisor Kathy Long’s office and the professional services from the County Executive’s Office. These two individuals, Martin Hernandez and Jeff Burgh, were incredible assets in providing important operational enhancements. These by-laws and plan will be adopted at the board’s January 21, 2010 meeting.