This summer is making the drought of ’96 seem like monsoon season. We are just as concerned as everyone else about the dry weather. We are also very conscious of our responsibility to conserve as best we can.

As soon as the Stage II water restrictions went into effect, we reduced our watering plan to the mandated two times per week. We water on Mondays and Fridays from midnight up to the 10 a.m. cutoff time. The water crew changes watering sites at 2 hour intervals throughout the cemetery to try and provide maximum coverage. By watering at night and by changing sites frequently, we allow the water to soak into the ground, get to the root systems and not evaporate into the air. This method also will allow the grass to spring back as soon as we begin to get some rainfall (we continue to pray daily).

San Fernando has also allowed an alternative method of watering but it still requires that people be water conscious and exercise good judgement. Individuals may water their respective grave sites by hand daily from the time we open the gates up until the 10 a.m. cutoff. I want to emphasize that this is a privilege and we expect that people not be wasteful. It is not necessary to flood grave sites with water, as it can do more harm than good.

Signs are posted with orange flags at the entrances notifying everyone of the Stage II enforcement. We also patrol the areas to inform patrons of the importance of compliance with the rules. A little conservation now can help preserve this very precious resource later.

As to upcoming activities, Aug. 24-28 is scheduled as our annual cleanup. During this time, it will be necessary to remove all decorations from all grave sites. Maintenance crews will also be concentrating efforts on removal of unauthorized plants/shrubs and trees. We ask patrons wishing to keep their decorations to remove them prior to August 23. We encourage patrons to take a more conservative approach to decorations and to direct all inquiries to the main office before placement of any large arrangements.