Photo by FLLewis
Two visitors arrange flowers at a gravesite during the March visitation at Grand View.
By order of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mohr, Grand View Memorial Park will be open to the public, Sunday, August 10, from noon to 4 p.m. This is welcome news for those who want to spend some time remembering friends and relatives laid to rest at the Glendale cemetery.
Judge Mohr signed the order on July 29, approving public visitations at the troubled cemetery on August 24, September 14, and September 28 as well.
There have been several other public visitations at Grand View this year, however, many complain the openings are too random and too few.
Grand View has been struggling with problems — both legal and management related — since 2005 when a state investigator discovered thousands of human remains that had been handled improperly.
Recently, Plaintiff’s Attorney Paul Ayers e-mailed the new public visitation dates along with a copy of the judge’s order.
In the e-mail, Ayers reminded visitors to obey the rules especially when it comes to fires. “Due to extreme projected heat and the dry grounds it is very important that there be no smoking, fires or use of incense during the opening.” Ayers said.
He warned any kind of fire could get future openings canceled.
No word yet, on when there might be a resolution that would allow normal operations and upkeep to return to the 124-year-old cemetery considered by many to be a vital part of the community and local history.