After months of concerns from mourners over the state of the grounds, Santa Clarita Valley residents are reporting a noticeable uptick in the care at the local cemetery, Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary.
In August, the cemetery submitted plans to City Hall for a facility expansion, amid growing concerns about the grounds, which many had described as brown and poorly kept up.
Prior to that, mourners’ concerns had led to an emotional meeting in the mortuary’s chapel, in which residents shared complaints about the grounds and restrictive policies on what can be left on the grounds.
Starting in September, however, visitors began to notice a change.
“I go every week, and I can tell the difference,” said Albert Bigelow, who said he spoke with those in charge of the grounds in August, when his wife was interred there.
He saw the concerns that others had noticed on social media, and said that, after speaking to the staff, he was given assurances — and over the few visits, he’s really seen a difference, he said in a phone interview Thursday.
“Every week when I go, I see sprinklers are running and they’re keeping the stuff green and well-irrigated. I wanted to let people know they finally found something that worked.”
Eternal Valley representatives said they had already begun hearing about the positive impacts from a change in their landscaping operations, and they plan to continue to see improvements over the next 18 months.
Chan Reader, a regular visitor whose son is interred on the grounds, shared his concerns in September that there was still not enough being done to take care of the grass. He said he went as far as filing a complaint with the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau for the Department of Consumer Affairs.
However, during a trip last week, he described a recent change as noticeable, adding, “All areas are much greener now.”
Dignity Memorial operates Eternal Valley as part of a national chain for Service Corporation International, with “1,485 funeral service locations and 498 cemeteries in 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico,” according to its website.
Noelia Marin, a representative for Eternal Valley in Newhall, said a new landscaping partner, Sperber, has made a big difference, as well as additional help from the water supply.
“We’re also progressing with the renovation of our irrigation system throughout the park with full completion expected by 2027,” she wrote in an email Friday. “Once complete, this upgraded system will greatly enhance the park’s overall health, appearance and sustainability.
“In addition, we are excited to welcome our new landscape and maintenance partner, Sperber.
Working alongside our dedicated grounds team, Sperber has brought in a larger crew focused on elevating the beauty of our park,” she added, thanking the community for its patience during the changes. “Their efforts include revamping our grounds with new trees, shrubbery and flowers.”
She also announced the new mausoleum, “a project of more than five years in the making and one that has been highly requested by many families,” is nearing completion. Construction is expected to finish early next year.
Santa Clarita planning officials also confirmed in September that Eternal Valley Memorial Park has plans to expand its cemetery footprint by about 20 acres.
A city official confirmed Monday the plans would require a public hearing, which would be for a date that has not yet been determined, but it was not expected to happen this year.
