Sacramento County Grand Jury
• 2005-2006
Headstone Damage at Fair Oaks Cemetery District Issue Are headstones and gravesites appropriately maintained by the
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 3 findings
F1
The Grand Jury finds repeated damage has occurred to the markers at the sites referred to in the original complaint. No evidence was found that this type of damage is widespread or common. Damage to the specific plots resulted from the following: • Nature of the materials used for the grave markers in question • Cemetery need for access to newly created gravesites, accessible only across areas of established graves • Equipment may scrape monuments and/or run over markers as maneuvered through narrow areas
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends FOCD evaluate additional materials and strategies to prevent damage to markers, and to avoid the appearance of neglect while markers are being repaired. These strategies might include use of artificial turf or other soft materials to shield and protect the flat markers under plywood sheeting; prompt grading of ruts and trampled areas and installation of turf instead of waiting for new grass to grow; and rental (or purchase) of lightweight excavation equipment for access to congested areas. 14
F2
Certain marker materials are only suitable for placement flush to the ground. They are susceptible to cracking or chipping when weight is placed upon them. These materials may be too thin to be converted to vertical monuments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
When markers are damaged in the course of maintenance, FOCD should, with the permission of the families involved, explore replacing them with markers more suited to the maintenance issues faced in the area where they are placed. All future sales contracts should specify the use of suitable marker materials.
F3
FOCD does not maintain a documented complaint file. FOCD deals with families under emotional stress and when problems arise, misunderstanding can occur.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Rather than relying solely upon oral agreements to resolve problems, FOCD should continue its practice of personally resolving issues, while confirming and documenting such agreements. Copies of all correspondence should be retained. Response Requirements Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05 require that specific responses to both the finding and recommendations contained in this report be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Sacramento Superior Court by October 1, 2006 from: (cid:131) FOCD Board of Directors 15