By Robert Haugh
The City has two cemeteries that it owns and maintains. Volunteers are needed today and in October to help trim bushes, pick up tree debris, cut grass, pull weeds and more.
One of the major reasons the cemeteries need help is because the City stopped using Roundup. It’s considered a toxic chemical now. The City previously used it to control weeds and grasses around headstones, flat markers, curb lines, and pathways.
Recent court cases in California found that the product caused cancer. Bayer, the company that now owns Roundup is offering $8 billion to settle over 18,000 cases. Wow.
According to City staff: “The City is reviewing long term permanent staffing levels and evaluating alternatives to chemical use strategies.”
Volunteer Today
Where: Agnews Historic Cemetery and Museum (1250 Hope Drive)
When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can stay for the entire day or for part of the day.
Volunteer Saturday, October 5, 2019, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Mission City Memorial Park (420 N. Winchester Blvd)
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. You can stay for the entire day or for part of the day.
Here are some instructions from City staff to volunteers:
Wear long pants and shirts, closed toe shoes, hats, sunscreen and bring water in your reusable bottle. If volunteers do not have personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses, we can provide them. Additionally, we have hand tools available for use.
Contact: Phil Orr at 408-615-3790 or email Cemetery@SantaClaraCA.gov
[…] volunteers like Linda Knepper and Martine Chirayath who showed up yesterday to help with the community clean-up of Agnew’s Historic Cemetery. But let’s hope the City maintains both it’s cemeteries without relying on volunteers in the […]