This is in response to a recent article featuring problems with the newly hired district manager, Ron Jacobs, at the Santa Maria Cemetery (“Residents and workers complain about oversight at the Santa Maria Cemetery, which is showing little sign of changing,” April 7). Our bereavement organization, Angel of Hope, which memorializes children who have passed away, has had several conversations with Mr. Jacobs regarding maintenance and trash issues at the Angel site at the cemetery. He has been very responsive and caring. Many years ago, our Angel was vandalized with trash, rotting vegetables, papers, and broken items. Cleanup was almost daily. Fortunately, we caught the individual in the act and reported him to the police.
Although the vandalism stopped, we still have problems with trash, cigarette butts, dirty diapers, and human waste. Even mementos like wind chimes have been broken or stolen, and this happened prior to the past two cemetery district managers. We hope these families can work with Mr. Jacobs and both sides treat each other with respect and kindness.
Suzanne “Sam” de St. Jean
Angel of Hope Santa Maria
