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Public commenters raise concerns about Tulare Public Cemetery records, graffiti and well costs
Summary
During the public-comment period, a resident urged the board to intervene in a records dispute with Tulare Public Cemetery and another resident called for action on countywide graffiti and noted the recent cost of installing a domestic well.
Several members of the public used the board’s public-comment period to press county officials on local problems, including a records dispute at Tulare Public Cemetery and widespread graffiti in unincorporated areas.
Anna Lisonbee (identified on the record as a speaker) told the board she has spent five and a half months seeking public records from Tulare Public Cemetery staff related to the burial-rights certificate and assignment for her mother’s plot. She said staff — named in her remarks as Clara Bernardo and Phyllis Snyder — have not provided requested records and that she believes the cemetery violated the California Public Records Act. Lisonbee asked the board to note the unresolved nature of the dispute and said she would be following up with a formal claim.
Board Chair (recorded in the meeting) acknowledged the emotional nature of the remarks and said county staff had communicated with Lisonbee and would assist to the extent the county has jurisdiction. Chair and other board members noted the county does not have direct jurisdiction over the cemetery but would follow up as able.
Another speaker, Kevin Caskey, described the recent $32,000 cost to install a domestic well on his property and said he was concerned about wells going dry in other areas. Caskey also described graffiti he observes across the county — on irrigation pipes, utility boxes and other surfaces — and said he had repeatedly reported the issue to supervisors and sought further action. A board member said the county sheriff’s office has a program that might help and that staff would follow up.
There were no other public-comment requests captured in the available audio. The board closed the public-comment period and proceeded to agenda items.
