The historical Masonic Cemetery was built in 1898 as a final resting site for the first settlers and pioneers of the Oxnard Plain and its city. Jordan, (1994) highlights how deterioration and lack of interest have plagued the cemetery for decades. Oxnard's city ordinance leaves upkeep and improvement of private cemeteries to the owners, with the original owners to these masonic plots having passed on the task falls to the cemetery caretakers. The Masons, which were caretakers of the site faced financial difficulties due to dwindling funds and raising taxes. Subsequently, the property fell into disarray. As expressed by a city council member at the time, the city did not want the burden nor the expense of this landmark despite its historical significance (Jodan, 1994). In 1999, the Revitalization of South Oxnard group took an interest in the property and worked to bring back dignity to the cemetery after 40 years of neglect (Ritsch, 1999). Sadly, that push ended too. In 2015, Roberto Garcia purchased the cemetery with hopes to restore the site and turn it into a parklike setting for the community to enjoy. Since taking over the property, Roberto has been hard at work clearing the site and preparing it for beautification (Wenner, 2015).
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References:
Jordan, P. W. (1994, April 12). Dishonoring the Dead : Oxnard: Although historic Hueneme Masonic Cemetery is the resting place of city leaders and pioneers, the site is in ruins, left to vandals. There are no resources to restore or protect it. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/1994-04-12/local/me-44953_1_hueneme-masonic-cemetery
Ritsch, M. (1999, June 13). Volunteers Restore History at Cemetery. LA Times. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/13/local/me-46117
Wenner, G. (2015, November 27). Neglected Masonic cemetery in Oxnard getting new life. Retrieved from http://archive.vcstar.com/news/local/oxnard/neglected-masonic-cemetery-in-oxnard-getting-new-life-25506dc5-0e8d-4274-e053-0100007f7c1f-356091511.html
