Vandals sprayed graffiti on several buildings at the Santa Maria Cemetery last weekend, marring burial sites for the relatives of many local residents.

The graffiti covered the cemetery's mausoleum, pump house and shop, but should be covered up soon as cemetery officials work to fix the damage.

“It's a desecration of graves and a really sad thing that people have nothing better to do with their time than vandalize a public cemetery,” said Sherrie Moss, cemetery district manager.

Surveillance cameras are being installed around the premises to protect the property from future vandalism during the night and weekend when the cemetery is closed, Moss added.

Jeffrey Hoffman of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary said he also said he was upset about the graffiti because people go to the cemetery to honor the memories of their loved ones.

“I was really distressed to think that someone would defile such a revered place,” he said. “I was really offended.”

The cemetery filed a report with the Santa Maria Police Department Thursday and officers are investigating who's behind the damage, said Sgt. Larry Vernon.

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Moss urged anyone who has information related to the incident to call the police at 928-3781.

Randi Block can be reached at 347-4580 orrblock@santamariatimes.com.

April 9, 2006