Visalia Times-Delta from Visalia, California • 6

a Monday, December 11, 2006 Visalia Times-Delta Vast majority of town's residents are dead NorCal town's major growth industry is burial grounds Times Years ago this tiny city's 18-hole golf course was sliced in half. Last spring the nine-hole course became a shorter nine. Next to feel the squeeze was the pet cemetery, which sacrificed half its two acres. Where did all the land go? To feed the major local growth industry: human burial grounds. Such is Colma, land of the dead for three-quarters of a century, and becoming more so all the time.

"We have 1,500 aboveground residents," Mayor Helen Fisicaro said, "and 1.5 million underground." Colma was founded as a necropolis by cemetery operators in 1924, to protect graveyards from capricious acts of government. The businesses of many of those operators had been disrupted a decade earlier when the city of San Francisco, 10 miles to the north, evicted all but a couple of the 26 cemeteries there, along with the thousands of bodies they held. The Spirit Continued from page 3A 50 children, but grew to accommodate as many as 360 children as recognition and donations from the community picked up. "Annie started this because she wanted something more than just a commercial Christmas," Nugent said. "She wanted a party for underprivileged children." Despite its popularity for 23 years, OBITUARIES Andrew Dragt Farmer Andrew Dragt, 72, of Strathmore died Saturday, Dec.

9, 2006. He was a farmer. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Visalia. Services will be 10:30 a.m.

Thursday at Trinity Christian Reformed Church. Interment will be at Visalia Public Cemetery. Arrangements are by Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia. Emery L. Kurts Supervisor Emery L.

Kurts, 57, of Porterville died Thursday, Dec. 7,2006. He was a supervisor. Celebration of life 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Church.

at seventh Adventist Following cremation at Myers Funeral Service Crematory, Porterville, interment to be private. Paula Jean Helling Born in Visalia to Paul and Juanita a Helling on Feb. 7, 1940. She passed away in Santa Maria on Dec. 4, 2006.

She graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia in 1958. She was a Girl Scout leader for more than 20 years. She held various jobs in the Visalia area until moving to Pismo Beach in 1978 where she owned and operated The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor for 14 years. worked at San Luis Sourdough for 10 years before retiring in 2003 and was a member of Community Presbyterian Church of Pismo Beach for 14 years.

She was a leader in the Woman's Association at the church and an ordained deacon. She was preceded in death by her father Paul Helling, brother Jerry Helling and nephew Steven Helling. She is survived by her mother Juanita Helling of Santa Maria, city's politicians had argued that cemeteries spread disease, but the true reason for the eviction was the of real estate, said Francisco's archivist emeritus, sun, Hansen. For the first few decades, Colma's residents were mainly gravediggers, flower growers and monument makers. But by the 1980s, other types of people and businesses were settling in next to the dead.

Today the little city has many thriving businesses, including car dealerships, two Home Depots, shopping centers and a game room. Still, 73 percent of Colma's 2.2 square miles is zoned for cemeteries or "memorial parks," as the operators call them. There are 17 such parks, including those that cater to Italians, Jews, Greek Orthodox, Japanese and Serbs. Colma, where the two major property owners are a land holding company and the Roman Catholic Church, is in a sense a place where an evolution has come full circle. "Most Americans used to live near a graveyard in the 18th century," said Dr.

David Sloane, author of "The Last Great Necessity: Cemeteries in American History." "That changed in the 19th century, when the number of children served declined in the past three because of people contributing other more pressing needs around the world, Crutchfield said. "It's been hard on a lot of agencies," he added. But that didn't stop live entertainment, food, several toys, clothes, three pairs of socks and a pair shoes donated by Financial Credit Network- -from being provided about 300 children this year. "That is the way would have wanted it," Crutchfield brother Michael Helling and wife Purva Helling of Victor Montana, brother David Helling of Visalia. Three nieces, Joan Keane of Merritt Island Florida, Andrea Helling and Julia Helling of Victor Montana and many friends too numerous to mention.

A memorial service was held at Community Presbyterian Church of Pismo Beach, 990 Dolliver, Pismo Beach on 12-9-06. Private internment will be at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church, 990 Dolliver, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South Street, Suite San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. (800) 801-8019. James Gardner Hodge Carpenter Born in Exeter to James Solomon Hodge and Carrie Virginia (Montgomery) on Sept.

25, 1910, and passed away in Tulare on Dec. 7, 2006, at the age of 96. James grew up in Exeter and graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1928. After schooling, he worked in area packinghouses, helped build a gas line between Ivanhoe and Exeter but mostly was carpenter working for Emerson Jackson for many years. During the 1950s and early'60s he was a Boy Scout Master in Exeter.

He married Vera Claxton in Nevada, 1940 and James had done a lot of the fixing up work at the Exeter First Baptist Church where he was amember. Mrs. Hodge passed away in 1992. Survivors include one son, James R. Hodge and wife Kathy of Tulare; three grandchildren, David C.

Hodge of Tulare, Kristi Daniel of Denver, CO. and Danielle Embree of Portland, Oregon; and six greatgrandchildren. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Smith Family Chapel, Exeter.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Exeter Cemetery. Online condolences: www.smithfamilychapel.com. We can help relieve your loved ones from the anxiety and burden of making these decisions at a very difficult At life's most time for them. difficult moments, Dignity our family MILLER MEMORIAL CHAPEL here Funerals Cremations to help! 732-8371 24 Hours Brad Miller 1120 Next to W.

the Visalia Goshen, Cemetery Visalia CA FD Lic. "I'm more afraid of the living than I am of the dead." -Colma City Councilwoman Joanne del Rosario, saying she doesn't mind the cemeteries big cemeteries were on the edge of the cities and became civic destinations," But precursors to parks. by the 20th century, Sloane said, an aversion to dealing with death had made cemeteries places that people "went out of their way not to go to." Given that environment, clusters of cemeteries in outlying areas may seem only natural. Still, though one occasionally finds several cemeteries grouped together these days, 17 in "a single place is very, very unusual," Sloane said. Here, hearses far outnumber hot rods.

Colma's museum has a cemetery room, of course. Instead of the metal signs that customarily mark boundaries between towns, new "She wanted a special day for the children." One child who knew she would get a special visit from Santa was Union Elementary School second-grader Melissa Goates, 7. She didn't come empty-handed, as she presented a rose to Crutchfield. Last year, she prepared gingerbread cookies. "I wanted Santa to be happy," Melissa said.

"I know he was happy last year because the cookies were gone." The reporter can be reached at San Juana Trevino Our beloved Mother was taken to her final rest on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2006. She leaves behind her son, Adam Vargas, and daughters, Rebecca Keenan, Juanita Trevino and Ernestina Garcia. San Juana also leaves three grandchildren, Alissa, Miranda, and Mario Andre; two brothers, Lionel Cerda and Noe Serda; and a loving sister, Margarita Martinez. San Juana was a kind, caring person who enjoyed a good joke, would give you the shirt off her back and deeply loved her family.

She touched many people's lives with her kindness and generosity. She will be greatly missed. We love you, Mom, and we know that you are in a better place now, free from all the sickness and pain. Viewing will be p.m. Tuesday at Thomas Robinson Funeral Home, Selma.

Rosary will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Selma. Funeral service will be 9 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial to follow funeral services at Floral Memorial Park, Arlene Vartanian March 10, 1935- December 7, 2006 Arlene Vartanian, of Visalia died on Thursday, Dec.

7, 2006. Arlene was born in San Francisco on March 10, 1935, to Henry and Rose Vartanian. She was raised Arlene in Fresno and Vartanian graduated from Fresno High School. In 1968, Arlene married ones made of somber granite have been ordered by town officials. Everyone knows that it is against the law to cross a funeral procession.

Wedding parties spill out of stretch limousines to be photographed at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park's duck pond, and weddings themselves are held at the cemetery's small chapel, next to its crematorium. Colma's motto is "It's Great to Be Alive in Colma!" And residents say they are comfortable being alive among the mausoleums, the marble obelisks and the tombstones. They express appreciation for the tranquillity of their hometown, where a serene, occasionally whimsical attitude toward death prevails. Living with death Having grown up with death, Owen Malloy says that "it doesn't creep me out." Malloy's family owns the only bar in town, a mourners' gathering place two or three times a week, and he fondly recalls playing hide-and-seek among the tombstones of various graveyards and sipping his first beer, at age 12, among marble angels and Ionic columns. He marvels at the view from the deck of his home, which SnOW Continued from page 3A storm in the mountains.

"You are never going to live this one down," said his wife, Jennifer. Cindy Bean, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford, said the Grant Grove station reported 10 inches of snow in 24 hours. More could be one the way. John Vartanian, a widower with 11 children. Along with two of their sons, they own and operate the Vintage Press Restaurante.

Arlene was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia. Arlene is survived by her husband John; children John and his wife Carol; Diane and her husband Michael; Greg; Karen and her husband Greg; Sharon; Charlene and her husband Sal; Cathy and her husband Michael; Carol; David and his wife Sandra; Janice and her husband Page; and Lisa; 10 grandchildren; her sister Diana; 2 nieces; and sister-in-law, sister Patricia. Visitation was already held at Miller Memorial Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 from 2-6 p.m.

The Holy Rosary was also already held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 at 8p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's on Monday, Dec.

11, 2006 at 9 a.m. Burial will be held at the Visalia District Cemetery on Tuesday, Dec. 12,2006 at 10 a.m. Remembrances may be made to The American Cancer Society, 211 N. Encina, Visalia CA 93291.

Services Today Ruth Burk, 91, died Dec. 1. Graveside services 11:30 a.m. at Tulare District Cemetery. Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia.

Aaron Charlie, 33, died Dec. 5. Graveside services 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Porterville. Myers Chapel, Porterville.

Jose Covarrubias, 84, died Dec. 6. 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lindsay. Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare.

Lewie Crow, 79, died Dec. 5. Graveside services 1:30 p.m. at North Tulare Cemetery. Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare.

Palser illard FUNERAL CHAPEL FD-1781 Now Offering On Site Cremation with the Latest Technology in the Nation 127 E. Caldwell 635-1144 Visalia's Finest Oradition of Funeral Service NEW LOCATION Since 1892 SERVING ALL FAITHS Conveniently Located Downtown FUNERAL CHAPEL 917 W. Center Visalia 93291 FD-159 (559) 734-6769 overlooks Holy Cross Cemetery, Living alongside the cemeteries "doesn't matter" to Ashley Hurtubise, 16. "It's just another part of town," she said. City Councilwoman Joanne del Rosario does not give her underground neighbors a second thought.

"I'm more afraid of the living," she said, "than I am of the dead." In the way New Jersey students know that Thomas Edison's laboratory is in West Orange, the people of Colma know that Wyatt Earp's ashes are buried at Hills of Eternity, a Jewish cemetery (he wasn't; his wife was), and that Joe DiMaggio is at Holy Cross Cemetery, where visitors often lean bats against his gravestone. Everybody knows that Tina Turner's dog is wrapped in her fur coat at Pet's Rest Cemetery, the final stop for 13,000 dogs, cats, rabbits, goldfish and cheetahs. Even after last summer's downsizing, plots remain, though they are so expensive ($550 to $850 and up, depending on the size of the pet) that some families opt for cremation or for stacking their dead pets vertically. Pet's Rest draws so many mourn- "Right we will see said. With no the turnout, ily members a snowman a banana, "It's been we've been said.

"We today." And it's how it evolves," Bean shortage of snow at Nicholson and famspent time building out of two branches, and a weed eater wire. falling heavier since up here," Nicholson won't be going up probably a good thing he didn't, Picavet said. motorists don't understand Erwin, 84, died Dec. 6. services 10 a.m.

at Visalia District Cemetery. Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia. Loretta Leonard, 77, died Dec. 6. Graveside services 2 p.m.

at Exeter District Cemetery. EvansMiller Exeter Chapel. Julia Nevarez, 51, died Dec. 5. Mass of Christian Burial 2 p.m.

at St. Francis Catholic Church, Sacramento. Nicoletti, Culjis and Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento. Angie Rocha, 79, died Dec. 4.

Mass 9 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Tulare. Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare. Ramona Rodriguez, 75, died Dec.

4. Services 11 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Porterville. Myers Chapel, Porterville.

Rhea Romero, 94, died Dec. 7. Graveside services 10 a.m. at Smith Mountain Cemetery, Dinuba. Dopkins Funeral Chapel, Dinuba.

Jerreldine Parks-Tidwell, 84, died Dec. 6. Graveside services 1 p.m. at Visalia District Cemetery. Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia.

Clarence Triplett, 92, died Dec. 6. Services 1:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Porterville. Myers Chapel, Porterville.

Arlene Vartanian, 71, died Dec. 7. Mass of Christian Burial 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Visalia.

Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia. Tuesday Lester Akers, 61, died Dec. 6. Services 1 p.m. at Church of God, Lindsay.

Myers Chapel, Porterville. Irene Compton, 97, died Dec. 6. Services 10 a.m. at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare.

James Hodge, 96, died Dec. 7. Graveside services 2 p.m. at Exeter Cemetery. Smith Family Chapel, Exeter.

Lucille McMurray, 91, died ers that, says the owner, Phillip C'de, Baca, some form carpools and occasionally fall in love and marry, Sloane, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, says there is a growing demand for space at American cemeteries that is fueled in large part by immigrant families who insist on elaborate burials as a way to help establish their identity in a community. In Colma, so little undeveloped property remains that an acre sells for more than $2 million. The cemeteries have two choices, said Steve Doukas, general manager of Greek Orthodox Memorial Park: Build taller mausoleums or buy more land. Either way, added costs are naturally passed along. "As expensive as it is to live in the Bay Area," Doukas said, it's also expensive to be buried here." Cypress Lawn offers burial plots that cost as much as $20,000, or $250,000 for a family plot, said Ken Varner, its president.

And what does a cemetery ultimately provide for that kind of money? "Memory management," Varner said. "Cemeteries are really for the living." dangers of driving without chains even though most of the roads are plowed by Caltrans crews. "You can be driving on a dry. spot on the road, turn a corner onto a shady spot where ice hasn't melted yet, and it will be pure black ice" Picavet said. "Motorists should drive as if they will hit that black spot at any time." The reporter can be reached at com.

Dec. 7. Graveside services 2:30 p.m. at Tulare District Cemetery. Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare.

Delores Vincent, died Dec. 5. 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, Tulare.

Miller's Tulare Funeral Home. Betty Zack, 85, died Dec. 5. Graveside services 1:30 p.m. at Tulare District Cemetery.

Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare. Wednesday Virginia Brito, 60, died Dec. 6. Mass of Christian burial 9 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, Visalia.

Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia. Gregory Kubiac, 34, died Dec. 5. Gathering 6-8 p.m. at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia.

Emery Kurts, 57, died Dec. 7. Celebration of Life Service 6:30 p.m. at Seventh-day Adventist Church. Myers Funeral Service Crematory, Porterville.

San Juana Trevino died Dec. 6. Funeral Services 9 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Selma. Thomas-Robinson Funeral Home, Selma.

Thursday Andrew Dragt, 72, died Dec. 9. Dervices 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Visalia. Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia.

Obituary policy The Visalia Times-Delta reports deaths and funeral information at no charge. For a fee, obituaries can include additional information in print and online at www.VisaliaTimesDelta.com. Complete information is available from Visalia-area funeral homes or from the Times-Delta, 735-3270. Selma. From our family to yours, "Merry Smith Family Chapel 505 E.

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