BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Greenlawn Cemetery Southwest in Bakersfield is facing criticism after implementing a new policy that limits how graves can be decorated.
The cemetery has begun removing crosses, photos, and other items left by families, citing safety concerns and the need to maintain the grounds.
On January 5, 2026, Greenlawn Cemetery Southwest began removing grave decorations under a new policy. The policy is intended to improve safety, maintain the cemetery’s high standards, and prevent items from being lost, stolen, or damaged. However, the decision sparked outrage on social media, with many people claiming they were not informed of the change. KBAK/KBFX
The policy, which took effect Jan. 5, aims to prevent items from being lost, stolen, or damaged.
Many families with loved ones buried at the cemetery expressed their dissatisfaction with the changes.
One man said, “Just to see everybody’s loved ones, as you can see all these crosses, all these. It’s because somebody cares, right? Just like I understand it’s a business, but at the same time, when you’re taking care of customers, you know, you’ve got to be respectful with them too, and it almost seemed like they didn’t.”
On January 5, 2026, Greenlawn Cemetery Southwest began removing grave decorations under a new policy. The policy is intended to improve safety, maintain the cemetery’s high standards, and prevent items from being lost, stolen, or damaged. However, the decision sparked outrage on social media, with many people claiming they were not informed of the change. KBAK/KBFX
Some community members believe the cemetery could have communicated the new rules more effectively.
Two individuals noted that they only learned about the policy through social media.
In response, Greenlawn Cemetery acknowledged the challenge of notifying over 10,000 families before enforcing the rules.
While some support the cemetery’s decision, arguing that excessive decorations hinder maintenance, others feel disrespected by how the removed items were handled.
Cynthia, a community member, said, “This is the last spot that we laid our loved ones to rest. So it really is gonna, like, put, like, a different perspective in Greenlawn, you know, ’cause we put we, you know, trusted that this was a nice place, so now it just feels like a disrespect.”
On January 5, 2026, Greenlawn Cemetery Southwest began removing grave decorations under a new policy. The policy is intended to improve safety, maintain the cemetery’s high standards, and prevent items from being lost, stolen, or damaged. However, the decision sparked outrage on social media, with many people claiming they were not informed of the change. KBAK/KBFX
Moving forward, the cemetery plans to place non-compliant items at graves and notify families to collect them.
However, starting Feb. 16, individual calls to families will cease.
For more information on the rules, families can visit the cemetery’s website or obtain a physical copy at the front desk.