Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills and approved $1.8 million in state funding to address conditions at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael, following years of advocacy by families, community members, and state and local officials.
Mount Tamalpais is a privately owned endowment care cemetery regulated by the state Cemetery and Funeral Bureau. The county and city became increasingly involved after receiving years of concerns from families and community members about deteriorating conditions. In 2025, the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau revoked the cemetery's license following state enforcement action.
Newsom signed SB 1312 and AB 929, creating a statewide process for determining when a private endowment care cemetery is abandoned and providing a pathway for ownership to transition. AB 929 specifically allows Marin County to transfer ownership, care, and management of Mount Tamalpais Cemetery to a qualified nonprofit or state-licensed cemetery operator.
"With the passage of AB 929 and securing $1.8 million for the restoration of the Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, we are finally in a strong position to return respect and dignity to these grounds," said Assemblymember Damon Connolly, who authored AB 929.
Over 200 community members wrote to state and local officials this year calling for legislative action and state funding. Marin County and the City of San Rafael have been meeting regularly with local faith communities to address immediate needs and a long-term path forward.
Before the property can transition through the new framework, the Board of Supervisors must complete a process under state law to declare the cemetery abandoned. SB 1312 requires notice to the property owner and provides a 90-day period to address identified public health, safety, or welfare concerns before an abandonment declaration can be made.