Having dealt with some similar issues around our family ranch in the Sacramento area, we found that CA has
very strict laws pertaining to the recording, upkeep, and use of its so-called 'pioneer' cemeteries like this one - I would wager this was not cleared through the State Historian's office and, when found out, the City of Ventura is going to find themselves in a costly bind.
And so it goes...
Richard's $.02