The Los Angeles National Cemetery is operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Soldiers from wars as early as the Civil War are buried here. It originally opened as part of the Pacific Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteers, now the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, which is located on the other side of the 405 freeway. The few structures on the site include the administration building/chapel, an indoor columbarium and several monuments. The administration building, just inside the gates, offers maps and information to visitors. There is also a computer kiosk for locating gravesites. Notable gravesites here include two dogs and more than 100 Buffalo Soldiers from the Civil War. The cemetery is currently closed to new interments.
Fernwood's history extends back into the late 1800's when it served as a cemetery for early pioneers and dairy farmers. Today, it offers funeral home and cremation services beside the cemetery. A unique service performed here is a natural burial. Those buried in this fashion are placed in either a biodegradable casket or burial shroud. Each grave is marked only by its natural surroundings, such as trees, rocks and wildflowers, and GPS coordinates are obtained so loved ones can locate the graves again.
The gates to Fernwood are always open. Access to visitors is permitted 24 hours daily. Fernwood is located in the Tennessee Valley area of Mill Valley near Shoreline Highway.
St. Michael Cemetery consists of 15 beautifully-maintained acres, mostly dedicated to ground burials. Established in 1880 by the St. Michael Parish, this cemetery has served the Tri-Valley area with over 2,000 committal services. In addition to ground burials, a columbarium for cremated remains is also available.
