Sonoma County’s ornament ban on Christmas trees in county buildings sparks public outcry

O holy outcry.

The decision by Sonoma County’s top official to ban stars and
angels from Christmas trees in all county buildings drew heated public
reaction Tuesday and complaints the action was made in haste and
without legal authority.

Dozens of Press Democrat readers, some using language unfit for
midnight Mass, painted the decision as an affront to the holiday spirit
and to common sense.

They also had choice words for Acting County Administrator Chris
Thomas, who ordered the removals Monday, and for Irv Sutley, the
65-year-old disabled veteran and atheist activist whose complaints
sparked the controversial action.

“To make an ordeal out of a little doll with a wreath is
beyond me,” said Mike Cronin, assistant manager of John Deere
Landscaping in Santa Rosa. “It made me feel that this country is
getting really picky.”

But Dolores Marconi, who lives in Glenhaven in Lake County, defended
Sutley’s actions, saying they honor the Constitution by
preventing the government from arbitrary displays of religious items.

“I have Christmas decorations at my house, but that’s where they belong,” she said.