IRVINE : Citizens to Research Holiday Alternatives
The city is looking for 11 residents to serve on a task force that will be asked to find holiday observances the city can sponsor without offending people’s cultural and religious values.
The City Council voted in September to form the citizen task force after protests from residents and local churches shot down a plan to set up a Christmas tree outside City Hall this December. There was also criticism of a plan to establish some form of prayer at the start of council meetings.
Several residents who testified before the council said a Christmas tree officially endorsed by the city government would offend their non-Christian beliefs, and a prayer or silent moment held before council meetings also would offend many.
After the plans for the tree failed by a 2-2 vote, the council approved the idea of the task force as a means to find inoffensive ways for the city to sponsor holiday displays or celebrations.
Applications to the task force will be accepted until Nov. 30. The 13-member task force, which will include two members of city’s Cultural Affairs Commission, is expected to issue its report to the commission in March.
The commission is expected to present its findings to the City Council in April.
Residents should call the city at (714) 724-6684 to request an application.
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