Some Challenge Brightness of Cross On Church Property

In Palm Desert, California, some residents think that a large cross on a hill next to an Episcopal church is too bright, and they are looking into the legality of the cross that is illuminated with 46,800 lumens of fluorescent light. Today's Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun reports that the cross, lit with 39 13-watt fluorescent bulbs, can be seen for miles around. If built today, the cross would clearly violate city and county lighting ordinances. However, the predecessor to today's cross was put up 25 years ago, under a permit that allowed 40 light bulbs of 25 to 100 watts each. It is not clear whether required governmental approval was obtained when today's brighter version was put up 10 years ago.