County Removes Stars and Angels From Its Christmas Trees

In Sonoma County, California, Acting County Administrator Chris Thomas has ordered stars, angels and other religious symbols removed from all Christmas trees in county buildings after a complaint was filed by an activist who has a long history of opposing government use of religious symbols. Yesterday's Santa Rosa (CA) Press Democrat reports that the complaint was lodged by Irv Sutley, a disabled veteran who is an atheist and is chairman of the Sonoma County Peace and Freedom Party. County Administrator Thomas said he was not aware that a star on top of a Christmas tree might be seen as a religious symbol until consulting with county attorneys.