Calif. county rescinds ornament ban after outcry

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — The top official in California’s Sonoma County has rescinded a ban on stars and angels on Christmas trees in county buildings.

Following a barrage of criticism, Administrator Chris Thomas on Wednesday reversed his order banning the ornaments two days earlier. He apologized in an e-mail to employees for “any inconvenience and disruption.”

Thomas’s order was prompted by a complaint from Santa Rosa resident Irv Utley, who says the county should not show favoritism to any religion.

Local church leaders spoke out against the ban. At least one county employee openly defied it, and county supervisor Shirlee Zane said it was a decision that should involve the full board of supervisors.

Utley said he would consult with attorneys before deciding whether to sue.

Information from: The Press Democrat, www.pressdemo.com