Public takes up cross battle [View All]

[CShine]

A large crowd is expected Tuesday to express its views as the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors considers new motions to reject a "back room" deal reached with the American Civil Liberties Union last week to replace a cross on the county seal.

Spokesmen for Republican Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich and Don Knabe said their offices have been bombarded with more than 5,000 phone calls, e-mails and letters from people who are passionately opposed to the removal of the cross. Veteran workers for various county supervisors say the public outcry is the largest ever seen regarding any county government issue.

"I understand we're going to have a full house Tuesday," said Antonovich spokesman Tony Bell. "The people are going to demand that this go to a vote of the people. A (television reporter) saw a pickup truck in Santa Clarita with a big sign in the back that read, 'Save our Seal.'

"I understand a group in the Antelope Valley has been formed called the Alliance to Save the Cross. We've had five different legal foundations volunteer their research, casework and their services to represent the county pro bono. They said we can be successful, and I think we should explore it."

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