2006 file photo / Union-Tribune
A judge says the cross atop Mount Soledad “communicates” primarily nonreligious messages of military service and sacrifice. |
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Latest decision: Cross can stay
Landmark more memorial than religious symbol
By Onell R. Soto
and Matthew T. Hall
STAFF WRITERS
The giant cross atop Mount Soledad can stay, a federal judge ruled yesterday.
The La Jolla landmark has been the subject of nearly 20 years of litigation, public votes and legislative maneuvers as critics complain it's unconstitutional to have a religious symbol on public land. But yesterday, U.S. District Judge Larry Burns said the cross – visible for miles – has become a memorial to veterans, and its secular message outweighs any religious meaning.
City Council approves plan to expand UTC
By Ronald W. Powell
STAFF WRITER
LA JOLLA –
The $900 million plan to transform the Westfield University Towne Center mall into a walkable village received the approval of the City Council yesterday after public testimony showed how much the proposal has divided the community since it was submitted seven years ago.
ONLY IN SAN DIEGO
Motorcycle risks may outweigh the reward
As gas prices soar, so does the allure of the motorcycle. And why not? Motorcycles save money at the pump. They're easy to park. On a motorcycle, you can use the carpool lanes. You can weave in and out of traffic. You can ride along the lane lines on snarled freeways. And when the rest of us stop at a red light, you can glide to the front, cutting ahead of everyone. . . . Ha ha, suckers!
Utility tax measure won't go on ballot
By Tanya Sierra
STAFF WRITER
CHULA VISTA –
Mayor Cheryl Cox's effort, which included a last-minute backup plan, to update and expand the city's utility users tax failed last night.
John McCann, Steve Castañeda and Rudy Ramirez voted against placing a special tax on the November ballot, leaving only Cox and Councilman Jerry Rindone supporting the measure.
Groups protest proposal to cut climate emissions
By Mike Lee
STAFF WRITER
DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
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Social and environmental groups yesterday challenged a multistate proposal to trim greenhouse gas emissions because they fear it would harm low-income communities and be vulnerable to fraud.
JUST FIX IT
Street seepage, erosion bring calls from residents for repairs
By Ruth McKinnie Braun
STAFF WRITER
Sometimes we get calls about problems where government can only do so much.
