Update on Rancho Cucamonga Freedom from Religion Foundation billboard

[tbyg52]

Original thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4514680&mesg_id=4514680

Basically, it looks like the city is denying/backpedaling like crazy, and the billboard company is not answering questions.

I'll give the city this - they *do* answer their emails, at least the two I've sent them. I also just wrote the billboard company.

FFRF is suing the city, and the billboard company apparently destroyed the sign instead of returning it, which surprises the heck out of me.

http://www2.sbsun.com/news/ci_11066977

Gaylor said the company promised to refund her the cost of the billboard space now that it is down. But she said the company has since destroyed the vinyl image of the billboard, something the foundation wanted to keep.

Here's a local editorial that says exactly what I said when I emailed the city.
www.dailybulletin.com/ci_11074904

We would suggest, however, that even calling the billboard company to report the number of complaints the city had received was out of line for City Hall. We'd characterize that as involvement, even if no suggestion or request were part of the conversation.

"We notify all businesses when we get complaints," Lam told our reporter on Monday. "It's not to be interpreted as a request to take down the billboard or not. If the billboard company wants to put it up today, it can without any permission from us."

That's certainly true. But our view is that any relaying of complaints from City Hall to a business operating within the city "involves" the city in the matter at hand, at least in terms of the business's perception. If the matter at hand happens to be protected political speech, the city is on shaky ground.

Our suggestion would be that City Hall tell those who call to complain that such political speech is protected under the law and outside the city's jurisdiction. Let citizens register their own complaints with the billboard company or the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Keep City Hall out of it.

Edited for traditional stupid typo and to add contact info for billboard company, if you're interested.
http://www.general-outdoor.com/Contact.htm

Edited again to fix a link - I think I should quit while I'm (hopefully) ahead.... ;)

[Ian David]

1. Rancho Cucamonga should rename themselves to Rancho Douchamonga. n/t

[Selatius]

2. I found their sign no more offensive than the statement that "America is a Christian nation."

The 1st Amendment makes no distinction on speech that is intended solely to be provocative or speech that is intended for some other purpose.

[tbyg52]

3. Teeny Thanksgiving morning self-kick. And best wishes to all! nt

[tbyg52]

4. One more little kick, then I'll shut up.... ;-> nt