A West Hills woman erects a 25-foot cross in her front yard. (KTLA News / September 20, 2011) |
WEST HILLS, Calif. -- A giant, two-story cross has neighbors in a West Hills neighborhood upset.
Many are calling for what they consider an "eyesore" to be torn down.
The 24-foot cross was erected on the front lawn of 72-year-old Laly Dobener's home in memory of her husband who died fifteen years ago.
Dobner says she has dedicated her life to her Catholic faith and was inspired to erect the cross as a way to "express her love to God and the world.... and bring Gold's love to everyone."
Dobener's neighbors, however, say the gigantic cross is bringing down their property values and they want it removed.
Many say the cross makes the neighborhood look like there's a church on their street.
The two-story cross is painted blue and white and has blood-red paint in the areas where Christ's hands and feet would have been nailed during his crucifixion.
A crown of thorns encircles the cross and a sign is posted near the top that reads "Jesus I trust in you."
Dobner says the cross is an expression of her first amendment rights and she doesn't understand why people are so upset.
Inspectors will determine if the cross violates and building codes and if it complies with zoning rules.
There are different rules for whether the cross is deemed a sign or a structure.
The case is expected to go to court and is expected to be a legal test of religious rights.
Many are calling for what they consider an "eyesore" to be torn down.
The 24-foot cross was erected on the front lawn of 72-year-old Laly Dobener's home in memory of her husband who died fifteen years ago.
Dobner says she has dedicated her life to her Catholic faith and was inspired to erect the cross as a way to "express her love to God and the world.... and bring Gold's love to everyone."
Dobener's neighbors, however, say the gigantic cross is bringing down their property values and they want it removed.
Many say the cross makes the neighborhood look like there's a church on their street.
The two-story cross is painted blue and white and has blood-red paint in the areas where Christ's hands and feet would have been nailed during his crucifixion.
A crown of thorns encircles the cross and a sign is posted near the top that reads "Jesus I trust in you."
Dobner says the cross is an expression of her first amendment rights and she doesn't understand why people are so upset.
Inspectors will determine if the cross violates and building codes and if it complies with zoning rules.
There are different rules for whether the cross is deemed a sign or a structure.
The case is expected to go to court and is expected to be a legal test of religious rights.
