Save Our Cross and War Memorial

The Mt. Soledad cross story continues. On May 3rd a federal judge (U.S. District Judge Gordon Thompson Jr.) ruled that the City of San Diego must remove the cross from City property on top of Mt. Soledad. This issue has been tied up in the courts for way too long. Last year the voters spoke loud and clear with a 75 percent margin that they want to keep the cross and war memorial. There is no question in my mind that the City should appeal the judge's decision. This is what the people want and I continue in my unwavering support.

In addition to the judicial process, our Mayor along with Congressman Duncan Hunter, I and others have urged President Bush to issue an Executive Order that would transfer the property to become federal land. A federal eminent domain action against the City would be the simplest, most decisive and most cost-effective solution. It would resolve this issue once and for all. I urge you to send an email to the President in support. We are hoping for a decision from the President very soon. You can send an email directly to the President at president@whitehouse.gov.

As a bit of background on this, as many of you know, I was on the losing end of a San Diego City Council vote that sought to simply donate the Mt. Soledad Memorial cross to the federal government. In March of 2005 the Council voted 5-3 to remove the cross. Many of us were disappointed with the prospect of losing the Mt. Soledad Cross and War Memorial, which has stood in one form or another atop Mt. Soledad for decades.

Undeterred, a group of outstanding citizens circulated a referendum petition directing the City Council to reverse its decision. It was an honor to be part of their successful drive. In an effort to maintain the integrity of the Mt. Soledad War Memorial, which includes its historic 43-foot cross, the group called "San Diegans for the Mt. Soledad National War Memorial" blocked the City Council's resolution declining to accept the offer of the United States Government to accept transfer of title to the Mt. Soledad Memorial Property. San Diegans voted on Proposition A last July to transfer the cross to the federal government and it was approved by 75 percent of the voters. The mandate was clear: keep the cross. Recently, the group that organized the signature drive said they would help the City appeal the decision.

To give a bit of history, 17 years ago atheist Philip Paulson filed a suit in federal court to remove the cross. The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association dedicated the memorial to veterans of WWI, WWII and the Korean War in 1954. Back in 1991Judge Thompson ruled the cross unconstitutional. This was two years after the case was first filed. Since that 1991 decision, there has been litigation, public debate and three votes.

As I said before, I realize there are some who do not agree with my position to save the Mt. Soledad War Memorial and I respect that. I have always stated my support for the Mt. Soledad Cross and War Memorial. It is a symbol that honors the many who have served our nation.

As a lifelong San Diegan, I will continue to do everything I can to preserve this important piece of San Diego history and all that it stands for.