Cross in elderly LA woman’s yard stirs controversy

Homeowner Laly Dobener has erected a nearly 25 ft. cross on her front lawn, causing the concern of many of her neighbors on Hyannis Drive, in the West Hills section of Los Angeles. Neighbors' complaints have prompted city building inspectors to take a look at the cross. They're expected to determine this week whether it complies with zoning rules or should be removed.

Homeowner Laly Dobener has erected a nearly 25 ft. cross on her front lawn, causing the concern of many of her neighbors on Hyannis Drive, in the West Hills section of Los Angeles. Neighbors' complaints have prompted city building inspectors to take a look at the cross. They're expected to determine this week whether it complies with zoning rules or should be removed. Photo by The Associated Press.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

photo

Photo by The Associated Press

Homeowner Laly Dobener has erected a nearly 25 ft. cross on her front lawn, causing the concern of many of her neighbors on Hyannis Drive, in the West Hills section of Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A nearly 25-foot cross in the front yard of an elderly woman's home is stirring controversy in a Los Angeles neighborhood.

Neighbors complain the cross is an eyesore that is attracting unwanted attention to their San Fernando Valley cul-de-sac and hurting their property values.

The cross has drops of blood-red paint in the area where Jesus' hands and feet would have been nailed. It also features a crown of thorns and a sign that says, "Jesus I trust in you."

"When you turn down our cul-de-sac, it looks like there is a church on our street," Laurie Biener of the West Hills neighborhood told the Daily News (http://bit.ly/o2JvuK ).

Neighbors' complaints have prompted city building inspectors to take a look at the cross. They're expected to determine this week whether it complies with zoning rules or should be removed.

Homeowner Laly Dobener said she erected the cross to express her devotion to her Catholic faith and hopes her religious freedom will be protected.

"I don't understand what my neighbors are so upset about," the 72-year-old told the newspaper. "This cross isn't hurting anyone."

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Comments

jbberns 1 year, 8 months ago

If it was a big satan, vampire or ghost, then it would be fine. Freedom of speech for everyone, but Christians.

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asb 1 year, 8 months ago

Oh sniffle! Brace yersef, it's getting to be time for the War on Christmas. When will the brutality end?! I'm sure her city's zoning laws are actually written in Iran and specifically call for flogging anyone caught praising or rolling their beads in public.

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