How does a large cross hurt property values?

One thing I remember from most of the stories I wrote at the LA Daily News about community disputes was that they often came down to property values. Or at least they were framed in terms of concern over property values.

Maybe the most vivid was the role that property values supposedly played in the Conejo Valley ” title=”wrote”>wrote:

“Is it me or am I the only one that finds this strange?’’ Carlos Bernal of Oak Park wrote in an e-mail to local officials. “Why don’t we install a crucifix at every stoplight? Or the picture of Muhammad at every pedestrian crossing?

“I’m not a religious guy and certainly don’t have anything against the Jewish faith … but this rubs me the wrong way.’‘

Jews were equally critical of the glistening wires that zigzagged across residential streets—a threat to property values and unsuspecting birds.

“It is not some biblical thing that says, ‘Hang some fishing line.’ It’s an arbitrary man-made work-a-round,’’ said Susan Flores, a Reform Jew who, like most, does not keep Sabbath.

“While you are making stuff up, why don’t you make up something that is a little less obtrusive.’‘

So less than a month after the Conejo Eruv was erected in Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Westlake Village, its supporters tore down the Oak Park section.

With that in mind, check out ” title=”opposition in Apple Valley”>opposition in Apple Valley to a Hindu temple. But you don’t hear a lot about discrimination directed at Christians. Seems like there may be some other community dynamics going on here.