(InEDC) Cris Alacon, EL DORADO COUNTY –
Today’s breaking news takes us to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors chamber, where the Board has made a controversial decision. In a surprising and unprecedented move, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors has rescinded the declaration of Christian Heritage Month. El Dorado County has always held its rich Christian heritage dear. However, it appears that this perception is about to undergo a significant shift. In a tumultuous board meeting this week, eyebrows were raised and voices raised even higher when the decision to rescind Christian Heritage Month was announced.
Supervisor John Hidahl, whose district encompasses El Dorado Hills and who initially brought the proclamation to the board on July 18, brought the “motion to rescind” at Tuesday BOS meeting. Three fellow board members approved Hidahl’s proclamation in July, and Lori Parlin, whose district covers Shingle Springs and Coloma, was the sole dissenter in adopting the Day of recognition. All voted in support of the rescission this Tuesday morning. As is tradition other Board members vote in the affirmative when a Board member moves to rescind a prior action made by the board member that originally initiated the action.
Tensions were high as community members passionately spoke in favor of or against the motion. Proponents of the decision argued for a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the county’s cultural and religious diversity. They believed that highlighting Christian Heritage Month exclusively did not reflect the entirety of El Dorado County’s vibrant tapestry.
We want to celebrate and embrace the diversity that defines our beautiful county. Focusing solely on one religious heritage sends the wrong message to our residents from different faiths or those without any religious affiliation. We want everyone to feel welcome and acknowledged here.
However, vehement opposition emerged from individuals and religious groups who felt deeply connected to the Christian heritage celebrated during this month. They argued that the decision was an attempt to erase the significance of Christian contributions to the county’s history and culture. El Dorado County is known for its historic churches and Christian landmarks. Many residents feel that the rescission of Christian Heritage Month undermines their cultural pride and diminishes the importance of Christian traditions etched into the county’s fabric.
Kelly Nalewaja, who serves as secretary for the El Dorado County GOP, said there “is nothing unconstitutional about recognizing the Christian heritage that helped form this country.” It’s disheartening to see our rich history go unrecognized. Christianity has played a vital role in shaping our community, and this decision feels like a step backward.
Amidst the heated debate, the El Dorado County board is now tasked with finding a solution that accommodates multiple voices from different backgrounds while recognizing the county’s diverse cultural. No doubt, this decision will leave a lasting impact on the local community and continue to fuel conversations about any cerimonial motions to recognize by proclamation.
The outcome of this decision is sure to set precedent for the future direction of El Dorado County’s approach to honoring social or historic groups like Women, Blacks, victims of Human Trafficking, and even the Gold Rush “Forty-Niners” with a ceremonial “day” or “month” of recognition.
