Elk Grove City Council axes 'Holiday Tree'

Festivus Tree's did not receive an official designation.

The Elk Grove City Council unanimously agreed last night to replace "Holiday Tree" in official communications and replace it with "Christmas Tree" after receiving several citizen complaints.

The matter was placed on the city council agenda after several citizens complained when the term was used in the city's monthly December newsletter regarding disposal of the trees. 

Speaking during the public comment section was Elk Grove resident Liz Stepanik who said the term "Holiday Tree" was inappropriate given the majority of Americans are of various Christian faiths. Stepanik said if the use of "Holiday Tree" was used to keep be less offensive, the use of it was offensive to the Christian majority.

"When did the majority become a minority" she said.

Although the council quickly decided to resend use of the term, City Attorney Susan Cochran noted it was used in official communications for the last several years because that had been official policy.