Local News in Brief : Funds for Nativity Scenes Are Sought

A coalition of Santa Monica churches is mobilizing to sustain a 34-year-old Christmas tradition in that city.

Each Christmas since 1954, a series of Nativity scenes has adorned scenic Ocean Avenue. Until six years ago, the city sponsored the project, but it was forced to withdraw its financial support after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local governments could not use public funds for religious displays.

Local church leaders then formed the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes Committee and took on the financial burden--about $15,000--by making annual appeals to church members for support.

The committee’s expenses doubled this year, however, when the 14 wooden booths that house the Nativity scenes had to be rebuilt because the old ones were dilapidated.

So far, the committee has raised $10,000. Construction costs were $15,000. With the scheduled unveiling ceremony less than two weeks away, committee leaders are trying to raise an additional $20,000 to open and operate the display.

Church leaders are taking special collections during their services, and letters have been sent to area residents seeking financial support.