At the recent Susanville City Council meeting, City Manager Dan Newton introduced a resolution to approve a one-hour street closure on Sunday, Dec. 14, from noon to 1 p.m. for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s annual procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. The closure is estimated to cost the city $239.
Councilmember Patrick Parrish expressed concerns about the city using taxpayer dollars to support a religious event, citing the First Amendment’s separation of church and state. Although Parrish seconded the motion initially, he requested further discussion, stating he regretted his prior support from last year and questioned the city’s role in funding religious events.
Councilmember Curtis Bortle argued that as long as the city allows street closures indiscriminately to all groups, there is no issue of discrimination. Parrish agreed with equal access but emphasized his concern about direct funding for a religious event.
Mayor Mendy Schuster and other council members noted that the request was solely for a street closure, not an endorsement of the religious event itself. Legal counsel confirmed that approving the resolution did not violate the separation of church and state.
After discussion, the council voted 4-1 in favor of the street closure resolution, with Parrish casting the lone dissenting vote. The council also indicated that the issue could be revisited as city staff develops a formal policy on street closures.
