Moraga adopts winter holiday display policy to allow unattended displays at designated town properties

The Town of Moraga adopted a winter holiday display policy at its June 11 meeting to provide a process and standards for unattended seasonal displays on town property.

Town staff presented the policy in the absence of the parks and recreation director, saying it would apply to designated display areas near the town's traditional holiday tree, council chamber, library and other town-owned facilities. Key provisions include an application process (no application fee anticipated), maximum display dimensions of 6 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet, safety and liability responsibilities for applicants, and an installation window generally starting 30 days prior to a holiday and up to 15 days after. Staff and the town attorney explained that legal precedent treats a holiday tree as a secular symbol, so courts have allowed religious symbols to be displayed alongside secular symbols without implying governmental endorsement; applications will be reviewed for context.

Councilmembers asked whether the time windows would cover multi-day holidays such as Hanukkah and Lunar New Year, and staff said context-specific adjustments could be considered and the policy provides a defined seasonal window (installations may occur between the Monday prior to November 15 and the Monday after January 15 annually). Councilmember discussion emphasized inclusion and that the policy was requested by council in prior years. The council voted unanimously to adopt the policy. Staff credited Parks & Recreation Director Mackenzie Brady for drafting the policy and said staff will refine procedures as applications are received.