Our Father, Who Art in Fountain Valley

When Fountain Valley calls itself "A Nice Place to Live," it's more than just a quaint credo; many of the city's policies fall in line. But when does nice become regressive?

The city makes no bones that it wants to stay the quiet bedroom community it's always been. There's an ordinance on the books that makes tattoo parlors and hydroponic supply store tougher to open. The planning commission once spent half an hour grilling a local restaurant owner to make sure no one would be able to pass cocktails from his patio to passersby.

But what about the city's habit of invoking God's name at public functions? The City Council does it at every meeting, either through a local pastor or one of its own members. It's not unheard of; Laguna Niguel has a similar policy. But in other Patch cities like Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, it's the Pledge of Alligiance only. In San Juan Capistrano, the council recently made a point to .

And there's at least one larger--and-redder--red flag. At the recent Students in Business Day, held at very public Fountain Valley High School, an invocation was given as well. Even in the red states, that doesn't fly.

So what do you think? Is asking for divine intervention on public property just another nice thing about living in Fountain Valley? Is it a step backward for an otherwise-progressive city? Or is it downright illegal?