City to grapple with ‘God’ motto

It’s a matter of just one three-letter word — God — but when talk begins about adding or subtracting it from government buildings, currency, or the Pledge of Allegiance there’s sure to be a fight.

And, according to the recently released agenda for Tuesday’s City Council study session, the battle is coming to Costa Mesa. Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece has asked that the city look into displaying the national motto “In God We Trust,� in the council chambers.

Thirteen Orange County cities, including neighbors Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, have already approved displaying the motto in their council chambers, the report says.

Depending on where the display is put in Costa Mesa’s council chambers, it could cost anywhere between $350 and $3,500, the city estimates.

The motto originated around the time of the Civil War, during a period of strong religious sentiment, according to the U.S. Treasury. The phrase is printed on coins and dollar bills.

It has been criticized by some who see it as an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state.

Congress has affirmed and the Supreme Court has upheld the legality of the motto.