KU KLUX Klansmen have burnt crosses as a symbol of power and to terrorise
blacks, Jews and other minorities for more than a century, never worrying
about the enemies they鈥檝e made in the process. But Bill Albers, self-
proclaimed Imperial Wizard of the California Klan, has finally met a foe that
could put an end to the flaming crucifixes 鈥� the local air pollution laws.
The conflagrations do not violate any other laws as long as they are
started by the property owner and are not intended to intimidate. But they do
fall foul of the San Joaquin Valley鈥檚 strict air pollution controls. 鈥淲e don鈥檛
allow any burning of trash, unless it鈥檚 for a bona fide agriculture purpose,
and Bill Albers鈥檚 use doesn鈥檛 qualify,鈥� explains Josette Merced Bello, a
spokeswoman for the San Joaquin valley authorities.
Albers is a lorry driver who lives in the valley north of Modesto. His
recent run-in with the local air quality officials started last month when an
inspector visited his home and found evidence of a recent torching of a three-
storey-high, petrol-soaked crucifix. Albers says the fire was part of his
birthday celebrations and did not hurt anyone.
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Because Albers denies any wrongdoing and has still not paid a fine imposed
after a similar burning last year, the district plans to sue him. Bello says
officials will ask for an injunction against future blazes and will ask for an
undisclosed amount of money in damages.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 about anyone鈥檚 political motivations,鈥� says Bello. The
regulations are strict because the valley traps pollution. If everyone burnt
crosses the results would be disastrous, she says. 鈥淲e simply wouldn鈥檛 be able
to breathe.鈥�