By Jason Islas
Lookout Staff

December 20, 2011 -- Santa Monica's Palisades Park has become ground zero for one of the hottest controversies in the Los Angeles region after several atheist groups nudged out traditional nativity scenes with their own displays.

But what do the local passers-by think of the signs -- most of them quoting famous historical figures -- that denounce religion as founded on “fables” and compare Jesus Christ to Santa Claus?

“I think it's sad,” said Zeenia and Navioze, two tourists visiting from other states. Both are believers of Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion from ancient Iran that is first mentioned in Herodotus' The Histories, written in the 5th century BC.

Though the two said that the atheist displays didn't offend them, they agreed that they would rather see more displays like the three Nativity scenes.

Zeenia and Navioze weren't alone.

Maria, an Australian tourist and “born again Christian” called the lack of Nativity scenes “sad.”

An Italian immigrant and Santa Monica resident of 15 years, Marina passed by the displays with three guests from her home country.

“We're Italian, so you know, we're Roman Catholic,” she said. “I don't know why the atheists had to get involved,” she said.

But her guests – three older Italian women – added that they weren't offended.

“We respect everyone's opinions,” they said.

Bruno, a 25 year resident of Santa Monica from Algeria, was pleased to see the displays.

“That's democracy to me,” he said. “I like when people express themselves.”

He added, “I think it doesn't hurt anything.”

Some locals were surprised to see the atheist displays. Daniel, who has worked at the Promenade for 11 years, said that although he isn't religious, he was disappointed.

“I look forward to the Nativity scene every year,” he said. The atheist displays are "taking something away from Santa Monica.”

Francisco, who was visiting Palisades Park with his ten year-old daughter agreed.

“I'm a little saddened. I would've liked to show my daughter more holiday spirit,” he said, adding that she was visiting from Florida.

Some had much stronger opinions about the matter. Gene, a local artist, said that one of the atheist signs in particular made Santa Monica look stupid.

He was referring to a sign that has a Thomas Jefferson quote, which reads, “Religions are all alike – based upon fables and mythologies.” He said that the sign has no indication of who is sponsoring it.

When asked what he thought of the City Council possibly canceling any future displays in Palisades Park, he almost shouted, “The Socialist Republic of Santa Monica wimps out!”

“I love it!” said 19 year-old Emily, a Santa Monica resident of one year and self-identified atheist.

“I can see why it outrages people, but I don't think this could happen in any other city,” she said.