SCV News Staff

[JB Property] – Michael Gold, senior director of operations for JB Property Group, the management company for The Willows Senior Apartment Community, responded late Thursday afternoon to concerns raised by the residents related to the installation of holiday decorations in the community room of the Newhall, California project.

“We apologize for any misunderstanding that may have arisen in regards to the installation of holiday trees and other holiday decorations in the community room of The Willows Senior Apartment Community,” said Gold. “It was never our intention to in any way inhibit the celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other religious or cultural holiday which falls at or near year’s end. We have always been sensitive to the fact that our properties have a diverse tenant profile which needs to be considered when determining the most appropriate methods for recognizing and celebrating these holidays.

“With this in mind, we seriously regret the extent to which this has impacted the residents of The Willows, and understand and appreciate their concern about losing their traditional decorations. In light of this, we have authorized the re-installation of a tree, which has been decorated by the residents themselves.”

The company’s previous decision to ban religious displays in the common areas at the Willows garnered national attention and a terse response from Rep. Buck McKeon. Read about it here.