Residents of San Marcos, California, are protesting their homeowners association's demand that they remove American flags from their properties just days before the nation's 250th anniversary. Amy and Chris Cooke, along with their neighbor Terri Collins, received notices threatening $100 fines if they did not take down the flags displayed outside their homes.
The Ambiance Owners’ Association stated in a letter that the flags represented a “political or affiliative view” and would “degrade the common area.” This stance has ignited outrage among residents who view the American flag as a symbol of freedom.
Amy Cooke, 62, expressed her dismay, stating, “We are outraged, if you want to fly your flag fly it, this is America. We are the land of the free and home of the brave, this is crazy.” She added, “The American Flag is a symbol of freedom, we know where their brain is at.”
Chris Cooke, 56, noted that his family has flown the flag for 20 years in honor of his grandfather, a World War II Navy sailor who died in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. His grandfather was awarded the Navy Purple Heart and Navy Cross for his bravery.
Terri Collins, who has flown her flag for 35 years, received the same notice. She believes the neighborhood is deeply patriotic, partly due to its proximity to the former Miramar Navy Base. Collins claimed that the majority of the HOA's seven board members are not pro-American.
The conflict escalated around the 2024 election when the HOA board began restricting flag displays to “exclusive use” areas, such as backyards, prohibiting them in front of homes or in common areas. Subsequent notices fined the Cookes for flag size and display in common areas.
Federal law, the Freedom to Fly the American Flag Act of 2005, prevents HOAs from prohibiting the display of the U.S. Flag, though they can regulate aspects like size and placement.
Collins stated her intention to continue displaying her flag and potentially purchase a larger one, vowing not to pay any fines. The Cookes have a Zoom hearing scheduled with the HOA board. If unsuccessful, they plan to start a crowdfunding campaign to hire a lawyer. "We’ve never sued anyone in our life. We’re just here to fly our flag and be left alone," Chris Cooke said.
Despite the dispute, the Cookes and Collins plan to celebrate the Fourth of July with traditional activities, including barbecues and fireworks. The Ambiance HOA did not respond to requests for comment.