Despite leftists nationwide squawking about how awful America is, the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday has sparked a wave of patriotism all over the country. It just may be the “golden age” President Donald Trump has spoken of. But as with most things, there are a few who have to spoil it for everyone else. The latest case of patriotic Scrooge-ism comes from California.
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SHOCKING: A California neighborhood BANNED the flying of American flags on July 4th!
The HOA board argued the flag represents a “political or affiliative view” which will “degrade the common area.”
What is wrong with these people? 🧵 pic.twitter.com/PRcqPJ4W6v
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) June 30, 2026
Residents in an affluent townhome community are being told that they are prohibited from flying American flags at their homes, and are being threatened with fines if they do so. San Marcos, where the average price of a home runs around just under $1 million, is governed by the Ambiance Owners Association (HOA). They are refusing to remove their flags despite receiving notices from the homeowners association.
But wait a minute. Back in May of 2023, the same homeowners association informed a homeowner that sports flags were not allowed and that “the American flag is the only approved flag to be hung on and within common property.” Fast forward to May of 2026. When Amy and Christopher Cooke hung an American flag outside of their home, they received a notice that they were violating the association’s flag policy and were told to remove it within 15 days or face “enforcement action.”
The Cookes are not alone. Their neighbor, Terri Collins, received the same notice about her flag, but she says she is also ready to fight the HOA. Collins said, “The journey has been long and hard, and we are ready to put an end to it once and for all.” Amy Cooke said she knows what the whole dispute is really about, saying, “Both American flags had been flying around here for decades without issue. The fact is it’s about the American flag, distinctly.”
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The Ambiance Owners Association is a Homeowners Association overseeing a 112-unit Mediterranean-style townhome & condo community in San Marcos, California. Nearly IMPOSSIBLE to locate their mailing or email address. Are BLM or Pride flags also banned?
— Punchie Weebles (@Signifi86937088) June 30, 2026
On June 19, the Cookes sent a letter to the HOA, requesting meeting minutes where the flag policy was put in place, records that support the HOA’s definition of the property’s common areas, and the authority they looked to for issuing violations. They also requested that any disciplinary hearing be postponed until the records they asked for were received. The letter also stated that the Cookes’ questions “remain unanswered.” The Cookes also claim that the HOA has never explained why the HOA regards their garage door frame as a common area and not an exclusive common area per the HOA’s governing documents.
The Cookes have spent almost two years preparing for what they suspect may be a long, drawn-out court battle. Amy Cooke wrote on an online fundraising page to cover legal costs,
“This isn’t about refusing to follow reasonable rules. We believe this is about preserving the right to display the American flag in our own community and ensuring that HOA rules are enforced fairly and consistently.”
Courtney Corbello is counsel at the Center for American Liberty, and says,
“California law is clear. While homeowners associations may adopt reasonable rules governing the manner, placement, or safety of flag displays, they cannot prohibit homeowners from flying the American flag on their own property.”
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Amy Cooke is spot on. It is all about displaying the American flag. Would the HOA have the same objections if she wanted to fly a Pride flag, a Palestinian flag, or a Black Lives Matter flag? Are there any records of the HOA prohibiting those flags?
Amy Cooke also summed up the whole thing best on this run-up to America’s 250th birthday: “Stand up for what you believe in. Show some pride in your country and appreciate what America gives you.”
Leave it to woke liberals to be a wet blanket for the 250th! What jerks. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/WhH8KQ4vU7
— Dr. Pepper Texan (@DrPepperTexan) June 30, 2026
Editor’s Note: President Trump is leading America into the “Golden Age” as Democrats try desperately to stop it.
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