EXHIBIT A
POLICY
Outdoor Display of Governmental
Flags on City Property
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a uniform procedure to govern the flying of the flags of the United States of America and the State of California (“Governmental Flags”) on City-owned flagpoles as an expression of the City’s official sentiments. The City’s flagpoles are intended to serve as a forum for expression by the City, and not a forum for expression by the public. The provisions of this policy are in general conformance with various Federal Public Laws (e.g.
Public Law 94-344) and California Government Code Sections 430-439.
II. Applicability
The City shall regularly fly, on official City-owned flagpoles, the flags of the United States of America and the State of California pursuant to this Policy. Nothing set forth in this Policy is intended to prohibit or curtail individuals from displaying a flag on private property under his or her control or wearing or carrying a flag. City employees must comply with City policy.
III. Half-Staff
Governmental Flags displayed on City-owned property shall be flown at half-staff upon order of the President of the United States, or authorization by the Governor of California.
Governmental Flags displayed on City-owned property shall also be flown at half-staff upon the death of:
• A City Councilmember, past or present;
• A public safety officer (police officer, Sheriff’s deputy, or firefighter) killed in the line of duty and employed by an agency in Monterey County; and
• A person whose accomplishments and contributions to the community demonstrated a significant commitment to the Gonzales community, as determined by the City Manager and the Mayor.
In most of the above circumstances, flags will ordinarily be flown at half-staff as soon as practicable following the notification of a death, and for an additional 48 hours. For public safety officer line of duty deaths, the flags will fly at half-staff immediately from notification of death to sunset on the day of service/funeral.