From:
To: Mary Gourley
Cc:
Subject: Flag Policy
Date: Monday, October 6, 2025 4:34:55 PM
Hi Mary,
I’m weighing in regarding the flag policy. I believe the amended policy should be pulled from the consent calendar for the following reasons:
The policy should include signage that reflects the intentions of Resolution 6170 to welcome and safeguard all residents.
A flag could say, for example, “City of Inclusion” or “Indivisible: All Welcome Here” or Celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” This could be included in the budget that provides for signage in support of city protocols protecting migrants.
The policy could also benefit from public input on the list of pre-approved banners—why not recognize Hispanic Heritage month or ancestral lands of Pomo and Miwok. Or return of Japanese from interment camps? Lastly, instead of clerk and mayor approval for lowering flag, I suggest approval by a majority of the full council.
There was concern about delay, but Sebastopol is a city, not a national messenger. Funerals and memorial services are not the day of the event; the flag lowering can be a remembrance that happens soon after.
Please do share these comments with the council members. I hope they vote to move the Flag policy off the consent calendar and invite further discussion.
Liz Finn