Story perspectives

Poll: 30% Black Adults Fly Flag; HOA Bans Challenged

6/30/2026

Left

San Marcos Homeowners Sue

A new AP-NORC poll finds three-in-ten Black adults fly the U.S. flag, versus about half of white and Hispanic adults.
Two San Marcos homeowners are suing their homeowners’ association over a rule that bans residential U.S. flag displays.
Detroit resident Jerry Esters flies three flags to honor his enslaved great-great-grandmother’s struggle for freedom.
Seventy-nine-year-old Yvonne Pistochini says flag symbolizes exclusion, 47% view it unifying and 16% divisive.

Right

Cookes Sue HOA

The Ambiance Owners Association in San Marcos issued violation notices to residents for displaying U.S. flags on their homes.
Amy Cooke, Christopher Cooke and neighbor Terri Collins are challenging the HOA’s residential flag ban in San Marcos.
The Cookes say flag has hung for 20 years honoring a WWII Navy Cross hero.
They launched a fundraiser, noting Center for American Liberty’s claim California law permits flag displays.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Texas v. Johnson (1989) — authored by Justice Brennan and opposed by Chief Justice Rehnquist — struck down state bans on flag burning, Congress quickly enacted the Flag Protection Act of 1989, which the Court invalidated in United States v. Eichman (1990). Today, San Marcos homeowners challenge HOA flag-display bans using that precedent.

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San Marcos Homeowners Sue

A new AP-NORC poll finds three-in-ten Black adults fly the U.S. flag, versus about half of white and Hispanic adults.
Two San Marcos homeowners are suing their homeowners’ association over a rule that bans residential U.S. flag displays.
Detroit resident Jerry Esters flies three flags to honor his enslaved great-great-grandmother’s struggle for freedom.
Seventy-nine-year-old Yvonne Pistochini says flag symbolizes exclusion, 47% view it unifying and 16% divisive.

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