SAN MARCOS, Calif., June 30 (Escondido Times) — A Southern California homeowners association has ordered residents in an Escondido townhome community to take down American flags mounted outside their homes, warning of enforcement action and a possible $100 fine if they do not comply.
Documents reviewed by Fox News Digital and 10News show the Ambiance Owners Association issued violation notices to Amy and Christopher Cooke and to neighbor Terri Collins over flags displayed outside their homes. 10News reported the board said the flags were installed on common-area fascia and that “flags, signs or banners within and on common areas and/or extending out and into common areas are prohibited.”
Fox News Digital reported the dispute has been going on for at least three years. In a May 2023 notice reviewed by the outlet, the association told one homeowner that sports flags were barred and that “the American flag is the only approved flag to be hung on and within common property.”
Amy Cooke told Fox News Digital the conflict began after another resident tried to fly a San Diego Padres flag, prompting the board to revisit its rules. She said the HOA has not explained why her garage door frame is treated as common area rather than exclusive-use common area under the governing documents.
By May 2026, the HOA had told the Cookes to remove the flag mount within 15 days or face enforcement action, according to the documents reviewed by Fox News Digital. 10News reported the couple also faced a pending $100 fine and were ordered to attend a board hearing on June 30.
Courtney Corbello, a lawyer with the Center for American Liberty, told Fox News Digital that California law allows homeowners associations to set reasonable rules for the manner, placement or safety of flag displays but not to prohibit homeowners from flying the American flag on their own property. David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, told 10News that HOAs may impose reasonable limits on size and placement but cannot ban flags outright on private property.
Amy Cooke told Fox News Digital, “Having to defend our freedom to display the symbol of freedom is something I never thought I’d experience in America.”
The Cookes were scheduled to appear before the board on June 30, 10News reported.
