The Soledad City Council made significant strides in promoting inclusivity during their regular meeting on May 15, 2024, by approving the flying of both the Pride flag and the POW/MIA flag. The council unanimously passed resolutions to ensure these flags are displayed prominently, reflecting the city’s commitment to recognizing diverse communities and honoring veterans.

Council Member Fernando Anzalgo Sanchez led the discussion, advocating for a change in the flag policy to allow the flags to be flown in perpetuity, eliminating the need for annual approvals. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the alarming statistics surrounding violence against transgender individuals. “This is important to not only myself but to a lot of members of our community,” he stated, underscoring the need for visibility and support.

The council engaged in a thorough discussion about the existing flag policy, which currently requires annual consideration for ceremonial flags. Mayor Anna Velasquez and other council members expressed support for the proposed changes, aiming to streamline the process and ensure that both flags can be flown without repeated approvals.

In a roll call vote, all council members supported the resolutions, marking a pivotal moment for Soledad as it aligns with broader movements for equality and remembrance. The council plans to revisit the flag policy in future meetings to potentially solidify the changes discussed, ensuring that the city remains a welcoming space for all its residents.