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Council directs renaming of Pride flag ceremony in memory of Matthew Shepard and moves annual event to first Saturday in June
Summary
The San Fernando City Council directed staff to rename the city’s annual Pride flag-raising ceremony in memory of Matthew Shepard and to hold the public event on the first Saturday in June at 10:30 a.m.
The City Council directed staff to rename the annual flag-raising observance in memory of Matthew Shepard and to hold the public ceremony on the first Saturday in June at 10:30 a.m.
Councilmember Joel Fajardo said naming the event in Shepard’s memory would underscore the city’s commitment to safety and equality; he summarized Shepard’s killing and said the story remains a poignant reminder of the work the community must do. Fajardo asked whether the ceremony should be observed on June 1 or moved to a Saturday to increase attendance; he recommended the first Saturday of June.
Several council members expressed support for renaming the ceremony and moving it to a weekend time for easier public attendance. The mayor and council agreed to the first Saturday in June at 10:30 a.m. and asked staff to consult the Matthew Shepard Foundation about name usage and any preferences. Council also clarified that the flag itself may be raised on June 1 while the public ceremony would take place the first Saturday to broaden access.
Council did not take a roll-call vote; the mayor called for consensus and said, “seeing no dissent, we will move forward with that direction.” Staff will make the scheduling change and coordinate with community groups on the new name and ceremony time.
