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San Ramon Council agrees to split display: America 250 and Disability Pride flags both to be shown
Summary
After public comment and policy discussion, the council voted 5–0 to display the America 250 commemorative flag and the Disability Pride flag during July by splitting time on the commemorative pole and showing both on the city marquee; clerk will implement an operational schedule to avoid simultaneous display on the same pole.
San Ramon — After public comment and a policy review on May 12, the San Ramon City Council unanimously approved a compromise to display both an America 250 commemorative flag and a Disability Pride flag in July 2026.
City Clerk Jones National introduced two resolutions: one to fly the Disability Pride flag in July and one to display the America 250 commemorative flag on the city’s commemorative flag pole and marquee. Several residents spoke in favor of flying both flags, arguing they are complementary expressions of inclusion and civic pride.
Catherine Grace urged the council to prioritize the Disability Pride flag if only one could be flown, saying it recognizes "the tremendous courage and the contributions that people with disabilities" bring to the community. Sue Bach and Larry Bridal said both flags can coexist and asked the council to allow both to fly in July.
Council members and staff discussed the city’s current flag policy, which reserves the main city‑hall pole for government flags and uses a dedicated commemorative pole for non‑standard flags. City Attorney (speaker 18) advised that the council should make a policy‑based finding if it wanted to depart from the written policy; rather than change policy at the meeting, members sought an operational solution.
Mayor Armstrong proposed — and the council agreed — to display the America 250 flag during the first half of July on the commemorative pole and the Disability Pride flag for the second half (or to run a 31‑day display that rolls into August to provide full display time). Both flags will appear on the city marquee throughout July, and staff will publish schedules and social posts explaining the displays.
Vice Mayor Rubio, who requested the Disability Pride flag, said the compromise preserves the significance of the America 250 commemoration while making an explicit gesture of inclusion to residents with disabilities. City Clerk confirmed the amended resolution dates and staff implemented the schedule operationally; the resolutions passed 5–0.
Ending: The council approved both resolutions with amended dates and directed staff to handle the operational schedule for the commemorative pole and marquee. The matter of amending the formal flag policy was noted for future consideration by the policy committee.
