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Committee reserves $80,000 for Riverbend flag memorial as members debate flag etiquette
Summary
The SPF steering committee set aside $80,000 for a proposed Native Sons flag memorial at Riverbend Park but asked the applicant to return with park‑district approval and any scope changes; members debated whether a California 'bear' flag should share a pole with the U.S. flag and the appropriate configuration.
The city’s SPF steering committee voted to reserve $80,000 for a proposed flag memorial in Riverbend Park after hearing staff describe an application from the Native Sons of the Golden West. The committee’s action preserves funds while the applicant seeks final approval from the Feather River Recreation and Park District board and refines the project scope.
The staff summary said the Native Sons planned to install a California Republic ('bear') flag pole visible from Highway 70 and that the group intended to name the location the “Congressman Doug LaMalfa Memorial Freedom Flag Pole.” Committee members raised protocol questions about whether the California flag could be on the same pole as the American flag and about the visual prominence given to the U.S. flag. Staff reiterated that federal flag etiquette requires the U.S. flag to fly above state flags on the same pole, and the park district indicated the project already had preliminary district support but would need final board approval for installation specifics.
Brian, speaking for the Native Sons during the meeting, said the group could present an amended scope to their board and bring back any requested changes. “I’m more than happy to bring it up under new business this evening,” he told the committee. Committee members agreed the project had community appeal but wanted the park district’s formal sign‑off before the committee converted the reservation into an award.
The steering committee’s reservation is a hold on funds rather than an award. Staff described procedural options: the committee can (1) approve the application as submitted, (2) approve a modified amount, (3) decline, or (4) set aside funds pending clarified scope and approval. The committee chose the fourth option.
Next steps: the Native Sons will present scope changes to their board and return to the SPF steering committee (a special meeting was discussed) with a finalized design, a confirmed installation plan satisfying flag‑etiquette concerns, and updated costs. The committee also signaled it would consider moving any leftover Riverbend allocation into the historic downtown pool if applicants withdraw or projects are undersubscribed.
