Patriotic Police Cars to Remain in Laguna Beach After Vote

Some controversies are so silly that the entire nation sits up and takes notice.

Such is the case in Laguna Beach, California this week, where a new design for local police cars became a lightning rod for political arguments.

The vehicles, which were newly emblazoned with an Old Glory-inspired graphic, enflamed those in the area who are not particularly proud of America at the moment.

We are excited to announce this is our official…Official Police Car. ? #lagunabeach #police pic.twitter.com/SCHzaw6Mn0

— Laguna Beach Police (@LagunaBeachPD) April 17, 2019

The backlash was bizarre, to say the least, and Laguna Beach PD was stunned by it.

Some in the small community thought the flashy red, white and blue decal was too aggressive and flashy while others were surprised that anyone would object to the American flag. The council considered whether to keep the design or choose another.

Before the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow told the Los Angeles Times the council was simply facing “a very narrow decision” about the brightness of the colors, but that the issue had devolved into a broader national conversation about patriotism.

He said he has received hundreds of emails from people around the country, mostly in support of keeping the flag designs on the car.

The council voted to keep the design after the public outcry.