A patriotic California couple locked in a bitter struggle with their householders affiliation over flying the American flag say they have been falsely singled out by a board member’s husband who accused them of “doxxing” his spouse.
Chris and Amy Cooke have been battling the Ambiance Proprietor’s Affiliation in San Marcos, in San Diego County, after the HOA threatened to slap them with $100 fines final week until they eliminated their flag displayed outdoors their dwelling.
The flag controversy took one other dramatic flip through the HOA’s month-to-month assembly Tuesday, when the husband of one of many board members addressed the room with a startling accusation.
“Since my spouse is getting doxxed, I’d like to speak about additional safety for my spouse, we’re getting dying threats,” he stated, in accordance with Chris.
The Cookes say it was clear the remarks have been geared toward them.
“He was accusing us of giving out their private info,” Amy advised The California Publish.
However the couple flatly denies having something to do with it, insisting they by no means shared the names of any board members and would by no means publish private info on-line.
“We’ve got not given out these names. If you’re being doxxed I’m very sorry. We’ve got not accomplished any such factor,” Chris says he advised the board members.
Quickly afterwards a flurry of texts got here into Chris’ cellphone from the board member.
“Don’t hassle replying, I’m blocking you” he stated it learn, adopted by quite a few display screen photographs of threats made in direction of board members.
“We’re peaceable individuals that don’t condone threats, or doxxing of any sort,” Chris advised The Publish.
Earlier that day, the Cookes sat down for a one-on-one listening to with the HOA board, hoping to lastly settle the Previous Glory dispute forward of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
As a substitute, the board punted on the problem, putting it on maintain for one more 60 days whereas it conducts a brand new neighborhood survey earlier than deciding easy methods to proceed, in accordance with Amy.
“The Board has now determined to desk the problem for one more 60 days? I imagine they’re hoping public consideration fades as a substitute of addressing the authorized questions which were raised,” she stated.
The Cooke’s declare the HOA has been on a rampage since President Donald Trump was reelected in 2024, harassing them for flying the banner on the quiet avenue the place homes common just below $1 million.
In an astonishing letter despatched earlier than the 2024 election, the HOA board argued the flag represented a “political or affiliative view” which is able to “degrade the widespread space.”
“The American Flag is an emblem of freedom, we all know the place their mind is at,” Amy stated.
The couple stated they have been livid and keen to undergo the results, however famous others within the space had buckled underneath the strain from Ambiance House owners’ Affiliation and eliminated them.
Solely the Cooke’s and neighbor Terri Collins flags stay.
The couple is planning on hiring a lawyer, and have launched a GoFundMe that has already raised practically $3,000 to assist cowl the authorized struggle.
They could have a robust case, in accordance with California State Consultant Carl DeMaio, who represents the neighboring seventy fifth District and blasted the HOA’s actions.
“It’s in opposition to the legislation, the board is reckless with funds and must be held accountable. It’s political, and they’re rabidly partisan. It’s absurd,” DeMaio stated.
The Cookes have flown the US Flag in entrance of their dwelling for 20 years, with Chris revealing it was in honor of his grandfather Alexander Christie who died in The Second World Warfare.
The sailor was awarded a Purple Coronary heart and Navy Cross for his bravery. “We simply need to fly our flag peacefully,” Chris stated.
