Local News in Brief : Flag Man Flying High After Ruling
A judge Monday dismissed charges against the Long Beach man who was accused of violating the city’s noise ordinance by flying a giant American flag that flapped too loudly in a stiff breeze.
Long Beach Municipal Court Judge Bradford L. Andrews ruled that the city’s complaint against Thomas (Ski) Demski was defective because it was signed by a secretary instead of the city inspector who investigated the flag flapping, which drew complaints from some neighbors.
Demski, an unsuccessfully candidate for mayor who campaigned with a parrot on his shoulder, celebrated his court victory by sending his 47 by 82 foot American flag up the 132-foot pole in front of his downtown Long Beach home.
“I feel great. The flag is flying right now,” he declared.
Demski had faced seven charges carrying a maximum penalty of more than three years in jail and $8,000 in fines.
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