SOUTH GATE : Theft of Old Glory Raises Red Flag
Treason has been on the mind of City Clerk Nina Banuelos ever since the city’s treasured American flag was stolen from City Council chambers last month.
“What kind of a person would steal a flag?” she asked.
According to Banuelos, the 6-by-4-foot Stars and Stripes and its 10-foot pole were stolen from behind the mayor’s chair between Aug. 9 and 11.
“This could be considered treason, depending on who took it and what they did with it,” Banuelos said.
The flagpole’s maplewood stand, valued at $35, was also taken, according to the police report.
The flag, which has been in the city’s possession for more than 20 years, was valued at $250. The pole was valued at $15. The state flag, which stood alongside Old Glory, was left untouched.
The city clerk’s office has established a voice-mail hot line: (213) 563-9596.
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