City Files Complaint Over Merchant’s Flag Painted on Storefront

A local merchant who has been targeted for two years by the City Council for painting a large U.S. flag on his storefront is now being taken to court by the city, which wants the symbol removed.

The city has filed a criminal complaint against James T. LaFave, owner of Galaxy Sports Inc., for “continuing violations” of the city’s code.

According to the complaint, the city will request a warrant for LaFave’s arrest if he fails to appear for arraignment in Municipal Court on May 1.

The city wants the painting removed because officials feel it is out of character with the community.

In July 1993, LaFave painted a 40-by-8-foot rendition of the stars and stripes on a wooden awning above his sporting goods store to commemorate the Fourth of July. He decided to leave it up after business increased.

The issue came before the council the following April, after the city’s Design Review Board ordered LaFave to erase the painting.

When LaFave appealed the decision to the council, members gave him a one-year reprieve to find an alternative to keeping the flag on the awning.

It has now been two years, during which LaFave has bounced back and forth between the Design Review Board and the council, but LaFave said he still has no plans to destroy the painting.

“I see this red, white and blue paint job as a symbol of freedom for the Laguna Beach business people who have survived tough economic times . . . in a city that has kept strict ordinances which do not promote their success,” LaFave said.

“Every shred of originality is being wiped out in this town.”

City Atty. Philip Kohn did not return phone calls seeking comment.