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Early Saturday morning, a person armed with a knife slashed by the Delight flag that hung exterior a pair’s Anaheim dwelling, unleashing a slur meant to demean the LGBTQ+ neighborhood within the course of.
The motion, which focused the house of Jake Nolan and his companion, Jon, was meant to ship a message of hate and intolerance. The neighborhood despatched again a message of help and inclusion.
“We’re not going to tolerate hate,” mentioned Elia Renteria-Garcia, who has lived within the historic neighborhood often called the Colony for almost seven years.
When Nolan, 35, observed that the flag he had put up just a few days earlier was now not flying, he thought the wind might need knocked it down. However when he examined the flag, it appeared as if somebody had tried to chop it. He reviewed footage from his doorbell digital camera and noticed one thing he’d by no means skilled whereas dwelling in California.
The footage exhibits two darkened figures strolling alongside Water Road close to his dwelling on Dickel Road about 2 a.m. One of many males makes a beeline for the flag, whipping out a knife as he steps onto the yard. He drags the knife by the middle of the flag, utilizing sufficient drive to tear the pole off the home, the video exhibits.
The person, who has not been recognized, mutters a pejorative time period for a homosexual man as he walks away. Although it’s troublesome to listen to within the footage, the person seems to say “not in my neighborhood” as he continues down the road, Nolan mentioned.
Nolan mentioned he was disenchanted by the conduct however brushed it off and rapidly purchased a brand new flag.
“We’re not going to let this get us down,” he mentioned.
An Anaheim Police Division spokesperson confirmed that the company acquired a report concerning the vandalism and is investigating. No suspects have been recognized.
The incident is likely one of the newest examples of vandalism in opposition to Delight symbols throughout the nation throughout a month meant to rejoice the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Orange County particularly has had points with the image in recent times.
Final 12 months, a majority of the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to ban flying the Delight flag on county property, calling it “divisive.” The vote adopted an identical one in Huntington Seaside that reversed a previous coverage to fly the rainbow banner throughout Delight month. Final June, a teenage boy in Huntington Seaside was arrested for allegedly ripping down a Delight flag.
In 2022, residents of Laguna Seaside had been angered when rainbow flags had been stolen from companies throughout Delight month.
A report launched final 12 months by the O.C. Human Relations Fee famous a 126% enhance in anti-LGBTQ+ exercise in 2022 from the earlier 12 months. Vandalism was the commonest offense reported.
When Nolan moved to the historic district six years in the past, he was advised the neighborhood was extra than simply quaint Victorian and Craftsman properties. It’s a spot of neighborhood, he mentioned. The neighbors collect for pumpkin carving every Halloween, pancake breakfasts, Fourth of July potlucks and neighborhood cleanups. When a neighbor not too long ago fell ailing, residents helped out by taking turns strolling his canine.
The day he found the broken flag, Nolan posted the surveillance video to the neighborhood Fb group, writing, “properly…that occurred. Final night time round 2 somebody ripped our Delight flag and pole off the home. Lesson right here, hold a backup.”
Renteria-Garcia, 45, noticed Nolan’s publish and responded by ordering 10 Delight flags, which she supplied to neighbors to fly at their properties in a present of help. One after the other, neighbors knocked on her door in search of the rainbow banners. She has two left, she mentioned Monday, and plans to order extra.
“We wish folks to know the intent that was behind that — it’s not OK,” she mentioned of the vandalism. “We’d like to ensure those that come by right here know that this isn’t one thing we’re going to tolerate.”
By Monday afternoon, the banners — some bearing the phrase “Everyone seems to be welcome right here” — had been flying at a number of properties alongside Dickel Road. A brand-new rainbow flag whipped within the afternoon breeze exterior Nolan’s dwelling.
The flag is greater than a celebration of who he’s. He described it as an emblem for everybody who could be struggling to indicate who they’re.
“I keep in mind what it was wish to not be snug displaying who I’m,” he mentioned. “Having the flag up is a option to let folks know you may be who you’re. You may present it.”
He added, “This received’t deter us.”
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