In a decisive City Council vote on Tuesday evening, it has been agreed that the Pride flag will fly at Stockton City Hall for a week starting from Wednesday.
The motion narrowly passed with a 4-3 vote, with Mayor Kevin Lincoln and Council Members Michele Padilla and Michael Blower dissenting.
Residents, including 15-year-old Amelia Patnaud, turned up to the council meeting in Pride colors to show their support for the resolution. "It's a huge win," declared an elated Camille Zapata, former chief of staff for Supervisor Kathy Miller, following the vote announcement.
Over 30 individuals addressed the council meeting, advocating for the flag's display. Despite a few concerns voiced over potential future requests for different community flags, the majority overwhelmingly supported the Pride flag raising.
Council Member Dan Wright equated the pride he feels raising the Pride flag to that experienced when raising armed forces flags. Vice Mayor Kimberly Warmsley emphasized the city's commitment to embracing diversity and culture.
Ahead of the meeting, the San Joaquin Pride Center organized a rally on the steps of City Hall, led by community organizer and Stanford University student David Sengthay. Sengthay explained the action as a demonstration of their presence and a demand for recognition, emphasizing the need for acceptance and love from the city.
The Pride flag will be hoisted at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday at Stockton City Hall, a poignant moment for the city's LGBTQ+ community.