Laguna Beach votes to keep flag on police cars

The flag will continue to wave on police cars in Laguna Beach.

The Laguna Beach City Council voted last night to retain a new logo for its 11 police vehicles that uses stars and stripes running through the word "police" on the doors.

Some in the small, artsy coastal community thought the flashy red, white and blue decal was too aggressive and flashy while others were surprised that anyone would object to the American flag.

The council considered whether to keep the design or choose another.

Virtually everyone in the crowded council chamber raised their hand when asked if they supported the design and at one point the crowd sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Before the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow told the Los Angeles Times the council was simply facing "a very narrow decision" about the brightness of the colors, but that the issue had devolved into a broader national conversation about patriotism.

He said he has received hundreds of emails from people around the country, mostly in support of keeping the flag designs on the car.