A patriotic California couple locked in a bitter fight with their homeowners association over flying the American flag say they were falsely singled out by a board member’s husband who accused them of “doxxing” his wife.
Chris and Amy Cooke have been battling the Ambiance Owner’s Association in San Marcos, in San Diego County, after the HOA threatened to slap them with $100 fines last week unless they removed their flag displayed outside their home.
The flag controversy took another dramatic turn during the HOA’s monthly meeting Tuesday, when the husband of one of the board members addressed the room with a startling accusation.
“Since my wife is getting doxxed, I’d like to talk about extra security for my wife, we’re getting death threats,” he said, according to Chris.
The Cookes say it was clear the remarks were aimed at them.
“He was accusing us of giving out their personal information,” Amy told The California Post.
But the couple flatly denies having anything to do with it, insisting they never shared the names of any board members and would never post personal information online.
“We have not given out those names. If you are being doxxed I’m very sorry. We have not done any such thing,” Chris says he told the board members.
Soon afterwards a flurry of texts came into Chris’ phone from the board member.
“Don’t bother replying, I’m blocking you” he said it read, followed by numerous screen shots of threats made towards board members.
“We are peaceful people that do not condone threats, or doxxing of any type,” Chris told The Post.
Earlier that day, the Cookes sat down for a one-on-one hearing with the HOA board, hoping to finally settle the Old Glory dispute ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Instead, the board punted on the issue, placing it on hold for another 60 days while it conducts a new community survey before deciding how to proceed, according to Amy.
“The Board has now decided to table the issue for another 60 days? I believe they are hoping public attention fades instead of addressing the legal questions that have been raised,” she said.
The Cooke’s claim the HOA has been on a rampage since President Donald Trump was reelected in 2024, harassing them for flying the banner on the quiet street where houses average just under $1 million.
In an astonishing letter sent before the 2024 election, the HOA board argued the flag represented a “political or affiliative view” which will “degrade the common area.”
“The American Flag is a symbol of freedom, we know where their brain is at,” Amy said.
The couple said they were furious and willing to suffer the consequences, but noted others in the area had buckled under the pressure from Ambiance Owners’ Association and removed them.
Only the Cooke’s and neighbor Terri Collins flags remain.
The couple is planning on hiring a lawyer, and have launched a GoFundMe that has already raised nearly $3,000 to help cover the legal fight.
They may have a strong case, according to California State Representative Carl DeMaio, who represents the neighboring 75th District and blasted the HOA’s actions.
“It’s against the law, the board is reckless with finances and should be held responsible. It’s political, and they are rabidly partisan. It’s absurd,” DeMaio said.
The Cookes have flown the US Flag in front of their home for 20 years, with Chris revealing it was in honor of his grandfather Alexander Christie who died in The Second World War.
The sailor was awarded a Purple Heart and Navy Cross for his bravery. “We just want to fly our flag peacefully,” Chris said.
