Gay pride banners cause flap in San Francisco

[davidinalameda]

The future of rainbow gay pride flags that have flown for years along the main stretch of San Francisco's Castro District has come under threat as they bump against another city icon: lampposts with early 20th century origins.

A neighborhood association near the heart of the city's gay and lesbian community contends the flags were illegally hung on the metal lamp posts. City law only allows temporary banners on the posts, which were designated city landmarks in 1991, out of concerns the fasteners used to attach them could rust and mar their beauty.

The Mission Delores Neighborhood Association said the banners simply don't belong on the posts permanently.

"We completely support the diversity in the area," the association said in a statement Friday to The Associated Press. "This is about preserving a city landmark from permanent signage."

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16898257?nclick_check=1

so lampposts are landmarks? how freaking stupid!

[MrModerate]

1. Disagree. Many elements of historic urban architecture can and often should be preserved . . .

And much of San Francisco's charm comes from its physical settings. I'm with the neighborhood association.

[GrantDem]

2. I agree...

As long as it's not just the gay pride banners that are causing the rust.

[mitchtv]

3. I would support the neighborhood assoc.

those lamposts are a treasure

[TheWraith]

4. So replace the fasteners with plastic ones that won't rust.

I'm constantly baffled by how major cities end up getting run by people who are bereft of leadership skills.