Residents clashed during an Orange County Fair and Event Center board meeting Feb. 25 over a gay pride flag hanging at the fairgrounds. The flag at the center of the controversy has been on display since May 23, 2019, when the board approved a resolution to hang it as a symbol of inclusiveness. As some condemned the symbolic gesture, others staunchly defended the flag. Chairwoman Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia said called the Pride flag “the unifying symbol of inclusion.” “[The Pride flag’s presence] ensured all people, regardless of race, creed sexual orientation or gender felt represented and welcomed at the fair,” Rubalcava-Garcia said. “During public comment at one of our board meetings, several people spoke against the flag. Their words were negative, cutting, and hurtful … In my eyes, that’s not okay. All of the comments related to the removal of the flag have helped to reaffirm for me at least, that …