By Jim Duran –
If you’ve driven down Main Street, walked along the Promenade, or visited the pier during the summer months, you’ve likely seen them- rows of American flags lining our city.
For many, they’re a familiar sight. But for Ventura, they represent something deeper; They represent a legacy. This tradition goes back generations. In the 1930s, Patrick Monahan made it a priority to ensure American flags were displayed at polling stations throughout Ventura County. That example shaped his son, Jim Monahan, who later carried that same commitment into our city.
Years ago, when the flags stopped appearing, it didn’t sit right with him – or with many in our community. He stepped in, took action and brought the tradition back. For decades, he faithfully made sure Ventura showed its pride.
In 2023, he passed the baton to me. As a Ventura City Councilmember representing District 6, I’ve had the privilege of helping coordinate this effort alongside an incredible group of volunteers who make this happen year after year.
And that’s the part I want our community to see clearly: This is not a city program – it’s a community effort.
The Ventura American Flag Program is a volunteer-driven community effort dedicated to displaying American flags throughout the city during key patriotic seasons. Supported by local organizations, businesses, and residents, the program reflects Ventura’s commitment to honoring the nation, its service members, and shared civic pride.
For decades, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has led the charge, installing flags in the middle of the night so that by morning, our city is transformed. Today, that work continues through leaders like Erik Estrada, Evan Marrufo, and Omar Almaguer.
But the impact stretches far beyond one group.
- Ken Cozzens and the Ventura Lions Club care for the Promenade.
- Dan Roundtree takes responsibility for Seaward Avenue.
- Pete Freeman and the Westside Community Council maintain Ventura Avenue.
- The pier community ensures the flags proudly line the pier.
- And behind the scenes, Mary Joyce Ivers from Ventura Public Works works closely with me to help coordinate it all.
This is Ventura at its best – people stepping up, not because they have to, but because they care. But traditions like this don’t continue on their own.
Right now, we are in need of replacing approximately 60 flags and several wooden poles along Main Street and Poli Street. Over time, the elements take their toll – but that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. It’s simply an opportunity. An opportunity for the next person, the next family, the next business to step in and say, “I’ll carry this forward.” This tradition has been passed down – from a father to a son, to a community.
Now it’s our turn. Ventura has always been a city that shows up. Let’s continue to be that kind of city.
Each Made in America flag costs $25.
If you’ve ever appreciated what these flags represent…
If you’ve ever felt a sense of pride driving through our city…
If you believe in honoring those who have served and sacrificed…
…then I would simply ask you to consider sponsoring a flag. You can do so by visiting www.therivercommunity.org.
