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Newport Beach Accused Of Being Party-Pooper On This 4th

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Some people living on Newport Beach's Balboa Island said they are determined to celebrate this 4th of July and the island's 100th anniversary the way they always have, despite one objection by the city.

Every July, residents on some streets string small plastic triangular red, white and blue flags between their houses to celebrate Independence day.

Nancy Kelleher said this is the third year she's hung the patriotic banners. But this year, a neighbor complained. And It turned out hanging banners or flags over streets between houses violates the city's codes.

"We got the letter Monday, and they told us our deadline was yesterday. There are bigger problems in the world than putting American banners across the street," Kelleher said.

"Everything that's going on right now in the world, I think we need patriotic spirit. So, to take it down seems a little unjust and unfair to me," tourist Madison Ivy said.

Neighbors planned to keep up the flags until Labor Day. But Barbara Baumbartner is worried about breaking the law.

"We don't want to get in trouble," she said. "We just want to have fun. We want to show the spirit of the island."

Kelleher said if it's between a fine or flags on the 4th, she will take the fine.

But will the city actually crack down?

Even Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff thinks the law is ridiculous. "I think it's a silly law. I'm really not supposed to ignore the law. So in this case, I'm saying let's get through the 4th of July. Have a good 4th of July. Let's talk about changing the law for the future."

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