Exclusive | Small town war over American patriotism turns vicious as texting scandal emerges

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 anot...