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Oakland, California (U.S.)

Alameda County

2:3 image(s) by permission of David B. Martucci
image(s) from American City Flags, Raven 9-10 (2002-2003), courtesy of the North American Vexillological Association, which retains copyright.

Current Flag
The seal

See also:

Colleges and universities:
Alameda County
Municipal flags of California (index page)
California
United States of America

Current Flag

Text and image(s) from American City Flags, Raven 9-10 (2002-2003), courtesy of the North American Vexillological Association, which retains copyright. Image(s) from American City Flags by permission of David B. Martucci.

Design

Oakland’s flag has a canary yellow field, with a green oak tree (including the trunk), wider than it is tall, centered on the middle third of the field. Above the tree, a shallow arch of green block letters proclaims OAKLAND. Centered below the tree and its patch of green ground is 1852 in green.
Richard Monahan, American City Flags, Raven 9-10, 2002-2003

Symbolism

The oak tree likely recalls the city’s name. Green probably represents growth while the yellow refers to the riches of the city and region.
Richard Monahan, American City Flags, Raven 9-10, 2002-2003

Selection

Spurred by the city’s approaching centennial, the flag was adopted after a design contest called for by Councilman William H. D. Clausen and approved by Mayor Clifford E. Rishell. The top prize of $200 was awarded by a jury of representatives of the art departments of the University of California, Mills College, and the California College of Arts and Crafts, chaired by Eric Stearns.
Flag adopted: April 1952 (official status uncertain).
Richard Monahan, American City Flags, Raven 9-10, 2002-2003

Oakland, California (U.S.)

Alameda County

Current Flag

Design

Symbolism

Selection

Designer

More about the Flag

The seal