Pride flags unfurled

The rainbow flags along Market Street, a June tradition in San Francisco, starting flying last weekend, signaling the start of Pride Month. The flags were a few days late this year, due to mechanical problems with the boom truck used to install them, said Lindsey Jones, executive director of the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee. Jones noted that the Pride Committee now pays between $8,000 and $9,000 for the permits and costs associated with raising the flags, which was a request made by the Rainbow Colors Committee that had previously coordinated the effort. Clyde Wildes originated the concept of rainbow flags lining Market Street 13 years ago, Jones said, and continues to raise money for flag replacement and repair through house parties and readies the flags for their June display.