I would like to respond to the recent letter, “Poor choice in Buellton,” which stated the Buellton Chamber of Commerce chose not to fly the flags at half-mast for a local fallen CHP officer.

Unfortunately, this is incorrect, as the Chamber of Commerce has nothing to do with the raising or lowering of the flags.

The city of Buellton may only lower the flags to half-mast when instructed to do so by either the governor of California, or the president of the United States.

Lowering of the flags is not a decision the city officials may take upon themselves, since there is a protocol they must follow.

I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Officer Jarrod Martinez, and let them know we are saddened for their loss.

Kathy Vreeland

Executive director

Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau