If you stepped outside this morning and noticed the Stars and Stripes hanging a bit lower than usual, you aren't imagining things. It’s a somber sight that always makes people stop and pull out their phones to check the news. Honestly, seeing a flag at half-staff—or half-mast, if you’re a stickler for maritime lingo—usually means the state is grieving.
Today, January 17, 2026, the flags across California are lowered to honor the memory of U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa.
The long-serving Republican congressman from Northern California passed away recently, and Governor Gavin Newsom issued a formal proclamation to lower flags at all state buildings and facilities in his honor. It’s a tradition that transcends the usual partisan bickering we see in Sacramento and D.C. When a sitting representative who has spent over a decade serving the state passes, the protocol is pretty clear-cut.
Who was Doug LaMalfa?
Basically, LaMalfa was a staple of California politics for years. Before he ever headed to Washington, he was a rice farmer from Richvale. He brought that "dirt-under-the-fingernails" perspective to the State Assembly and then the State Senate before being elected to Congress in 2012. He represented the 1st District, which covers a massive, rugged portion of the state including places like Redding and Chico.
You’ve probably seen him in the news over the years advocating for water rights or wildfire prevention—issues that are literally life or death for people in the North State. His death marks the end of an era for the 1st District, and the half-staff flags are the state's way of saying "thank you" for those years of service.
The protocol of the lowered flag
You might be wondering why some flags are up and others are down. It can be confusing. Here is how it usually works:
- The Governor's Call: The Governor of California has the authority to order state flags to half-staff to honor deceased state officials or local heroes.
- The President's Call: If it’s a national figure, the President issues a proclamation that applies to the whole country.
- The Timeline: For a sitting member of Congress, the flag is typically flown at half-staff on the day of their death and sometimes remains lowered until interment, depending on the specific wording of the proclamation.
Recent events and the "Day of Remembrance"
It is also worth noting that California has had a very heavy January. Just about ten days ago, on January 7th, flags were also lowered for a different, very painful reason. Governor Newsom declared that day a "Day of Remembrance" for the victims of the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
Those fires—specifically the Eaton and Palisades blazes—were among the most destructive in California’s history. They claimed 31 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades. While today’s lowering is specifically for Representative LaMalfa, the sight of the flag at half-staff has become a frequent reminder of the state's recent trials.
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Why is the flag at half mast in California today specifically?
The specific reason for today, January 17, 2026, is the mourning period for Rep. LaMalfa. When a high-ranking official like a Congressman passes, the state follows a set of traditional honors. This isn't just about politics; it's about the office they held.
If you are a business owner or a homeowner with a flagpole, you aren't legally required to lower your flag unless you're a government entity, but most people do it as a sign of respect. It’s a quiet way of acknowledging that someone who spent their life in public service is gone.
Common questions about flag status
Does the flag go down for everyone?
No, not exactly. There are very specific rules under the U.S. Flag Code. It’s usually reserved for the death of a President, former President, Vice President, Chief Justice, or members of Congress. Governors also get this honor.
What if I see a flag at half-staff but there's no news?
Sometimes, local mayors will order flags lowered for a local hero—like a fallen police officer or a firefighter—within a specific city or county. If you don't see anything on the state-wide news, check your local city hall's social media.
How do I properly lower the flag?
This is a detail most people miss: you’re supposed to hoist the flag to the very top (the peak) for an instant before lowering it to the half-staff position. Same goes for taking it down at the end of the day—bring it to the top first, then lower it all the way.
What’s next for the 1st District?
With the passing of Representative LaMalfa, things are going to get a bit busy in the political world. Governor Newsom has already moved toward declaring a special election to fill the vacancy. This is a huge deal because the 1st District is a massive part of California's geography, and those residents need a voice in D.C., especially with the 2026 midterms looming.
For now, though, the focus is on the memorial services. If you’re driving past a post office or a school today, just know that the lowered flag is a small gesture for a man who spent a huge chunk of his life representing the people of the North State.
Actionable steps for residents
- Check official sources: If you're ever unsure about why the flag is down, the California Governor’s official website posts every single proclamation. It’s the most reliable way to stay informed.
- Observe the protocol: If you fly a flag at home and wish to join the state in mourning, ensure you follow the "peak-then-lower" rule to show proper respect.
- Stay updated on special elections: If you live in the 1st Congressional District, keep an eye out for voter registration deadlines for the upcoming special election to choose LaMalfa's successor.
The sight of a lowered flag is always a prompt to reflect. Whether it’s for a politician who served for decades or the victims of a natural disaster, it’s one of the few traditions we have left that forces us to pause for a second and acknowledge our shared history.
To stay updated on flag status changes in real-time, you can sign up for email alerts through the California Department of General Services or follow the Governor's press office on social media platforms.