Two unlikely entrepreneurs, a community college chancellor and a public radio host, have created a new flag for San Diego
Constance Carroll and Martha Barnette founded San Diego Republic and joined forces to produce T-shirts and other products that feature a panda in place of the California flag’s famous stalking grizzly.
Carroll, who is chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, designed and drew the logo, which is a take-off on the California flag using a more “coastal” color palette.
“This logo ties a number of themes together, highlighting San Diego as an important city in California, in a manner that both tourists and residents might appreciate,” said Carroll.
“Just as important, the star of the logo is the panda. Pandas are extremely important and well-known residents of the San Diego Zoo that are becoming quite popular as a San Diego image,” said Barnette, who is co-host of “A Way With Words,” which is produced in San Diego and broadcast in over 250 cities.
The T-shirts are available at the Simply Local store in Seaport Village, and online at SanDiegoRepublic.com.
The pair is working on a small plush toy panda wearing a San Diego Republic T-shirt, as well as other clothing.
“We are both devoted to San Diego,” said Carroll, “and we want to do our part in promoting ‘America’s finest city’ in an upbeat and creative manner.”
