City of San Diego's official flag: what it looks like and its meaning

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The City of San Diego's flag is a representation of the city's history.

The year 1542, which is on the flag, is when European explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first entered San Diego Bay and claimed the area for Spain.

San Diego's flag consists of three vertical bars with the colors red, white and gold (from left to right). The flag resembles the red and yellow colors of Spain's flag, which was flown over Cabrillo's ship, per the city.

In the center of the flag, the official seal of San Diego has a variety of symbols. The city explains the meanings of those found below:

On the shield, the Spanish caravel, a type of ship, represents Spain exploring and colonizing in San Diego. The orange tree symbolizes agriculture, while the wheels with wings stands for manufacturing and transportation.

On the crest, the belfry, a bell tower, represents the mission fathers' early settlement.