PUBLIC COMMENT 1
From: Nick Maricic
To: ; Nick Maricic;
Subject: Honoring Col. Patrick Dawson Fleming
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:38:32 AM
Attachments: Fleming VFW.odf
Patrick D flemiing to washington.oages
Hello,
Public Comment; Community Services
Please see attachments regarding his extraordinary achievments. The American Legion is honoring him with a plaque this coming November 11th.
I am hoping that I can gather enough support to name a school after him or some other options that may be offered by another service organization.
Perhaps, an article in the newspaper may ease some of the divisiveness among our citizens at this time.
Thank you,
Nick Maricic M.A., M.S., J.D.
Fly Military Times
Awards. - Conflicts News About Search Contact Us
January 17,1918-February 16,1956
Cemetery:
Cedar Cemetery
Patrick Fleming graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1941. He became a Navy ACE in Word War 11, achieving 19 victories in the air. After the war he Transferred to the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Colonel before he was killed during a B-52 accident in 1956.
Awards Received
Distinguished Flying
Cross
V/orlc. Vv3r
Distinguished Flying
Cross
Korean War
Silver Star
World War 11
41,
Air Force
Distinguished
Service Medal
Cold War
Silver Star
ViJorld Velar
Navy Cross
World War 11
WIKIPEDIA
Tttr Free F.ncydopedi .
Patrick D. Fleming
Patrick Dawson Fleming (January 17,
1918 - February 16, 1956) was a high -scoring
World War 11 US Navy fighter ace, and later
an accomplished US Air Force test pilot.
Fleming racked up 19 aerial victories in the
Pacific Theatre, putting him in a three-way tic
with Cornelius Nooy and Alexander Vraciu for
fourth -highest -scoring Navy ace. At war's end
he resigned his Navy commission and
transferred to the Air Force, where he
participated in early jet testing- including a
flight in the Bell X-1 Chuck Yeager used to
break the sound barrier. Fleming was later
personally recruited by General Curtis LeMay
to take part in Strategic Air Command (SAC)
missions. With SAC Fleming participated in a Born
classified "overflight" mission penetrating
Soviet territory. Later he was promoted to
deputy wing commander, 93rd Bomb Wing,
the first operational group to receive the
Boeing 13-52 Stratofortress bomber. Fleming
was among those killed in the first B-52 crash
on February 16, 1956.
World War II
Fleming was still aboard USS Cincinnati when
the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7
December 1941. At the time, the ship was
patrolling in the vicinity of the British West
Indies as part of Task Group 3.8, ensuring
French warships remained at port and
searching for German blockade runners. After
his tour of service with the light cruiser was
completed in November 1942, Fleming went
on to NAS Pensacola to earn his wings of gold.
Patrick Dawson Fleming
Fleming as Deputy Commander of the 93rd Bomb Wing
Nicknarne(s)
Died
Buried
Allegiance
Service /
branch
Years of
service
Rank
Unit
Pat
January 17. 1918
New York City, U.S.
February 16, 1956 (aged 38)
San Joaquin County, California, U.S.
Cedar Cemetery. Jamestown, Rhode
Island. U.S.
!!� United States
e United States Air Force
[� United States Navy
1941-1947 (USN)
1947-1956 (USAF)
Colonel (USAF)
Commander (USN)
USS Cincinnati (CL-6)
Fighting Squadron 80
USS Ticonderoga (CV 14)
Bombing Fighter Squadron 80
USS Hancock (CV-19)
306th Bomb Wing
98th Bomb Wing
December
Iem:ng in
On 14 December 1944, Fleming became an ace pilot. He led one of Iwo VF-80 divisions flying together with VF outfits from USS Essex, Langley and San .Jacinto on an afternoon fighter sweep over enemy airfields on Northern Luzon. Turning up nothing of interest at the first target area, the fighters re-routed southward to investigate reports of an enemy destroyer sighted earlier in the day. Cruising en route to those coordinates at 9,000', they spotted a gaggle of twenty or so .Japanese fighters (Zeros and Nakajima Ki-43 "Oscars") Tying at lower altitude in loose formation, also heading ou a southerly course. The American pilots jettisoned rockets and bombs before approach and a savage first pass was made on the unsuspecting bandits. Either the Japanese were taken completely by surprise or the misidentified the incoming Hellcats as friendlies. Whatever the case, about half of the Japanese fighters were destroyed or damaged in that first pass, negating their numerical superiority. Fleming claimed two.
When the F6F-5s pulled out of their runs, however, Japanese reinforcements arrived on the scene.
VF-80 and company were outnumbered once again and no longer had surprise on their side. A wild dog fight ensued. in the melee many sections were dispersed, but Fleming and his wingman Beaudry managed to stick together. Fleming destroyed two more during the back -and -forth to run his day's score to four. Despite altitude and numerical disadvantages during this scrape, the pilots of VF-8o returned to their carrier without a single bullet hole in their planes, boasting a net of 19 enemy aircraft destroyed and more damaged.151
January
The ucxt big day for Fleming came on 3 January
1945. He was chosen to lead three divisions on a
morning sweep of airfields on central Luzon.
Weather conditions rendered strikes difficult; even
grouping up was problematic. By the time the
divisions assembled only i0 of 12 fighters managed
to get together, and due to cloud cover they chose
slightly different targets than were originally
assigned. Flenming's ten fighters twice encountered
enemy formations. First, before reaching Koryu
airfield, they spotted four Zeros flying south just off the western coast of the island. When the Japanese
noticed the Americans, they split into two groups of
two on separate headings. One pair continued
southward while the other turned inland. The Vipers similarly split into two groups of six and four respectively. Fleming and his wingman Rcaudry, in the latter group, loosed their ordnance and raced after the Zeros. Once again Fleming got the better of Beaudry, downing one along with Lt.(jg) Woodward. The men in the other group were similarly successful: both enemy fighters destroyed, no losses incurred. Those among the 10 Hellcats who held onto their payloads delivered them on Koryu and Shinchiku, taking on meager anti-aircraft fire in the process but scoring significant hits 1 'J 5 gelling ready to take +o the skips
altitude north of the target zone. He chased the nearest enemies up to their level just under the clouds, charging his guns for the first pass. Two were quickly flamed from astern; the rest fled.
Following some of the running Zekes down almost to ground level at Mobara, Fleming stuck with his quarry even as anti-aircraft fire filled the skies around him. Only after he'd exploded the two planes he was chasing did he pull out of his run and away from enemy fire. One more victory was scored by Fleming before returning to Hancock, running his day's total to five.l81"� In the early morning hours of the t7th Fleming knocked another four out of the air. IIe was again assigned as leader and again flew with the usual suspects in his division: his wingman Bcaudry, as well as a section consisting of Lt. Cormier and Ens. Fraifoglc. This sweep was assigned more airfields to disable starting in the vicinity of the Katori Area, with subsequent targets heading south as far as Mobara. Finding no significant opposition at Katori, the ten -man sweep proceeded past Yachimata towards Mobara flying at 12,000'. Before arriving there, however, they spotted 15-20 Japanese aircraft at around 6,000' including a group of six Nakajuna Ki-27 "Nate" fighters. The Natc model was out of date even before Pearl Ilarbor and stood little chance against the signifimntly more advanced Hellcat. Lt. Fleming tore into the half dozen aged fighters, picking off four to the rest of his division's two. After the uneven match—VF-80 again reported no bullets taken in the brief scuffle—, the division headed down to the airfields for rocket attacks and strafing before their return to Hanciock.l81:42
Air Force Service
After post-war leave, Fleming was given command of a fighter squadron, a promotion to Lieutenant Commander, and transferred to the carrier iISS Boxer (CV-21). Immediately afterwards he was sent to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for test pilot training It is at this point Fleming made up his mind to resign from the Navy and transfer to the Army Mr Forces. He picked up with the I.S_A_AF exactly where he left off with the Navy: he went to test pilot school at Wright Field, working his way up to chief of the Fighter Section of the Flight Test Division.
At the time, jet fighter operational use was still in its infancy. Fleming test flew both the Lockheed P-8o Shooting Star and Republic F-84 Thunderjet and in each instance experienced harrowing technical malfunctions. While testing the ability of bombers to tow the short-range jets of the day, Fleming's P-8o became stuck to the towline of the B-29 it was flying with. The tow would not release and even snapped back to obstruct Fleming's view. The towing program was cancelled soon thereafter. Later, participating in the first P-84 flights across the Atlantic Ocean to England, Fleming's c:ockpit heat control stuck during his ride from Iceland to Scotland. He endured scorching 170 degree heat, arriving at his destination thoroughly dchydrated.l91 He had better luck in "Glamorous Glennis," the Bell X-i aircraft Chuck Yeager used as the first man to pass the speed of sound. Fleming took the X-t to Mach 1.2; its fastest recorded speed was to be Mach 1.45stiol Fleting's talent propelled him into a group of elite Air Force pilots operating at the edge of American strategic planning and technological advance. At the time this meant participation in Strategic Air Command initiatives_ Moving from jet fighters to jet bombers, Fleming served at
A
Navy Cross
Distinguished Ftying_Cross
w/ two 516' Gold Stars
(USN)
Air Medal
w/ 1 bronze oak leaf duster
(USAF)
Combat Readiness Medal
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
KorearjService Medal
w/ one %t S bronze star
Philippine Independence Medal
717.7
USAF Senior Pilot Badge
Naval Aviator Badge
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
(USAF)
Army Commendation Medal
China Service Medal
European -African -Middle Eastern Campaign
Medal
w! One 316" bronze star
Army of Occupation Medal
w/'Japan' clasp
Air Force Longevity Service Award
w/ bronze oak leaf cluster
United Nations Service Medal
Silver Star
vN One 5/16" Gold Stars
Air Medal with three &16" Gold
Stars
(USN)
Navy Unit Commendation
wf one '5/15" bronze star
American Deferise Service Medal
w/ Fleet Clasp (` ij 6" Bronze Star)
Asiatic —Pa itic Campaign Medal
w/ four 'j 6" bronze stars
National Defense Service Medal
wf one 3/16" bronze star
Phitippin Liberation Medal
w/ two /t5" bronze stars
Korean War Service Medal
PUBLIC COMMENT 2
From:
To: Public Comment; PAMELA SMYTH
Subject: Ltr to Mayor, et al for 10-27-25
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025 2:12:21 PM
Attachments: Ltr Re 10-27-25 Meetinq.docx
Dear Staff:
I know this is short notice, but please distribute this to the council if time permits. Thank you.
Pamela
Dear Honorable Mayor Thorp and Members of the Council:
have lived in this valley only seventy-five years, but my life experience and knowledge is considerably less worthy of contribution that that of the combined council, city planners, and all key administrators and decision makers. Having spent my life in and near Live Oak Canyon and trusted her winding roads and protection from the elements on a daily basis over fifty-five of those years at least, I remind you of these words:
• "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead • "Time ripens all things; no man is born wise." —Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra An anonymous writer speaking about wisdom says this: "In a world filled with information overload, the quote encourages us to prioritize depth over breadth, quality over quantity, and wisdom over mere accumulation of facts. It calls upon us to discern between superficial knowledge that can be acquired by chance and genuine wisdom that stems from deliberate learning and application." I have read these ordinances and understand the purpose and plan of each.
However, I strongly encourage this governing body to bring these before the planning commission and open for public hearing, at least, as this is how decisions of such overreaching magnitude and impact on your entire city and this valley should be made.
Be mindful of these words of wisdom, as well: "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matthew 6:34).
In other words, as "architects of the future," let us say, you are pushed to make hard decisions about the future that will impact the lives of everyone who calls this city and valley home. I, for one, have already been seriously affected by decisions made a few years ago and that have forced me to live with conditions only I must live with —and with the consequences of those decisions made with little or no regard for my welfare, safety, quality of life, or right to the enjoyment of my home and property —and its future value.
While you have a great deal of authority, the voice of the people should be deafening to your ears.
In the interest of time, I must borrow words from another source to remind you of this:
1. "Fundamental Democratic Principle: In a democratic society, power ultimately resides with the people. Decisions made by governing bodies are meant to serve the public good.
Denying citizens a voice in matters directly impacting them undermines this fundamental principle.
2. Legitimacy and Acceptance: Decisions made without public input often lack legitimacy in the eyes of the community. When citizens feel unheard or ignored, they are less likely to accept and comply with policies, leading to resistance, distrust, and potential social unrest. Conversely, involving citizens can foster a sense of ownership and increase the likelihood of successful implementation.
3. Local Knowledge and Expertise: Citizens possess invaluable local knowledge and lived experiences that decision -makers may lack. They understand the unique nuances of their neighborhoods, the practical implications of proposed changes, and potential unintended consequences that might not be apparent from a top -down perspective. For example, residents might know about specific traffic patterns, environmental sensitivities, or social dynamics that a planner in a distant office might overlook." Thank you for your time, service, and genuine work. May we all come together on these matters.
Pamela Smyth
Outer Hwy. 10
Redlands/Yucaipa
2. Fundamental Democratic Principle: In a democratic society, power ultimately resides with the people. Decisions made by governing bodies are meant to serve the public good.
Denying citizens a voice in matters directly impacting them undermines this fundamental principle.
3. Legitimacy and Acceptance: Decisions made without public input often lack legitimacy in the eyes of the community. When citizens feel unheard or ignored, they are less likely to accept and comply with policies, leading to resistance, distrust, and potential social unrest. Conversely, involving citizens can foster a sense of ownership and increase the likelihood of successful implementation.
4. Local Knowledge and Expertise: Citizens possess invaluable local knowledge and lived experiences that decision -makers may lack. They understand the unique nuances of their neighborhoods, the practical implications of proposed changes, and potential unintended consequences that might not be apparent from a top -down perspective. For example, residents might know about specific traffic patterns, environmental sensitivities, or social dynamics that a planner in a distant office might overlook.
4. Improved Decision -Making: Incorporating diverse perspectives and concerns from the community can lead to more comprehensive, well-rounded, and effective decisions.
Citizen input can highlight alternative solutions, identify potential problems early on, and ensure that decisions are tailored to the specific needs and values of the affected population.
5. Accountability and Transparency: Citizen participation mechanisms, such as public hearings, town hall meetings, and advisory committees, promote greater accountability from elected officials and government agencies. It forces decision -makers to justify their choices publicly and provides a platform for citizens to scrutinize proposals and demand explanations. This also enhances transparency in governance.
6. Empowerment and Civic Engagement: Providing a voice empowers citizens and encourages greater civic engagement. When people feel that their input matters, they are more likely to participate in local governance, volunteer for community initiatives, and become more invested in the well-being of their area. This strengthens the social fabric of the community.
7. Addressing Equity and Justice: Decisions made without community input can disproportionately affect marginalized or vulnerable groups. Ensuring that all voices are heard, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, is crucial for promoting equity and social justice in policy -making.
Mechanisms for Citizen Voice:
There are various established mechanisms through which citizens can have a voice in decisions affecting them directly:
• Public Hearings and Meetings: Formal opportunities for citizens to present their views on proposed policies, projects, or zoning changes.
• Town Hall Meetings: Less formal gatherings where elected officials engage in dialogue with constituents.
• Advisory Boards and Committees: Groups of citizens appointed to provide expert advice and recommendations on specific issues.
• Surveys and Polls: Tools to gather broad public opinion on various topics. • Referendums and Initiatives: Direct democratic processes where citizens vote on specific laws or constitutional amendments.
• Online Forums and Digital Platforms: Modern tools for facilitating discussion and gathering feedback.
• Community Planning Workshops: Collaborative sessions where citizens work with planners to shape future development.
In conclusion, while the exact how of citizen participation can vary, the fundamental principle that citizens should have a voice in decisions that affect them directly is essential for effective, legitimate, and democratic governance.
PUBLIC COMMENT 3
From: Lucinda Brinks
To: Public Comment
Subject: Council meeting 10-27-2025
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025 2:12:57 PM
October 27, 2025
Councilmembers:
I want to share a few of my thoughts regarding tonight's Council meeting.
First, if I may quote the appointed, not elected, Councilmember Bob Miller, "it's time to stop kicking the can down the road." Mr. Miller needs to resign NOW, not down the road. I have read as an appointed member, the council has the authority to remove him.
Second, please listen to the citizens of Yucaipa. We do not want Mega Warehouses! This is obvious by the number of signatures gathered for the two different referendums. I implore you to stop using taxpayers' money to fight the citizens using Joe Predetto and the Dorado Group. How insulting and such a misuse of city funds.
You are trying to rapidly push through ordinances without public input. Any city employee who thinks this is right, ethical and the best way to run a city should resign or be fired.
Lastly, if the Council receives a compensation increase, I believe each Councilmember should be required to host a quarterly town hall meeting to allow constituents to ask questions and get answers to their concerns.
Thank you,
Lucinda Brinks
District One