NORTH : YORBA LINDA : City Considers Flag to Honor Nixon

First it was the Nixon Presidential Library, then the city holiday in honor of his birthday, and now it’s the flag.

In the city that never turned its back on its most favorite of sons--Richard M. Nixon--city fathers are considering redesigning the Yorba Linda city flag to honor the former president.

Mayor Henry W. Wedaa suggested at this week’s council meeting that the city flag be redesigned to picture the Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace.

The move is just the latest reflection of the love affair this North County city has had with its most famous former resident.

The site of construction of the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace, Yorba Linda has been honoring the former President since his first days in the White House.

Yorba Linda, at various times since Nixon’s election, has been home of Richard M. Nixon Park, Richard M. Nixon Freeway and the Richard M. Nixon School.

The school was torn down in 1988 due to lack of enrollment, the park was cleared away to make room for a shopping center and the freeway’s name was removed by state legislation in 1976.

But in spite of the fact that it is no longer official, Yorba Linda residents continue to refer to the stretch of Imperial Highway between Orangethorpe Avenue and Yorba Linda Boulevard by its old name, proving that the pro-Nixon sentiment in the city never lost its strength.

“This is his home and we’re happy to have him,” said George Niethamer, who has lived in Yorba Linda for 15 years. “He really knows his business.”

Wedaa said part of the trend of warmth toward Nixon is a result of a lapse in negative publicity.

“Many of his critics in the media are finding someone else to pick on,” he said. “We should move on and stop picking on any President forever.”

“It’s like he’s some kind of folk hero,” added Mark Rhodes, a Yorba Linda resident.

Ever since Wedaa proposed the formation of the Nixon city holiday, “the response has been overwhelming,” the mayor said.

But not all agree.

“I think it stinks,” said Yorba Linda resident Joan Boyd. “I just don’t think it’s necessary (to honor) any President who resigned in disgrace.”