Tom Patti, a member of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, praised Camping World for displaying a towering U.S. flag at its French Camp location. He described the public standoff over permitting issues as “great marketing” and emphasized the importance of honoring American prisoners of war and those missing in action.
After more than a year of discussions and documentation exchanges, the county finally approved Camping World’s plans and granted them the necessary permit. The massive American flag is now proudly flying above the lot once again, standing tall on a 130-foot pole.
Patti, a former boxer who trained with Mike Tyson, shared that many voters, especially veterans, approached him to show their support for the flag. He also advocated for the county to commemorate Flag Day with the POW/MIA flag alongside the American Flag above its headquarters.
Despite initial concerns about the safety of the flag pole’s base, Patti expressed confidence in Camping World’s commitment to following regulations and ensuring public safety. He highlighted that the company has similar large flags at its numerous locations nationwide, indicating a track record of compliance.
In response to claims that the county had ordered the flag’s removal or issued citations, officials clarified that they had requested site plans and engineering drawings before granting the permit. The process involved multiple submissions and reviews, with the final approval coming through in June 2024.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis, a strong advocate for patriotic displays, had the flag raised even before the permit was officially granted. Lemonis, who has faced similar conflicts in the past, has stood firm in his commitment to honoring the American flag and supporting veterans.
The county, in a letter to concerned residents, expressed appreciation for patriotism and emphasized the importance of following permitting processes to ensure safety and accessibility for all. Despite some employees facing harassment and threats during the standoff, officials called for mutual respect and courtesy in handling such situations.
Overall, the resolution of the permitting issue at Camping World’s French Camp location highlights the intersection of patriotism, business, and local regulations. It serves as a reminder of the significance of honoring American symbols while also adhering to legal processes for public safety and community well-being.
