Retired Planning Comissioner Earl Phillips passes away

City of Menifee officials this week announced the recent death of longtime local resident Earl Phillips, who retired this month after serving seven years on the Menifee Planning Commission.

Phillips worked for 15 years for San Diego County, specializing in environmental planning and safety. He was a registered environmental health specialist. Cause of death was not announced.

“Earl Phillips should be remembered as a gentleman and a truly dedicated Planning Commissioner,” Mayor Bill Zimmerman said in an email to Menifee 24/7. “The Menifee City Council has great appreciation for his commitment to public service.”

Phillips was honored by city officials at his final Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 9. He passed away earlier this month, but the announcement was not made until Tuesday.

“Commissioner Phillips was a trusted advisor, and served his city with professionalism,” city officials said in a public statement released on Tuesday. “He took his position seriously and was very invested in the city’s development. His extensive knowledge, technical background, and detail-oriented nature were great assets to the Planning Commission. He spent hours poring over the reports and always came in prepared for meetings with such enthusiasm. His passion will be missed.

“While on the Planning Commission, Mr. Phillips was known for his generous and selfless attitude that was at the forefront of his service and actions,” the statement continued. “For seven years he worked inexhaustibly to serve Menifee with his daring leadership and the community has improved greatly as a result. In addition to his work on the Planning Commission, Mr. Phillips was remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the love he had for had for his daughters, grandchildren, VFW, and others in the community.”

Phillips, a retired Navy commander, was appointed to the Planning Commission in 2013 by City Council member Greg August. Upon Phillips’ retirement from the commission, August said he could “proudly and honestly say [he] made the best and wisest decision choosing Mr. Phillips for the role. Earl was unmatched in his effort and preparation.”

Robert Karwin served with Phillips on the Planning Commission and is now a City Council member.

“People need to know just how important Earl Phillips was to the success of the City of Menifee,” Karwin said. “His expertise in analyzing and fixing the language in government documents was essential in the creation of Menifee’s Municipal Codes.

“Earl cared about this City. He was determined to protect us by making sure that every development was done right. He was a role model for all Planning Commissioners on the importance of being prepared.

“It is not an understatement to say that Earl Phillips was a keystone in the foundation upon which the City of Menifee has been built. His contributions will be forever lasting and his absence will be forever felt.”

Phillips enlisted in the Navy in 1965. During his 33-plus year career, he served in a wide variety of sea duty billets in Deck, Operations, and Engineering Departments on a variety of naval warships. He served four tours in Vietnam as a naval gunfire control specialist.

He earned certifications in Emergency and Disaster Recovery Operations, Land Use and Environmental Planning, and Hazardous Materials First Responder. He also had certifications in a variety of construction trades, including Asbestos Project Planning & Management, Construction Management, Public Works Management, and OSHA Trainer for construction workers.