Data Net - No 09 - 1967

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET Report
Issue: 9
Date: September 5, 1967
Publisher: DATA-NET CONTROL
Location: Mt. View, California, USA

Editorial: DATA-NET Policy

The editorial in this issue of DATA-NET Report No. 9, dated September 5, 1967, clarifies the organization's policy. DATA-NET consists of Radio Amateurs seriously interested in the UFO situation, aiming to pool information to reach concrete conclusions about UFOs: what they are, where they come from, their propulsion, and why they are here. The group explicitly states they are not interested in commercialism, politics, or pressuring the government for information. They believe the government has valid reasons for withholding information if they are doing so. DATA-NET cannot afford to waste time, effort, or money on what they consider a 'sidelight.'

The editorial also addresses the friction and "feuding and bickering" among other UFO research groups, finding it pointless. They suggest that joining forces would benefit all groups by providing a larger staff, more investigators, a bigger treasury, and a wider source of information. However, they acknowledge that this unity is unlikely to happen.

DATA-NET will continue its operations as before, focusing on data gathering and relaying information to its members. They highlight two advantages: operating without funds means only seriously interested parties contribute time and effort, and all members are hams, ensuring communication. They affirm their intention to cooperate fully with APRO, not out of favoritism, but because APRO cooperates with DATA-NET. This collaboration has shown merits, and they regret that others cannot follow suit. The editorial concludes by soliciting opinions and comments from readers.

Member Contributions and Acknowledgements

This month, DATA-NET received postage from several members, including Mr. Alan Weber, Mrs. Jo Clark, and others identified by their call signs and names: Tom (W6BPV), Dan (WALDJC), Tom (K5JNJ), Bob (WE6TXK), Phil (WB6TQG), Jeff (WA8REN), Ed (W9VSR), Andy (W5TXB), Lou (WE2VFF), Rex (K9ZJV), Bill (WAØKOM), Tom (KP4CH), and D.G. (W50XU). The report thanks these members for their contributions.

New Full Members

• The report welcomes new full members to DATA-NET and requests they be added to the roster. These include:
• Dan K5JNJ, Fort Worth, Texas
• Jeff WA8REN, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
• Phil WE6TQG, Saratoga, Calif.
• Rex K9ZJV, Quincy, Ill.
• Tom WALDJC, Gloucester, Mass.
• Ed W9VSR, East Moline, Ill.
• Andy W5TXB, Dallas, Texas
• Lou WB2VFF, Selden, N.Y.
• Tom KP4CH, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
• Al Frown, Research Director APRO, Cupertino, Calif.
• D.G. W50XU, Harrison, Ark.

Information was also received from several individuals, including W6BPV, WALDJC, W7VJI, KP4CH, WB2VFF, K7YXP, WB6OTN, WAØKOM, and Alan Weber.

Inquiries Received

Inquiries were received from Jim Gullo (Westmont, N.J.), Tom WB2ZQR (Somerville, N.J.), Dr. Plummer VE3MA (Ottawa, Canada), Tom WA5TYB (Xenia, Ohio), Ed WB2WXM (Rochester, N.Y.), D.G. W50XU (Harrison, Ark.), Bill WAØOCU (Overland, Mo.), Dave WN5SQT (College Station, Texas), WA9THB (Joliet, Ill.), WB6RYQ (Sacramento, Calif.), Ed W7VJI (Rock Springs, Wyo.), Lanny WA5PPZ (Waco, Texas), Paul WA4BRS (USCGC), Dave WA8RQU (Solon, Ohio), Don WN6WGR (Soulsbyville, Calif.), and Phil WN9UNL (Cesterton, Ind.).

The Sid Padrick Case

The issue details an investigation into the claims of Sid Padrick (WE6HXJ), who alleged that on January 30, 1965, he boarded an alien spacecraft and was taken for a ride. This story was presented publicly, including an appearance at a civic auditorium in San Jose on March 12, 1965, where Jo Clark, daughter of member Tom (W6BPV), documented his account. Jo Clark had accumulated several pounds of information on the case over several years.

Subsequent investigation by a team including Paul Cerney and Jo Clark revealed significant discrepancies. Padrick had filed for bankruptcy shortly before his alleged encounter and refused a public debate with Paul Cerney on TV. Investigations showed over 25 discrepancies in his story. NICAP's investigation concluded that Padrick was an apparent fraud. Al Brown, APRO Research Director, confirmed these findings, stating APRO had also investigated and concluded Padrick was a fraud.

The investigation team visited Padrick's former residence in La Selva Beach, California, and spoke with his neighbor, Mr. Charles Peterson. Peterson stated Padrick had moved out about two years prior, having gone bankrupt shortly before his story emerged. Padrick had built a successful radio and TV trade business specializing in antennas but lost customer confidence due to his "funny" behavior and strange stories.

Padrick later moved to "Happy Valley" road in Santa Cruz. Officers in Watsonville confirmed Padrick had been recently arrested in Santa Cruz for making threatening phone calls. His address was found to be on Hidden Valley Road in Monterey County.

Upon visiting Padrick's house, the investigator spoke with his son, Dave Padrick (WE6IIS). Dave appeared intelligent and stated his father was working in San Jose and they were moving again. Dave expressed that he would not move with the family this time and seemed bitter about the ridicule his father's story had caused. He indicated his mother did not like the situation. Dave felt UFOs were a serious subject and that the government withheld information for a good reason. He also believed "contactees" harmed true researchers and that the "Colorado Project" would not achieve concrete results without Air Force clearance.

DATA-NET's conclusion is that Sid Padrick fabricated his story. For further details, readers are referred to "FLYING SAUCERS OCCUPANTS" by Coral and Jim Lorenzen of APRO.

The Report on Van Heflin's Photographs

DATA-NET, in cooperation with Paul Cerney of NICAP, analyzed a group of photographs of a UFO taken by Van Heflin, a Los Angeles County Highway Engineer, on August 3, 1965. The most detailed photo was magnified to 1200X.

The analysis found the photo to be in good focus, except for the UFO itself, which was uniformly blurred. This blurriness suggested the object was not traveling faster than the camera shutter speed and might be at rest. The object's proximity to the camera lens was estimated to be less than one quarter of the highway's width (approximately 5 feet). Comparing the object to a nearby bush, it was found to be less than two feet away. The object's width was estimated to be no more than 20 inches.

Additionally, a patch of ground below the object, referred to as "apparent turbulence," was noted. This did not tally with the dimensions given by Mr. Heflin (30 feet diameter). According to received information, this "patch" is still present. Because of these findings, DATA-NET cannot accept these photos as valid. The evaluation was assisted by Joseph Adamski of Beckman Inst.

Felipe Barraza Sighting

In October 1950, Felipe Barraza, his father, two brothers, cousins, and four field hands witnessed an object in Sinaloa, Mexico. They initially thought it was an aircraft flaming to Earth. The object appeared to have hit a nearby corn field. Fearing a fire, they rushed to the area and discovered a round object about 25 feet in diameter and 8 to 9 feet high. It had at least four windows that glowed brightly. They approached within 30 feet and initially thought it was an American experimental plane. Afraid it might harm the corn, they tried to make it leave. One man threatened to shoot with a .22 rifle but desisted, fearing retaliation. After half an hour, the object left, shooting straight up and disappearing instantly. Felipe Barraza personally assured the reporter that corn still does not grow on that spot.

Communications and Membership

This month, DATA-NET received significant postage, information, and correspondence, allowing the report to be mailed without the station having to purchase stamps. The success is attributed to member participation, and the report expresses gratitude. However, there is a call for more stations to be on the air, aiming for at least 20 percent of the net to be active, which is currently less than 10 percent.

K7YXP is now operating as the air control station with 1900 watts of power. WE6TQG offers assistance in designing custom QSL cards at a reasonable cost.

The report mentions that mail is being received daily, and any delay in answering is due to personal replies. Readers are encouraged to keep writing and sending information, stamps, money, care packages, suggestions, ideas, criticisms, and insults.

Last Minute Information and Research

Michel M. Jaffe (WE6RPL) reports acquiring, at great cost, 13 high-resolution electronic negatives of the moon taken by the landed Surveyor 1. These shots are described as being literally within inches. A set of 4x5 glossy prints can be sent for five dollars to help cover printing costs. Full members do not need to pay postage, but their help is appreciated.

Professor Weber at the University of Maryland is looking for gravity waves. The report lists various types of waves (light, radio, sound, tidal, color, hand) and wishes Professor Weber success in his search.

Closing Remarks

The report concludes with an apology for poor typing and spelling, stating that their "SECRATAIRY" is attending a sewing class. KP4CH monitors 21.442 Kc and is given a "SHORIT!" (short, likely a call to attention or a brief mention).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DATA-NET Report are the rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of data collection and analysis, and a skeptical yet open-minded approach. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry, emphasizing evidence-based conclusions over sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. DATA-NET positions itself as a serious research group focused on understanding the nature of UFOs, distinct from groups perceived as commercial or politically motivated. There is a clear emphasis on cooperation within the UFO research community, though the editorial notes the difficulty in achieving this. The issue also highlights the challenges of independent research, including financial constraints and the need for member participation. The Padrick case and the Heflin photographs serve as examples of how DATA-NET applies its investigative methods to debunk or validate reported phenomena, demonstrating a commitment to discerning credible information.