The City of Monterey Park will honor three residents for their contributions to the quality of life in Monterey Park with a tree memorial ceremony Tuesday, July 14, 2015.
The first honoree is Crossing Guard Abel Castellanos, who was killed in a tragic accident while on duty at the corner of Garfield Avenue and Elmgate Street. Mr. Castellanos had worked for the city for more than a decade keeping the students safe while they crossed the busy street. Mr. Castellanos’ memory and service to the community was marked at the corner he worked at with balloons, candles and displays. A tree dedicated to his memory will have a plaque installed at George Elder Park within sight of the crosswalk where he worked for so many years.
The second and third honorees are former three-time mayor David Lau and his wife Cici who have both been active in Monterey Park for over 30 years. In addition to his three terms (three times as mayor) on the Monterey Park City Council, Mr. Lau also served three terms (three times as president) on the Garvey School District Board, and received the Golden Apple Award from the San Gabriel Valley Consortium of 20 School Districts. Mrs. Lau has worked diligently to improve the cultural life in Monterey Park, spearheading local productions of “Twelve Angry Men,” “An Enchanted Evening,” and “Hearts of Gold.” The tree dedicated to their contributions will be in front of city hall.
The July 14 tree memorial ceremony will start in the city hall council chamber at 7 p.m. and then go to each site for the unveiling of the plaques and light refreshments served at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Monterey Park’s tree memorials are awarded after a public nomination process and review by a committee of Community Participation and Recreation and Park Commissioners. For more information, please contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at 626-307-1388. Monterey Park City Hall is located at 320 W. Newmark Ave., Monterey Park, CA, 91754.
Media Contact
Dan Costley, Recreation and Community Services Department Director
dcostley@montereypark.ca.gov
626-307-1497
www.MontereyPark.ca.gov
7-13-15 Correction: David Lau's terms on the council and board.
