Six Questions for a San Marino Local: David Melford

The day is drawing near for the event where walkers and runners can help raise funding for the search for a cure for cancer. San Marino resident David Melford is hard at work bringing people to the track.

Melford, event chair of the Relay for Life of South Pasadena Committee, has worked with fellow residents for the past several months in an effort to raise $100,000 for the cause. All proceeds benefit cancer research, patient programs, services, education and advocacy.

The event is meaningful to Melford, a 10-year survivor of head and neck cancer. He first became involved in the relay when a colleague at the handed the baton to Melford.

Aside from participating in the event for the past three years, the associate broker at Sotheby’s International and father of three is active in the community.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Melford about his involvement with his son’s little league team. Melford, and wife Mona Lisa moved to San Marino 12 years ago and began playing active parts in the community.

This week I spoke with David Melford, and here is what he had to say.

What do you like most about San Marino?

A real sense of community and everyone is so nice. It’s great to see a lot of older families that are still here and families that come back; it just shows that it is a community that is so strong and people come back here and retire here.

What is your favorite restaurant in San Marino?

because it reminds me of the old days of the old diners. It is absolutely perfect.

What is your favorite place in San Marino to take a stroll or go for a run?

Lacy Park. First thing in the morning, like 7 a.m., you feel like you are in the mountains or something; it is just wonderful. Nothing matches that in the whole area.

What is a little known fact about you?

I grew up in Eagle Rock and I used to play the drums professionally before I got into real estate.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate moose gelato.

Why should people participate in Relay for Life?

Almost everybody you know has been touched by cancer in some way or another and it is so important with the increased number of those diagnosed with cancer that fight back against the disease.