Curtis "Chipper" Nelson Memorial

Our friend and Monroe School classmate; Curtis "Chipper" Nelson, was killed on January 21, 1970 while crossing in a cross walk on Cliff Drive and Flora Vista. His death was shocking to the community as a whole, and especially the Mesa/Monroe School community. The resulting shock of losing Chipper created a call for better pedestrian safety on Cliff Drive, and resulted in a major campaign to get traffic signals at the intersections of Flora Vista Drive and Mesa Lane. 

Following his death, the parents, educators, and students of Monroe School created a memorial to Chipper, planting a redwood tree and installing a marble plaque in his honor. The site overlooks the playground where Chipper and his classmates spent many hours playing. Sadly, time and the elements have taken their toll on the memorial. The redwood tree became diseased and was removed, and the marble plaque has been badly damaged. 

We the classmates of Chipper believe that his memory needs to live on, and as such will be planting a new tree and dedicating a new bronze plaque in his honor this fall when the new school year starts. The funds will be used to purchase the new tree, bronze plaque, mounting stone, and all labor costs involved in planting the tree and installing the plaque. Funds collected in excess of the costs of the re-dedication will be donated to Monroe School in memory of Chipper Nelson.

With sincere appreciation,

David Gonzales
Dedication Coordinator