On Saturday, March 12 the Early Rodders will be meeting at Regal UA Theater in La Cañada to begin a tribute ride in memory of founding member Rick Chew and member Victor Luchessi.

The Early Rodders will assemble between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. then begin the cruise at 8 a.m. A fire truck from Station 82 will lead the procession followed by motorcycles then the vintage and classic cars. CHP will block off the road to Chew’s house and to Fire Station 82. Chew was the first Chinese American fireman on the Los Angeles City Fire Dept. and was later recognized as a Chinese American pioneer by the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California.

His love for vehicles – any type – was legendary and, in 2001, he started the informal Early Rodders, which meets weekly at the parking lot of the Regal UA Theater in La Cañada.

According to fellow car lover and Early Rodder Dwight Sityar, Chew’s dream was to have a place where car enthusiasts, whether young or old, could go.

“Anyone who had a hot rod, classic car, new car, old car, truck or motorcycle and wanted to be an Early Rodder could do so – without any membership, bylaws, meetings or restrictions,” Sityar said.

The Early Rodders has become a solid presence in the community due to their voluntary work: they organize car shows for local convalescent homes, participate in the Crescenta Valley Hometown Country Fair, hold Thursday car meets at different businesses, take part in National Night Out for law enforcement, Montrose Movie Night, Montrose Christmas Parade, Sparks of Life Christmas drive and partner with the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce for the 9-11 Memorial Motorcade.

Chew died on Jan. 14.

The car of fellow Early Rodder Victor Luchessi, who also died earlier this year, will be on display for the motorcade to honor. Luchessi drove a 1955 Chevy and sold Early Rodders hats and shirts.

Saturday’s event will be an “open cruise” for everyone from La Cañada to Tujunga. The final destination is Bob Smith Toyota. Participants will meet on the south side of Foothill Boulevard; participants are asked to observe the parking procedure.

Hamburgers will be served.

The families of Rick Chew and Victor Luchessi will be present for anyone who would like to express their condolences. Estimated time for the event is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.