1989 LW. Discovered 1989 June 6 by E. F. Helin at Palomar.

Named in honor of John Sanford, teacher, author, former president of the Orange County Astronomers, and a source of inspiration for hundreds of amateur astronomers. Recipient of the Western Amateur Astronomers’ Bruce Blair Award, he has served amateur astronomers worldwide with the unselfish sharing of his photographic and observational skills for nearly twenty years. (M 24411)

Name proposed by the discoverer following a suggestion by J. B. Child.