Four die in Deer Park crash | Napa Valley Register

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Four die in Deer Park crash

Police release the names of the four PUC students who died in the wreck

Sunday, November 16, 2008

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

1:40 p.m.Four young men, who were reportedly students at Pacific Union College, died late Saturday night in a three-car crash on Deer Park Road, near Angwin.

The Napa County Sheriff’s Department reports that Boaz Pak, 20, Luke Nishikawa, 22, Simon Son, 19, and Chong Shin, 20, lost their lives during the wreck. Pak was the driver of one of the vehicles, with Nishikawa as the front passenger and Son and Shin as the rear passengers Napa County Sheriff’s Lt. Tracey Stuart said.

The driver of one of the other cars involved in the accident was arrested on suspicion of DUI. All but one of the victims were wearing seat belts, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash happened at 11:45 p.m. Saturday on Deer Park Road at Sanitarium Road, CHP Officer Jaret Paulson said.

The victims were riding in a 2003 Honda Civic headed down the hill. They were pronounced dead at the scene, Paulson said.

“The Honda was smashed so bad, it took several hours for fire crews to remove the bodies,” he said.

The Honda was westbound on Deer Park Road at a high rate of speed. For reasons unknown, it veered sideways into the opposite lane and smashed into an eastbound pickup driven by Sandalio Martinez, 28, of Angwin, Paulson said. Martinez suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. As of early Sunday morning, Martinez was in critical condition, Paulson said.

Carlos Rio Ortiz, 20, of Angwin, who was following Martinez, slammed into the back of Martinez’s pickup. He suffered minor injuries. He was treated at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, released and booked into Napa County jail on suspicion of DUI.

Deer Park Road was closed for about nine hours while emergency crews tended to the men and CHP officers investigated the accident.

69 comment(s)

4466 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:10 PM:

" I am sorry for the young PUC students who died as a result of this accident last night. Now I will comment on how often I have had encounters with students who drive too fast on these mountain roads. Many of these students drive "rice rockets" and drive without any consideration for the local population. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:23 PM:

" This is awful. Deer Park Rd. does not offer any room for error. On one side there's an embankment rising up and on the other there's a cliff. The speed limit is way too high for this type of road. The speed limit needs to be changed.

The problems I have driving on this road are from those drivers who tail too closely and people who speed without the realization that there's a substantial cliff to the side. Those who tail attempt to intimidate you into driving faster. My husband had some guy on his tail early in the A.M. while driving to work. My husband was driving the speed limit. This guy played russian roulette passing him.

When I moved here I was shocked by the speed at which drivers, particularly students move on this narrow, windy road. Many years ago I contacted the college and asked them to educated their students about slowing it down on the road.

To all Angwin residents, please slow down. When you rush, you make others rush. That person in front of you may be an inexperienced driver. Quit pushing.

Also, they need to really investigate this accident. We have a DUI driver. Which vehicle swerved into the other lane? Are they relying on the word of a drunk driver? The CHP really has to start surveying our roads up here for drunk drivers and speeders. We have a serious problem which is ignored. "

14obama wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:32 PM:

" Always a bummer to hear of these fatalities. Love n prayers to them,all. Let's slow down, people. Hurrying never has been beneficial when driving.

I hope you think before you drink of who the driver will be. "

pinkflame wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:49 PM:

" Hind sight is 20/20 but lets just say it one time if no one has heard it before. DONT DRINK AND DRIVE, SLOW DOWN, BE CAUTIOUS. "

foopfoopfoop wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:50 PM:

" Let's not assume that the drivers were racing, or drunk, or driving dangerously fast down that hill, just because they're young.
It really irks me when people drop baseless comments like that just because there happen to be young people involved.
You don't know what happened in that accident.
Their brakes could've failed, they could've lost their power steering, anything. "

mofosheee wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:58 PM:

" my heart bleeds for the parents, relatives and friends "

DTees wrote on Nov 16, 2008 1:16 PM:

" We don't even know what car the students were in. They may have been coming up the hill and were hit. You can't tell that from the "Article". They may not have been the cause. They may have been the downhill car.
4466: Clearly these people weren't on motorcycles. What is the point of your comment?
vocal-de-local: What? Do you want a bubble around you everywhere you drive? There are lots more dangerous roads in the world. And BTW...The DUI drove into the pickup...he didn't cause the accident. The car coming down the hill swerved into the uphill lane. Check out the skid marks. It was on a straightaway below the first curve just above the split in the road. Granted, people may drive too fast but what exactly is the point of mentioning what YOU did in regards to this accident?
14obama: Once again...the DUI was not involved in the initial collision. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 16, 2008 1:36 PM:

" ok, I reread this article again. The accident occurred at the corner of Deer Park Rd. and Sanitarium Rd. There is a steep decline right before this intersection. It's a very vulnerable spot because vehicles who are at the Sanitarium Rd. stop sign are on a decline. I have seen cars roll forward into Deer Park. I've also seen cars who have approached the stop sign too quickly, moving too far into Deer Park Rd. Something needs to be done about that intersection.

As you are heading down Deer Park Rd where this accident occurred, the steep decline results in a natural tendency for vehicles to speed up. Almost everyone does it. People need to be aware that a tire blow out is enough to cause a vehicle to swerve out of control. The higher the speed, the greater the risk.

We need the speed limit reduced and a double find through that area. We need a blinking light or some significant signs which warns people to slow down or an electronic speed posting. That area is extremely dangerous. It's just a matter of time before another accident occurs there.

Another vulnerable area is where the school is located. We should have a stop sign on Deer Park Rd. where the school is located.

The speed limit between Foothills Elementary School and Silverado Trail should be no more than 30 mph. Any accident happening in those areas is bound to be catastrophic. My husband ended out with a flat tire when a boulder fell off the embankment into the road last year. People swerving to avoid the debri end out in the other land. This is a common problem in that area of Deep Park. The county needs to address the safety of this road. "

B-Side wrote on Nov 16, 2008 1:36 PM:

" foopfoopfoop
The article says they were traveling at a high rate of speed. "

LMW wrote on Nov 16, 2008 1:39 PM:

" my heart feels for the families here, prayers to all of them.... "

reader wrote on Nov 16, 2008 1:51 PM:

" My prayers, as well, go to the families of those young adults whose lives had hardly begun. Do PUC students not have a curfew or am I dating myself, from my college days?

As a resident of Angwin, I have been "pushed" down this mountain too many times; yes, most often by young adults. Are they students? I don't know but I suspect so, because you don't see the same ones on the road year after year.

I once had a guy in a pick-up literally bump my bumper, twice, while blowing his horn and laughing. I was already going faster than the speed limit just trying to keep away from him. There was no place for me to pull over for at least a mile. I was scared sh--less.

As a side note, I was in the Angwin gas station store one morning about a year ago when I over heard a local sheriff or highway patrol officer telling the cashier that their department had received a letter from a PUC higher-up, asking them to stop picking on the PUC students by giving them so many speeding tickets. I kid you not.

On my road (not Howell Mt.) we've had at least 4 deaths in the last 1-1/2 years. That is not counting the non-death/injury accidents. These are not easy roads to drive up here. Please slow down! Don't drink and drive! "

Ripley wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Apparently the students were on their way into town to go to Safeway before the store closed at midnight, so it's safe to assume they were in a hurry.

To those of you out there that think the speed limit is too fast, you are in the minority.

I'm very sorry to hear about this needless loss of life. Everyone has done something like this in their lives where they gambled, but when you do sometimes your number gets called. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:11 PM:

" Read the article again Dtees. It states that the Honda was WESTbound (heading down the hill) and ventured into the other lane. And how do we know that the DUI (obviously following the other vehicle too closely) wasn't swerving into the wrong lane when the Honda was heading down the hill? In other words, the DUI driver may have played a greater role than you realize. Right now, there's no way of proving his involvement and maybe we never can.

Btw, I was behind a drunk driver going down Hwy 29 last week. He was swerving into the wrong lane and used the shoulder as a lane for a few miles. No one wanted to pass him because he kept swerving back into the wrong lane. If the timing had been right, he could have easily swerved back in time to save himself but forced another vehicle in the other lane into a collision. I phoned 911 and was put on hold for 10 minutes. I finally reported it to the local police station after calling home for their direct number.

Yes, I want a bubble around me for safety. People do not follow the rules. We have migrant workers in the valley whose culture condones alcohol abuse, who do not speak the language and probably do not interpret traffic signs very well. They often do not follow our traffic rules. They think they can hide from it in Angwin. I know it's not PC to make that statement, but it's true. We've got to send a message out that this is not ok just as we need to reinforce safe driving habits to young college students. And if you want to define that as a "bubble" fine. "

plantmum6 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:31 PM:

" I hope the comments on here arent quick to blame. EVEN IF they were totally at fault for being careless that does not negate the pain these four families are dealing with today, nor make it OK that they are gone. I nearly lost my son in an accident several weeks ago and I cannot imagine the pain these parents/loved ones are feeling.

Prayers, thoughts and love to you all.... "

Dagoose wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:40 PM:

" Obviously the jury is still out on what triggered this accident. One thing is for sure...human error occurred here on this straightaway road...and speed kills. I lost my daughter 7 years ago due to a car accident. Now I have a son that is getting to that age where he'll want to hang out with his buddies. If you have a son/daughter in that age range, I urge you to caution them to be aware of the danger involved when you get into a car with a driver that likes to speed or take chances on the road. We all took chances in our younger years, but with the IPods, cells phones, text messaging, and intense video games being the diet of today's teens, the distractions are much greater in my opinion. Please please please be careful out there teens! "

reader wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:56 PM:

" Ripley, What?? You failed to say the obvious, "If we had an "eco-village" up here with a 7-11 Store then those young people would not have to speed down that mountain road for a mid-night beer run. Is that what you are saying?

Ripley, we are not in the minority, you are. "

looky wrote on Nov 16, 2008 3:09 PM:

" I recently had the audacity to YIELD, merging onto Deer Park Rd. from Sanitarium (there was a car coming west down Deer Park, I might ad), when a woman in an SUV behind me on Sanitarium layed on the horn, and proceeded to make gestures at me all the way to 29. This was not a student. ALL locals need to be more cautious and not resort to intimidation in an attempt to push people along. "

skiph wrote on Nov 16, 2008 3:20 PM:

" How do you not assume they were speeding? By the horror of the scene, obviously high speed was involved. Deer Park is a heavily traveled road and many people assume at night it is like any "country road". I hope examples like these will keep drivers of all ages in a "defensive mode" and be prepared for the worst when headlights approach. Cautious driving is never a bad idea. "

SouthNapa wrote on Nov 16, 2008 3:35 PM:

" Can we all for once not speculate on a fatal accident? It seems every single time there is an accident people who have no clue what they are talking about have to put in their two cents at the most inappropriate of times. Vocal yokels need to be quiet and respect the deceased.

RIP to the victims of this accident and a speedy recovery to the other victims, including the alleged drunk driver. "

misfit wrote on Nov 16, 2008 3:46 PM:

" vocal de local...Not only is it not PC, it is irrelevant to this story. Can you control yourself long enough to wait for a more suitable platform for your racially motivated comments? This was inappropriate. Some of you really need to get a life if you feel that you need to rush to judge, analyze or dissect these incidents. They happen, they are what they are and where lives have been lost, nothing short of concern for the victims is appropriate. "

Kiddo Young wrote on Nov 16, 2008 4:27 PM:

" This tragic event actually made the San Francisco Chronicle. If you want to read a more extensive article, rather than the watered down, sorry excuse for an "article" this website posted, read it at www.sfgate.com "

Lucindaville wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:23 PM:

" First Off, my prayers and sorrow are with friends and family of the students and others involved in this tragedy... I've traveled this road many times and know how the speed catches you off gaurd after rounding the last big bend in the road... If car trouble or an animal was involved, no one will never know.... Sadly, the others involved may have signs of alcohol in their system.... No necessarily intoxicated or impared. My suggestion to those who are demanding everybody drive slow, if you notice you are irritating a fellow driver, pull over and let them pass you, don't be the cause of another persons road rage... If we all do our part, the road will be a safer place. "

PreDentLSP29 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:26 PM:

" As a student of PUC I'm absolutely apalled with some of these comments. These students were amazing people, I'll post the exact e-mail I recieved today from Public Relations of Pacific Union College. I would greatly appreciate it if the insensitive don't say anything at all. Saying that people need to slow down and not drink is not only obvious, but heartless considering what has happened. "

PreDentLSP29 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:26 PM:

" Four Pacific Union College Students Die in Tragic Accident

Four Pacific Union College (PUC) students died in a vehicle accident on Deer Park Road late Saturday night. The Napa County Sheriff’s Department identified the victims as Boaz Pak, 20, Luke Nishikawa, 22, Simon Son, 19, and Chong Shin, 20.

The accident took place at about 11:45 p.m. on November 15. According to police reports, the four victims were in a Honda Civic driving down the hill on Deer Park Road when it collided with an oncoming vehicle at Sanitarium Road junction. The men were pronounced dead at the scene. "

PreDentLSP29 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:27 PM:

" Friends say that the students had just finished playing basketball at the college gym and were on their way to Safeway in St. Helena to grab something to eat when the accident occurred.

All the young men were well known and liked on campus. Shin was involved in youth ministry at the Rohnert Park Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church. Nishikawa was the leader of a campus outreach program called Homeless Ministries. Just that morning, students say that Nishikawa had gone to the bay area with a group of students to feed the homeless. "

PreDentLSP29 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:27 PM:

" “The PUC community mourns the loss of four wonderful young men who were already giving service back to the community,” said Richard Osborn, college president. “Our entire campus is grieving along with their families. But as a faith based college, we have hope that springs from our beliefs as we celebrate all these young men accomplished in their brief lives.”

Grief counselors, residence hall deans, and the campus chaplain began working with students during the night as news of an accident involving fellow students spread around campus. On Sunday, the college offered support groups and one-on-one counseling for the campus community.

At 5 p.m. the campus and community is invited to gather in the PUC Church for prayer. Counselors and pastors will continue to be available for counseling following this meeting. On Thursday, the college will hold a memorial service for the young men during their weekly colloquy at 10 a.m. in the college church.

Victims:

Luke Kotaro Nishikawa
Age: 22
Major: American History
Hometown: Honolulu, HI

Boaz Joshua Pak
Age: 20
Major: Biology, pre-pharmacy
Hometown: Hidden Valley, CA

Chong Whon Shin
Age: 20
Major: Business Administration, pre-dentistry
Aloha, OR

Simon Chulmin Son
Age: 19
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Hidden Valley, CA "

Kiddo Young wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:29 PM:

" To South Napa and misfit;

I couldn't agree with you more! "

PreDentLSP29 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:50 PM:

" apologies for the mis-spelling of appalled in the first post. again, some of the comments were plain ignorant and shocking...Please, if anything, just pray for our campus and the families. Thanks "

reader wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:02 PM:

" Misfit and SouthNapa: Obviously, you don't live on this mountain and deal with accidents on a WEEKLY basis; we do. This accident is particularly noticible because more than one person died. It doesn't matter whose fault it is, it happens all of the time up here; on Howell Mt. Rd., Deer Park Rd., Pope Valley Rd., and Ink Grade. Like I said earlier, on my road 4 deaths in the last 1-1/2 years. This is a bad mountain for roads; ingress and egress. This very sad and tragic accident only makes those of us who live her more immediately sensitive to the issues, because we know and live with the issues and these roads every day. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:04 PM:

" Sorry misfit, but one of the drivers WAS intoxicated. It plays a role because this driver ran into the rear of the other vehicle. That's a "for sure". And the reason I am so concerned about this situation is because my child is about the same age as these victims. we live up here. We deal with this on a daily bases. And regardless of what you think, it's not ok to be intoxicated while drinking. There was a party up here recently (a place where I know illegal migrant workers are housed), and these people were so drunk that they could hardly move out of their parking positions. I cringed when I saw it because I knew they were heading down the road after the drunken party. The guy who was on my husband's tail mentioned in the post above, who was practically hitting his bumper, owns that place. He's a lousy driver. He could care less that he's using his car to harass people. He doesn't follow the rules. And he doesn't speak a word of Engish which means he might not be making a connection with the legal aspects of driving. He lives in Angwin and he thinks he can get away with using his vehicle as a weapon to bully people.

I know that some of you would like everyone to just shut up and pretend the accident itself is not appropriate to talk about. But if we DON'T talk about this subject, it will get swept under the rug. There's too much of that going on up here already. This accident will not be entirely in vain if we are allowed to discuss these safety issues. Sorry you don't like it. Do you live up here? "

SouthNapa wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:12 PM:

" There is a time and a place for debating who is at fault. I find it disgusting that the same person is spewing racist comments at a time when we should be mourning loss of life. Vocal, if you're really so concerned about your child, perhaps you shouldn't live somewhere that requires him or her to drive up and down a dangerous road. Nobody is forcing you to live in the sticks. "

SouthNapa wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:14 PM:

" Thanks Kiddo! It's good to see that there are a few sensible posters on here.

RIP to the victims and a speedy recovery to the survivors. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:45 PM:

" Ok SouthNapa, you're probably right. We should have a separate post about this issue because that's how important it is. Many residents who live up here deal with this on a daily bases; the poor driving habits in a rural area where people don't think they'll get caught and the drinking and driving issues. It's a significant problem.

Do you think it's ok for people to be driving drunk? Whether or not I live in the sticks is irrelevant. People should drive safe regardless of their location. And they shouldn't be intoxicated while driving. Did you know that the intoxicated driver may face charges in relationship to the fatalities according to the Chronicle?

I am terribly saddened by the loss of these four young men. We should probably move this discussion to another forum, though. I do agree with that. But I am not going to hush hush about this problem so that PUC can further sweep it under the rug. I doubt PUC wants the press to know that they didn't want authorities ticketing their students. And I want to address the issue of intoxicated migrant workers. I've witnessed way too much of it. It's got to stop. I know more about this situation and some of the people involved than I am able to disclose. "

Winewoman wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:47 PM:

" Vocal, enough already! PredentLSP29, I pray for peace and healing for the victim's families, and the students and faculty at PUC. What a tragic, tragic accident. "

cab e-girl wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Our hearts and prayers go out to all five victims and the families of everyone involved. Four families have lost their precious children, one victim is fighting to survive and another young person's life as he knows it is over. This is a tragedy on all levels :*( "

<3 of the NV wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:02 PM:

" WOW... I can't believe some of these comments.

4 Kids lost their lives... R.I.P.

If someone has a racially motivated vendetta to pick, don't spread your "vomit" here. That disgusts me, and is really disrespectful not only to those you are talking about, but to the kids who payed the ultimate sacrifice.

We all have to COEXIST.

I sure hope that the racial comments aren't coming from someone who considers them self "close to God," because you are giving those who do attend church and have faith a bad rep.

Don't point fingers, take a deep breath and be thankful that it wasn't worse. This is very sad news, and from the students that I have talked to, the trip up the hill is going to be a little bit slower next time. "

reader wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:07 PM:

" SouthNapa: It doesn't matter where you live. Obviously, you live in south Napa. You all have folks driving the wrong way on a one-way street down there, all of the time, right!? A major accident waiting to happen! Perhaps this dialog will help prevent a serious accident.

Having this conversation does not lesson our sorrow for the victims and their families. I hope and pray it might prevent there being a next victim or victims. Sorry, I will not go into mourning with my bllinders on, I have too much respect for the deceased and for God. "

<3 of the NV wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Vocal: if you want to discuss safety issues.. Great, Fantastic.... but so far, the majority of your posts have been talking about drunken parties, blaming illegal immigrants etc....

Just because someone cant communicate in the same language you do, doesn't mean that they are incompetent. Have you looked around at the DMV? They have brochures in "popular" language you need.

Please contribute with information that is relevant, and stop going of topic. This isn't a racist discussion. "

Informed1 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:12 PM:

" It is a tragedy that these four young men lost their lives and my heart goes out to their families and friends.
vocal-de-local: You should remember that there are two intersections of Deer Park Road and Sanitarium Road. This happened just above the lower intersection not the upper like you described. You should have also noticed that the speed limit was changed from 45 to 35 in the area that this accident occurred. It was changed after it was repaved, the signs have little pink streamers on them still. Your racist comments have no place in this discussion so please leave them out.
Drive safely everyone. "

bloodagar wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:23 PM:

" PreDentLSP29:
Be appalled all you want.
My family and I were hit head on by a drunk PUC college student making his way west down the hill in front of Foothills.
I used to live in Angwin as a teen and drove the hill numerous times a day. People drive this hill at all rates of speed, both of which are annoying.
I think the victim in this case is the gentleman that was hit by KIDS AND A DRUNK!
I do believe there is a curfew if you live on campus...
I don't believe stating the obvious is "heartless considering the circumstances".
Don't sugar coat these college kids, feeding the homeless is a requirement! "

PreDentLSP29 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:25 PM:

" In vain? How dramatic....join desperate housewives. My friends have the love and support of a college and community minus you, we believe they had and have a purpose, and have already, at a young age, touched many lives. Keep talking about the safety issues, I'm sure the county is going to listen to what Vocal-de-Local has to say. "

SouthNapa wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:25 PM:

" reader:

First of all, I live in South Napa now. I grew up Upvalley so I feel like I am qualified to comment on this story.

The "one way" street you are referring to here in South Napa has very little traffic at extremely slow speeds (under 10 mph). It is comparing apples and oranges.

Nobody is forcing anybody to live where they choose to live. The issue at hand tonight is the tragedy that occurred. I had a friend in high school that lived on Glass Mountain Road so I am familiar with the Deer Park area. I am aware that there are speeders on that road, particularly at night when there is less traffic.

I am certainly not in favor of driving drunk. I am however in favor of not jumping to conclusions and letting the investigators do their work before assigning blame to anybody. No matter who is at fault, four young lives were cut short last night. Hopefully lessons can be learned from it, but finger pointing before the CHP has completed their investigation and the families have buried their children is wrong.

Hopefully in the coming days we can have some constructive debate. However, if the problems that those in the area have described are that dangerous, nobody is forcing you to live there. If the positives of living in the hills outweigh the risks, then quit whining about it! "

AngwinDweller2 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:51 PM:

" After clearly stating the biases against PUC, it's clear that Vocal-de-local is part of SRA (Save Rural Angwin). all of your comments are truly not about this accident, it's about the fight for the land up here as you mentioned, "There's too much of that going on up here already." You discourage the student population and what a college capus brings. And wants angwin to stay the way it already is under a slogan "eco-pillage" when PUC would like to make an "eco-village" in hopes to increase their endowment. PUC is a top ranked liberal arts college, and typically in the top ten for the percentage of students accepted to Medical School (wikipedia). You're uneducated when it comes to the efforts made here in angwin to make the roads more safe, but obviously not safe enough. The publicity has caught a lot of attention already in the bay area so trust me, this isn't going to be "hush-hush." Stop arguing and show remorse. It's not about us, it's about those killed and the community behind the students. My deepest condolences PreDent29. My prayers will be with everyone involved. "

wowquebonita wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:52 PM:

" Wow..how sad. May all of these young men rest in peace.

Hope the long survivor makes a full recovery.

Uhmm a little confused...who caused the accident? "

vinogirl wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:58 PM:

" As an alum of PUC and someone directly affected by the loss of these 4 guys, I am absolutely disgusted by some of the comments left here. People are hurting right now!! The last thing we need to see are these comments about who is at fault for what and how things could've been different. It happened and we're trying to deal with this senseless loss. There's a time and place for this debate and this is not the time, nor is it the place. Take it elsewhere, PLEASE. Let it be... Let us be... "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 16, 2008 8:22 PM:

" Ok guys. I got the point. I'm going to stop. I apologize. I'm actually very upset about all of this. I have a bad habit of wanting to find fault at this point. There have been bad things going on with the driving habits of a neighbor and I'm letting it get the better of me. I'm sorry. And I feel so bad for the families. It's tearing me apart. I agree. Enough is enough. I am truly sorry if I've offended anyone or allowed the discussion to get off topic. Live and learn. There are boundaries, even on blogs. "

NapaValleyGirl8 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 8:27 PM:

" I can't believe people have the nerve to post comments on here about students driving too fast. Four people lost their lives last night and I don't believe that making a mistake and driving "too" fast (if that is even what happened) constitutes it being acceptable that they are no longer with us. If you want to complain about the speed at which students drive up and down the hill then write to a county official. Don't post stupid and insensitive comments on here. Each and every single one of us has made a mistake at one point when we were driving. The only difference is that for most of us it didn't cost anyone their life. Do everyone a favor and just be respectful and allow people to mourn in peace without having to deal with misplaced judgment or blame. "

Smoothsailin1234 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 8:50 PM:

" Vocal-de-local. I'm embarrassed with how you've represented Angwin. From the sounds of it, I believe you are part of SRA, and are using the deaths of the four students to attack PUC. That makes the most sense out of your radical statements today. Please know Vocal is not the majority. Angwin's hearts are with you PUC. "

4466 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:11 PM:

" To DTees .... for your information cars, usually Hondas are modified and are referred to "Rice Rockets". I was NOT referring to a motorcycle.

Also, just tonight as I was driving back to Angwin a Range Rover came up behind my car too fast, it's headlights nearly blinding me and I was driving the speed limit, oh, and it turned into a driveway at PUC. "

manxkat wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Deer Park Road is very dangerous. With all the talk about developing hundreds of new homes in Angwin, I hope the powers that be provide a new. safer and wider road to handle all the new traffic it will bring.
And don't forget about all the traffic that will impact Silverado Trail which itself has many fatal accidents annually. "

tattletail wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:25 PM:

" My husband and I just passed the accident site---we witnessed a group of grieving friends and/or families gathered together by the white crosses erected in memory of the four students. Our hearts went out to each and every one of them. The magnitude of this tragedy is felt by our entire community. "

sthelenahef wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:28 PM:

" I live on the hill and of course I love you all - even though you never wave or say 'hello' as you rush by me in my steel horse, you're my fellow Howell Mountaineers.

Can't we all stop for a minute and consider what was lost in the horrible deaths on our roads last night? Four lives plus the others injured and it could have been any of us. Are we reachable enough that these students might inspire us with their decades of dreams lost in a flash above Sanitarium Rd?

I say we drive with renewed love and respect, let's remember them always.. Let's honor their families and consider what the students would ask of us, if they still could. Its a good time to awaken, a little more..

Safe Holidays Everyone!!! "

hafbent wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:43 PM:

" The news of this terrible incident just adds to the other multiple fatals and loss of young loved ones that we read about so many times a year in the Napa Valley. My heart and soul goes out to the family and loved ones that are left behind.

I know that this accident is under the investigation of the California Highway Patrol, and most likely will be for some time. Being very familiar with this roadway, I still beleive that the speed limit for the roadway is not safe for traffic. Based on my experience, if your traveling westbound on Deer Park Rd. and you are traveling the posted max. speed limit, as you traverse some of the curves in the roadway at the correct speed limit will will still cause your vehicle to travel onto the wrong side of the road. Those that are used to the roadway conditions make allowences for the curvse and speed as such. But if your not familiar with the curves, or you stick your foot down on the gas pedal too much, you have the makings of another horrible fatal accident. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFUL UP ON THE HILL or any other road for that matter.lu "

hrtsafyreca wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:26 PM:

" As you drive down Deer Park road, it is doully noted that if you don't watch your speed in the area where the students lost control of there car, you will find yourself in the same situtation. Its a nasty spot in the road and if you are not paying attention, you will lose control. I have had to watch myself of that corner as it has caught me off guard a few times....
The school zone above has always been a concern of all parents of Foothills Elementary School. I can remember back in the 1980's when parents wanted to get a light of some sort in!! I heard rumors that we might get something of the sort in the next few years there, but it was a rumor! Even a blinking light or some sort to slow folks down would be most appreciated.
Now, for the most important thing! Please send your prayers to the families of all the students. I am very familiar with PUC and the students that attend this school. They are a close family themselves, and it looks that all have been affected by this tragedy! I extend HUGS to Everyone! "

hrtsafyreca wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:40 PM:

" VOCAL: OH MAN give it a break! PUC is NOT hiding this or COVERING this under some rug! The value of these kids are important to them! WHY hide it? do you think they think they are gong to get some bad rap for this? Give PUC some credit!!! The students are very important to them. If it means being public about this accident, I believe they can handle it. They are a strong group, with great values and good people. They will come thru this, and they will come thru stronger then before, with there family bonding closer, and all eyes will have opened wider then before!
I know people have there rights to say what they want, but what the heck was that, I read your stuff from the top to the bottom, and its as it you stated with a brillant comment of what had happened and its as if you grabbed a bottle of wine and began drinking.....and your comments become harsh, a bit racy and bull headed. "

Smoothsailin1234 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:05 AM:

" Bloodagar, READ the blogs. Nishikawa was the leader of a campus outreach program called Homeless Ministries, definitely not required of the curriculum. Look it up on the internet. And the gentleman you are talking about was drunk too (Bay Area news ch.7). The only ones who weren't drunk were the kids you refer too. I'm sorry you were hit by a drunk driver, and honestly, I'm thankful you're alive. I understand your stance on the issue, but these 4 young men were not the drunk driver who hit you so anything less than a blessing to their friends and families would be viewed as insensitive. "

reader wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:06 AM:

" To those of you who want to only grieve and not discuss: I am with you, under normal circumstances,
however, this issue of traffic has been going on for a long time up here on Howell Mt.

At least once every couple of months someone dies up here. This tragic accident is getting more headline because it is 4 deaths at one time, vs. one death per accident. I don't support the racist comments of Vocal but I do support her/his overall concern; I hear it. I hear it because I live it. This is a dangerous Mt. regarding the roads, and to those of you who want to say, "Oh, well, the nay-sayers must be SRA supporters", guess what? No. That is not true. This has nothing to do with TRIAD or SRA. This is about infastructure. These roads cannont support the currtent traffic (residents, tourists, wineries), much less increased population.

PUC and law enforcement, I say to you both, get tough, and don't be lenient.
PUC, I hope you have a curfew that you enforce. Law enforcement, be tough, it is in everyones best interest. "

browneyes wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:16 AM:

" There are many issues reguarding the dangers and driving habits on Deer Park Rd. However I don't believe this isoo the place for those issues. The point is 4 young people lost their lives and the families and friends need our support and encouragement to be able to go on without these youths in their lives. To them I offer my prayers and support. I appears the Napa Register should write an article at a later date on the # of DUI arrests on this road, speeding tickets, and some input from police and the community as to what can be done to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future. As a resident in Deer Park I would like to see statistics and possible solutions in a seperate article. My thoughts and prayers today are with all the survivors of this tragedy. "

napanana wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Vocal-de-local...Hmmmm.......what? A show of humanity? You retraction of your rude statements have been accepted.
Too many people die each year on our roads. At my age there are many to remember....and every time something like this happens and we loose more kids....it is almost like we re-live each and every tragic accident.
In this case it seems that the drunk driver was following too closely and ran into the wreck.......after those poor boys lost control. No one knows for sure WHY or HOW they lost it....That is why they are called ACCIDENTS! Please stop with the "it is their own fault" kind of comments. Each of you ...put YOUR sons name in that article.....now re-read it with a different outlook...huh? "

Treowth wrote on Nov 17, 2008 9:24 AM:

" Please accept my condolences - family, friends and community of all those involved in the tragic accident.

Please, let's respect those that are feeling a loss and save the problem solving, finger pointing, concern and even fear for another forum. "

Larisa wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:15 PM:

" This is just so sad. All of the blaming needs to stop, remember these were someones Sons and now they have lost them and so has puc and we need to join with them in prayer for the school and grieving college students.

Quit the blame game. This is a time of Mourning and judgement. "

larisa wrote on Nov 17, 2008 7:21 PM:

" I need to make a correction. I am sorry for the miss quote, I meant this is a time for Mourning not Judgement. Thank you. Again I apologize. "

sadparent wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:26 PM:

" bloodagar

It is sad for me to think that you can be so bitter to use this tragedy to voice your anger at what happened to you. This is a totally different situation. I am sure what you went through was horrible and for that I am sorry but by no means does this justify you being so heartless and mean. Four kids died. It's as simple as that. You have absolutely no right to make the assumptions you have. I pray for all the families and students and I also pray for you. May you find peace in your heart. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 17, 2008 9:27 PM:

" napanana, I never meant to imply that the accident was the fault of the students. Most of all, I emphasized some safety corrections which should be made on these roads and some sound communication with students about driving safely. I never once said that it was their fault. Reread my posts.

That said, the drivers of the other two vehicles WERE drinking and driving. I read that Martinez is going to jail after he leaves the hospital. The other driver is already in jail. I do not feel comfortable backing down from my position that drinking and driving is never ok. Perhaps someone will read this; someone who planned to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking tonight. Maybe they will change their mind. Right now this is the only venue for discussing this issue. It needs to be said. too many people choose to not say anything because of "mourning". Maybe by saying something, the family and friends of another person won't have to mourn.

Since the NVR posted another article to respond to, I feel I can safely make these comments here: There are lessons in life. Maybe there is something that others can learn from this accident. I know that my son slowed down today when we drove down the hill together. I have a feeling that we will all be driving down the hill a little more cautiously from now on. I hope that the crosses are left there for awhile, as a reminder of just how precious and vulnerable we all are. Maybe someone else's life will be saved by driving cautiously. Perhaps the next intoxicated person will reconsider getting behind the wheel. But if we act indifferent, then they will too. "

Jasper wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:05 AM:

" This is in defense of Vocal-de-Local and others who is raising the hard questions. Don’t tell me that this is "not the time" to express concern at what has happened! This is precisely the time to declare loud and clear: Maybe this accident did not have to happen. And to tell our children, “This is a dangerous road. I do not want you dying on it tomorrow.”

It does not mean we do not care about the loss of four young lives or the sorrow of these parents. Or the fifth victim suffering in the hospital and his family. Step One should start today, when the tragedy is heavy in our hearts. Because Step One is about starting to save some other young lives tomorrow. Not next week or next month. Tomorrow.

The highway patrol started its investigation immediately and found evidence of high-speed driving, drunk driving and a dangerous road. The parents would be the first to say, “Talk with your kids, talk with your students, talk with the highway patrollers. Do it now” We need people like Local-de-Vocal to get us started. "

reason-ator wrote on Nov 19, 2008 12:09 PM:

" Jasper,

I support your support of vocaldelocal.

Of course, it is HORRIBLY tragic that 4 outstanding young people died. It's wrong, and it happens too often.

What I find annoying isn't one person voicing an opinion. What I find annoying is all the people trying to regulate what we discuss in an open discussion forum. Many more posts complaining about the opinion than the posts from the person who is being attacked and forced to continue the 'unwanted' discussion to defend themselves. "

Laney7 wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:23 PM:

" FYI--To answer the questions about the curfew at PUC, it is later on Saturday night than other nights--1AM if I remember correctly. I honestly don't see that the curfew would have changed anything. This could have happened at any time of day or night. "

AngwinDweller2 wrote on Nov 20, 2008 11:39 PM:

" This article was written the morning of the tragedy, so for those coming in late, the initial opinions of what needs to be done is insensitive to the shock the community endured during the first couple days. Now, 4 days later, after "the dust has settled," we can begin discussing what you all, who clearly have no connection to this incident in the first place, have been wanting to talk about the WHOLE time, which in reality, no one will read your blogs and draw any intelligent conclusions. "Jasper is right, let's tell everybody that the road is dangerous!" What's your point? They've lowered speed limits, made road improvements, and this STILL has happened. I promise you, keep putting signs up, keep lowering speed limits, and the next 5 years will produce another tragic accident. Four students paid the ultimate sacrifice that will affect not only their families but a small community and sollege campus Forever. You guys are hopeless. "

mytwocents wrote on Nov 22, 2008 10:11 PM:

" Fine young men, rest in peace. Sending prayers for the family and friends. "

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