Who is the car driver? Age? Speeding? Texting? Drunk?

Another report said they ran a red light immediately before jumping the curb. Is that correct?

How many people trying to cross at this intersection have to be killed by drivers before the city puts in a stoplight.
It seems that's the ONLY thing that will slow the "Me first" drivers down. Is this the 3rd or 4th person killed here? So sad.

I saw the accident, the male drive was approximately 21-25 years old and was driving at upwards of 80 mph. He sped up to run the red light (that had turned red approximately 15-20 feet before he ran it) so he was probably driving faster at that point. He tried to avoid a construction vehicle that was trying to park when he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the pedestrian and flattened two metal poles. When he hit the pedestrian he was at top speed as he didn't break to avoid the truck.

The person killed was not crossing the crosswalk, he was standing and waiting for the bus at the bus stop. The driver was not seriously injured, he was walking around completely fine before the police came though they did carry him on a stretcher for precautionary reasons. This driver was driving completely reckless down california.

Jeeze. This one sounds like not even a red light would have stopped him.
What is it about some people when they get into a car?!

Just curious: Witness - did you give your name/info to the police? It sounds like you are a valuable witness, so I hope you did!

Yes, I gave my report to the police on the scene. I still can't believe what a reckless driver this guy was, I actually ran over to the scene thinking there's no way the driver survived when I got there (I was only 2 blocks away) the driver was already out of his vehicle.

The victim must have been drug a good 75 yards--and the car must have been going 80 or so as mentioned, it went through several trees and street signs

photos: (may be disturbing content)

Web Link

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>How many people trying to cross at this intersection have to be killed by drivers before the city puts in a stoplight.

you mean the one that has been there over a decade?

I drive up and down California Ave twice a day. Odds are this is the same young kid in that dark blue Audi I have seen driving like a maniac up and down California Ave for the past two years, particularly around school start and stop time. He literally floors it up and down California Ave. He's in his early 20s. Close cut hair, darker complexion, white T-shirt. I would describe him more here, but the post would be removed by the politically correct editor.

Last year I logged a complaint about reckless drivers such as him with the Mountain View PD on the on-line web lik. The response I got was something to the effect that they can't be everywhere all the time. So he finally killed some one.

We have made our cars too safe for those inside relative to those outside. Drivers can go at ridiculous speeds and crash into metal poles yet walk away without serious injury. Car companies even advertise that their cars will save you when you drive too dangerously for conditions. This driver did not deserve to survive his outrageously irresponsible behavior.

I drove by the accident at 9:33 a.m. as I work a few blocks away. I saw the exploding water and when I stopped at the light nearby I saw the horror on the road. My prayers go out to the victim and family. I think we need more cops patrolling that street. Between people speeding and making illegal left turns, something has to be done to make it a safe place for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. There are so many children walking in that neighborhood and old people too. Please do something to make sure it's a safe place.

One person drives an audi other rode the bus, someones not going to jail.

People behaving badly. Chl 4 right? I just took a picture of the chl 4 van parked on the sidewalk RIGHT where the victim got killed. Stay classy, KRON

ya.. lol blame the cops.. as always. maybe if people stopped breaking into cars/houses.. beat up on their girl friends, become drug addicts or complain about a barking dog.. the police will actually have time to patrol the streets and catch acts like this before it happens.

and people wonder why cops can be mean.

RIP victim..

Hello,
Interesting to read all of your comments. The victim is my uncle. If you could please contact the Mountain View police with details. I will be posting more as details surface. This is devastating to our family. He was not walking or crossing the street. He was standing at the VTA bus stop as he took public transportation daily.

Who's actually blaming the cops? I read one comment where someone thought they needed more cops to patrol, but that's like 4 people standing in the rain with two umbrellas saying they could use more umbrellas. Its not blaming the rain on the umbrellas just as saying we need more cops patrolling is not blaming cops. Sheesh. Pick a fight where there is actually one to pick.

Mountain View is overrun with morons..some live here, others just speed thru our neighborhoods to get to their destination. You take your life in your hands every time you walk down the street let alone try to cross one, especially California. The clowns at city hall are too busy pushing paper to do anything about anything that truly needs fixing!
Sincere condolences to the victim's family

I agree. California is known as the bypass expressway to avoid the traffic on El Camino. Same with Ortega for Showers or Showers for San Antonio. Same with Showers in front of the San Antonio train station for California. Same with Villa and Latham for both California and El Camino. Now I've known this for years, but apparently MVPD has not because I never see speed traps set up in these neighborhoods with the exception of one time over by the train station about five years ago. Hec, even the VTA buses speed down some of these streets. I'm not blaming the cops, I'm blaming the city administration. The focus on one area while avoiding the rest.

Two days ago I was crossing the street with my daughter at the signaled crosswalk on California and Showers. We almost got run over by a speeder making a left turn. Meanwhile the cops are always over on Grant Rd. and Miramonte setting up speed traps for wealthy moms barely rolling through stop signs. Revenue raising no doubt, in addition to responding to the more squeaky wheels of the more affluent neighborhoods. When was the last fatality on Grant? I can count two on California in a year or so. California is known as the bypass expressway to avoid the traffic on El Camino.

Lastly, to the city council, yes please build more and more apartments in our end of town and throw in a mega hotel. We need even more traffic and speeders.

My prediction is that he next fatality on California will be at the same intersection during the hours of Castro school letting in or getting out. The current set up with some of the worst crossing guards I have ever seen is inviting disaster.

If it's true that he was speeding, which is probably the case. He should be charged with reckless endangerment and manslaughter.

Victimsonlyneice, so sorry to hear about your uncle. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. it just so happened that just the evening before a man on a bike was hit on middlefield by a speeding car. i'm not sure if he died, but there were multiple fireengines and police officers on the scene. Drivers need to slow down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This kind of negligence requires the harshest possible response. They should make an example of this punk, ruin his life. He deserves it. It's a shame the taxpayers have to foot the bill for his incarceration. There should be a way to bill his family for that. The best punishment would be to amputate one of his legs and not bother with jail.

There is more than enough of a police presence in this neighborhood.

Does anyone show those "Blood Alley" films in drivers ed anymore???

A left turn lane, with a light, at Escuela and California would help-- especially since this is a such a high density area, with pedestrians walking at all hours of the day. I've witnessed all too many motorists turning left at either street who are too patient to wait for people to cross and will cut them off. Having those school crossing guards does help-- regardless of their intellect.

Also, I live in the neighborhood and there was minor car accident at the same light this morning. Luckily there was a patrol car right behind them. So, any comment about there not being enough of a police presence now is totally false.

Meant to say motorists were too "impatient."

Maybe it was wishful thinking.

The victim was well-known around town and liked to be involved in his community. He was especially friendly to the police and fire departments, waving to them. They would have known who he was when they responded to the scene and had to see him like that.

To "ilikepeople": it seems to me that "Ca Ave Driver" insinuated that the police were to blame for this tragedy, as he/she ranted about a blue Audi driving recklessly on Cal Ave and the cops responding they can't be everywhere at once. Well, they can't be!

And to "Ca Ave Driver," looking at the posted photos by Sparty, it was a gray Honda not a blue Audi. An innocent person lost his life (may his soul rest in peace) and you rant about nothing....and blame the police. Smh!

Hello all,

This is Nick Veronin, reporter with the Voice. I wanted to let any witnesses or people who may have known the victim know, that if you care to share anything, please send me an email:

nveronin@mv-voice.com

I was born and raised here, MVPD is doing what they can. We need more cops, and they need to listen better. My ex was a MV cop, and I know many of them. Like in any field, there are good ones and bad ones. The size of Mountain View now, dictates a need for more police - just traffic cops. I actually go the speed limit, and I feel like an old person! Everyone is always passing me. What is the damn rush? Think about why you're actually speeding. It won't get you to your place any faster, and is it really worth getting a ticket? Or killing someone? We're moving out of this area, it's not the way my town use to be. Slower. Less out-of-town influences.

Traffic calming needed the length of Cal Ave. Walked my children to school across this street many times, never safe unless no cars are present.

Fellow MV residents, Please do everyone a favor. If you know of a car that is being driven recklessly, make an anonymous report of the license number on paper to the MVPD before another person gets killed. The worst that will happen to the owner is a drivers test and maybe a heads up that will help them slow down and stop letting drunk teens drive their car. The best that could happen is that people who shouldn't be driving will have their licenses removed and stop killing their neighbors. Let the people who are being irresponsible have to hassle instead of their victims having to mop up the blood.

So, the fact the driver was cooperating with police make it ok? I'm sorry, I don't buy that. The driver killed a human being. My deepest sympathy to the victim's family.

Dear Victimsonlyniece - I'm so very sorry for your loss. Many of us who work at the Library have known William for years. He truly was a gentle giant and always very friendly. We will miss him. Will you let us know about services?

reckless people will always drive dangerously and they are always a risk , no matter if you 100 more or 1000 more cops in our neighborhoods. If only the cops patrol more on the streets where there is lot more reckless driving, this kind of fatalities could be cut down. Lot of drivers don't simply care about pedestrians or the speed limit. They should have a walking bridge on rengstorff near the mi pueblo market. So many illegals with tons of kids (they are breeding so fast) are crossing the streets and causing so much traffic jam and headache for the commuters who have to endure a heavy delay during the peak hours because of too many trains going both sides.

Any pictures of Mr. William Ware will be appreciated.

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Ware's family. It is truly a tragedy to have your life taken from you while you're innocentley going about your business. Let's also not blame the patrol officers. They are directed from their superiors where to patrol and what to enforce. Hold those in charge accountable!

I think some posters here are losing sight of the fact the police enforce the law and citizens break the law. There are more citizens than police officers. If you have 100 people breaking the law at the same time, how many of those can be caught by one officer? If our society was more committed to obeying the traffic laws, our officers could give greater attention to areas in the community that need more supervision.

Unfortunately it is not the world we live in today. Why do you think people won't put down their phones and drive? Because they think they are entitled or that they won't get caught.

I take Bayshore Road to work every day. The speed limit is 35 on that road and most of it has a double (do not pass) line. It's not 40, 50 or 60. It's 35, and that is what I drive. I am so tired of people riding my bumper trying to bully me into going faster. The other day I was on 85 traveling in the communter lane (with a passenger) and I was going 65. The guy behind me (alone, during commuter lane restricted hours) was so angry that I would not go faster than 65mph that he passed me ON THE LEFT!! That fool was in such a hurry that he passed me on the shoulder going at least 75! There is NO fast lane people! The speed limit is the same in all lanes of traffic, with the speed expected to be slower in the far right lane as motorists enter and exit the freeway.

The last day of school as I drove my daughter to MVHS, I got on 85 at the entrance there at Shoreline & 101 and as I rounded the curve where the freeway begins a kid behind me cut in and out of traffic from behind me doing what I thought to be at least 85mhp and nearly ran me off the road. Unfortunately for him, our destinatios were the same and I pulled in to the student parking lot and had a little chat with him. I told him I didn't appreciate that his his driving put my family in danger and he said.......and I kid you not,......"I was only going 75".

The main thing that will stop the killing of innocent pedestrians and fellow road travelers is to simply obey the law.

My heart goes out to Mr. Ware and his family. RIP sir.

This accident is very sad.
What a loss of a life. We live in the Waverly Park part of Mountain View and have the bad fortune of living on a thru street.
Our nearby neighbors who live on a cul-de-sac, drive their two huge white suburbans at top speeds up and down our street each day.
It is not the family's teen sons. It's the two parents who must feel as the last commenter commented: They break the law "Because they think they are entitled or that they won't get caught."
My plea to everyone: -drive like you are driving in front of your own house. -Drive like it's your children or loved ones standing on the corner. Maybe then people will drive with a little more caution and consideration.
This accident is just another devastating reminder of how life can change in a blink of an eye.

Not enough police to control speeds? Two words: speeding cameras.

Set them at 7-10 mph above the limit and watch the speeds get down to something reasonable immediately.

To " there will be more fatalities " First of all speed traps are illegal in California as defined by the the California Penal Code. Speed was not the cause of the last fatal on California ( according to the police report ). So that makes uh.. one fatal on California Street caused by speed( one more to many in my opinion). Your information is flat out wrong! The city makes very little money from tickets. I was in traffic court for a minor traffic ticket (seatbelt) and was shocked to see the fine was $150.00. The vehicle code said the violation was punishable by $25. So I asked some questions of the court clerk. The court ( county/state) can charge 300% of the value of the ticket plus fees which made my ticket go from $25 to $150. The city makes a small % from the original fine of $25 ( around 20-25%) thats $5 to $7 a ticket! So I doubt the police is planning their enforcement around wealth neighborhoods to make more money. Accidents occur from irresponsible drivers and bad information comes from lazy people who don't care enough to check their facts before opening their mouth or putting pencil to paper. Your no better then the young inexperience driver that killed an innocent man because he didn't think about the consequences of his actions before he acted! Sir!

He was a common SITE? Have all editors jumped ship?

This is a societal problem. We need a paradigm shift from the car centric communities we have built. If you build a residential street like a freeway some fool will try and drive it that way. California street should have one lane each direction with a center turning lane, bike lanes and a speed limit of no more then 30 mph. It is a residential street, for the residence, not a throughway. My deepest condolences to the victims family.

Common 'site' at the library. Is the editor dead??

In fact, the editor was having one heck of a hectic day. Thanks for pointing out the typo, it's now been remedied.

I am a Mountain View Firefighter and I knew Mr. Ware as the "unofficial" fire marshal of the apartment complex he lived in. The crews of MVFD Engine 1 knew that when responding to an incident there he would most likely be waiting to assist in any way he could. He took a sincere interest in our fleet of fire apparatus and frequently had questions about them. On Thursday morning MVFD Engine 1 was the first arriving fire unit at the scene of this horrible incident. I can say that personally I will think of him each time I respond to that area of Mountain View.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends for their loss.

It Mr. Ware was a "fixed feature" at the Mountain View Public Library, then he WAS a "common site."

No such thing as an "accident". Or a "car" jumping a curb and killing someone waiting for a bus.

It's careless reckless driving by the operator of a motor vehicle.

Our neighborhood is over run by speeders avoiding the Rengstorff Central, San Antonio mess.

Public works has some weird 85% rule so they don't have to do anything.

Unfortunately it takes someone getting killed for anything to happen.

MVFF thank you for the smile. That was my Uncle Billy! He lived in that complex for 20 years and was well known. Library Staffer, thank you for always being so fantastic. He loved the library and staff. I will post the service online and it will be in the paper with a photo. Thank you to those who took the time to send your sympathy. We appreciate it. I look forward to meeting those who can attend his celebration of life. Tomorrow my dad and I will be at the site at 11:30. If anyone has any imformation please stop by.
I went to the scene today and I stood there as my uncle Bill did and imagined a car coming at me 80+ mph! All I could do was cry. Such a wonderful man full of a great spirit killed.
:(

My friends were in the construction van that the driver was trying to swerve away from before he jumped the curb. Another friend who was across the street when the incident exactly happened also saw the events. My friend who was in the van helped the idiot driver as he walked out in a daze. Idiot driver was so out of it as he walked towards impact point and asked "did I do all of this?". My friends wanted to beat him up instantly for being so reckless and clueless. Observed at least going 70 mph.

I walked by this scene and instantly felt so sick that someone lost their life over a reckless idiot's ignorance. I am so sorry that this has happened. May this man's family find some sort of comfort knowing how many people in this community thought warmly of Mr. Ware. I cannot imagine your grief. I hope that you are getting the support you need through this time.

"My friends wanted to beat him up instantly for being so reckless and clueless." Too bad they didn't!

What is so important that you have to race up Calif St at a speed that is so insane. 80 miles per hour. I feel sad and shocked by the lost of William Ware, I don't know him but will miss just knowing he made others happy. People remember you aren't the only on the road.

FYI, verry important!!!! No arrestt was made in my uncles death. The driver is free still out in your community. The 21 year old still had his cell phone in his hand after this incident.

NO ARREST? Shame on the MVPD. Let's start with "negligent homicide" and branch out from there. Pile enough charges on to lock him away FOREVER.

And Mr. Ware's family should file a civil suit.

Of course, vigilante justice would save the taxpayers a bundle of money, but it would be illegal to suggest anything like that, so I won't.

William was very, very well known in the library. Over the last year that I have been here I grew accustomed to seeing him every Thursday afternoon, during which time we would talk about so many things. He took a particular interest in MVPD and would always ask me how certain officers are doing & when they're going to retire.

According to staff who have been here longer than I have, William would not only remember staff members' birthdays but he would remember their spouse's birthdays as well. He was a very kind and gentle man and the library will miss him greatly.

The driver hasn't been charged yet? Are you kidding? I want to make it really clear that I had a perfect view of this idiot's speed as I was walking on California ave. two blocks before the intersection and he was clearly driving OVER 80 mph, ABSOLUTELY no less than that. Further, he actually sped up to run the red light. I am extremely frustrated and angry that this punk thug isn't behind bars! Unfortunately most news outlets aren't reporting this as reckless driving so this piece of human garbage might get off.

One commenter said, "I think we need more cops patrolling that street." I think we need more cops and more fire fighters. I think we need more city, school district (teachers), county, state and federal workers generally. (And we need to fire those who are not doing the job right or the right job and replace them with better people doing the right jobs.)

These people, and numerous private businesses who contract to do business with government agencies, are paid with taxes. Except for the federal government, none of these government agencies are allowed to run deficits.

So when I say, we need more cops, I mean we need more taxes.

Unfortunately, it's incredibly easy to cut taxes and almost impossible to raise them. For example, taxes that were already too low have been down even more since the start of the most recent depression (sorry--the Great Recession) just because more people are making no or less money to be taxed. (Still. Almost 5 years after the start.) And, the recent proposition to raise the tobacco tax was defeated just because too many people thought it was more important to help people kill themselves (and others) with tobacco smoke.

Billy The man who died,was my Brother inlaws Brother, this is so sad for our family. The pain of knowing how Billy died, wondering if the driver was texting. who come out of their car after a horrific accident and has their cell ph in hand, and claims to be in a state of confusion? Thank you everyone who has such kind words about Billy, it does help to know how many people he touched:) Thanks for all your prayers. RIP Billy, You will always be remembered.

To Mr. Ware's family: Mountain View has lost an active community member, and while I did not personally know him, I did see him out and about in the neighborhood, always with a wave and a smile. It is clear he has touched so many people with his kindness and presence. It is a terrible tragedy, and you are in my thoughts at this time.

I'm sure the local police are doing everything they can to put together the case against the driver; it takes time.

Was Billy the man with a fishing hat who waved and smiled at passersby? And did he sometimes smoke a cigarette at the bus stop?

This is a true tragedy and my heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the victims. I hope you find comfort in knowing that so many residents of the community are inspired by Mr. Ware's generosity and service to the Mountain View. Truly a shame he was taken too soon.

To the other commentators, though its easy to get emotional about this incident like I was, I would hope that you reserve judgement till all facts are laid out and known.

To Passerby-- Yes, he wore a white fishing hat and carried a large, plaid shopping tote bag. You probably saw him around town. Maybe his photo will be posted at some point.

Celabration of Life for William "Bill" Ware.

Services will be held at the Spangler Mortuary located at 799 Castro Street in Mountain View on Thursday June 28, 2012 at 6 PM.

More information will be available on the mortuary's website at www.spanglermortuary.com

I have emailed a photo to the voice and will be posting flyers on Monday. Thank you all for your kind words.

My name is Jim Ware. Bill was my brother.

Bill wasn't able to lead the same life that I have but he lived well and happily and I did what I could to help him along.

I'm a Civil Engineer and despite all of the engineering classes and experience that I have, I can't fix stupid. Anyone driving well in excess of the speed limits increases their chances that they will be involved in an accident. Accidents at higher speeds have a higher likelihood of hurting or killing those involved. Once again, you can't fix stupid.

The solution lies with those behind the steering wheel. Driving a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility and a privilage. Anyone violating the the expectations of that privilage should be held to a higher standard. I expect that this driver will be held to that higher standard in a Court of Law.

My brother was killed by someone that failed to to follow the simple rules of the road. BILL WAS KILLED AND DISMEMBERED AS A RESULT OF THIS DRIVER'S ACTIONS. DISMEMBERED!!!. I hope you never have to imagine your loved one suffering a fate like my brother did because someone was driving like an idiot.

I will fully cooperate with the authorities in the prosecution of this case and I expect that that there will be a conviction of this driver in the death of my Brother.

I agree with those who've said "If you build a road like a highway, some people are going to drive on it like a highway." No matter what the speed limit is. And it's just not possible for the police to catch all the reckless drivers.

Street design makes a huge difference in how people drive. Look at Escuela - it's just two lanes total, and people drive a lot slower than on California. Yes, it's still physically possible to travel at 80 mph, but it's extremely rare.

So it's simple - road diet. To prevent this from happening again, reduce California Street to one lane in each direction. Sidewalk curb extensions, more visible crosswalks, and more visible bike lanes that don't narrow as you approach the intersection would help as well.

Mr Jim Ware, I'm sorry that you lost your brother in such a violent way. I didn't know him, but from what everyone has said, he was a gentle man. He didn't deserve to die from someone else's selfish decision to drive recklessly on our city streets. We need to rid our streets of the scourge of aggressive drivers.

Did Billy suffer from any particular disability? That was my impression. I never had a chance to speak with him in length or listen to him speaking at a meeting.

It shouldn't matter how many lanes the street has or If it looks like a freeway. Speed limits are set for a reason. I have lived near this intersection all my life and witnessed so many accidents that I have lost count. All because people can't respect traffic rules and wait for a minute. I've had incidents in which I have been waiting to drive into my driveway with my turning signal on and idiots honk at me. That fatal Thursday morning I was woken up by the sound of crushing metal and a woman's scream. I immediately dialed 911 and ran outside to make sure no one was hurt but the street was already full of people trying to help. All the damage that this young man caused is unbelievable. I truly do hope he pays for what he did. My bedroom window directly faces where Mr. Ware's lifeless body lay and every day that I look out my window I can't help but feel anger because an innocent man lost his life to a reckless driver. I haven't been able to sleep for the past few nights because I can still hear the woman screaming, I can still see the scene outside my window. I hope this incident makes people realize that they're not the only ones on the road.

Why hasn't the 21-year-old's name been released yet? I can't recall another time when someone who did something like this was so carefully shielded by the police unless they were under age 18.

I am Bill's sister-in-law. Denise, your comment was a tough one to read, and I had a hard time getting through it, but it is reality, and our family has to face it. We have no choice. Right now we are busy preparing for Bill's services, but rest assured, we are going to get justice for Bill. And I'm very sorry for the trauma you are dealing with. So much unnecessary pain and anguish for many people. What a shame.

I had heard about this accident, but did not know it was William until today. I am very saddened to hear this. As everyone else has stated, William was one of the kindest souls that I have ever met. I very frequently chatted with him in Pioneer Park for the last 4+ years. He always asked questions about the well-being of other City employees that he was acquainted with. He knew when I was going on vacation and always asked me about it on my return. I am extremely saddened by his departure and my very strong and sincere condolences to the family. Mountain View lost a great friend. Rest in peace William.

Let the Police and the D.A. do their job, I am sure the MVPD are just as upset. RIP William Ware. This has nothing to do with how much people pay or not pay in taxes.

I drive through that intersection every day. It is just poor planning that there is not a left turn light to go with the left turn lane. Making the turn onto Escuela from California is extremely dangerous.
Another of the many signs of poor planning such as putting the mid-block crosswalk near Castro school in an area completely lacking streetlamps! There are no lights, no flashing lights or anything, making that crosswalk dangerous after dark.
In addition, the "new" exit from the parking lot at the end of Esquela: again, completely new signals, BUT no left turn lights! It's impossible to see if there are people going straight through or if they are turning, especially considering that no one seems to use their turn signals.
I don't think that Mr. Ware would have been saved by a left turn light, but perhaps if the intensive police monitoring on the stop signs near Castro school could move to speed trapping on California, it would calm the racecourse for a little while.

Of course, our "Neiborhood" is not "named" on the map - just another sign of the local neglect.

My condolences to the Ware family. The driver really has no excuse. There are usually children at that bus stop.

To the family of Bill Ware - I join with the others on this forum in offering my deepest condolences to you in your time of great loss. I was fortunate to be able to speak to Bill on several occasions in the downtown area the past few years, as I helped setup for Thursday Night Live and other community events. Bill will always be remembered for the friendly way he interacted with city employees and residents of our community.

My sister-in-law lives on California St near the scene and was home at the time that Bill was struck down. She did what she could to offer support to people at the scene and this tragedy affected her deeply too.

We are so sorry for your loss and your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of our family.

Daisy, I was fortunate enough to have met him. He found my mom's purse a few years back and returned it, Which is why it has been so hard to forget the scene. He was such a wonderful person. My condolences to you and your family.

Denise, Our family will be praying that you find peace in your heart. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm so happy your moms purse got it Bills hands and he was able to return it to her.
Regards to you.

I am also a city employee when has spoken to William on several occasions while working on Escuela Ave. He would see me and come over and ask a lot of questions, at first I thought he was just nosy, but I soon realized that he was truly interested in what I was doing, who I was and what I did, and would ask about other city employees and how they were doing.

He was such a fixture of the neighborhood that I would see him walking down the street while driving by and think...there goes the Mayor of Escuela Avenue...

I wish I could say this was a tragic accident, but unless the driver of the car was having a medical emergency or a severe mechanical malfunction, then it is was no accident, just tragic.

My sincerest condolences to William's family and his many friends.

Rest in Peace William, you will be greatly missed.

My sincerest condolences to Bill's entire family. I often ride the VTA and used to see Bill on the same bus line frequently, or if I was driving my car, he would wave if he recognized me from California Street. He was always friendly and outgoing and this tragedy hit me hard as well when I heard the news. He will be deeply missed.

Why the secrecy of the drivers identity in this horrific tragedy?

I recall someone being struck down at Shoreline and Wright in April, never heard a word about the driver or the result of the investigation.

Does anyone know what happened to the driver in the April accident? Seems like that one just fell off the radar and I hope it doesn't happen here.

Additionally, didn't the acupuncturist who fled the seen just get a slap on the wrist?

The pattern leans in favor of the drivers unfortunately.

I"ll bet this 21 year old has a list of excuses and he will get off

I am crying right now because today monday I went to catch the bus and the first thing I noticed was all those flowers and I didnt know what happen... I google it and I read this horrible news, and I knew him, because I used to ride the bus and saw him jumping off the to go to the library, last week he helped me to carry the stroller cause I had my son in my arms and I told him thank you. I am so sad because this could have happen to me, most of the time I am waiting in that bus stop with my son to go either to the clini, library or train station, THIS IS SO SAD!!! MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND GOD BLESS HIM FOR BEING SO KIND WITH ME AND OUR NEIGHBORDS.

MV Police and the prosecutor, need to do the right thing and charge the person responsible.

May this man Billy, rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends.

Dear Katherine, I am Bill's sister-in-law, and it's comments like yours that especially touch my heart. Knowing what he meant to you, how he helped you, and touched your life, means the world to me and the rest of Bill's family. I would like to invite all those that were touched by Bill, in some way, to attend his Memorial Service this Thursday at Spangler Mortuary in Mountain View at 6:00 p.m., and celebrate his life with us. We will be giving everyone the opportunity to share their thoughts or any special interaction they may have had with him.

This is Bill's sister-in-law again. I would like to add that everyones comments are appreciated - all the condolences, interactions with Bill, thoughts, etc. Bill's family is reading each and every comment, and is blessed by them.

I too was deeply sad and upset to hear the crash from my apartment. I truly regret never having met mr.ware as these amazing stories give me a sense of what a gift he was to those around him. How rare for a person in this isolated time to connect with so many people; It sounds like he knew the true meaning of community. What an inspiration that he found such joy in learning about people, public transit, and helping others. I also am impressed with how his family and community embraced his strengths and saw his heart. my condolences go out to his wife, family, and friends. I hope there is swift justice and will join any effort to support that there is.

My condolences to Mr. Ware's family...it is such a tragedy. We had another accident on California (and Pettis) last night. I know one of the guys involved...he sits and drinks beer in his car pretty much every night.

The crash was awful but luckily no one got seriously hurt...well we don't know if the reckless driver got hurt because he ran away from the scene. Police were trying to get the brother who is usually in the car drinking w/ the idiot to call him and tell him to return to the scene...he never did.

We've seen so many accidents happen on California street. How many deaths and near misses is it going to take before the city does something to curtail the speed/texting/drinking that happens behind the wheel.

I try to walk on California as little as possible and my daughter isn't allowed to go near it...maybe it's time to move.

Why hasn't the driver been charged yet? It seems like an open and shut case. The idiot drives 80+ mph, clearly runs a red light, and can't even stop his vehicle for 200 yards despite killing a pedestrian, two poles and a tree. Let him rot in jail!

I walk past the accident site every day as a matter of course, including the day of the accident. 200 yards is the length of two football fields -- the car stopped after a distance of closer to 200 feet past the bus stop (with the assistance of a couple of trees to slow him down). I can't believe that the driver hasn't been publicly identified yet either, because it's obvious that laws were broken and he's not a minor. However, the physical evidence may not support the eyewitness accounts of 200 yards and 80 mph, and it may take time to figure out exactly what the physical evidence does indicate.

I passed the site yesterday and there were three policemen measuring and conducting tests, so clearly the issue is still an open one. If speed was involved, the person driving should be charged.

I am sorry to hear this happened like everyone else. I too drive down California and have drivers honking at me to go faster then speed around me. Regarding the comment by someone asking for people to call the police and report reckless drivers I did that once over a year ago. I was told by the Mountian View police that even though I had the plate number, make and model of car and driver description I was not a police officer and THEY had to be the witness of the reckless driving to do anything about it. So that was the end of that.

I was in shock that OUR Billy, our community's teddybear and gentle giant, was dead. I'm not used to Billy being called "William", so I hoped it was all a mistake when I saw the news report. But it's not. He rode my commute bus frequently (35), when I came home from the law office in Palo Alto to Mountain View. I always remembered fondly when he and his wife would have their anniversary and go out to get a bite (he spoke highly of her), of his going on a vacation to Oregon to see family (he spoke highly of them too), and what a good man he was! Always carrying groceries, getting a good deal, helping folks out. Billy had A GREAT attitude despite the curves life threw him.

To Billy's Family,

I saw Billy across the store recently when I was shopping. In a hurry, I thought about going over to say "hi" to him before leaving.
I was tired and thought I'd just say "hi" to him another time. Now,
I won't get the chance. Let's all remember to say "hi" to each other, even if we're tired, etc. We may not get another chance.
Kicking myself!

Grace, thank you. Your messages are so comforting. We look forward to meeting all of you at his service this evening. Thank you to all for taking the time to share your stories about my Uncle Billy. Our families appreciate it.Uncle Billy will forever hold a special place in my heart & Soul.

Hi Billy's Niece,

Thanks for your sweet response. I will be there tonight, and cancelled the first night of my vacation plans with friends just to be at Billy's service (I wouldn't miss Billy's service for anything that's how much he was loved and I met him on the 35 commute bus!)Billy loved all of your family so deeply, and he was so ENTHUSIATIC about all of you, that the entire 35 commute bus knew how much you were loved by our gentle giant. He had such a GREAT ATTITUDE and I need to become much better at mine! What a fine example he was to the rest of us! I am crying right now.

To William's family: Although several of my coworkers were at the service, unfortunately I was unable to attend due to my scheduled shift at the library. I was just wondering if it would be possible to obtain a copy of the service program, if there are any available. I have very fond memories of William and it would mean a lot to me. Thank you so much.

-Scott

Hi Scott,
I have a couple extra programs that I brought home with me from Billy's memorial service to give out. I will drop one off for you today.

Hi Scott,
I just dropped off a copy of Billy's memorial service program for you
at the library's front desk with the gentleman there. It's in a large brown envelope. I am sorry you had to work and couldn't attend. It was a wonderful service. In the program there's a bunch of photos. Billy's wife is all dressed up. He's in his Jiffy Lube uniform which his brother said Bill was so proud to wear. We were in laughter at that point in the service.

Hi Grace,

I received the envelope. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to put it together and drop it off for me. I greatly appreciate it and I wish you and your family the best.

-Scott

Hi Scott,
I'm glad you got the envelope! We in this community all shared a love for Bill(Billy as he asked me to call him for years). He got into our hearts, souls, and bone marrow. He was so gentle, so sweet, without guile, and will be so greatly missed. Perhaps we in this community can carry on his legacy and do something for the elderly, the needy, etc. Mow their lawns for free like Bill did, help out in some way. God bless you and your family too!
Grace

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their support to our family during this terrible time. We all knew Billy as a good person and that he loved Barbara and that he was comfortable and happy in his home, and in his community, in Mountain View. What we found through this process was that Billy was a GREAT guy and that the kind things that he did were not only for the people that he knew, but that they were shared throughout the community.

The services for Bill were great because of everyone coming together. The entire family marveled about how many people stood up and shared a story about Bill and the person that he was. Many of the stories touched on the theme that we should be more like Bill and I agree with them, but others were funny or inspiring or touching, and they were all great and heartfelt. The outpouring of support for Bill didn’t stop at the services. Our granddaughter stopped by the bus stop where Bill was killed and there were many people there reading scripture, saying prayers, and lighting candles, all for Billy.

The family was honored that the Mayor of Mountain View attended and spoke at his service. The most recent City Council Meeting was adjourned in Bill’s honor. We received a plant and a card from one of the City Council Members. The Environmental Planning Commission held a moment of silence at their meeting on Wednesday in Bill's honor. The family had no idea that he was so active in the community.

Several articles that I’ve read about Bill have made reference to the fact that whenever Bill spoke at a public meeting, he would always state that he was “happy to be there.” Based on the outpouring of love from the Mountain View community for Bill, why wouldn’t he be happy to be there? He was home.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their support of Bill’s family during this emotional time.

Jim Ware and Family
Placerville, CA

I am Bill's sister-in-law. Our family has been asked numerous times about a memorial fund for Bill, and we would like to thank you all for your care and concern for Bill and his family.

We have selected Sacred Heart Community Service where Bill was a volunteer. They are a wonderful organization. I have provided a link for your convenience.

Web Link

If anyone would like to donate to Bill's wife Barbara, to help with expenses, you may email me directly for information.

daisy.97@att.net

Thank you!

There was another tradgic accident last night Saturday September 15th, 2012 around 10:20 pm. A pedestrian was hit crossing California Ave. has the 21year old driving the Audi been charged/jailed? It has been almost three months. Vehicular homicide needs to be punished, to show it is intolerable to the community to drive recklessly and endanger others lives.

"Matthew Pumar, the Mountain View driver accused of accidentally hitting and killing William Ware, is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 31, according to Duffy Magilligan, the deputy district attorney on the case.

I hope this kid gets at least 40 years. Unreprehensible. Driver in last night's crash fits near identical description.