Digest Digest (September 29, 2004)

Wedding guests killed in crash

Four people headed for a wedding in Palo Alto Saturday afternoon died when their car left the I-280 freeway and struck a tree at Woodside Road.

The four were identified by the San Mateo County Coroner's office as Leandro Tam, 73, the driver, his wife, Kelly Tam, 63, both of Daly City, and Canadian citizens Maria Tcheu, 72, and Gunn Kee, 62.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the car drifted off the freeway for an unknown reason.

-- Bay City News Service
Man charged in death of local cyclist

David Anthony Espino, 38, has been charged with murder in the death of James Dein, 56, of Mountain View after Espino's van struck Dein on Feb. 19. Dein and bicycling partner Ted Aberg, 65, of Palo Alto were in the bicycle lane of the Saratoga-Los Gatos Road when Espino's red van struck and killed Dien and seriously injured Aberg.

Witnesses saw Espino driving erratically on Highway 9 just before the collision, according to Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney Karyn Sinunu. Espino was seen driving on the wrong side of the road and traveling on the shoulder.

The van Esino was driving had a flat tire, and moments before he struck the cyclists his van rear-ended another motorist. But instead of stopping, Espino sped up and tried to pass the vehicle he had struck, driving in the bicycle lane, where he struck Dein and Aberg.

Espino is also being charged with hit and run, reckless driving causing bodily injury, driving on a suspended license and being under the influence of a drug.

He faces 20 years to life in prison if convicted.

-- Don Kazak
Open Space district supports Prop. 1A

The Midpeninula Regional Open Space District's board of directors voted unanimously last week to support Proposition 1A on the Nov. 2 ballot. The proposition would protect local governments from having their funds diverted by the state for other purposes.

"The district is pleased to support this historic measure," said Board President Mary Davey. "Proposition 1A will help protect funding for open space lands and our room to breathe."

Proposition 1A was placed on the ballot by the Legislature as part of a budget package negotiated with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

-- Don Kazak

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