My sympathy goes out to the injured, Maybe Rob was contracted out, but management should be held responsible for not ensuring or caring about the safety of the passengers that put their lives in the hands of the public transportation, by not having a 2nd engineer in the cab with Rob. Although I really feel that the train management is to share in the blame for the unnecessary tragedy that occurred, Rob should have been doing the job he was trained for, May God have mercy on your soul Rob; I guess God did, because you are not having to live with the guilt, the responsibility, or to see the families of the victims you killed, or to endure the trial that would have ensued if you had survived the catastrophe you allowed to happen due to your lack of concern for the people who trusted your engineering skills (or lack there of) It is as bad as choosing to drive drunk, if you are not going to doing the job you were trusted and trained for.

I find it very unlikely that Robert Sanchez caused the accident.

The rails between Union Station and Moorpark have one part of the route where the two sets of track converge into one. That is the location of the accident. How is it possible that an experienced engineer could miss multiple red lights at the one point of the route where it vital to not do so. How is it possible that a person who knew the route and knew the risk of missing a red light at that point could do so? I suggest that it is very unlikely.

Text messaging while driving is dangerous, but was until recently legal for CA drivers. There were not people driving through red lights left and right causing accidents all the time. A text message only takes a glance. The Robert Sanchez that people describe on this page does not sound like a careless person. On top of that, why would he, all of a sudden, forget what part of the track he was at after all the years he had taken this route?

Consider a two-lane highway under construction with a portion of only one lane to drive on. Drivers on both sides need to wait for a green light or else risk driving head on with another vehicle. What kind of driver in their right mind would take such a risk. Text messaging would not distract someone into forgetting the risk of oncoming traffic.

An LA Times article from Oct. 4th stated that there were 3 knowledgable witnesses at the Chatsworth station when Mr. Sanchez left who said the light was green for him to go through the one track section. Why did this get less attention than Mr. Sanchez's text messages?

Is it possible that Sanchez went through a red light knowingly? I doubt this especially after reading the testimonials left by people who knew him. Also, it seems that he expected to arrive in Moorpark that evening since he had made a phone call to a restaurant in Moorpark ordering a sandwich to be ready for him when he arrived.

Also, how did the other train operator in the back of the train miss the "red" signal? Was he text messaging too? Is it possible that two trained professionals could miss multiple red lights at the worst point possible? I find that incredible to believe. Why is his name not being dragged through the mud?

I will allow that it is possible that Robert Sanchez caused the accident, but I find it extremely hard to believe.

If Mr. Sanchez did not cause this, one must ask whether or not it is safe to ride the Ventura County line, especially between Chatsworth and Simi.

I use to go out with Chuck before he move to Missiour. He was very apecial to me and I am so so sorry to hear about him> I have been trying to get a hold of him until I found this out. I am glad I knew him he was such a kind soul and I always have had a special place in my heart for him and always will. Rick if you read this please contact me. I would love to hear from you and find out a little more about Chuck, He will be miss and my heart is broken. Nellie

This was not a mistake. He was trained and experienced. He disregarded his duties and caused the death of 24 other people. Shame on him.

Bev -- you were always an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your kind and gentle spirit. I will always remember your grace, intelligence and professionalism. You are loved, admired and respected by so many. Love, Linda Quon

To Paul Long's Family.... as you approach this first Christmas since your father and husband's death...May you find comfort knowing that because of this glorious occassion and the birth of our dear Lord, you will see him again...all of the pain and hurt that you may feel will be gone and you will know peace....

My cousin Chris,
my memories of You were so long ago, helping you learn to
walk was and will alway's be one of the highlights of my life. I wish I had more time with you, but the time I had I will never forget.Yourself and Mel were just to much fun.I will miss you and remember you alway's

To Donna and Roy,
I can't imagine your pain, but know that I love you and my prayers are with you alway's

to Sharon,Samantha and Katie,
Though we have not met I feel like I know you, through my Mom. I will pray for you all and hope that somehow you may find peace in all of this, may God bless.

-Love to all-
Rob&Deann& family XOXO

It will be 3 months tomorrow that the world lost a wonderful person & it still hurts as much today as it did on that awfull day that Jacob was torn from all of our lives. His family & Stephanie are suffering so badly. Its just so unfair that this young promising young man is gone forever. I just hope that some day, we all will get the answer as to why he was taken from us, when he had so much to offer? All I can say to the Hefter family & to Stephanie is to take one day at a time & know that Jacob is watching over each and every one of you, & that he would hate to see all of you so sad all of the time. May God bless all of you.

Stay strong Jordie, Angie, Al, Steph, and Jared. I love all of you guys and theres not a day that goes by that i dont think about you all.

We are so sorry
Our prayers go out to the hefter family
you be miss by many and never forgotten

Aziz's