I am writing this to you in hopes of telling our story
– a story worth telling in regards to my husband Adam Haney II
(age 26). On Feb 16 at approximately 12:25 a.m., Adam and a
coworker (Hugo) were driving from Salinas after work on northbound
101 through Prunedale when he was hit by a drunk driver – Rosario
Lopez, age 22.
I hope no one else feels this pain
Dear Editor,
I am writing this to you in hopes of telling our story – a story worth telling in regards to my husband Adam Haney II (age 26). On Feb 16 at approximately 12:25 a.m., Adam and a coworker (Hugo) were driving from Salinas after work on northbound 101 through Prunedale when he was hit by a drunk driver – Rosario Lopez, age 22. He was driving 57 mph in the left lane, and she was driving 100 mph, under the influence, and hit his 1985 pickup with her 2006 Toyota Tundra straight in the back tail, pushing him 600 yards past Ralph Lane and into the cement divider while rolling over. Adam suffered severe head trauma from the back of the head, was brain dead at the hospital and died at 6:59 a.m. at Natividad Hospital.
This happened on Presidents’ Day weekend, and no report in the paper or news was reported immediately. Not until Wednesday were there a few sentences. I am saddened by that because we have gang activity, their faces, families and stories are told and yet here is a true victim and not a longer story. I am grateful for your columnist Marty Richman who did an article on drunk driving and used Adam’s name merely as an example. At least it was something that helped in my healing.
Finally, I got a hold of the photographer for the Californian newspaper whom attended Adam’s March 8 Celebration of Life ceremony in Salinas (over 500 attended!) for photos and a story. There was to be a story done last week but again, nine gang-related shootings pushed the story back. I was interviewed Monday, and the story went out today. No pictures. The editor cut them. Don’t know why. 
Today is Rosario’s court date. I am told she may, after credits, only do five years.
Adam doesn’t come back in five years for me or our children. His 3-year old son doesn’t understand, and misses his best friend. Our world is forever altered. Prison will not rehabilitate her. I am requesting after parole that she attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and does community service work at schools to tell her experience.   It’s ironic that Adam, whom did so much community work – such as bringing recovery meetings into Salinas Valley Prison and Salinas and Hollister Jails – is killed by someone under the influence.
My hope is no one else feels this pain. I can’t tell enough people: if you drink, be responsible, and don’t drive. And hold your loved ones – it may be the last time you see them. Thank You.
Kara Haney, Hollister
Story was inappropriate, unfair
Dear Editor,
Interesting that the Free Lance no longer feels an investigation is warranted (in regard to testimony alleging a bribe offer). After not only inappropriately but unfairly linking me to illegal activity, you want it all to go away. It is no surprise as you knew all along that the allegations were unfounded.
Just want you to know I will see both Richard Ferreira and his wife in court, where I want him to look me straight in the eye and repeat his statements.
Bob Cruz, Hollister
