Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Buses

Omnitrans Sets Up Fund for Family of Slain Bus Driver

5_20_10_kester.jpgLawrence Kester Photo: Omnitrans

About 15 years ago I remember the Riverside Press-Enterprise ran an article on how being a bus driver is one of the most hazardous occupations in Los Angeles. This came to mind when I heard that Omnitrans Coach Operator Lawrence Kester had died from stab wounds sustained while on duty on Friday, May 7.

Kester, 47 of Fontana, and his wife Misty have six small children, ages 11 months to 10 years. Kester also has two older children from a previous marriage.

I think it says something that local media reported Kester's funeral drew 400 people. Also, all Omnitrans coaches briefly pulled over in tribute as the service started before resuming their runs. How sad that a man who by all accounts was good and kind should die in such a senseless manner.

Omnitrans has established a memorial fund for the Kester's family. Donations may be made payable to the "Kester Family Memorial Fund" and mailed or delivered to any Bank of America branch location. Contributions can also be directed to Omnitrans headquarters at 1700 West Fifth St., San Bernardino, CA 92411 and the transit agency will arrange for deposit into the memorial account.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

L.A. City Council Committees Approve Road Widening Reforms

The city Bureau of Engineering proposal should minimize road widening at future private developments, but there are several widening situations it does not address, including BOE's own road widening projects

October 10, 2024

How to Defeat Car Culture in America’s Deadliest City for Pedestrians

"How do you market hundreds of miles of ‘road diets’ in the car capital of the nation?"

October 9, 2024

L.A. City Council Approves On-Bus Camera Enforcement of Bus-Only Lanes

After outreach and a 60-day warning period, actual bus lane citations are likely to start in early 2025

October 8, 2024

Baldwin Park Gets Funds for Another Pocket Park

The city can’t seem to stop building parks, and this latest installment will make use of a pair of empty lots near the San Gabriel River.

October 8, 2024
See all posts