High-speed rail drama

By Steven T. Jones
California's proposed high-speed rail project is finally getting some much needed attention, which is the only thing that will overcome Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's dishonest and secretive campaign to kill it.

The Democratic Party has made the project a top legislative priority (see my story on that in tomorrow's paper), the LA Times is publicizing it, and the Fog City Journal got this quote on the subject from Mayor Gavin Newsom: "A bond has been delayed for too many years. It's time to look forward to high-speed rail. In fact I'll be doing a press conference with Senator Kopp on it very shortly. We're blessed to have Senator Kopp to head this authority to really step it up because, definitely, it's absolutely essential. You watch the rest of the world, they've been doing that kind of system for decades and here we are still flying on Southwest, Jet Blue and United. It makes no sense between northern and southern California and it'll be a big part of solving a lot of the infrastructure and transportation challenges."
He's absolutely right. And now is the time to make sure Arnold and the more cowardly members of the Legislature don't kill this important project.

Comments (3)

jdhlax

Steven,

I realize that you guys are not environmentalists -- that is, the environment is not your priority. However, if you care at all about it, you should stop promoting the high speed rail proposal without demanding that it go over Altamont Pass, not Pacheco Pass. This is not a minor detail. Building tracks and running trains over Pacheco Pass will destroy what is now a virtually pristine area, while Altamont Pass is already greatly ecologically denuded. Please mention this major issue from now on in your reporting about this issue. The only ones pushing the Pacheco Pass route are businesses from San Jose, who can't stand that their city would only be a spur station, instead of on the main line, if the route were to go over Altamont Pass.

Posted by jdhlax | May 2, 2007 05:22 PM

NoeValleyJim

I really don't believe that building a 50M wide swath of tracks is going to "destroy" anything, especially since there is already a highway there. The rail will have to file an EIR, which will address this issue.

The environmental benefits from not burning all that jet fuel more than balance out the minor change to the Pacheco pass, imho.

This is a great time politically to be pushing for the high speed rail, since the airlines are so weak right now. You know they will fight it tooth and nail.

Posted by NoeValleyJim | May 3, 2007 12:43 PM

WillySF

I sent my letter to the Governor. The hearing is on May 10. Everyone contact your representatives and tell them you want a voice regarding HS Rail. Our future hinges on this.

Posted by WillySF | May 6, 2007 10:22 AM

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