California’s two high-speed rail efforts are progressing, with environmental protections secured in the Central Valley and work starting on Brightline West’s Los-Angeles-Las Vegas route near the Nevada border.
Last Friday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority, which is working on the line connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco via the Central Valley, completed a settlement agreement with several entities in the Grassland Ecological Area, which the rail line will pass through.
The agreement resolved potential California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) claims from the Grassland entities over the San Jose to Merced portion of the state’s high-speed rail project.
It ensures environmental safeguards in the Grassland Ecological Area, as well as in other sensitive areas, Coyote Valley and Pacheco Pass.
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The Authority has committed to further mitigating noise and wildlife disturbance by incorporating wildlife crossings, avian enclosures, and sound barriers.
The site of a proposed station for the high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California, near Victorville, California. Work is now starting on Brightline West’s route near the Nevada border. The site of a proposed station for the high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California, near Victorville, California. Work is now starting on Brightline West’s route near the Nevada border. Reed Saxon/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chief executive Brian Kelly said in a statement that the Authority is dedicated to balancing development with environmental stewardship. “This settlement reflects the hard work of state and local public agencies striving to protect natural resources and provide the public with new, state-of-the-art transportation that is clean, sustainable, and reduces our collective carbon footprint,” Kelly said.
“This agreement further reflects our organizations’ understanding that the best way to deliver these services is through collaboration.”
The project, first proposed in 2008, aims to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco via the Central Valley, with speeds exceeding 200 mph.
At the time, the project was anticipated to be operational by 2020 and cost $33 billion.
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Though delays and cost increases have plagued the project, substantial progress has been made.
Currently, 119 miles of track are under construction in the Central Valley, part of the 171 mile section between Merced and Bakersfield.
The estimated cost for this segment alone is now estimated to be $35 billion, and the full Los Angeles-San Francisco route could potentially cost $100 billion.
Completion of the Central Valley segment is now expected between 2030 and 2033.
Meanwhile, Brightline West, the private company constructing a Las Vegas-to-Southern California high-speed rail line, began work near the Nevada border on Tuesday. Crews have been working near the Nevada-California border on I-15, carrying out field investigations, utility potholing, and geotechnical testing.
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This 218-mile line is slated for completion by 2028, just in time for the Los Angeles Summer Olympic, with trains running at 186 mph.
Brightline has already laid the groundwork for high-speed rail in the U.S. with its Florida line between Miami and Orlando, which reaches speeds of 125 mph.
Newsweek has contacted the California High Speed Rail Authority and Brightline via email for comment.
Christmas Day weather forecast for Northern California – Dec. 25, 2024
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Christmas Day weather forecast for Northern California – Dec. 25, 2024
02:55
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TRUCKEE — With another weather system just about done with Northern California, roads in the Northern California high country are open but still potentially treacherous on Christmas Day.
As of noon, there are no restrictions on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada.
The same can’t be said for the smaller highways, however.
On Highway 89, Caltrans says chains or snow tires are required from Truckee to the Sierra/Plumas County line, and from Truckee to around 11 miles north of Truckee.
Highlighting how dangerous the conditions could be, on Christmas morning California Highway Patrol posted about a driver who nearly went completely off the side of the road near Emerald Bay. The vehicle had to be towed out.
Further south, along Highway 88, Caltrans says chains are also still required on all vehicles from 6.5 miles east of Peddler Hill in Amador County to about 5 miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County.
Another impactful weather system is expected to arrive by Thursday in Northern California
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Cecilio Padilla
Cecilio Padilla is a digital producer for CBS Sacramento and a Sacramento-area native who has been covering Northern California for more than a decade.
Neither of the authors of “Homesteading 2.0” (Dec. 15 Review-Journal) lives in Nevada. Yet, they believe they are qualified to advocate for increased development of our public lands.
To date, much new development has focused on luxury housing and green energy projects, rather than the need for affordable housing. While the authors acknowledge our successful conservation efforts, they fail to mention that current residents are being heavily regulated by the water authority, facing penalties, and pressured to reduce water usage. Lawns are being replaced with desert landscaping, and ongoing development to accommodate growth is contributing to the urban heat island effect. This growth has led to more congested roadways, wildlife encroaching into urban areas due to habitat loss and reduced access to recreational spaces that residents once enjoyed.
One of the defining features of Las Vegas was the open space surrounding the valley, which has long been a unique advantage of living in the Southwest. We must carefully consider how much growth we are willing to support moving forward.
Due to rainy weather forecast, the Annual Menorah Lighting in Nevada City has been moved indoors to The Miners Foundry (325 Spring St, Nevada City). Co-sponsored by Chabad of Grass Valley and The Miners Foundry, this special and FREE Chanukah celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to join the fun.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will feature the lighting of a 12-foot illuminated menorah, the largest and brightest in Nevada County. The menorah lighting promises to be an inspiring and memorable moment, bringing the community and our elected officials together to celebrate the message of Chanukah.
The evening will also include a unique performance by a Hassidic fire performer from Brooklyn, adding excitement and energy to the festivities. Guests will enjoy live Chanukah music, singing, and dancing, along with warm Starbucks coffee. Delicious latkes and donuts will be served, and there will be Chanukah gelt and dreidels for everyone to enjoy.
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“Chanukah is about bringing more light into the world each day,” said Rabbi Nochum Yusewitz. “We’re grateful to be able to gather indoors this year to keep everyone warm and dry while celebrating the holiday together. Although it’s the 9th year we are organizing this, there are lots of ‘firsts’ this year so that’s very exciting.”
For more information about the event, about Chanukah or about Chabad call Rabbi Nochum at 530-404-0030 or email hello@JewishGV.com
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