(KTTV) The state's controversial high-speed rail project took a couple of big steps forward Monday, even as pending lawsuits threaten to derail the $68 billion project before it even breaks ground.
The Rail Authority voted to issue nearly $9 billion taxpayer-approved bonds, and the authority okayed spending almost one billion to improve the rail corridor between San Francisco and San Jose that will eventually be linked to the high-speed rail.
With members voting by teleconference, the rail authority voted 5-0 without debate with one member absent. On the a resolution to sell that $9 billion dollars in bonds to help pay for the initial phase of the project -- starting in the state's central valley -- maybe this year, maybe not.
And the San Fran to San Jose line -- called Caltrain -- will be upgraded. That's part of the deal that voters okayed back in 2008 when we approved high-speed rail. That is being challenged in court, with critics saying it violates the law because it's not really high-speed rail. The rail authority now calls that their ''blended '' system.
Some of those who went to Monday's meeting questioned where the whole project is going. One critic quetsioned why the board authorized so much bond money before it's needed; wondering whether the board was rushing to beat the outcome of the lawsuits attempting to block the whole project.
The Rail Authority said they're merely being "efficient" by authorizing all the bonds now, so it would not have to do it again down the road.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which considers itself the definitive record of acceptable English words, has just formalized its status as a legitimate noun and verb in relation to social media site Twitter.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which considers itself the definitive record of acceptable English words, has just formalized its status as a legitimate noun and verb in relation to social media site Twitter.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:05 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:05:13 GMT
The American Medical Association's policy-making House of Delegates has classified obesity as a disease, and while the move has no legal implications, it could affect discussions regarding medical policy.
The American Medical Association's policy-making House of Delegates has classified obesity as a disease, and while the move has no legal implications, it could affect discussions regarding medical policy.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:18:13 GMT
By all accounts, Ramon and Janet Barreto are an odd couple, both physically and mentally, and you need to know what they look like to be on the lookout for them.
By all accounts, Ramon and Janet Barreto are an odd couple, both physically and mentally. The physical part only matters here because we are talking about a couple on the run, fugitives and you need to know what they look like to be on the lookout for them.
Thursday, June 13 2013 10:05 PM EDT2013-06-14 02:05:22 GMT
The Surface Transportation Board gave the nod today for California High-Speed Rail Authority to start building the initial 65 miles of the bullet train project from Merced to Fresno.
The Surface Transportation Board gave the nod today for California High-Speed Rail Authority to start building the initial 65 miles of the bullet train project from Merced to Fresno.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:00 AM EDT2013-06-13 05:00:12 GMT
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] This week on Wednesday's Child, we are revisiting a sister set who, while not close in age, are close at heart. Selena was born in 1995 and Breyanna in 2002.
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] This week on Wednesday's Child, we are revisiting a sister set who, while not close in age, are close at heart. Selena was born in 1995 and Breyanna in 2002.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:40 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:40:10 GMT
Lawmakers requested answers regarding bonuses tied to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge's new east span.
More than a dozen state lawmakers want answers. Addressing a letter to the chairman of the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee, lawmakers requested detailed answers regarding bonuses tied to the Labor Day opening of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge's new east span.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 4:03 PM EDT2013-06-11 20:03:26 GMT
Six days after the F.B.I. raided his office, California state Senator Ron Calderon made his first public statement.
Six days after the F.B.I. raided his office, California state Senator Ron Calderon (D-Montebello) made his first public statement. Calderon is the focus of a corruption investigation, and for the last week, attorney Mark Geragos has been speaking for him.
Thursday, June 6 2013 1:00 AM EDT2013-06-06 05:00:09 GMT
Who wants to ride the Silver Bullet? It's a scream fest for sure! We had hundreds of Wednesday's Child kids and families attending our 2013 reunion at Knott's Berry Farm.
Who wants to ride the Silver Bullet? It's a scream fest for sure! Darnell grabbed the safety bar tightly as the coaster roared through Knotts Berry Farm. Darnell is one of the hundreds of Wednesday's Child kids and families who attended reunion 2013.
Monday, June 3 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-06-04 03:03:46 GMT
Every year, the California Chamber of Commerce releases its list of bills it deems "job killers," legislation it says will decimate economic growth in California.
Every year, the California Chamber of Commerce releases its list of bills it deems "job killers," legislation it says will decimate economic growth in California.
Monday, June 3 2013 3:27 PM EDT2013-06-03 19:27:44 GMT
It's a simple question – which is more important – Price or Quality? KTTV Vice President and General Manager Kevin Hale has more in this POV.
It's a simple question – which is more important – Price or Quality? KTTV Vice President and General Manager Kevin Hale shows you why when it comes to High Speed Rail, California probably won't get what we paid for… in this POV.
Christine Devine profiles children looking for loving families to call their own. We work closely with Los Angeles' DCFS in coordinating these stories.
Christine Devine profiles children looking for loving families to call their own. We work closely with Los Angeles' Division of Children and Family Services in coordinating these stories. Sponsored by the Freddie Mac Foundation. Their stories air Wednesdays (and again on Sundays) during FOX 11 News at 10pm.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:09 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:09:58 GMT
While Kim & Kanye's famous friends are all posting celebratory messages about the early arrival of their daughter, TV host Dr. Oz has some sobering advice for the couple.
While Kim & Kanye's famous friends are all posting celebratory messages about the early arrival of their daughter, TV host Dr. Oz has some sobering advice for the couple.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:42:02 GMT
A judge has officially ended more than a decade of federal oversight of the Los Angeles Police Department that was triggered by a corruption scandal involving abusive officers.
A judge has officially ended more than a decade of federal oversight of the Los Angeles Police Department that was triggered by a corruption scandal involving abusive officers.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:22:53 GMT
A homeless, hatchet-wielding hitchhiker who became an Internet celebrity earlier this year has been arrested in Philadelphia and charged with the murder of a New Jersey lawyer.
A homeless, hatchet-wielding hitchhiker who became an Internet celebrity earlier this year has been arrested in Philadelphia and charged with the murder of a New Jersey lawyer.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 9:20 PM EDT2013-05-15 01:20:50 GMT
Federal accident investigators recommended Tuesday that states cut their threshold for drunken driving by nearly half, matching a standard that has substantially reduced highway deaths in other countries.
Federal accident investigators recommended Tuesday that states cut their threshold for drunken driving by nearly half, matching a standard that has substantially reduced highway deaths in other countries.
Some parents in Reseda say they not longer let their children play outside or let them walk alone to school. That's because of multiple residential drug and alcohol treatment centers are moving into the area.
Some parents in Reseda say they not longer let their children play outside or let them walk alone to school. That's because of multiple residential drug and alcohol treatment centers are moving into the area.
Friday, May 10 2013 8:32 PM EDT2013-05-11 00:32:50 GMT
There was lots of emotion in Duarte this morning as two Leukemia patients and their families met the generous strangers who saved their lives at the City of Hope's annual Celebration of Life Bone Marrow Reunion.
There was lots of emotion in Duarte this morning as two Leukemia patients and their families met the generous strangers who saved their lives at the City of Hope's annual Celebration of Life Bone Marrow Reunion.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-08 00:53:50 GMT
After three women who vanished a decade ago were found captive at a house in a discovery that exhilarated the city, Cleveland police are facing questions for the second time in four years.
After three women who vanished a decade ago were found captive at a house, Cleveland police are facing questions for the second time in four years about their handling of missing-person cases.
Monday, May 6 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-05-07 02:21:47 GMT
The Huntington Park Police Department today released photos of a man and woman believed to have been responsible for an attack on a 57-year-old taxi driver.
The Huntington Park Police Department today released photos of a man and woman believed to have been responsible for an attack on a 57-year-old taxi driver.
Monday, May 6 2013 8:47 PM EDT2013-05-07 00:47:48 GMT
As more Americans get access to health care coverage in 2014, there is plenty of concern that there won't be enough doctors to care for everyone with coverage. Some hospitals are now using medical robots.
As more Americans get access to health care coverage in 2014, there is plenty of concern that there won't be enough doctors to care for everyone with coverage. One way several Southern California hospitals are preparing for a physician shortfall: by increasing their use of medical robots.
