Passenger rail price estimates too high
One can never convince me that restoring the Santa Cruz Branch rail line for passenger rail would cost an estimated $4.2 billion dollars! I am not a transportation planner or consultant however it is obvious something doesn’t jive and I feel an investigation is warranted.
Since 2007 when the SCCRT purchased the line from Union Pacific, it has been one big fiasco! Study and surveys and foot dragging delay not to mention controversy and contention by shortsighted anti-rail folks!
Breaking ties with Progressive Rail as the common carrier sets a bad precedent. Furthermore the actions of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission may have future negative repercussions on freight train operations in Watsonville.
Remember regarding Measure D, the voters approved the Rail and Trail measure and that should be a done deal. “railbanking” or removal of the rails should never be allowed. It is against the voters wishes and yet more waste of money.
Gary Plomp
Gilroy
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New law will tighten immigration vetting rules
The recent House passage of H.R. 4371, the Kayla Hamilton Act, on Dec. 16 with strong bipartisan support, is a vital step toward preventing heartbreaking tragedies.
Kayla Hamilton, a vibrant 20-year-old with autism, was brutally raped and murdered in 2022 by an MS-13 gang member—an unaccompanied alien minor released to a sponsor without proper vetting. This preventable horror exposes deadly flaws in our system, endangering innocent Americans and vulnerable children alike.
The bill mandates rigorous background checks on sponsors and household adults, including criminal history, gang affiliations, and immigration status, to ensure safe placements. Democrats and Republicans in the House united, proving that protecting lives transcends politics. Now, the Senate must act swiftly—delays cost lives. I implore readers to contact their senators: Demand passage of this commonsense reform to honor Kayla and safeguard our communities. Justice and safety demand it.
Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz
