What the he**, our schools are in disarray, our cities are going bankrupt and our roads are not being maintained the way they should be and here is the Gov. forking barrels and barrels of taxpayer money into this boondongle.

Unbelievable, where is the logic?

Why are not the taxpayers fuming over this?

They say "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer". Mountain View sadly has so many less fortunate people living right next to some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. Most of the wealthiest are in their 30s and are intelligent and hard working. I don't understand how they don't or won't speak up about this project which most I think would agree, will end up costing them hundreds, if not thousands of their hard earned tax dollars. Which would be better spent on themselves and their families.
All one has to ask themselves is "Who is going to pay for this?" Finding the answer to that one question is all you need.
Good luck because one thing is obvious, not fair, but obvious. Only the working can be taxed to help fund this project.

I am sure that in 2029 when the High Speed Rail system is built out, our roads will be gridlocked in car traffic and the rails will provide at least some relief for our commutes here and there plus with cleaner air, we will all breath easier. That is only 15 years away. Let's get on this wild ride and show the rest of the world what progress and teamwork is all about !

"Let's get on this wild ride and show the rest of the world what progress and teamwork is all about"

We are already on the ride: Web Link

I'm sure, if there is a 'wild ride', that it will be only from LA out to the new housing developments in the Central Valley. The in crowd will have bought the land near the stations, and sell it as 'only forty minutes to LA'. That's what move politics in California.

Whoops, that's ...moves politics...

Unfortunately @Member is probably right. When the train lines were first built in California the big four (Huntington, Stanford, Crocker, and Hopkins1) made enough money and at times received enough criticism to be referred to as robber barons rather than railroad barons.

$39B to go from Merced to San Fernando Valley? How many people want to make that trip?

This project should be stopped before it waists any more of our money. The Courts were correct to stop it since there is no funding plan that makes sense, unless you believe in dreams.

We need to put money into schools at all levels not waste it with fixed train tracks.

If you want to go to LA take an airplane, there are several airlines from San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland.

The negative comments are silly. Reality is that many other countries have successful high speed rail systems and have for years. You act as if this is a new invention. Of course we need a high speed rail solution between SF and LA. Get your heads out of the sand and support a solution that's different from getting into your clunker and driving. Or maybe you're only interested in driving to the corner grocery store?

The negative comments make sense. Again let me reiterate, but in simple terms. Simple math will tell you that we, the public are the ones who will end up funding this project which will end up costing billions. The economy has not recovered from this slow recession and it may or may not. The local news stations yesterday said that according to AAA, gas may go up to 4.00 a gallon for spring and summer. Ouch. But that is nothing compared to what the tax payers will be paying for the next 20 years (Billions) for a project that will need to be fed thru good times and bad. And right now it's bad.
They only need to simply explain how this project will be funded and if there is money to fund it, even I will approve of it.

Jordan White and Svsportz have it right on the nose. WE ACTUALLY DO NEED HSR!!!! Look at the gridlock in the LA area, on all the freeways, including 'the five' and 101, the 405, and the other freeways as well. Such near sighted people we have here in the state. The other countries that have HSR, the gridlock is less. So lets get on the bandwagon and stop complaining about our HSR project that needs to move forward.

Not one HSR anywhere on Earth pays for itself. They are all government subsidized. Who gains, here?

Svsportz, a resident of Willowgate is 100% correct

Boorah on Gavin Newsom and Congratulations to the California High Speed Rail Authority awarding five contracts for a total $16 million with 1/2 million going to Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises. Not only will this help by creating so many new jobs over the next 4 years, the servicewomen and servicemen deserve this. Let's all join together in helping all those who served our country return to good paying, highly skilled jobs! If you know of other good government or private sector jobs for those who are in need and deserving, please spread the word.

Let's get this thing going Mr. Denham, Mr. Valadao, Mr. Newsom and Mr. Vidal before it is too late and our veterans are out of work. If you're not going to create jobs then restore unemployment benefits! We will fight to the victorius end to keep our jobs for those who served our country regardless of who is elected this November.