(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.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
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Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:04 PM EDT2013-05-14 22:04:37 GMT
Citing problems exposed by the Boston Marathon bombings, senators weighing amendments to a sweeping immigration bill agreed Tuesday to boost security provisions around student visas.
Citing problems exposed by the Boston Marathon bombings, senators weighing amendments to a sweeping immigration bill agreed Tuesday to boost security provisions around student visas.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:31 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:31:41 GMT
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] They range in age, but they all think alike. They're Simi Valley's K-9 search and rescue, and these women go out at all hours of the night to save dogs that have gone missing.
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] They range in age, but they all think alike. They're Simi Valley's K-9 search and rescue. Using Facebook and some serious tracking techniques the women of Simi Valley Missing Pets go out at all hours of the night to save dogs that have gone missing.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:24 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:24:37 GMT
Today is crunch time for the operators of medical-marijuana dispensaries in Garden Grove. The police chief has sent them letters telling them they must close by today or face fines of 1-thousand dollars.
Today is crunch time for the operators of medical-marijuana dispensaries in Garden Grove. The police chief has sent them letters telling them they must close by today or face fines of 1-thousand dollars.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:28:28 GMT
When is a bullet train… not a bullet train? KTTV Vice President and General Manager Kevin Hale shows you why even major High Speed Rail supporters.. are now changing their minds… in this P-O-V.
When is a bullet train… not a bullet train? KTTV Vice President and General Manager Kevin Hale shows you why even major High Speed Rail supporters.. are now changing their minds… in this P-O-V.
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 00:38:27 GMT
The name may sound benign, but "Molly" is a powdered form of MDMA, the molecular compound found in Ecstasy, and it's often laced with other highly addicted drugs.
The name may sound benign, but "Molly" is a powdered form of MDMA, the molecular compound found in Ecstasy, and it's often laced with other highly addicted drugs.
Thursday, May 16 2013 3:08 AM EDT2013-05-16 07:08:49 GMT
Families fight back against social workers they say lie, fabricate evidence and perjure themselves in court. They're suing and forcing the county to cough up big bucks for the alleged wrong doing.
Families fight back against social workers they say lie, fabricate evidence and perjure themselves in court. They're suing and forcing the county to cough up big bucks for the alleged wrong doing.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:00 AM EDT2013-05-16 05:00:23 GMT
Quwendarous – who prefers to be called "Q" – is a bright, active and outgoing kid who loves basketball and playing outdoors. Q also likes to go bike riding but didn't currently have a bike.
Quwendarous – who prefers to be called "Q" – is a bright, active and outgoing kid who loves basketball and playing outdoors. Q also likes to go bike riding but didn't currently have a bike.
Thursday, May 9 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-05-09 18:44:43 GMT
Should any of the doctors featured on the FOX 11 News, have been allowed to continue practicing, until their cases ended up in a criminal court? The medical board had received complaints from patients.
In a FOX 11 Investigates, we tell the story of some doctors who are now facing criminal charges for sexually abusing patients.
Thursday, May 9 2013 3:00 AM EDT2013-05-09 07:00:04 GMT
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] Heaven is a healthy, creative and outgoing young girl with a warm smile. She also has an affinity for animals and an adventurous spirit that likes to explore new things.
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] Heaven is a healthy, creative and outgoing young girl with a warm smile. She also has an affinity for animals and an adventurous spirit that likes to explore new things.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-08 13:46:18 GMT
Brian Claypool is one of the lead attorneys in the Miramonte child abuse case. Now, he's taking on Orange County's child protective services.
Brian Claypool is one of the lead attorneys in the Miramonte child abuse case. Now, he's taking on Orange County's child protective services. Claypool is accusing CPS of engaging in child trafficking and exposing children to sexual abuse for financial gain.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:28:28 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad today released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line, in the wake of the May 17 derailment
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad today released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line, in the wake of the May 17 derailment
Sunday, May 19 2013 4:05 PM EDT2013-05-19 20:05:22 GMT
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:37 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:37:14 GMT
Commuters are bracing for a difficult trip around southwest Connecticut and to New York City beginning Monday as workers repair the Metro-North commuter rail line crippled by a derailment and crash.
Commuters are bracing for a difficult trip around southwest Connecticut and to New York City beginning Monday as workers repair the Metro-North commuter rail line crippled by a derailment and crash.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:14 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:14:07 GMT
Authorities say one person is dead and another was injured when the vehicle they were in ran off the road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening.
Authorities say one person is dead and another was injured when the vehicle they were in ran off the road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:56:41 GMT
The NYPD says a 14-year-old girl was shot and killed on a Queens MTA bus Saturday night. The incident happened around 8:50 p.m. on board the Q-6 bus on Sutphin Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard
The NYPD says a 14-year-old girl was shot and killed on a Queens MTA bus Saturday night. The incident happened around 8:50 p.m. on board the Q-6 bus on Sutphin Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:24 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:24:33 GMT
Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
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.
After the Christopher Dorner manhunt, the LAPD promised to take another look at how and why he was fired. Now, dozens of former cops want their cases looked at again as well.
After the Christopher Dorner manhunt, the LAPD promised to take another look at how and why he was fired. Now, dozens of former cops want their cases looked at again as well. FOX 11’s Phil Shuman has their story.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 8:23 PM EDT2013-05-16 00:23:16 GMT
Recent Fox 11 investigations have found California's high-speed rail project delays may be putting the project at risk. Now, one of the largest newspaper groups in the country just came out against the high-speed rail plan.
Recent Fox 11 investigations have found California's high-speed rail project delays may be putting the project at risk. Now, one of the largest newspaper groups in the country just came out against the high-speed rail plan.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 8:21 PM EDT2013-05-16 00:21:36 GMT
All this talk of budget tightening leaves California's high-speed rail project dangling in the balance. At a transportation hearing today in Washington, emotions ran high as California's plan was attacked.
All this talk of budget tightening leaves California's high-speed rail project dangling in the balance. At a transportation hearing today in Washington, emotions ran high as California's plan was attacked.
Wednesday, May 1 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-02 01:49:32 GMT
At the Milken Institute Global Conference, an annual event that brings together financial and public policy leaders, FOX 11 caught up with billionaire T. Boone Pickens and California's Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
At today's Milken Institute Global Conference, an annual event that brings together financial and public policy leaders, FOX 11 caught up with billionaire T. Boone Pickens and California's Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Wednesday, April 24 2013 9:04 PM EDT2013-04-25 01:04:34 GMT
Much was made of the announcement by California's High-Speed Rail Authority that the top-ranked bidder to build the first 29 miles of track came in under estimates.
Much was made of the announcement by California's High-Speed Rail Authority that the top-ranked bidder to build the first 29 miles of track came in under estimates. But some of the nation's top rail experts say they have concerns for two reasons.
Thursday, April 18 2013 10:18 PM EDT2013-04-19 02:18:40 GMT
A settlement between the Madera County Farm Bureau in the Central Valley and California's High-Speed Rail Authority could be a big win for Governor Brown.
A settlement between the Madera County Farm Bureau in the Central Valley and California's High-Speed Rail Authority could be a big win for Governor Brown.
Thursday, April 11 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-04-12 01:36:14 GMT
As Governor Brown rides China's high-speed rail from Beijing to Shanghai today, a new report by the Reason Foundation blasts California's bullet train project.
As Governor Brown rides China's high-speed rail from Beijing to Shanghai today, a new report by the Reason Foundation blasts California's bullet train project.
Monday, April 8 2013 10:13 PM EDT2013-04-09 02:13:48 GMT
Governor Brown is scheduled to depart for China on Tuesday, and he's been quoted as saying he would welcome investment dollars for California's bullet train project.
Governor Brown is scheduled to depart for China on Tuesday, and he's been quoted as saying he would welcome investment dollars for California's bullet train project.
Thursday, April 4 2013 3:28 AM EDT2013-04-04 07:28:54 GMT
The costs for California's bullet train project has doubled since its first projection. And a new report says the design will cost an extra $97 million.
The costs for California's bullet train project has doubled since its first projection. And a new report says the design will cost an extra $97 million.
Tuesday, April 2 2013 9:47 PM EDT2013-04-03 01:47:14 GMT
California Rail Authority Chairman Dan Richard commented on a recent article by Morris Brown, founder of DERAIL, a grassroots effort against the current high-speed rail plan.
California Rail Authority Chairman Dan Richard commented on a recent article by Morris Brown, founder of DERAIL, a grassroots effort against the current high-speed rail plan.
