Episode 1 - The attempt to market the High-Speed Rail fails to provide a balanced discussion of the implications HSR will have on the Peninsula and Palo Alto. A fully informed public needs to hear both sides of any debate. A one-sided pitch to garner support for the project does not inform an engaged public of the negative impacts HSR will have on Palo Alto. Please present the opposing opinions and stop the infomercials.

Steve - This segment was taped after the majority of Californians had voted in favor of Proposition 1A. There was no need to debate any longer. It's a done deal.

Lauren - There is a need for debate. The final design is not a done deal.

Proposition 1A approved the issuance of $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds to partially fund the HSR, but now the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is tasked with completing final planning, design, and environmental efforts. The proposed alignment for the San Francisco to San Jose section will travel along the Caltrain right-of-way between San Francisco and San Jose ... right through Palo Alto. Future stations are proposed in San Francisco, Millbrae and San Jose, and potential station locations are being considered for Redwood City or Palo Alto. Do Palo Alto residents want a mega train station in our city? Do Palo Alto residents support the eminent domain seizure of property which may be needed to expand right-of-ways? What mitigation measures will the HSR employ in Palo Alto to shield us from noise and ensure our safety?

A project Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/EIS) is being prepared to assess the technical studies, impact analysis and mitigation measures. The project EIR/EIS will provide a more detailed level of analysis required before construction can begin. Planned scoping meetings along the proposed corridor will give members of the public and public agencies an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions and provide input: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/news/ScopingMeetingPR.pdf

On December 22, 2008, the City Council directed staff to investigate and report back on the status of the project and potential input points for the City and the community-at-large. There are many open issues and many open decisions still pending on the HSR. I urge CEAP to provide a balanced discussion of the implications HSR will have on the Peninsula and Palo Alto. Please present the opposing opinions when broadcasting information on the HSR.

Thank you for your comments. Unfortunately, the issues you raise were beyond the scope of our short segment. I foresee a time when we might revisit the subject after many of the issues have been settled.