The new $98 billion price tag and 2033 completion date in the revised HSR Authority's business plan applies to the first phase, meaning that the extensions to San Diego and Sacramento will take even longer, leaving some San Diegan leaders seething.
"It's like saying you're not going to be part of the state, the second-largest county in the state," San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts said.
"If this were a private venture, I would guarantee you the company would say this has gone past the point of making any sense," he said.
Jerome Stocks, chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments and deputy mayor of suburban Encinitas, added: "If you want mass transit that works, you put it where the people are".
At least one Sacramento leader appeared more understanding.
"I would love it to be in phase one, but nonetheless I believe it is still worthwhile, even at this higher cost," Assemblyman Roger Dickenson, D-Sacramento, said.
However, both cities will be connected to the high speed train by existing Amtrak California regional rail. The Pacific Surfliner will provide connections to San Diego from LA's Union Station and Anaheim while the popular Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin trains will link the state capital from the Bay Area and Merced, respectively.
Thanks to Scott Lay
FULL STORY: San Diego, Sacramento left out of rail system

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont