“The end justifies the means” is the unspoken motto for high speed rail, massive water transfers, the questionable fire tax on rural properties, and numerous attempts to sidestep established environmental protections. In the process, honesty and transparency have taken a back seat, as witness the administration’s handling of the scandal-ridden Bay Bridge fiasco unveiled by the Sacramento Bee.

If this doesn’t bother you, Ms and Mr California, well, maybe it should — regardless of your political persuasion. It’s all too reminiscent of another notable Californian, one who occupied the White House about 40 years ago. His legacy seemed secure until scuttled by his minions’ dirty tricks.

When all is said and done, we are and will remain a “government of laws, not of men”. How many leaders must learn the hard way?

Later upgrade Amtrak from San Jose to Sacramento, with a transfer station in Oakland at the BART overpass. 6 minutes from Embarcadero with a train every 4 minutes.

“Safe, Reliable” HSR (per Title to 2008 Prop 1A) demands a secure, grade-separated trackway. Caltrain has dozens of grade crossings and many points of public access; it is not suited for HSR.