In pitch for bullet train, Jerry Brown cites children's story

Gov. Jerry Brown is known for liberally quoting famous texts, writers and philosophers in his public remarks, and his State of the State speech was no different.

He cited Irish poet William Butler Yeats on education, French writer Montaigne on laws, and the biblical story of Joseph and the Pharaoh on financial discipline.

But amid all the highbrow references, the governor also included a beloved children's story -- “The Little Engine That Could.”

The reference wasn't in the prepared remarks handed out by the governor's office, and it came toward the end of Brown's speech as he defended the controversial high-speed rail project as critical to California's future. 

“I think I can, I think I can,” Brown said. “And over the mountain the little engine went. We’re going to get over that mountain.”

The governor closed his speech with a rallying cry.

“Two years ago they were writing our obituary,” he said. “Well, it didn’t happen. California is back.”

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 -- Chris Megerian in Sacramento
twitter.com/chrismegerian

Photo: Copies of "The Little Engine That Could." Credit: Los Angeles Times

California taking orders for replicas of vintage license plates

California motorists who like the old-school look for their rides can now place orders with the state Department of Motor Vehicles for replicas of vintage license plates issued in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. 

The styles available for use as official license plates on cars include black lettering over a yellow background as issued in the 1950s, yellow lettering over a black background last issued in the 1960s and yellow lettering over a blue background previously available in the 1970s, according to the DMV. 

The state is taking pre-orders for the $50 plates and will issue each of the three styles when it receives 7,500 applications for that style. If the number is not reached by Jan. 1, 2015, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant. So far, more than 100 orders have been received.

A pre-order form must be accompanied by a check, money order or cashier’s check and cannot be processed at DMV field offices or Auto Club offices.

The program was proposed by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D–Silver Lake) who introduced legislation authorizing it. AB 1658 was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in September, but just took effect.

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Even the "graybar hotels" get a Web review

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento

Photo: Californians can now order replicas of vintage license plates like the one shown on this Ford Thunderbird. Credit: Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times

Jerry Brown, California Democrats appear to be big winners in election

Gov. Jerry Brown’s $6-billion-a-year tax initiative to rescue California schools and the state's finances appeared to squeak by with a victory early Wednesday, and Democrats' grip on Sacramento tightened as the party crept toward winning a super-majority in both houses of the Legislature.

Tuesday's election also brought an end to the three-decade-long congressional career of Rep. Howard Berman, who early Wednesday morning conceded defeat in his political slugfest against fellow Democrat Brad Sherman in the San Fernando Valley.

The bitter contest between Sherman and Berman, awash in more than $13 million in campaign spending by the candidates and independent political groups, was triggered when California's newly drawn political boundaries put the two incumbents in the same district.

"I congratulate Brad. ... I will do whatever I can to ensure a cooperative and orderly transition," Berman said in a concise concession statement early Wednesday.

FULL RESULTS: California races

In a similar high-profile mash-up between Democrats, Rep. Janice Hahn of San Pedro was cruising to an easy win against Rep. Laura Richardson of Long Beach in a newly drawn district that includes many minority, working-class communities, election results showed.

Among other closely watched races for California House seats, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Oak Park) narrowly defeated state Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark) in Ventura County, and Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) bested former Republican Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado, according to results with all voter precincts reporting in those districts.

California's senior U.S. senator, Democrat Dianne Feinstein, won an easy reelection victory over nonprofit executive Elizabeth Emken, her underfunded, little-known Republican challenger.

PHOTOS: California voters head to polls

The governor woke up Wednesday as one of the biggest apparent victors in Tuesday’s election, however.

Facing well-funded opposition, Brown campaigned heavily for Proposition 30 as a way to restore fiscal sanity to Sacramento and to stave off deep cuts to public schools and universities. The initiative calls for a quarter-cent increase to sales taxes for four years and a seven-year tax hike on California’s highest earners.

Californians have not approved a statewide tax increase since 2004.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected a competing measure bankrolled by millionaire civil rights lawyer Molly Munger -- Proposition 38 – which would have increased income taxes for most Californians to raise funds primarily for schools and early childhood education.

In one of the highest-profile state ballot measures, labor unions appeared to defeat Proposition 32, which would have reduced their political influence by barring unions from using paycheck deductions for political purposes.

Californians also soured on a measure to abolish the death penalty -– Proposition 34 -- which was trailing badly with most of the voter precincts reporting Wednesday morning.

Other law-and-order measures were greeting more warmly. Voters favored Proposition 36, which would change the three-strikes sentencing law so offenders whose third strikes were minor, nonviolent crimes could no longer be given 25 years to life in prison.

Voters also supported Proposition 35, which promoted increased punishment for sex trafficking of a minor. Both led by wide margins with most ballots counted.

With most ballots tallied across California, initiatives to label genetically engineered foods and change state law to create a new car insurance discount appeared headed for defeat.

One of the biggest surprises of the election was the Democrats' strong showing in legislative races. Democrats appear on the verge of winning a two-thirds majority in the state Senate and Assembly, enough to approve tax measures without Republican support.

In Los Angeles County, veteran prosecutor Jackie Lacey became the county's first female and first African American district attorney after defeating Deputy Dist. Atty. Alan Jackson. Jackson conceded early Wednesday morning.

Lacey, 55, touted herself as the only candidate with the experience to run the office. She had the support of her boss, Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley, who is retiring after three terms.

Los Angeles County voters also approved a local measure requiring adult film actors to wear condoms. With most precincts reporting, a measure to fund transportation projects by extending a countywide sales-tax increase for an additional 30 years remained just shy of the two-thirds vote required for approval.

Some races remained too close to call, including the San Diego congressional race between Rep. Brian P. Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) and Democrat Scott Peters, a San Diego environmental attorney. In the Coachella Valley, Democratic emergency room doctor Raul Ruiz was leading Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs) with just under two-thirds of precincts reporting early Wednesday morning.

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Munger’s Proposition 38 fails, according to AP

Prop. 40, on state Senate districts, passes, per AP

Proposition 36 on three-strikes law passes, AP says

-- Phil Willon

Photo: Gov. Jerry Brown addresses supporters of Proposition 30 and 32 at the Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento Tuesday. Source: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

California agencies get millions in federal grants for cleaner buses

The Obama administration announced more than $8 million in grants to California transit agencies in an effort to get diesel buses off the streets.

The grants, which include $2.4 million for the Riverside Transit Agency for new compressed natural gas buses, are among 27 such awards handed out nationwide.

“President Obama is committed to investing in sustainable transportation systems that improve access to jobs, education and medical care for millions of riders, while bringing cleaner air to our communities and reducing our dependence on oil,” said Ray LaHood, the federal Transportation Agency secretary. “These projects will also help transit agencies operate more efficiently, and save money in the long run.”

The other California grants include $4.3 million for the Metropolitan Transit Commission in the San Francisco Bay Area and $1.7 million to Monterey-Salinas Transit.

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Brown again taunting GOP with veto pen

Poll finds support slipping for Proposition 32

California Senate leader sets in motion reform of state environmental laws

--Anthony York in Sacramento

State lawmakers in D.C. for meetings on bullet train, other issues

With the state Legislature on summer recess, a bipartisan delegation of 10 Assembly members is in Washington, D.C., this week meeting with federal officials on issues including healthcare reform, veterans’ disability benefits and immigration.

Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) is leading the trip to meet with Obama administration officials including Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and congressional leaders including Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer from California.

In meetings scheduled through Thursday, the state lawmakers are also interested in talking to their federal counterparts about transportation funding, the farm bill and the closure of military bases, according to Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo), who is part of the delegation.

In recently approving funding for the first phase of a high-speed rail system, some legislators said they want assurances that there will be additional federal matching dollars for the project.

``That will definitely be a topic of discussion,'' said John Vigna, a spokesman for Perez.

Other Assembly members scheduled for the trip include Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo), Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), Paul Cook (R-Yucaipa), Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward), Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and Henry Perea (D-Fresno).

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Feinstein challenger Emken wants to debate

Campaign treasurer Durkee admits to $7-million theft

San Francisco restaurant claims exemption from foie gras ban

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento

 Photo: Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), left, is leading a delegation to Washington this week. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

California may have missed chance to reduce bullet train costs

Gov. Jerry Brown is scheduled to appear with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in Oakland today, just three days after the Legislature approved $8 billion in state and federal spending for California's high-speed railroad and related projects.

Eventually the bullet train is expected to carry riders from Los Angeles to San Francisco at speeds up to 220 mph. But the project, which is estimated to cost $68 billion total, has been ensnared in controversy over funding and construction plans.

Critics point out that the federal government has not given the state guarantees on future funding, and they're concerned that work is starting in the Central Valley rather than more heavily populated metropolitan areas.

At the same time, state officials have rebuffed overtures from SNCF, the company that developed and operates France's successful national railway, to work on California's bullet train. Dan Weikel and Ralph Vartabedian reported on the situation in Monday's Los Angeles Times.

Dan Richard, chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, said "SNCF's proposal was self-serving and not in the public interest."

But company officials and others say SNCF's proposals had merit and may have helped reduce costs and obstacles to construction.

"Simply put, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has a wish list, not a plan," said a presentation from SNCF. "This lack of an investment-grade business plan is a deadly defect, particularly in a project that by law cannot rely on government subsidies for its operation and maintenance."

-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento

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Photo: An artist's depiction of a proposed high-speed rail station in San Jose. Credit: Bloomberg

Senate debates future of high-speed rail

The California state Senate is now debating the future of high-speed rail.

The Senate must approve an $8-billion measure, reject it or come up with a new plan for the project. The measure is backed by Gov. Jerry Brown and was approved by the State Assembly on Thursday.

Brown is seeking approval of a long-standing plan to build 130 miles of rail in the Central Valley from Bakersfield to Madera, creating the backbone of a future rail network that would later connect with Los Angeles and San Francisco.

But the plan has met growing skepticism among some legislators who say it would put the bulk of the initial funding in a low-ridership area that would have little independent value until the full system is completed. An alternative is being crafted to change the geographic distribution of the funds.

Here is live coverage from Times Sacramento Bureau reporter Chris Megerian:

California Senate debates future of high speed rail

The California state Senate is now debating the future of high speed rail.The Senate must approve an $8-billion measure, reject it or come up with a new plan for the project. The measure is backed by Gov. Jerry Brown and was approved by the state Assembly on Thursday.

Storified by LA Times - LA NOW · Fri, Jul 06 2012 15:03:44

DeSaulnier refers to Lowenthal and Simitian as "we happy few who caused all this trouble." They were the three loudest Democratic skeptics.Chris Megerian

DeSaulnier is a no vote, despite support from organized labor.Chris Megerian

Now we're hearing from DeSaulnier, another Democrat and skeptic of #CAHSR plan.Chris Megerian

Metaphor alert! Dutton: "You need to put the brakes on this runaway train."Chris Megerian

What are we seeing today? Gaines (R) says it's "California's Greek tragedy."Chris Megerian

What's the best way to invest in infrastructure? Wyland says "widen a road, improve the roads."Chris Megerian

Vargas: "California does the big things right. We mess up the little things."Chris Megerian

Simitian: "This the wrong plan in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I will be a no vote."Chris Megerian

Simitian: "There are billions of reasons none of us should simply go along with the program."Chris Megerian

Scanning Twitter, and finding some rare Republican support for Simitian (D-Palo Alto) and his skeptical speech on #CAHSRChris Megerian

Now Simitian is talking about political risks of voting for #CAHSR, which could hurt public support for Brown's tax plan.Chris Megerian

Simitian talking now. He's one of Democrats whose vote has been in question. He likes #CAHSR, but doubts plan.Chris Megerian

Let the metaphors fly! Strickland repeats phrase "fiscal train wreck."Chris Megerian

Leno says there can't be enough highways and runways to support population growth. "We know what we need, and it is this train."Chris Megerian

Steinberg promises 15,000 jobs for every $1B investment.Chris Megerian

Steinberg pushing approval. "What happens if we say no? Where are we? Are we going to fall behind the rest of the country?"Chris Megerian

Steinberg is emphasizing benefit of #CAHSR bill to local projects in SF and LA -- where most bill opponents areChris Megerian

Slow start to Senate session as Republicans try to stall #CAHSR with procedural questions.Chris Megerian

Invocation talks about the importance of taking break and returning with "renewed vigor and energy." Senate about to go on recess.Chris Megerian

Steinberg shrugs and says he doesn't know how #CAHSR vote is going to go. Session starting shortly.Chris Megerian

Steinberg: ".... Today, we have an historic opportunity to follow in their footsteps and do the same.” 2/2Chris Megerian

Steinberg: "The decision before the Senate is to stimulate our economy in the present while looking to future."Chris Megerian

 

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Will the state Senate vote to stop bullet train in its tracks?

Will the state Senate vote to stop bullet train in its tracks?

 
After nearly two decades of debate, the decision to move ahead on the California high-speed rail project will come down to a state Senate vote on Friday afternoon that could be decided by one or two members.

The Senate will have to accept an $8-billion measure backed by Gov. Jerry Brown, reject it or come up with a new spending plan of its own for the project. The state Assembly approved Brown's plan on Thursday.

Democratic leaders are attempting to jam wavering Senators into a difficult position of falling in line behind the Brown plan or risking playing chicken with the federal government on an alternative plan.

The Obama administration has warned that it would rescind $3.2 billion in grants and appropriations if the Legislature does not act to approve major construction in the Central Valley and do it before adjourning for the summer recess.

But nobody is sure whether Brown has the votes he needs to get his plan through the Senate. Dan Richard, the state rail authority chairman, was in hyper drive on Thursday lobbying for the Brown plan. Organized labor was similarly in high gear promoting one of its biggest priorities of the year.

The Brown plan would require 21 of the 25 Senate Democrats to approve it and vote counters are guessing that there are potentially more than a half-dozen defectors among the Democrats.

Democratic senators Mark DeSaulnier, Joe Simitian, Alan Lowental, Lou Correa, Fran Pavley, Gloria Negrete McLeod and Leland Yee say they are undecided on, skeptical about or opposed to the Brown plan. Every one of the chamber’s 15 Republicans is expected to vote against the project.

Pavley, whose newly redrawn Senate district is far more conservative than her previous one, is concerned about the finances, the timing and unintended consequences of any decision to go ahead with the project, said spokesman Chuck Dalldorf.

Yee said, “I'm clearly not a yes vote." He said he likes high-speed rail but feels the plan has been botched and that state rail officials have done a "horrible job" reaching out to the community. "The problem is, the High-Speed Rail Authority has lost track of its original mission," he said. He added: "It's hard for me to support a proposal giving them billions of dollars, for what?"

Correa has said previously that he would vote no unless the project does something to relieve congestion in his Anaheim district. DeSaulnier, Simitian and Lowenthal have consistently said they are deeply concerned about the management of the project.

On Thursday, DeSaulnier said, "I remain unconvinced of the wisdom of their proposal. Which is another way of saying I'm still a no." And Simitian would not say how he would vote, only that he would reveal that and his remaining concerns on the Senate floor. But he said he's glad money was included for electrifying Cal Train tracks, allowing them to carry more efficient engines and high-speed trains in the Bay Area.

In the end, however, the cumulative weight of the Democratic leadership on those Senators may persuade them to toe the party line, some observers say.

Before adjourning for the summer recess Thursday, the Assembly approved the Brown plan, 51-27, as expected. It provides about $6 billion for a 130-mile section of track through the Central Valley and about $2 billion of sweeteners for Los Angeles and San Francisco.

DeSaulnier hopes he can offer an alternative plan, though it would mean defying the federal government’s demand for prompt action. DeSaulnier would cut funding to the Central Valley to just $2 billion and reallocate most of the money to rail projects in Los Angeles and San Francisco. His plan is based on a concern that California may never get the funding to build a complete $68-billion system and whatever money is spent should have an immediate value to relieving commuter congestion in the two main metropolitan regions of the state.

Under DeSaulnier’s plan, known in the Legislature as Plan B, $400 million would be allocated to Los Angeles' Union Station, reconfiguring the tracks so trains could pass through rather than having to back in or out of the station. Another $264 million would be allocated to grade separations between Los Angeles and Anaheim, where tracks cross streets. The combination of the Union Station projects and grade separations would allow Metrolink commuter trains to cut up to 20 minutes off their travel times, according to Senate sources.

Meanwhile, San Francisco would get $2.5 billion to build a tunnel to connect its Cal Train system to a new station downtown.

If the Senate approves Plan B, it would have to iron out the differences with the Assembly. But since the Assembly adjourned for the summer recess after approving its measure, any compromise could not occur until next month.

Some Senate analysts believe that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's recent demand for quicker action is a bluff and that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) would never allow the Obama administration to rescind money that would also help her district.

But so far, LaHood and Pelosi are holding firm.

A Transportation Department official said, "We've consistently said that federal funds awarded to the high-speed rail project must go to the Central Valley segment of the project in accordance with their grant agreement, and that California’s matching funds for the Central Valley segment are required to complete the project applied for by the state."

And a spokesman for Pelosi said, "The California High-Speed Rail Authority, under the leadership of Chairman Dan Richard, has laid out a clear plan to achieve this vision, which includes the Central Valley high-speed backbone along with early investments in our urban centers in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. The Legislature must vote to show their support for this job-creating project by passing state funds -– any alternative risks billions in federal dollars and tens of thousands jobs."

Meanwhile, Brown seemed confident after the Assembly vote Thursday. "I commend the Assembly for supporting billions of dollars in job-creating rail infrastructure investment in Los Angeles, the Central Valley and the Bay Area," he said.

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Assembly approves high-speed rail funding

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-- Ralph Vartabedian in Los Angeles and Chris Megerian in Sacramento

Photo: An artist's rendering of the proposed San Jose stop on the high-speed rail line. Credit: Bloomberg.

Assembly approves high-speed rail funding

The Assembly passed $8 billion in funding for high-speed rail and other projects on Thursday, sending the bill back to the state Senate for final approval.

After the 51-27 vote on the Assembly floor, Speaker John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement that high-speed rail has "enormous potential for California." But the funding faces an uncertain future in the Senate, which is expected to vote Friday.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) reiterated that it will be a tight vote.

"I'm meeting with my members," he said.

Some Democrats have expressed concerns about the state's plan to start construction in the Central Valley, rather than wealthier, higher population areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. They're also worried there won't be more funding from the federal government to eventually complete the project.

"Where's the money? Show me the money," Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) said during a Senate hearing on Thursday. "You're asking me to take a high-risk strategy."

But Gov. Jerry Brown and the federal government, which is supplying much of the funding, have insisted on their current plan.

[Update, 5:46 p.m. Brown issued a statement Thursday commending the Assembly "for supporting billions of dollars in job-creating rail infrastructure investment in Los Angeles, the Central Valley and the Bay Area."]

In hopes of boosting support among skeptical Bay Area senators, the funding bill now includes more money to electrify tracks used by the Bay Area's Cal Train, which would allow the use of more efficient engines. There's also more money to improve the Los Angeles County Metrolink system.

Republicans have been united in their opposition to the rail project.

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-San Bernandino) called it "a high speed train robbery."

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-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento

Photo: Assembly Speaker John Pérez speaking in the Capitol last year. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

High-speed rail funding poised for approval

Even though Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic lawmakers failed this week to reach a deal on public worker pensions, the Legislature may be ready to approve billions of dollars in spending on high-speed rail and related projects.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) told reporters on Tuesday that lawmakers would vote on the funding this week.

Legislative approval would be a victory for Brown, who has championed high-speed rail despite uniform opposition from Republicans and scattered concerns among Democrats.

Brown has planned to start the project with 130 miles of rail in the Central Valley, stretching from Bakersfield to Madera. But some Democratic state senators have suggested it would be better to start in wealthier, more-populous areas such as San Francisco or Los Angeles.

"We are close. It’s a tight vote," Steinberg said, later adding, "We’re working to get the votes."

Steinberg said lawmakers will vote on $5.8 billion for the Central Valley track -- $2.6 billion from state bonds and $3.2 billion in federal funds. Another $815 million would help local transit systems connect to high-speed rail in Southern and Northern California.

There's also more money to help sweeten the pot for skeptical lawmakers. Steinberg said he expected  $1.1 billion would be dished out to other rail projects, such as electrifying the Caltrain system in the Bay Area to allow the use of more efficient train engines.

"The proposal now is much more than high-speed rail. It’s also making a dramatic investment in improving transportation infrastructure throughout the state," Steinberg said.

The Obama administration and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) have been pressuring California state lawmakers to approve the funding. The state has already missed the June 30 deadline set by the federal government.

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Rail requires high-speed spending

California bullet train faces tough vote in Senate

Gov. Jerry Brown to scrap environmental exception for bullet train

-- Patrick McGreevey and Chris Megerian in Sacramento

Photo: State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) greets Gov. Jerry Brown at the Capitol in 2010. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press