(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.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
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.
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Thursday, May 23 2013 10:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:23:56 GMT
Officials say a woman in a Los Angeles suburb found a bear cub sitting on her kitchen counter. A Los Angeles county sheriff's statement says the department received a 911 call Wednesday from the woman.
Officials say a woman in a Los Angeles suburb found a bear cub sitting on her kitchen counter. A Los Angeles county sheriff's statement says the department received a 911 call Wednesday from the woman.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:34 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:34:01 GMT
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
For someone so young, this week's Wednesday's Child has a broad range of interests. Born in 2001, Jeremy has a love for dinosaurs, contemporary art and sports of all kinds.
For someone so young, this week's Wednesday's Child has a broad range of interests. Born in 2001, Jeremy has a love for dinosaurs, contemporary art and sports of all kinds.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:11 AM EDT2013-05-23 06:11:46 GMT
The World's #1 DJ & five time number one position holder in the critically acclaimed DJ Mag's Top 100 poll, Armin van Buuren is a Dutch Electronic Dance Music Artist.
The World's #1 DJ & five time number one position holder in the critically acclaimed DJ Mag's Top 100 poll, Armin van Buuren is a Dutch Electronic Dance Music Artist. Armin sat down with FOX 11's Pablo Pereira recently to talk about his passion for music and his new album, 'Intense'.
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 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.
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