LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
Unlike the big papers in OC, SD and Sac, the LA Times is endorsing Prop 1a, the November ballot initiative that would give a boost in funding for a high speed train mainly between LA and San Francisco. You know, LA to SF in around 2 hours, 40 minutes:
The measure isn't as big a risk as it would be if the state were footing the entire bill. The "backbone" segment from Los Angeles to San Francisco is projected to cost $33 billion, with about 75% from federal and private sources. Until those funds are secured, the state won't issue most of its bonds. If the line never gets built, the state's losses will be well under $2 billion. That's not too much to wager on a visionary leap that would cement California's place as the nation's most forward-thinking state.
In the same opinion piece, the Times also says yes to the other two bonds, Props 3 and 12 for children's hospitals and veterans, respectively.