"As long-time elected representatives for the northernmost and southernmost reaches of Santa Cruz County, we believe the community conversation over the Rail Trail should be thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive," writes Bruce McPherson and Eduardo Montesino in a Guest Commentary. "We have sought to model those ideals both through our respective roles within county and city government and as members of the countywide Regional Transportation Commission."
The county's inaugural Cleanup Day, featuring dozens of events and volunteer opportunities from Watsonville to Davenport, is happening May 11 in an effort to, as organizers have put it, make Santa Cruz the "cleanest county in the state."
The rail-trail Commentary by Justin Cummings and Andy Schiffrin (April 23) has a laundry list of arguments for building the “Ultimate” trail. Such a trail means leaving the unused tracks in place and building an inferior, more expensive trail. Yet not once do they mention the elephant in the room and the only rational reason […]
"Rail consultants have stated that in order to meet the travel time requirements from Watsonville to Santa Cruz, a new passenger train would need to reach speeds of up to 60 mph. However, the topographical challenges of the Branch Line make it difficult to achieve these desired speeds while also accommodating a trail," writes Brian Peoples in a Guest Commentary.
Thank you, Justin Cummings and Andy Schiffrin for your straightforward, concise, detailed summary of the rail trail options, costs and potential outcomes. After so many opinions have been expressed in these pages and elsewhere, it is very rewarding to read the facts. The facts. I have cut the commentary out and will refer to it […]