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VISALIA, Calif. — A Visalia animal rescue is facing significant challenges after a fire at a storage facility destroyed essential items needed for its daily ope
Rich Rodriguez is a journalist based in Fresno, California, focusing on local news and community stories. With a wide range of experience in television and print media, Rich has covered topics such as crime, community events, human interest stories, and local government initiatives. His work has been featured on various platforms, including FOX26, CW59, and other local and national news outlets.
Live Governor Gavin Newsom is in Kern County to announce progress on California's high-speed rail. (Photo: Governor Newsom's Office) BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (FOX26) — Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the California high-speed rail project is poised to begin laying tracks, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited infrastructure endeavor. Newsom announced in Kern County on Monday, where he participated in a ceremonial event by driving spikes into the first track. "The fact that we are here today to make visible finally we are here to lay some track to make real invisible all of the hard work of the last decade, decade and a half is a big damn deal," Newsom said. The governor highlighted that the high-speed rail project, which spans the 171-mile route from Bakersfield to Merced, has already created 15,000 jobs. He noted that 50 major projects, including bridges and other structures, have been completed, and the state has acquired 99 percent of the private parcels needed for the route. "I've never thought of this fundamentally as a project that's just about rail," Newsom said. "It's about economic development. It's about creating a sense of place. It's about up zoning around the rail." The Biden administration has contributed more than $6 billion to the high-speed rail project, though future federal funding remains uncertain. Newsom acknowledged the funding challenges but expressed confidence in overcoming them. "We've substantially funded this project," he said. Yes, there is a gap, but it's not a gap that we cannot close. However, not everyone is convinced of the project's merits. Sam Ellis, a Republican candidate for the 32nd Assembly District, expressed skepticism. "We need to invest in sustainable projects such as water infrastructure that will last forever and bring economic relief to our Valley," Ellis said. Despite the criticism, Newsom remains committed to the project, dismissing detractors as "cynics" and emphasizing the importance of moving forward. He stated that track laying for the high-speed rail is only months away, with early commitments on train sets also expected soon.">
