High-Speed Rail

Despite roadblocks, including a ruling that blocked bond sales, bidding continues

Since December, when a Sacramento Superior Court judge made a series of rulings that would block bond sales to finance the first sections of high-speed rail construction, proponents of the bullet train have not been idle. In January, state officials petitioned the California Supreme Court to overturn the lower court's rulings.

On Jan. 29, the Supreme Court ordered an expedited review of the rulings by the state's appellate court. The court is expected to rule by the middle of this month.

Meanwhile, the High-Speed Rail Authority selected five teams to bid on the next 60-mile segment of track, estimated to cost up to $2 billion. The authority is also requesting proposals, due May 17, for 15 train sets that could operate on the new line.

Sports Facilities

Sports complexes are planned and under construction, but not everyone is pleased

The $1.3-billion Levi's Stadium for the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara is on course for completion before the start of the next National Football League season. And there are several new venues under development.