tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post6662185426465429213..comments2023-10-30T09:03:07.163-07:00Comments on California High Speed Rail Blog: Destination LindberghRobert Cruickshankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-57680236445695942712009-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:002009-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00There is support locally for extending the HSR lin...There is support locally for extending the HSR line to the international border. We get a lot of through traffic between Mexico and points north. The line should help reduce that.<BR/><BR/>With this in mind, I think a station at the border and one in Centre City will be optimal. A transfer and a short ride to Lindbergh Field should not pose insurmountable difficulties for travellers trying to reach our airport. <BR/><BR/>Lindbergh Field is not a major airport and I do not think it ever will become one. Local people are often characterized as laid back where it concerns being "world class". I think they are comfortable with the city's status and their lifestyle. Great cities are not defined by the size of their airports.<BR/><BR/>HSR will add to the many public transport options now available in San Diego County and will dovetail nicely with Lindbergh Field.Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13801374802300737079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-14681056294010425442009-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:002009-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00@ Aaron J. Grier -the satellite photo does suggest...@ Aaron J. Grier -<BR/><BR/>the <A HREF="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=laurel+harbor+san+diego&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=41.139534,71.455078&ie=UTF8&ll=32.732238,-117.179017&spn=0.010704,0.017445&t=h&z=16" REL="nofollow">satellite photo</A> does suggest a yard for HSR trains might be possible at that location.<BR/><BR/>The problem is that the BNSF ROW is too narrow to accommodate two tracks each for freight/Amtrak/NCTD Coaster, SD trolley and HSR. Current FRA rules do not permit these services to share tracks and, the differences in their speeds would anyhow make that impractical. This is why the HSR tracks will run on an aerial structure near the airport.<BR/><BR/>HSR trains need a minimum curve radius of 800 feet, so there isn't much room to allow them to turn the corner onto Laurel. Also, aviation safety means you can't run elevated tracks that close to the runway - it's dicey enough as it is, especially for eastbound take-offs. Ideally, the ROW would be widened to permit six tracks at grade.<BR/><BR/>Running HSR in a tunnel instead would be far more expensive than the current proposal.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-88192276548061343702009-02-03T15:31:00.000-08:002009-02-03T15:31:00.000-08:00as a child I used to follow the old ROW that ran p...as a child I used to follow the old ROW that ran parallel to laurel and harbor streets when my family went to the airport. all(?) the rail has since been pulled, and the ROW converted to parking lots -- it's easy to see in satellite photos. (does anyone have any history on this?)<BR/><BR/>raised ROW for the trolley has been added parallel to the BNSF mainline; it seems like an "offramp" to the old ROW would be straight-forward enough, and take a lot less time to construct than a completely new multi-mode terminal.Aaron J. Grierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10394251635346173495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-55825584990611127242009-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:002009-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:00@ spokker -my bad, I mistyped on the top speed. It...@ spokker -<BR/><BR/>my bad, I mistyped on the top speed. It is 65mph for light rail.<BR/><BR/>On the grade separations: I don't think people stop using a railroad because there are motorists - even <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxkruJ_5kE0" REL="nofollow">school bus drivers</A> - who take foolish risks at grade crossings and occasionally pay the price. Admittedly, there are delays whenever there is an incident, damage to rolling stock and psychological impact on the train driver - especially if someone gets hurt or killed.<BR/><BR/>So I'll agree with Brandon on the 98/2 split here.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-19837030976359959172009-02-03T10:19:00.000-08:002009-02-03T10:19:00.000-08:00In my opinion, 98% of the benefit provided by grad...In my opinion, 98% of the benefit provided by grade separation projects benefit roadway users and those nearby affected by horn blasts. <BR/><BR/>By and large, grade separations do not enhance the capacity of rail systems. <BR/><BR/>Yes, there are some instances when higher train speeds are permitable with separated grade; however, in such instances the entire, or majority, of the rail line would need to enable those higher speeds to have any measurable benefit. Additionally, vehicles may need to be upgraded too.Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-72433609017947774282009-02-03T02:08:00.000-08:002009-02-03T02:08:00.000-08:00"top speed for light rail is 55mph."Los Angeles' M..."top speed for light rail is 55mph."<BR/><BR/>Los Angeles' Metro Green Line does 65mph.<BR/><BR/>"Grade separations should be characterized as highway improvement projects, since they add zero functionality to the railroad"<BR/><BR/>I disagree with this. Grade separations reduce the risk of accidents due to someone accidentally or intentionally leaving their car on the tracks. Should an accident occur at any speed, the line would be shut down for an hour or more, depending on the severity of the accident. Such accidents would affect the popularity of the line negatively in the long-term.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-64008319858884499182009-02-03T01:38:00.000-08:002009-02-03T01:38:00.000-08:00@ anon @ 8:51pm -"voluntary" because it was democr...@ anon @ 8:51pm -<BR/><BR/>"voluntary" because it was democratically decided. Beats the alternative, don't you think?<BR/><BR/>Have fun on your gas-guzzling motorcycle on the way to the emergency room.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-88622019724701351062009-02-02T20:51:00.000-08:002009-02-02T20:51:00.000-08:00And by voluntary, you mean... like getting porcela...And by voluntary, you mean... like getting porcelain caps after you get your two front teeth knocked out by a line drive? Or like having your arm set in a cast after getting it broken in three places in a motorcycle accident?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-76670787290267225712009-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:002009-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:00"However, JR's Narita Express is a pretty awesome ..."However, JR's Narita Express is a pretty awesome service"<BR/><BR/>It is. I've taken it!<BR/><BR/>They are clean, sleek trains. They look cooler than the regular Japanese trains, at least. It was really fun.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-60417215859219349742009-02-02T17:07:00.000-08:002009-02-02T17:07:00.000-08:00@Aaron:No, Narita does not have a shinkansen, ther...@Aaron:<BR/><BR/>No, Narita does not have a shinkansen, there were plans for one but they never got off the ground. Narita has two underground stations served by JR and Keisei local and express services.<BR/><BR/>However, JR's Narita Express is a pretty awesome service that I think should be replicated in LA, using the Harbor Subdivision ROW. I like how the N'EX decouples at Tokyo Station, with one half heading to Shinjuku and points east, and the other half heading south to Yokohama. My idea of an LAX Express would decouple at LA Union, with one half continuing north to Burbank and Van Nuys, and the other half going to Anaheim.<BR/><BR/>This is all pretty pie-in-the-sky, but I like to dream. A lot of people seem to be all starry-eyed for light-rail service to the airport, but small trains with numerous stops would be just begging for low ridership in my opinion. It needs to be heavy-rail EMU's with luggage racks and comfortable seats in order to work.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17237464626091579237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-38012037431063375142009-02-02T14:45:00.000-08:002009-02-02T14:45:00.000-08:00@ anon @ 2:12pm -it's possible, indeed likely, tha...@ anon @ 2:12pm -<BR/><BR/>it's possible, indeed likely, that voters would not have endorsed a watered-down HSR proposal that retained any grade separations anywhere.<BR/><BR/>However, that does not mean that those separations are necessary for HSR, merely that something many transportation planners in California have long sought is a very valuable fringe benefit. It's the additional rail traffic volume that will be generated by the combination of upgraded Caltrain plus HSR services that prompted voters to bite the bullet and take on the extra debt.<BR/><BR/>Grade separation works are voluntary <I>highway</I> improvements in track sections rated at or below 125mph top speed, so why shouldn't California apply for a slice of the $27-$30 billion fund allocated to highway improvements in the stimulus bill?Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-26123697698871244532009-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:002009-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:00CSHR designs without grade separation (especially ...CSHR designs without grade separation (especially since grade separation has been just about the one and only selling point for these communities), is a non-starter. And you know it. And the communities don't prioritize grade separations highly in and of themselves (or else THEY'd be asking for the $$$ - you wouldn't have to be forcing it on them.) Grade separation for CHSR's benefit is simply not a highway infrasstructure improvement project.<BR/><BR/>Now, if suicide prevention is your worthy goal (?!)... The money should go to a safety net on the golden gate bridge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-28060225104606415922009-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:002009-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:00@ anon @ 1:14pm -since HSR will be traveling at no...@ anon @ 1:14pm -<BR/><BR/>since HSR will be traveling at no more than 125mph in the SF peninsula, <A HREF="http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/217" REL="nofollow">FRA</A> does in fact <I>not</I> require full grade separation, only impenetrable barriers.<BR/><BR/>However, the combined volume of HSR and Caltrain traffic would severely restrict the throughput capacity of cross roads.<BR/><BR/>Furthermore, approx. one person a month currently dies on Caltrain's tracks. Some are suicides, but many others are accident victims. I would argue that avoiding fatal accidents is a benefit to a community.<BR/><BR/>Ergo, full grade separation is a wise <I>choice</I> that voters have endorsed even in the SF peninsula section of the HSR network, because it benefits both motorists and communities.<BR/><BR/>And no, pantographs are of course <I>not</I> part of the national energy infrastructure. There are significant public health, AB32 and energy security benefits to rail electrification, but HSR is a transportation project.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-59198972259499186502009-02-02T13:14:00.000-08:002009-02-02T13:14:00.000-08:00"Grade separations should be characterized as high..."Grade separations should be characterized as highway improvement projects, since they add zero functionality to the railroad". <BR/>Flatly dishonest. <BR/><BR/>The functionality that grade separations provide to the HSR is that they allow it to exist at all. Non HSR railways (ie: Existing Caltrain) don't require grade separation at all. And the crossing don't require them either. The towns don't require them either...<BR/><BR/>Are you really going there? With a straight face?<BR/><BR/>Next you'll say the pantograph should be requested as energy infrastructure, since its carrying electricity, not passengers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-50364814477420271352009-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:002009-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00The link provided for the Senate version of the st...The link provided for the Senate version of the stimulus bill (S336) has January 27th date. I am unsure it is the latest. <BR/><BR/>The same may be true with a US News and World Report summary released in the past couple hours. In it, it forwards the following for transportation:<BR/><BR/>Transportation<BR/>- $27 billion is included for highway investments. <BR/>- $8.4 billion for investments in public transportation. <BR/>- $5.5 billion for competitive grants to state and local governments for transportation investments. <BR/><B>- $1.3 billion for investments in our air transportation system. <BR/>- $3.1 billion for investments in rail transportation, including High Speed Rail.</B> <BR/>- $830 million for repair and restoration of roads on park, forest, tribal and other public lands. <BR/><BR/>emphasis mine.<BR/><BR/>The HSR amount appears to be a $1B increase. <BR/><BR/>The Senate version is a work in progress. After something is passed, possibly later this week, the House and Senate will work togetehr to hammer out differences.<BR/><BR/>All-in-all, I am cautiously optomistic. My concern is the position of the Senate Republicans, maybe all republicans, and tactics to say know to everything until they get what tehy want. ... Like the California Seante Republicans.Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-1143539607055746752009-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:002009-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00@ mike -top speed for light rail is 55mph. Given t...@ mike -<BR/><BR/>top speed for light rail is 55mph. Given the sharp corners in the ROW, you'd be hard pressed to run any faster anyhow. I don't think line haul time is a particularly good argument in favor of commuter rail (Metrolink) in this case.<BR/><BR/>More relevant is if BNSF is willing to abandon its remaining easement on this ROW, which is now owned by Metro. It has retained that in case the Alameda Corridor ever becomes unavailable, e.g. due to an accident or earthquake damage. Heavy freight trains require rails that weigh much more per foot and are correspondingly more expensive. Also, FRA currently does not permit light rail trains to share track with heavy rail rolling stock.<BR/><BR/>Light rail would mesh better with plans to extend the Green Line to LAX, approved as part of Measure R in November. In addition, it would mesh better with plans for the Crenshaw corridor. Finally, the extra capacity of bi-level Metrolink cars is of little use to passengers with bags bound for LAX.<BR/><BR/>For these reasons and for the sake of community buy-in, I expect Metro will prefer a light rail approach. From my point of view, the most important issue is not light vs. commuter rail but whether there will be an aerial wye at Aviation/Century and an underground single-track loop past all the terminals, served by multiple lines. Forcing a transfer to an unmanned people mover would be a really ugly cloodge.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-81999178018818470762009-02-02T12:25:00.001-08:002009-02-02T12:25:00.001-08:00The Senate's initial version of the stimulus bill ...The Senate's initial version of the stimulus bill (S.336) is <A HREF="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/02/senate-stimulus-bill-full_n_163144.html" REL="nofollow">here</A>.<BR/><BR/>The rail-related section is p236-241.<BR/><BR/>Note the addition of $2 billion for high speed rail programs, to remain available until September 30, 2011. Also, the federal share of such projects may be up to 100%.<BR/><BR/>This would get CHSRA out from under the state's broken budget process for a few years so it can get on with the project-level EIR/EIS work and pay its consultants. For the starter line project as a whole, the target for the federal share should remain at $12-$16 billion. Prop 1A bonds would simply be sold later than anticipated, hopefully at reasonable rates.<BR/><BR/>TJPA and CHSRA to submit a joint request related to SFTT so everyone can save face and get it all built. In particular, there is no reason not to ask for a slice of the transit stimulus funds to help pay for the bus depot + ramps, the underground pedestrian passage to Embarcadero BART and the fraction (2 of 6 platform tracks, i.e. 1/3) of the trainbox + DTX tunnel reserved for Caltrain. The HSR project needs to chip in the other 2/3, but TJPA must not cook the books to misrepresent the fraction of the total construction cost related to heavy rail operations.<BR/><BR/>Straight HSR feeder projects such as the BART extension to Santa Clara and Caltrain electrification should seek federal funding from the transit, rather than the HSR portion of this bill. Grade separations should be characterized as highway improvement projects, since they add zero functionality to the railroad.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-47474730994251975172009-02-02T12:25:00.000-08:002009-02-02T12:25:00.000-08:00Rafael - I found the Harbor Subdivision line as we...Rafael - I found the Harbor Subdivision line as well after reading Robert's post. Light rail might be a good option as a transit line, but it would be rather slow for an airport line. My guess is that if you had electric commuter rail running down the Harbor Subdivision, it would be ~20 minutes from Union Station to LAX, non-stop (this would be a service similar to Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express). And then CHSR could also use that track to access LAX (running at 79 mph or below). But that's unlikely to happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-4106560628517164752009-02-02T09:46:00.000-08:002009-02-02T09:46:00.000-08:00Stimulus news:WSJ reports that Senate Democrats ar...Stimulus news:<BR/><BR/>WSJ <A HREF="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123353660337637851.html" REL="nofollow">reports</A> that Senate Democrats are pushing for an additional $20-$30 billion for infrastructure in the stimulus bill, but of course Republicans want more tax cuts instead. They remind me of medieval "physicians" who prescribed bloodletting for any and all ailments.<BR/><BR/>If anything, all tax cut provisions in the stimulus bill should be limited to 2009 and 2010. At that point, the Bush tax cuts expire and the whole issue of fair taxation can be revisited. At some point, someone is going to have to service all this extra debt.<BR/><BR/>Meanwhile, <A HREF="http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_city/San%20Jose/CA" REL="nofollow">StimulusWatch</A> reports that San Jose has included two requests for a total of $146 million for its BART extension as a down payment. Of that, $46 million is for a station underneath the Bank of America building. Didn't taxpayers just fork over $45 billion to that company so it could blow a wad on a superbowl party?<BR/><BR/>There is also a request for <A HREF="http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/search/high+speed+rail" REL="nofollow">EIS funding for high speed rail</A> - from Ohio. Either CHSRA is asleep at the wheel or they've got a cunning plan for getting out of the cashflow pickle the California budget impasse has put them in.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-81816268143581157432009-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:002009-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00Slightly less off topic:San Diego might want to im...Slightly less off topic:<BR/><BR/>San Diego might want to implement a <A HREF="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/san-francisco-bike-sharing-pilot-program-2009.php" REL="nofollow">bike-sharing service</A> about to go into a pilot trial in San Francisco. The concept is based on similar services in Paris (Velib') and Vienna (CityBike). Such systems would be an excellent complement for HSR.<BR/><BR/>It'll be interesting to see if either city goes the whole hog and buys a fleet of <A HREF="http://www.sparta.nl/uk/sparta-ION-page.asp?id=20001&menu=1" REL="nofollow"><I>electric</I> bicycles</A> for rent, complete with automated <A HREF="http://www.altfuels.org/backgrnd/graphics/ind_close.jpg" REL="nofollow">inductive coupling</A> at the <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcSD5MsQuVo" REL="nofollow">designated drop-off points</A> to recharge the batteries. Tourists with bags or small children might appreciate electric versions of <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Tgp2ss3o8" REL="nofollow">Dutch cargo bikes</A> for rent, though those would have to be stored separately.<BR/><BR/>Much cheaper passive <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjUAjJ5w5cc" REL="nofollow">vertical</A> or <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1bgcJMIV8Q" REL="nofollow">bi-level</A> bike storage might be useful for regular bikes at train stations, as would <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UF5naRkWzY" REL="nofollow">grooved ramps next to stairs</A> leading to and from he platforms. Note that this gentleman is pushing a <I>folding</I> bicycle, which can always be taken along on any train at no extra charge. Electric versions are becoming available.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-71290304469745939682009-02-02T07:16:00.000-08:002009-02-02T07:16:00.000-08:00Off topic but possibly of interest to readers in o...Off topic but possibly of interest to readers in other parts of the country and Canada:<BR/><BR/>UK hit by largest snowstorm in 18 years, severe <A HREF="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/4433902/Snow-Latest-news-on-disruption-to-Britains-transport-network.html" REL="nofollow">disruption to transport infrastructure</A>, especially at airports.<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.eurostar.com/UK/be/leisure/customer_care/questions_answers.jsp" REL="nofollow">Eurostar operating normally</A> but subject to possible delays. Gotta love those all-weather trains.<BR/><BR/>Note, however, that there was a severe <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Channel_Tunnel_fire" REL="nofollow">fire</A> on board one of Eurotunnel's auto trains in September, damaging the north tube. Repairs are expected to be completed about three weeks from now. Until then, traffic remains limited to a single track for about 1/3 of the tunnel.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-29968770759080007692009-02-02T03:18:00.000-08:002009-02-02T03:18:00.000-08:00@ anon @ 4:40pm -are you aware of LA Metro's Harbo...@ anon @ 4:40pm -<BR/><BR/>are you aware of LA Metro's <A HREF="http://www.metro.net/projects_studies/harbor_subdivision/default.htm" REL="nofollow">Harbor Subdivision Transit Corridor</A> project for rail service between LA Union Station, LAX and San Pedro/Long Beach?<BR/><BR/>IMHO, the best solution might be dual track light rail, with am aerial wye at Aviation/Century and a one-way single track underground loop past all the terminals at LAX.<BR/><BR/>@ Alon Levy -<BR/><BR/>transportation demand is fairly inflexible, so consumers don't stop traveling right away just because the price of oil goes up. In the sort term, it does indeed just push up inflation.<BR/><BR/>However, if high prices last long enough, consumers will purchase more expensive but also more efficient cars and, they will use trains more frequently when they are available. Europe and Japan are proof that high fuel prices do change consumer behavior, it just takes at least a decade (and the political will to impose high fuel taxes).Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-16136161632647768522009-02-01T18:36:00.000-08:002009-02-01T18:36:00.000-08:00Spokker, I don't get your point about cheap oil. E...Spokker, I don't get your point about cheap oil. Eight months ago, oil prices were at an all-time high. This led to some cutbacks in air traffic, but their effects even on air hub cities were minor. The current cutbacks due to recession are far larger. The main effect of high oil prices was to lead to inflation in commodity prices in general, some of which were at 200-year highs.<BR/><BR/>Anon at 1:17, cities' importance isn't based on how much they esthetically please you. LA is the world's third largest urban economy and the center for the world's largest entertainment industry by revenue.Alon Levyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12195377309045184452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-58608373001010492542009-02-01T18:28:00.000-08:002009-02-01T18:28:00.000-08:00lol nobody likes anything on Stimulus Watch. They ...lol nobody likes anything on Stimulus Watch. They are voting up or down projects as if their vote actually means anything.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-22997848451944114132009-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:002009-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00Stimulus allocations broken down by city, state, m...Stimulus allocations broken down by city, state, most expensive etc.<BR/><BR/>http://www.stimuluswatch.org/<BR/><BR/>A lot of money for Los Angeles, but Puerto Rico has everyone beat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com