By Tim Sheehan, The Fresno Bee; September 17, 2019
San Jose
The California High-Speed Rail Authority board voted unanimously Tuesday on a route that may ultimately connect the San Joaquin Valley with San Jose – though it didn’t come without some backlash from community groups.
The board’s preferred alternative crosses a grassland area of western Merced County and continues with a tunnel through Pacheco Pass. Additionally, on the route, high-speed trains would ultimately share upgraded and electrified tracks with the Caltrain commuter rail system between San Jose and Gilroy.