The issue at the moment is which trans-California route will be
chosen to bring rail into the central valley of California. The two
principal choices at the moment seem to be Altamont Pass near Tracy,
and Pacheco Pass from the Central Coast. On first glance it seems
that the Pacheco Pass route would be the obvious route, but not so.
Last year and spring, through the efforts of our two supervisors,
initiated by an earlier letter from Supervisor Pickard, Mariposa
County was granted full committee membership status on the San
Joaquin Valley Rail Committee. Of course our entire Board of
Supervisors support their activities but they are the members
assigned these duties Very little has been written about these
activities and I think it is time that our community knows that in
this area our Board is functioning quite well.

Through the Board Committee's efforts, Highway 140 retained it's
designation as an Amtrak route. While the difficulties caused by the
slide on the Merced River do restrict some bus travel, YARTS has
acquired 32 ft buses which are providing service.
Growth of this system will be aided by correction of the detour but
the timing of this action is unknown, in spite of assurances by Cong.
Radanovich that federal funding was available. It seems that
CalTrans is a little unsure what that means.
But having the designated Amtrak route strengthens our future
opportunities to make Hwy 140 and Mariposa the key year around route
to Yosemite Valley. The reason that the Altamont route from the
coast is preferable is because it accesses a much large population
center as the source of future customers for Yosemite and Mariposa
County.

Add to that the benefits of taking cars off the freeways, thus
decreasing that contribution to the air pollution that is not only
harming the human race but is killing the trees in the Sierra. Last
spring I attended a rail meeting in Emeryville, on San Francisco Bay.
We caught Amtrak in Merced and had a pleasant ride to the meeting.
Coming home we made the mistake of taking the Amtrak bus to Stockton
to save some time. The return trip was on a Friday afternoon
starting about 2PM. It was bumper to bumper all the way. We boarded
Amtrak once again in Stockton and enjoyed the rest of the trip to
Merced, but it clearly demonstrated to me the need for mass rapid
transit from the Bay area to the rest of the state.

It is possible today to board Amtrak train in Oakland, (beautiful
station), ride in comfort to Merced and then take Amtrak or YARTS on
to Yosemite. As I get older public transit looks better all the
time. One problem. I have discovered that public transit is tax
supported to the tune of 75% of the operating costs. Part of the
reason is that not enough people ride the train and buses. Also,
Amtrak in California uses the same rails as the freight system,
leasing time on the tracks.

Presently the planning process funded by the state is stalled by
diversion of funds I am told, by the Governor. A series of meetings
and hearings are being held about the future of rail routes, and the
existence of quality rail service. Our Board members are
participating. It is difficult to be a Board member in any county,
especially now at a time when past decisions are causing many
difficulties for the ability to balance the budget. These rail
hearings give our Board the opportunity to demonstrate their
effectiveness in this area and success in one area will lead to
others as they learn the job.

We are making economic progress in Mariposa County. It requires
supporting our major industry. Support of opportunities in the
recreation and tourism industry gives us a major boost in the total
gross county product without a significant increase in the population
base of the county. An example of development of this segment is
the growth of the Coyote Springs Ranch in Catheys Valley. Given time
and proper development, this ranch will provide both jobs and
entertainment for many visitors to Mariposa County.
The emphasis placed on tourism because of the river slide, the
budget difficulties and an active and successful marketing program,;
the realization that this is our largest industry, providing a high
percentage of discretionary revenue for Mariposa County to budget for
such things as Sheriff, Fire, Library, wages and benefits and
retirement, it is imperative that Mariposa County government and
citizens understand and support high quality advancement within this
industry. Great opportunities have presented themselves to our
county and we must work together to take advantage.

Soon an Economic Development Strategy will be presented. The drafters of this document know the value of advancing the efforts to both keep this
industry strong but to also gaining in strength. Please encourage
the decisions makers to arrive at the most solid solution for the
river slide fix. The cheapest is not always the best. I am amazed
that in l924 the State of California was able to build the road to El
Portal in 18 months and l8 months has now passed and we are no closer
to a solution than the day the rocks fell. Fifty Six miles of
railroad was built for the Big Creek project in Fresno County in less
than two years in l912. We have allowed special interest at all
levels to strangle our ability to solve a problem that would have
been fixed in weeks 100 years ago with out modern technology,
equipment and resources. Get with it.

Leroy Radanovich







Leroy Radanovich Email:
Leroy Radanovich





To Read More By Leroy Radanovich:
Leroy Radanovich's Mariposa Life Archives
 

To learn much more about Mariposa County along with
historical photos:
A signed copy of "Images of America" - Mariposa County,
By Leroy Radanovich can be purchased at his web site:
Radanovich Galleria & Books



This is a early day photo of the Mariposa Mine in
Mariposa County that is mentioned in the article to
the left by Mr. Radanovich.

This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books



Mariposa in 1920

This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books




Mariposa County Courthouse written by Leroy Radanovich and
Scott Pinkerton is a book about the oldest courthouse in California that is still in use today.
The book is signed by Leroy Radanovich.
To purchase the book:
Radanovich Galleria & Books



Mariposa in 1860

This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books