# California High Speed Rail on The No Agenda Show California High Speed Rail comes up in 28 chapters across 28 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from August 2008 to October 2026. - **Chapters:** 28 - **Episodes:** 28 - **Discussed:** August 2008 – October 2026 - **Related topics:** [California](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [High-speed Rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [Bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md), [Eminent Domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [Infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [California High-speed Rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-high-speed-rail.md), [Gavin Newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [Jerry Brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-brown.md), [Siemens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siemens.md), [Amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 28 ### California Governor Race and Steve Hilton's Platform - **Episode:** [1910: Media Murder](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1910-media-murder.md) - **Published:** 2026-10-08 - **Time:** 33:15–38:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1910-media-murder/chapter/california-governor-race-and-steve-hilton-s-platform.md Steve Hilton is running for Governor of California on a platform focused on cutting fuel taxes, reducing vehicle registration fees, and canceling the state's high-speed rail project. His opponent, Javier Becerra, has been criticized for avoiding debates and relying on anti-Trump rhetoric to maintain the Democratic stronghold. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sparked controversy by suggesting the election is already over, implying a Republican cannot win the state regardless of the candidate's platform. Keywords: [steve hilton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-hilton.md), [javier becerra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/javier-becerra.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [karen bass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karen-bass.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md) ### California High-Speed Rail Costs and Fraud - **Episode:** [1904: Junkie Communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism.md) - **Published:** 2026-09-17 - **Time:** 47:50–51:30 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-costs-and-fraud.md The California high-speed rail project is criticized for spending over $18 billion without laying a single mile of track, with total cost estimates now reaching $231 billion. The segment also mentions recent arrests related to multi-million dollar fraud within homeless outreach programs in the state. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [book of knowledge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/book-of-knowledge.md), [budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget.md), [fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fraud.md) ### California High Speed Rail, Financial Crisis and Delays - **Episode:** [1894: Fever Concerns](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1894-fever-concerns.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-13 - **Time:** 2:02:48–2:05:08 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1894-fever-concerns/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-financial-crisis-and-delays.md The California High Speed Rail project faces a potential total loss of funding by December 2027, according to the state's Inspector General. The project is currently billions of dollars over budget and has only produced limited concrete structures in the Central Valley. The hosts contrast this failure with Japan's high-speed rail system, which was completed in the late 1950s. Keywords: [high speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [inspector general](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inspector-general.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md) ### Orbital Economy, High-Speed Rail Comparison - **Episode:** [1872: Lunar Economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1872-lunar-economy.md) - **Published:** 2026-05-28 - **Time:** 1:28:22–1:31:38 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1872-lunar-economy/chapter/orbital-economy-high-speed-rail-comparison.md NASA's vision includes manufacturing rocket propellant on the moon and developing an "orbital economy." The hosts compare the $20 billion NASA budget to the $100 billion spent on California's high-speed rail project, which has yet to lay any track. They argue that while the space budget is large, it is relatively small compared to domestic infrastructure failures. Keywords: orbital economy, propellant manufacturing, [california high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-high-speed-rail.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [space exploration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-exploration.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, Cost Overruns, Eminent Domain - **Episode:** [1858: Nut Spread](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-09 - **Time:** 1:22:56–1:25:44 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-cost-overruns-eminent-domain.md California's high-speed rail project is now projected to cost $126 billion, more than triple the original $33 billion estimate approved by voters in 2008. The earliest projected opening has been pushed to 2033, with the Trump administration recently pulling $4 million in federal funding. One of the hosts shares a personal account of being displaced from a San Francisco apartment via eminent domain for a station that remains unfinished and surrounded by homeless encampments. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [60 minutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/60-minutes.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, DOT Audit - **Episode:** [1775: Boomer Benefits](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1775-boomer-benefits.md) - **Published:** 2025-06-22 - **Time:** 2:18:03–2:22:13 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1775-boomer-benefits/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-dot-audit.md A producer working on the California High-Speed Rail project provides an insider update on the "scam of scams." A recent U.S. Department of Transportation audit warns that cost reimbursements may be retroactive if violations are found, potentially leaving contractors liable for millions. The project is described as preposterous and a point of leverage in the rivalry between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom. Keywords: [california high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-high-speed-rail.md), chsra, us dot, [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md) ### Iran "Dead Man's Switch," California High-Speed Rail - **Episode:** [1736: The Blurt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1736-the-blurt.md) - **Published:** 2025-02-06 - **Time:** 2:35:09–2:38:35 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1736-the-blurt/chapter/iran-dead-man-s-switch-california-high-speed-rail.md Donald Trump signed a document warning Iran of "total obliteration" if they attempt to assassinate U.S. leaders, a move some describe as a "dead man's switch." In California, the high-speed rail project is under investigation as costs have swelled from $45 billion to $128 billion with no completion date. The project is criticized as a massive "boondoggle" that failed to deliver on its original promises. Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [qasem soleimani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qasem-soleimani.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [boondoggle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boondoggle.md) ### High-Speed Rail, Solar Energy and Nevada Infrastructure - **Episode:** [1218: Eggsistenial](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1218-eggsistenial.md) - **Published:** 2020-02-23 - **Time:** 20:53–24:06 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1218-eggsistenial/chapter/high-speed-rail-solar-energy-and-nevada-infrastructure.md Joe Biden advocated for high-speed rail and massive investments in the electrical grid to transmit wind and solar energy. He proposed building 500,000 new electric vehicle charging stations across the United States. Critics point to the California high-speed rail project as a massive failure and express skepticism about the efficiency of charging infrastructure compared to traditional gasoline. Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [solar panels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solar-panels.md), california rail ### California High-Speed Rail, Obama Era Boondoggle - **Episode:** [1112: El Valvador](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1112-el-valvador.md) - **Published:** 2019-02-15 - **Time:** 1:34:08–1:39:04 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1112-el-valvador/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-obama-era-boondoggle.md The California high-speed rail project, once a signature initiative of the Obama administration, is criticized as a massive financial boondoggle. Originally pitched as a way to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles without TSA "Viper teams," the project's costs ballooned from $30 billion to over $100 billion. Critics argue the project primarily benefited land-owning political allies and the Burlington Northern railroad. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [viper teams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viper-teams.md) ### California Wildfires, PG&E Liability, and High-Speed Rail Theories - **Episode:** [1086: Shark Hole](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1086-shark-hole.md) - **Published:** 2018-11-18 - **Time:** 7:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1086-shark-hole/chapter/california-wildfires-pg-e-liability-and-high-speed-rail-theories.md The 2018 California wildfires, specifically the Camp Fire and Malibu blazes, have resulted in a rising death toll, including microcomputer pioneer Bill Godbout. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) shares dropped significantly after the company disclosed an electrical incident occurring shortly before the Camp Fire began. While official reports investigate potential negligence, alternative theories circulate regarding directed energy weapons and the fire's proximity to proposed high-speed rail paths. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [wildfires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wildfires.md), [pg&e](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-e.md), camp fire, [malibu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/malibu.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), bill godbout ### California High-Speed Rail, Cost Overruns and Corruption - **Episode:** [1014: Rise of the Betas](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1014-rise-of-the-betas.md) - **Published:** 2018-03-08 - **Time:** 1:47:05–1:51:13 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1014-rise-of-the-betas/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-cost-overruns-and-corruption.md The California high-speed rail project, originally budgeted at $6 billion for a 119-mile stretch in the Central Valley, has seen costs rise to $11 billion. Critics allege the project is rife with state-level corruption, with routes designed to pass through land owned by local politicians. A clip of President Obama from his first term promoted the train as a way to avoid airport security and "taking off your shoes." Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md), [fresno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fresno.md) ### Chinese High-Speed Rail Projects, California Proposals - **Episode:** [766: Cyber Soldiers](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/766-cyber-soldiers.md) - **Published:** 2015-10-18 - **Time:** 2:34:35–2:38:26 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/766-cyber-soldiers/chapter/chinese-high-speed-rail-projects-california-proposals.md China is expanding its global infrastructure footprint with high-speed railway deals in Indonesia, Turkey, and Russia. Reports also indicate that Chinese companies have submitted proposals for a high-speed rail line in California connecting San Jose to Burbank. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [indonesia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indonesia.md), [turkey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkey.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, Legal Victories for Opponents - **Episode:** [597: Prison Prep](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/597-prison-prep.md) - **Published:** 2014-03-06 - **Time:** 1:43:51–1:45:41 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/597-prison-prep/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-legal-victories-for-opponents.md Opponents of California's high-speed rail project won two legal victories in Sacramento, allowing a lawsuit by farmers to proceed. Additionally, a petition for a ballot initiative to terminate the project and block further state spending was approved. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [sacramento](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sacramento.md), [lawsuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lawsuit.md), [ballot initiative](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ballot-initiative.md), [farmers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/farmers.md) ### High-Speed Rail Scams, China vs. US Infrastructure - **Episode:** [570: Festival of Corruption](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/570-festival-of-corruption.md) - **Published:** 2013-12-01 - **Time:** 2:20:31–2:29:04 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/570-festival-of-corruption/chapter/high-speed-rail-scams-china-vs-us-infrastructure.md The hosts compare China's rapid expansion of high-speed rail to the stalled projects in California. They argue that high-speed rail in the US is a scam designed to benefit freight companies like Warren Buffett's Burlington Northern by having the public fund new rail beds. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [warren buffett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warren-buffett.md), [burlington northern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burlington-northern.md) ### Jerry Brown, California High-Speed Rail - **Episode:** [482: Media Harmonization](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/482-media-harmonization.md) - **Published:** 2013-01-27 - **Time:** 2:29:24–2:33:08 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/482-media-harmonization/chapter/jerry-brown-california-high-speed-rail.md California Governor Jerry Brown defended the state's high-speed rail project in his State of the State address, comparing the effort to "The Little Engine That Could." The project, which Brown first proposed in 1982, is set to break ground in 2013 with an initial phase connecting Madera to Bakersfield. Keywords: [jerry brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-brown.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md) ### Todd Park and Government Data "Jiu-Jitsu" - **Episode:** [446: The Convincables](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/446-the-convincables.md) - **Published:** 2012-09-23 - **Time:** 2:36:41–2:41:42 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/446-the-convincables/chapter/todd-park-and-government-data-jiu-jitsu.md U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park speaks at the Social Good Summit about "jiu-jitsu-ing" government data to make it usable for entrepreneurs. The hosts mock his use of buzzwords and "awesomeness" to describe bureaucratic tasks. The segment concludes with a critique of the California high-speed rail project, specifically the funding of the Fresno to Bakersfield section. Keywords: [todd park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/todd-park.md), [cto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cto.md), open innovation, [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, Siemens Contracts, and European Train Failures - **Episode:** [424: Internet Governance](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/424-internet-governance.md) - **Published:** 2012-07-08 - **Time:** 19:07–25:21 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/424-internet-governance/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-siemens-contracts-and-european-train-failures.md The California legislature approves a multi-billion dollar high-speed rail project connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco, a move supported by Governor Jerry Brown and the Obama administration. Skepticism is raised regarding the project's profitability and the involvement of Siemens, a company previously linked to bribery scandals in Greece. Comparisons are drawn to underperforming rail systems in the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. Keywords: [jerry brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-brown.md), [siemens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siemens.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [sacramento](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sacramento.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [tgv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tgv.md) ### Ray LaHood, California High-Speed Rail Criticism - **Episode:** [392: Shark Orgy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/392-shark-orgy.md) - **Published:** 2012-03-18 - **Time:** 1:51:58–2:01:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/392-shark-orgy/chapter/ray-lahood-california-high-speed-rail-criticism.md Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood defended the California High-Speed Rail project during a congressional hearing, despite reports from the state auditor labeling it an immense financial risk. The hosts criticize the project's $100 billion price tag and its planned route through the Central Valley. They argue that high-speed rail will not alleviate traffic jams on Highway 5 or in Los Angeles. Keywords: [ray lahood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-lahood.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [jerry brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-brown.md), [transportation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transportation.md) ### Infrastructure Bank, High-Speed Rail, Obama Manufacturing Push - **Episode:** [330: You Can Take That To The iBank!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/330-you-can-take-that-to-the-ibank.md) - **Published:** 2011-08-14 - **Time:** 50:02–1:00:07 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/330-you-can-take-that-to-the-ibank/chapter/infrastructure-bank-high-speed-rail-obama-manufacturing-push.md President Obama's proposal for an "Infrastructure Bank" (or I-Bank) is analyzed as a public-private partnership that may lead to increased toll roads. The hosts discuss the president's push for American manufacturing and his comments on Koreans driving American cars. They also touch on the legal challenges facing high-speed rail projects in the California peninsula. Keywords: infrastructure bank, i-bank, [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [hyundai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hyundai.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, SNCF Holocaust Records - **Episode:** [230: Battle of the Billionaires](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/230-battle-of-the-billionaires.md) - **Published:** 2010-08-29 - **Time:** 32:53–36:21 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/230-battle-of-the-billionaires/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-sncf-holocaust-records.md California officials are requiring the French national railway, SNCF, to disclose records related to the transport of Jews to concentration camps during WWII as a condition for bidding on the state's high-speed rail project. The hosts link this to Edwin Black's research on IBM's involvement in the Holocaust and discuss the "We Will Not Be Chipped" movement. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [sncf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sncf.md), [holocaust](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holocaust.md), [ibm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm.md) [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-high-speed-rail.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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