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Tristen

@hawkfalcon.bsky.social
478 followers 756 following 236 posts

I care a lot about transit and walkability | Strong Towns Santa Barbara | he/him

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Reposted by Tristen
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 02/10/2026
Why did a High-Speed Rail Authority board member carve CAHSR out of Prop 45 (on the ballot in November), which streamlines a variety of more harmful projects from CEQA?
The law has long helped stave off problems for communities, wild spaces and ecosystems and, as such, has been praised for enhancing California's natural landscapes and quality of life. But CEQA is also blamed for obstructing needed work, and critics have no shortage of examples of when the regulation has brought seemingly endless delays and frivolous lawsuits. 
"It's egregious to suggest we need housing proposals to go on for 19 years and we need a decade of public comments " said Jason Elliott, a longtime policy guru and onetime advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Elliott helped write Proposition 45.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 30/09/2026
Frustrated with the slow progress on CAHSR? Apparently the California legislature isn't, given all bills to speed up progress died this year. Why isn't California's signature infrastructure project a priority? calmatters.org/politics/202...
calmatters.org
California’s high-speed rail authority made a legislative wishlist. It mostly stalled out
California’s bullet train agency said timely construction of the rail line depended on these reforms. They mostly failed.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 28/09/2026
The LOSSAN corridor is under threat once again this winter from El Niño. But one word is strikingly absent from this discussion: relocation. Will upcoming extreme weather finally be enough for the state to take action on moving the tracks off the beach?
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 25/09/2026
More than 500 letters! Thanks for taking action.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 22/09/2026
Could be Metrolink! But instead, service is getting slashed, through-running (LinkUS) is endlessly delayed. And OCTA board members blame agencies like SEPTA for the fiscal cliff for "failure to react to ridership realities"
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We’re in an era where the fight against fascism and authoritarianism is on almost every ballot. Voting has always been important, but never more than now. Vote like your rights, your future, your vote itself, and even your life, are all on the line. Because there’s a very good chance they are.
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tschuy 🏳️‍🌈 @tsch.uy · 19/09/2026
Just heard that AB 1599 was signed into law! Once fully implemented, one physical stop on the ground will have one name and one ID in apps (and other datasets)! Data standardization is a *major* part of transit integration. This is wonky but so important! www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2026/6/...
seamlessbayarea.org
AB 1599: Seamless Interagency Stop Data - the California Transit Stop Registry — Seamless Bay Area
On June 23, the California Senate Transportation Committee is expected to hear and vote on a good bill to standardize bus stop data, making transit more convenient for riders and enabling smarter plan...
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 18/09/2026
In 2024 the US Department of Energy proposed these routes for electrification. No time like the present to get to work making it a reality.
Map of High-potential routes for catenary feasibility studies. Includes line-haul freight, intercity passenger, commuter, and other. Major freight routes include LA-Chicago, WA-Chicago, SLC-Chicago via both Wyoming and Colorado, LA-Houston, Houstin-Chicago via Oklahoma, Chicag-NYC via PA. Commuter routes include Metra, Metrolink, Frontrunner, and NY-area diesel routes
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Tristen @hawkfalcon.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This everywhere
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Reposted by Tristen
No More Freeways @nomorefreewayspdx.com · 15/09/2026
We get the traffic congestion that we plan for. So why is Oregon spending tens of billions of dollars to add multiple miles of new lanes of freeway through the Rose Quarter and across the Columbia River? Every mile we build just ends up in more motorists polluting, stuck in gridlock.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 12/09/2026
Honored to share our very own Adriana Rizzo has been nominated for a Momentum Award for their advocacy with Californians for Electric Rail. It's an honor for our work to be acknowledged alongside such an excellent suite of advocate nominees. Thank you Circulate San Diego!
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David Seater 🚶‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🏳️‍🌈 @davidseater.com · 11/09/2026
Girl, same.
Photo of a train destination sign that says AMERICA PLZ
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 10/09/2026
Shocking footage of high tides eroding Metrolink/Surfliner tracks in San Clemente - once again shutting down CA's 2 largest cities' only rail connection. Imagine if this happened to a highway? CA needs to move the tracks off the beach ASAP, but we don't even have a plan. youtube.com/shorts/wOoWR...
youtube.com
High Tides on Tracks 🌊
YouTube video by Metrolink
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Reposted by Tristen
Taylor Scheinuk @taylorscheinuk.com · 10/09/2026
This should've been done years ago. We need a statewide Dept of Rail with the power to act NOW
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Sally Watson @salawatson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
“We have given up so much public space to cars, and if you live in a city with kids you live in constant fear that they will be hit by a passing vehicle”, Banchini said. “It restricts our movement so much that we almost can’t see it anymore.” www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Reclaiming the streets: the architects clawing back Europe’s car-centric spaces
The European Prize for Urban Public Space’s shortlist highlights projects helping people cope with climate crisis
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Reposted by Tristen
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 08/09/2026
More disruption on the Surfliner due to high surf. CalSTA is supposed to be working on a study to relocate the tracks away from rising seas, but when? The US' 2nd busiest rail corridor deserves more urgency around disruptions.
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Reposted by Tristen
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 24/08/2026
Will the legislature step in to give CA High-Speed Rail the enhanced eminent domain authority they've been asking for? Or will they allow sprawl developers in the small town of Shafter to extract costly concessions and hold up CA's signature infrastructure project?
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 14/08/2026
Redlands and San Bernardino were once connected to LA as part of the world's largest electric rail system. It's disrespectful to the historic character *not* to electrify. We have the technology, let's get it done. #ElectrifyMetrolink
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 12/08/2026
High speed rail vs transit is a false choice. The problem is giveaways to oil and money cars more broadly. Want more money for transit? Cut there.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 10/08/2026
Happening this morning! You don't want to miss this!
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Yonah Freemark @yonahfreemark.com · 05/08/2026
In the US, zero emissions buses accounted for only 5.6% of total new bus registrations in recent data theicct.org/publication/... US is absolutely falling behind on this metric, and things seem to be getting worse in recent months.
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Riding bikes is 10X more important than electric cars for reaching net-zero cities. And that’s just the climate emissions. Doesn’t include the massive public & personal cost difference, the air & noise pollution difference, the massive space difference, etc, etc…Via @theconversation.bsky.social
theconversation.com
Cycling is ten times more important than electric cars for reaching net-zero cities
Active travel can help tackle the climate crisis earlier than electric vehicles – even if you swap the car for a bike for just one trip a day.
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David Zipper @davidzipper.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Only one country voted against a UN declaration to reduce crash deaths. Want to guess which one? Info: www.linkedin.com/posts/overwh...
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 15/07/2026
Metro advancing Metrolink improvements even as they cut operations funding. This is a good project, but is there will to fund the service to justify the investment?
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Greg Pak @gregpak.net · 05/07/2026
The promise* that everyone belongs. No matter who you are, where you come from. You belong. * miserably broken right now
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 03/07/2026
Environmental organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Barstow Gateway mega-railyard due to air quality impacts and lack of electrification. "You’d be hard pressed to find a more suitable rail project to electrify today" - Yasmine Agelidis, @earthjustice.org earthjustice.org/press/2026/l...
earthjustice.org
Lawsuit Challenges Approval of Nation’s Largest Rail Facility in California
Five thousand-acre project would destroy desert lands, add pollution to Barstow, Los Angeles region
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Tristen @hawkfalcon.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
I had to delete threads. It’s actually addictive
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Tristen @hawkfalcon.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Omg
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Reposted by Tristen
Rebecca Saltzman @rebeccaforec.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Similar story: I grew up in the San Fernando Valley of LA - wide roads with 40+ mph speed limits, pre-BRT and protected bike lanes. We drove everywhere. I was dismayed I couldn’t bring my car to UC Berkeley. But I quickly learned to get around by walking, bus, and BART. And I loved it!
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Reposted by Tristen
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 08/06/2026
Unfortunately, OCTA unanimously approved a 3 month continuing resolution that shortchanges Metrolink by more than $1M, while doubling down on their intent to cut funding in the future. OCTA is a rogue agency sabotaging regional transit goals and investment. Governance reform now!
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 03/06/2026
Service increases and local transit integration gets the goods. Too bad Metrolink governance is too complicated and dysfunctional to make this happen, with Orange County insisting Metrolink needs *less service*. calelectricrail.org/regional-rai...
calelectricrail.org
Regional Rail in Crisis: How Metrolink’s governance holds back service, ridership, and growth – Californians for Electric Rail
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Reposted by Tristen
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 02/06/2026
Track and systems contract approved! ✅ CA High Speed Rail will be laying track by the end of this year! Trump can't stop this train. 🚅🚅🚅https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article315967487.html
sacbee.com
CA High-Speed Rail OKs $3.5B contract that puts laying first tracks on new timeline
“Track and systems construction is the moment this project truly begins to become a railroad,” said the chair of the rail authority’s board.
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
“During the 1950s-60s, the rise in automobile traffic transformed Dutch cities, resulting in traffic congestion, pollution, & an alarming increase in crashes. In 1971, more than 3,300 people lost their lives in crashes, including 400 children. These shocking numbers led to public protests…” Change.
nowsustainability.com
The Bicycle Revolution in the Netherlands: How Cycling Transformed the Country - Sustainability Now
The Netherlands is globally renowned for its bicycle culture, where cyclists of all ages traverse entire cities on well-planned bike lanes. However, this
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Reposted by Tristen
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 21/05/2026
Illinois' landmark governance reform bill from last year already getting the goods. Major service expansion under consolidated management. Meanwhile Metrolink is facing the transit death spiral under fractured governance.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 21/05/2026
This was the only mention of Metrolink in the whole staff report. If you were a board member only hearing from staff, you would have no idea Metrolink is facing dire service cuts exacerbated by Metro. Your emails and comments matter!
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Jan Rosenow @janrosenow.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
The world’s largest sand battery got through Finland’s harshest winter in years. 2,000 tonnes of sand, heated to 500-600°C by cheap power, feeding district heating in Pornainen. And it worked. Result from one install: oil down 100%, emissions down 70%. Industrial process heat is the real prize.
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Peter Norton @norton.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
In April 1971, following temporary closings to motor traffic, pedestrian traffic on Madison Avenue soared. New York City’s Office of Midtown Planning and Development then proposed Madison Mall: closing Madison Avenue from 42nd to 57th streets to all motor traffic except buses and emergency vehicles.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 18/05/2026
THURSDAY, May 21st is a critical opportunity to save Metrolink funding and stop catastrophic service cuts: LA Metro's Budget Public Hearing. Metro board needs to hear from YOU about the value of Metrolink. If you can't make in person (best), email your board members. docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com
Toolkit: LA Metro Metrolink Cuts
Metro: Keep Metrolink Running! This toolkit is aimed at the LA Metro board, which funds 50% of Metrolink. Click here for a toolkit tailored to the Orange County Board of Transportation (OCTA). What’s...
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CA High-Speed Rail 🚄💨 @cahsra.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
✅ The Road 26 Grade Separation in Madera County is complete! This grade separation brings the total number of structures completed to 60 and is the 11th and final grade separation in Madera County for the first 119 miles of high-speed rail construction in the Central Valley! #InfrastructureWeek
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 18/05/2026
OCTA CEO says the quiet part out loud: they think Metrolink has *too much* service. If you think that's wrong, contact the OCTA Board before June 8th. www.sbsun.com/2026/05/15/r...
‘Rightsizing’ option

Transportation authorities, however, are divided on the best response to Metrolink’s budget challenges. OCTA  questions whether it’s necessary to return to full service, but that sentiment is not universal — Kettle said Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties are asking for increased service.

OCTA’s Johnson believes Metrolink service needs to be “rightsized.”

“Is the product that you’re selling what people want?” Johnson asks. Running 164 trains a day is “probably a bit too many,” he said.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 16/05/2026
We're here in Barstow with a big coalition of environmental justice advocates, labor, and residents from the ports to Barstow calling on Barstow to electrify the BIG! Learn more about the project here: calelectricrail.org/the-b-i-g-is...
Barstow Community College of Performing Arts 

Group of people holding a sign saying "LA to Barstow Freight Pollution has to go"
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Rebecca Saltzman @rebeccaforec.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Visited the Orinda Library today, and it reminded what El Cerrito can create if we pass Measure C in June. They have a large public plaza with a cafe, tons of books, designated areas for teens, children, and a quiet area. Plus window seats and a study room. Let’s build a library just as wonderful!
Orinda Library plazaOrinda Library tables and booksOrinda Library small portion of children’s areaOrinda Library small portion of teen area
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 13/05/2026
The Barstow International Gateway project is a prime opportunity to electrify SoCal freight and build the nation's first all-electric railyard. But instead, BNSF is doubling down on dirty diesel, increasing pollution throughout the region. Speak up for electric rail this Saturday at 1 in Barstow!
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Patrick Siegman @siegman.biz · 11/05/2026
“It took me moving to Bayern, Germany, to really understand how different our codes were…” If every architecture, planning, and fire protection engineering program in the US required a year of overseas work experience, all 50 states would rapidly legalize tall single-stair buildings. #CNU34
cnu.org
Why single-stair reform leads to more livable, adaptable infill
Allowing more single-stair buildings in the US will positively affect quality of life, public health, infill flexibility, family-friendly units, costs, and even climate adaptation.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 08/05/2026
Wondering why CAHSR is taking so long? The City of Shafter (near Bakersfield) wants to build a new sprawl neighborhood on currently vacant land that high speed rail is supposed to be built on within the next 5 years. CAHSR needs enhanced land acquisition authority. www.kget.com/news/local-n...
kget.com
Shafter City Council rejects High-Speed Rail Authority’s requests for changes in Gossamer Grove continuation
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The city of Shafter is making progress in a planned continuation of the Gossamer Grove neighborhood, with the City Council rejecting plans to put the California H…
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 07/05/2026
Yet OCTA thinks Metrolink "service exceeds demand". Extremely foolish time to start initiating devastating service cuts.
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 06/05/2026
Siemens, which has a plant in California, is delivering thousands of electric freight locomotives for India's all-electric freight network. But BNSF still claims they can't electrify the BIG? www.railfreight.com/railfreight/...
railfreight.com
Siemens delivers first of 1,200 electric freight locomotives to India in biggest-ever order
Siemens Mobility has handed over the first of 1,200 electric freight locomotives on order from Indian Railways. The locomotives are part of a 3 billion…
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 06/05/2026
The Manufacturing Decarbonization Incentive would defund the State Rail Plan (TIRCP) and jeopardize CA High-Speed Rail's fixed funding guarantee, essential for private financing. Speak out now against this giveaway to oil companies!
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Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 05/05/2026
Metro and OCTA's cuts threaten to send Metrolink into a death spiral. It's time to take action. Sign up here to help move Metrolink riders to action - and get the link for our organizing training happening TOMORROW at 5 pm! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Metrolink Canvassing Sign-Up
LA Metro and OCTA are collectively cutting $9.5 M in operations funding to Metrolink - contributing to a budget crisis that will lead to service cuts if nothing changes. Evening, weekend, and mid-day ...
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