header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


Now and Then in the SCV | Commentary by Darryl Manzer
| Saturday, Nov 15, 2014

darrylmanzer_blacktieUnlike the California High Speed Rail Authority, I’ve got to wait for enough funding before I can start my journey, tracing the proposed route from the SCV to Sacramento.

I might follow the path to Gilroy, but driving a 40-foot-long motor home to San Francisco is not an option.

My goal is to see and write about the proposed railway and what is along the proposed route.

Just in case you missed it, the first track is scheduled to be constructed between the Central Valley towns of Borden and Corcoran. The first track will also pass through Fresno.

I’m really excited to go to Fresno. It is another city in California that has a funny name. Oxnard is another.

So from Santa Clarita, it is up Soledad Canyon until it meets the 14 Freeway in Acton. I’ll take the 14 over Vincent Hill and down into Palmdale.

Roughly following the proposed tracks, it is on to Highway 58, then west to Bakersfield.

The wonderful places of Tulare, Visalia, Merced, Modesto and Stockton are next. There is an RV place near Modesto where I’m going to stop.

Sacramento is next. I want to see the house full of blue that has that gold dome. Been a long time. In fact, the father of our current governor, Edmund G. Brown, was in that office the last time I was inside that building. Yes, I’m that old.

I want to visit the California Railway Museum while I’m in the capital city of our formerly great state. I do find it ironic that a political party that opposed the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s is all for building one now. Of course, back then they were also for Jim Crow laws and were forming the KKK, not to mention violence against Republicans, Jews and former slaves. But back to the subject. I wouldn’t want to let historical truth stop the conversation.

Here in California, we have a rich railroad history. It is estimated that it took a total of about 10,000 laborers – mostly Chinese immigrants – to blast and hack a railroad through the mountains and on to Utah where they linked with the Union Pacific.

Tehachapi Loop.

Tehachapi Loop.

Our current High Speed Rail Authority says nearly 3,000,000 (yes, three million) folks will get employment from building and operating it. If each pair of outstretched arms linked hand-to-hand averages 5 feet, that means a total of about 2,841 miles. In other words, that is a lot of people. What if the printer made a mistake and it is only 300,000 people? I still can’t fathom that in the late 1860s, that way over the Sierra Mountains was blasted, graded, track laid and trains running in about three years. It was done with handcarts, black powder, hand drills in the hard rocks to place the powder for blasting. No modern machinery of any kind on the Central Pacific. Amazing that it didn’t take 3 million folks to do it.

I’ll be following that history as I head up from Newhall. At one time the tunnel to that lesser valley south of us (the San Fernando Valley) was the longest train tunnel in the world. And the tortuous path following the Santa Clara River along Soledad Canyon is historic, too. At the top of the hill called Vincent Hill or Vincent Gap, the route followed what is now the 14 to the 58 and on to Bakersfield.

There is one fantastic feature along the way. The Tehachapi Loop. It is a place where the tracks make a complete loop in order to reduce the grade (incline) and make it easier for the engines. I’ve been on an excursion train and watched the engines go over the top of the last few cars of the train.

This route has been done before. For high-speed rail, it could be done easier. You see, in 1875-76, the route had a minimum of tunneling, the long tunnel south of Newhall being the longest. So in order to avoid a very, very long tunnel under the San Gabriel Mountains between Palmdale and Los Angeles, the track took a westward turn through our valley. It added many miles, but it was the easiest route.

Today we have tunnel-boring machines that can drill and finish a tunnel quickly. The train is supposed to be electric-powered, so unlike the engines of 1876, folks will be able to breathe when in the tunnel.

Once I get to the Central Valley, does anyone know what sights I should see? Unlike the famous Route 66, there are no places to see dinosaurs, petrified trees and all of those other things. Any ideas welcome.

I may take a side trip to Yosemite, depending on the snow. I hope the snow is deep and prevents me from going there. We need the water. The whole state needs the water.

I can’t wait to get to Corcoran. It is the place the first section of railway begins. It is also the location of a state prison. The state prison that houses Charles Manson. What a way to start a railroad. It is an appropriate place. The whole railway scheme is as insane as that particular prisoner.

No interviewing for the position of navigator. Must be able argue with my basset hound, Mr. Renly, over the passenger seat. Send a message.

 

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley. He can be reached at dmanzer@scvhistory.com. His older commentaries are archived at DManzer.com; his newer commentaries can be accessed [here]. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
SCVNews.com