Editor:
I am dismayed at the sophism in your publisher’s latest missive concerning the rails/trails issue (“News Blackout,” Aug. 16). She presents a false dichotomy. The real “blackout” is her failure to acknowledge the arguments of her opponents. She would lead readers to believe that those who wish to preserve the Arcata-Eureka prism as a railroad are, ipso facto, opposed to the creation of a trail.
Ms. Hodgson is an intelligent woman who has heard the repeated statements by the Timber Heritage Association (THA) to the effect that THA believes the prism can best be maintained as a rails and trails corridor.
I have been to several of the meetings mentioned and I have not a heard a single speaker, from any community group, advocate that no trail should be built and only the rail line should be preserved.
Ms. Hodgson blithely asserts that no “viable” plan has been presented for the re-establishment of rail use in the corridor. THA speakers have frequently presented their vision that the tracks should be used to support a jobs- and revenue-producing tourist train. There is no reason why a trail could not exist alongside the rail line.
I challenge Ms. Hodgson to present a reasoned and informative argument as to why this is not possible. Yes, it would cost money. This is one of the concerns that the NCRA committee will be addressing. Is there funding to rebuild the prism as a rails and trails corridor? Why not find the answer?
Nowhere in her column does she attempt to explain why THA’s position of “rail and trails” should, or should not, be considered. She ignores THA’s position. That, dear reader, is the real “news blackout.”
John Webb, Trinidad
This article appears in The Recyclable Journey.
Apparently the real news blackout is too uncomfortable for either dear Mr. Webb or dear Ms. Hodgson: the entire area will be inundated by tidal waters in less than 100 years.
If the trail project can be greatly reduced in cost (volunteers) then it should proceed immediately.
A realistic rail/trail system requires major relocation or costly elevation alterations…to include Hwy. 101!!
Might as well abandon all of Eureka then since it’ll be underwater. Nothing will matter anyway right? Might as well watch the world burn if your view.
Oh and, those volunteers are going to need training in things that include more than using a shovel and rake. How many people you are acquainted with can operate a bobcat? Backhoe? Bulldozer? Paving equipment? Equipment and rentals are costly, and some require certifications to use. Is that in your trails budget? Some of the needed machinery is going to run you $250 a day, or more.
But meh….it’ll all be underwater anyway, so might as well move and let nature take over.
I sincerely hope you’re not on the NCRA board! You have either lost touch with reality, or you are a member of the republican party of “NO!”.
There’s a HUGE difference between needlessly evacuating an entire city…and planning a train, trail, or anything that’s already reported to be in tidal water in 100 years, or less!
Millions of public dollars will be available to construct a trail, volunteers can make it feasible for a mere 100 years of use…volunteers have been constructing trails throughout this county for decades.
Many folks in Humboldt County own heavy equipment…even Don’s Rent-All trains its customers how to operate them.
Well no shit sherlock, but I don’t see any of them using any. Do you? Hey thanks for the sweeping generalizations and assumptions of party and organization affiliations from a blog post. Quite the judge of character you are (not). I voted for your current Pres if that’s of any concern and favored a number of his causes. Quit being such a judgmental bonehead of people you’ve never met.
Are you that clueless that you can’t re read your own post about inundation? Millions of public dollars are being spent? The are already such as CA high speed rail and programs such as TEA-21. Or do you willfully ignore what’s going on in your own state?
“Might as well abandon all of Eureka then, since it’ll be underwater.”
“Might as well watch the world burn, in your view.”
“it’ll all be underwater anyway, so might as well move and let nature take over”.
“Quit being such a judgmental bonehead of people you’ve never met.”
Pot, Kettle, Black….!!!!!!
“How many people you are acquainted with can operate paving equipment?”
No one here claimed it has to be excavated or paved! Small equipment can remove the old ties and the remaining gravel/dirt can be flattened.
By your grammar, sarcasm and temper, I estimate you to be about 15 years old, parroting your parent’s dogma, am I right?