The Joint Powers Agency responsible for development of the Southern
Pacific right-of-way from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, CA recently voted
4-1 to remove the rails between Shingle Springs and El Dorado Hills,
CA (about 12 miles). They are going to leave the rails in place
between Diamond Springs and Shingle Springs (10 miles). It's being
called "the Shingle Springs compromise".

The rail fans had wanted the rails left in place for the entire
distance, and were bitterly disappointed with the lopsided vote. To
me, the real question is why their supporter on the Commission,
Supervisor Sweeney, didn't realize that he would lose the vote. He is
a rather successful local politician and quite smart. He must have
realized he was bluffing and didn't have the votes, but he let the
issue go to a vote anyway. Afterward he announced that he is going to
resign from the Commission.

The rail fans' plans for excursion trains, etc. using the rails were
considered by the hikers, cyclists and others to be largely pipe
dreams.