I know you won't see this because it's off the front page, but ...

Saw an item recently that suggests the first segment(s) of CAHSR in the SJV will not necessarily be electric when opened. If they are initially used only by normal Amtrak (and, if they're smart, BNSF intermodals for a little real income) then they would be diesel-hauled. The idea would apparently be to put off the expense of stringing wires until there are HSR trains to use it, and maybe even someplace for them to go. What I'd expect if that happens is opening with Amtrak trains, then later stringing part of it for a "test track", but not the whole thing until there's a way to get over the hill and into LA. Considering that "over the hill" by whatever route (Tehachapi-Palmdale is still the one on the books) would cost about twice (from what the article described) what the bond issue can provide, you can make your own guesses about whether and when that would happen. Wish I could remember where I saw it ...

Caltrain is a straight commuter electrification. The only real HSR involvement is the funding. The amount of freight on the line is so small as to be irrelevant from an operational or emissions standpoint, especially in the Bay Area. Could be a little more interesting if they want to extend it to Gilroy, and have to deal with UP freight traffic in earnest.