Commentary It’s alive. The California High-Speed Rail boondoggle, that is. In explaining parts of his new budget proposal, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement on Jan. 13: “The California Blueprint includes a proposed $9.1 billion package to advance clean transit initiatives that support the state’s climate and public health goals, promote equity and bolster the green economy,” including “a $4.2 billion investment in California’s High-Speed Rail project, which will eventually share the electrified Caltrain corridor.” What a change from three years ago, when he announced in his Feb. 12 State of the State address, “Next, let’s level about High-Speed Rail. I have nothing but respect for Governor Brown’s and Governor Schwarzenegger’s ambitious vision. I share it. And there’s no doubt that our state’s economy and quality of life depend on improving transportation. “But let’s be real. The project, as currently planned, would cost too much and take too long. There’s …