The “aw shucks” population of Action hides more than a few rich and famous people.
In fact, just about everybody up there is hiding.
But you are right — Nobody dared suggest the rail go straight down the coast. Which would make just as much (or little) sense.
Destroy Santa Barbara and Malibu? Not even to be thought about.
My uncle is just east of there near Llano. Not rich, but well known in the Big Game Rifle business.
Moved out of LA to the desert after the Watts riots to get away from the filth. What most folks would call a hermit.