Train Of Thoughtlessness

(CBS) LIVERMORE, Calif. - As shortcuts go, this was an expensive one.

A Livermore woman caught walking across railroad tracks near her home got a $6,000 fine for trespassing, which she's vowing to fight, CBS San Francisco reports.

Laura Rensink, a veterinarian and mother of three, said that during her lunch break on June 7 she crossed the tracks on foot.

"I went over here and crossed this way to get home," Rensink told CBS San Francisco.

While it only took her a few seconds to cross the tracks, Rensink said a Union Pacific officer issued her a ticket.

When Rensink showed up in court, she was shocked when a judge issued her a $6,000 fine. She wasn't just cited for crossing the tracks; Rensink was also cited for trespassing.

I had no idea it was against the law to cross railroad tracks.  Especially when an essential service, such as groceries, or one's home was on the other side.  What alternative does this woman have?  It is trespassing to drive over the tracks?  How can it be trespassing without signs clearly stating that it is a crime?

This is ridiculous.  Six thousand dollars is a lot of money for normal people, and is in no way in proportion to the crime.  If there was a crime at all, I'm still having problems digesting that.

What say you, readers?  Are you familiar with any cases that might give this one some context?  I have to say, based on the information given, I'm completely in the woman's corner.