The state is capable, it is just unwilling to leverage its power to achieve a meaningful outcome. This is relatively normal across the country; NIMBYs and small landowners have outsized influence and ability to delay.

China builds high speed rail at half the cost of the US.

European countries of comparable size and GDP to California do not experience own-goals of this magnitude.

The state in the US, especially California, is not competent.

The state in China, is competent.

What is the best evidence that it is capable? I believe it isn't, as demonstrated in this and other areas.