News
Boosting Rail Travel: Federal Grant Revives San Diego to L.A. Service
The Federal Railroad Administration has announced a $27.1 million grant to restore Amtrak services between San Diego and Los Angeles, adding three daily round trips to enhance commuter experiences and reduce congestion.
In a significant development for Southern California travelers, a recent announcement from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has the potential to enhance commuter experiences along the bustling San Diego to Los Angeles route. A generous federal grant of $27.1 million has been allocated to restore Amtrak passenger service to its pre-pandemic levels, promising to add three additional round trips daily to the existing schedule. This initiative aims not only to reduce overcrowding on trains but also to provide a more pleasant travel experience overall.
Enhancing Travel Options
With Southern California’s notorious traffic congestion, the relief provided by additional train service is a game-changer. Senator Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, articulated the community’s sentiments, stating, “Having more frequent options to go between San Diego and Los Angeles by train, instead of sitting in traffic on the I-5 freeway, is a major improvement for residents’ quality of life throughout Southern California.” This sentiment resonates with countless commuters who have long sought alternatives to driving on overcrowded highways.
The added service is part of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor, a vital 351-mile route that connects San Diego to the rest of the U.S. This corridor is not just crucial for passenger travel; it also serves freight trains and supports the economies of the six counties it traverses, which together are home to around 20 million residents.
A Boost for Rail Infrastructure
The funding will be directed towards implementing the additional round trips over the next six years, ultimately enhancing the reliability and convenience of train travel between the second- and eighth-largest cities in the nation. U.S. Representative Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, echoed support for the initiative, noting in a post on X, “This means more trains and less crowding.” The increased frequency is expected to alleviate demand on certain Pacific Surfliner trains, ensuring that trains run on a predictable schedule.
Environmental and Community Benefits
Beyond the immediate convenience for commuters, the plan aligns with broader environmental goals. Enhanced rail service aims to reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing positively to California’s climate objectives. As travel by rail often presents a more sustainable alternative to driving, this move coincides with concurrent efforts to meet the state’s ambitious climate targets.
Senator Blakespear has been proactive in pushing for improved rail management and resilience. Her legislative efforts, including Senate Bill 1098 and Senate Bill 677, emphasize the importance of coordinating maintenance and assessing the long-term impacts of climate change on rail services. Such foresight ensures that California’s rail infrastructure can adapt to the challenges of the future while providing efficient service for its residents.
A National Commitment to Rail Service
This $27.1 million grant is part of a larger national initiative, where the FRA awarded over $1.1 billion to improve rail service and safety across the United States. This funding represents a commitment not only to enhance passenger travel but also to invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the growing demand for reliable public transportation.
Looking Forward
As Southern California gears up for the reinvigorated train services, excitement builds for what this means for residents looking for stress-free travel options. The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies highlights a shared vision to improve the quality of life through better public transportation. As the first trains roll out over the years to come, passengers can expect a more reliable, convenient, and environmentally-friendly travel experience that connects them to the vibrant regions of San Diego and Los Angeles.
This transformation reshapes the future of travel in Southern California, making rail service an increasingly viable and appealing choice for commuters and leisure travelers alike.
Related links:
https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2025/01/10/amtrak-to-add-roundtrips-from-san-diego-to-l-a-thanks-to-27m-federal-grant/
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Community
5 Meaningful Ways to Make a Difference This Holiday Season
Make a Difference This Holiday Season: Hunger relief is often top of mind during the holidays, and there are many ways to make a meaningful difference. Consider these ideas.
5 Meaningful Ways to Make a Difference This Holiday Season
(Feature Impact) The holiday season brings people together and often inspires them to think about how they can support others. Yet for many families, this time of year can bring added pressure as they balance the cost of food and other everyday essentials.
According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, published in 2026, nearly 48 million people in the United States, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity.
Hunger relief is often top of mind during the holidays, and there are many ways to make a meaningful difference. Each year, Charles Schwab employees come together through Season of Giving to support local nonprofits and help make the holidays brighter for those in need.
Consider these ideas from Charles Schwab Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing financial literacy and strengthening communities.
Give What’s Needed Most
When giving to a local food bank, pantry or other nonprofit, start by finding out what the organization needs most. Many organizations share lists of priority items, while monetary donations can give them flexibility to direct resources where they will have the greatest impact. A little planning can help make every contribution count.
Turn Giving Into a Group Activity
Invite family, friends, neighbors or coworkers to get involved with you. Organizing a donation drive, packing meals or volunteering together can multiply the impact while creating a meaningful way to connect during the holiday season.
Share Your Time and Talents
There are many ways to contribute beyond making a donation. Consider volunteering your time or putting your skills to use for an organization that could benefit from them. From sorting donations and packing meals to helping with special events or administrative projects, your time and expertise can make a meaningful impact.
Support Organizations in Your Own Community
The holidays are an opportunity to learn more about the organizations serving your neighbors every day. Look for local nonprofits addressing needs that matter to you, whether that is hunger, housing, education or another community priority. Supporting organizations close to home can help strengthen the networks people rely on throughout the year.
Keep Giving Beyond the Holidays
The spirit of giving doesn’t have to end when the holiday season is over. Consider turning a one-time contribution into an ongoing commitment, whether by volunteering periodically, making recurring donations or continuing to support an organization with a mission that resonates with you.
Learn more about the work being done to advance financial literacy and strengthen communities at schwabmoneywise.com/foundation.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Fifty volunteers joined Diana Gregory Outreach Services and community partners on November 5, with support from AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation.
PHOENIX — Fresh produce and community support came together Thursday morning, November 5, 2026, as Veggies for Veterans distributed 700 grocery bags during an event hosted by the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
The Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS) program brought together 50 volunteers to help provide veterans with nutritious food. Each bag contained a variety of 13 fruits and vegetables, according to the event results supplied by organizers.
The effort also received a contribution from Peddler’s Son, which donated a five-pound bag of Idaho potatoes and a bag of grapes for each veteran.
AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation Lead Financial Support
AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation were the event’s three largest financial sponsors, helping make the distribution possible.
Volunteers represented all three organizations, along with the Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Arizona Community Foundation and Santander also contributed volunteer support.
AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy attended the event. AARP’s participation included volunteers and an outreach table featuring candy and AARP-branded giveaway items for attendees and veterans.
Together, the financial contributions, donated food, and volunteer service supported an event centered on veterans and their access to fresh produce.
A Special Guest With a Remarkable Service History
Among those attending was 106-year-old Major Fannie Griffin McClendon, whose military career connects the gathering to an extraordinary chapter in American history.
McClendon served during World War II with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, widely known as the “Six Triple Eight.” The historic unit of Black women soldiers helped process a massive backlog of military mail in Europe.
Her service continued beyond World War II. The Library of Congress documents her later career in the Air Force, including service as a squadron commander.
Her attendance offered an opportunity to recognize a veteran whose career helped break barriers for Black women in the military.
More Than a Bag of Groceries
Veggies for Veterans’ purpose extends beyond the food distributed at an individual event. The program focuses on helping veterans access fresh produce while creating opportunities for connection and community support.
Grocery costs, transportation, and mobility can make obtaining nutritious food difficult. Bringing produce directly to veterans through VA and community settings is one way the program works to address those barriers.
The November 5 distribution also reflected the collective work behind that support: an organization coordinating the effort, a VA host, financial sponsors, a food donor, and volunteers contributing their time.
With 700 bags distributed and 50 volunteers participating, the event demonstrated how community partnerships can translate into practical support for veterans.
Readers interested in learning more about the program, volunteering, or exploring ways to support its work can visit Diana Gregory Outreach Services.
Reporting note: Event results, sponsor recognition, donations, volunteer participation, and attendee information were supplied for this recap. Historical background on Major McClendon is supported by the Library of Congress.
Sources and Further Information
- Diana Gregory Outreach Services — Veggies for Veterans
- Phoenix VA — November 5 Veggies for Veterans event listing
- Library of Congress — Fannie Griffin McClendon
Automotive
2027 Toyota Tundra Adds Trailhunter Package and Updated Technology
The 2027 Toyota Tundra adds a Trailhunter package, refreshed styling and a standard 14-inch touchscreen. Starting MSRP is $42,890.
Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PLANO, Texas — Toyota is updating the 2027 Tundra with refreshed exterior styling, a new Trailhunter package and additional technology for its full-size pickup lineup.
2027 Toyota Tundra: Trailhunter Package and Tech Updates
Based on the SR5 grade, the Trailhunter package adds Old Man Emu suspension, Michelin all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and extra underbody protection. A locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control help drivers navigate challenging terrain, while bronze-colored wheels distinguish the package.
The TRD Pro receives newly designed, adjustable FOX Q3S shocks, standard red tow hooks and a new Honeycomb paint option.
Inside, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen becomes standard. Toyota also adds a built-in drive recorder and makes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard across the lineup. Gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrains remain available.
Toyota lists the 2027 Tundra with a starting MSRP of $42,890. Buyers should check destination charges, options and dealer pricing when comparing total costs.
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