Last Wednesday afternoon marked a significant milestone for transportation in Los Angeles County as LA Metro held a groundbreaking ceremony for advanced utility work on the highly anticipated Southeast Gateway Line light rail project in Artesia. This important step brings us closer to a new light rail line destined to serve southeastern Los Angeles County—a region that has long craved improved transit connections and accessibility.

The Southeast Gateway Line encompasses a 14.5-mile segment, incorporating nine stations from the A Line’s Slauson Station in the Florence-Firestone area stretching to Artesia. Additionally, a new transfer station at the 105 Freeway will enhance connectivity between the C Line and the Southeast Gateway Line, ultimately providing seamless travel options for commuters.

Bridging Gaps in Transit

The project is not just a new rail line; it’s a lifeline for the nearly 600,000 jobs concentrated in this underserved region, projected to grow to over 700,000 by 2042! The area presents astonishing population and employment densities that are reportedly five times higher than the overall Los Angeles County figures. More than just numbers, these statistics echo the growing need for efficient and accessible public transportation solutions.

Moreover, this project aims to address the transportation challenges faced by a community where approximately 44% of residents live below the poverty line and 18% of households do not own a car. By introducing reliable transit options, the Southeast Gateway Line will help bridge the gap for families who depend on public transportation to access their daily needs, jobs, and opportunities.

A Significant Investment

Last month, the project received a substantial boost with a $231 million grant from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). LA Metro is grateful for the unwavering support from Governor Newsom for funding projects that align with California’s ambitious climate goals. We also extend our appreciation to CalSTA Secretary Omishakin, whose leadership in transportation and transit investments reflects a commitment to sustainable development.

This initiative is further funded by Measure M, a sales tax ballot measure passed by L.A. County voters in 2016, demonstrating the community’s investment in improving public transportation.

A Diverse Collaborative Effort

The groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the collaborative approach to bringing this project to fruition. Attendees included Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn, Rep. Robert Garcia, Whittier Councilmember and Metro Director Fernando Dutra, State Sen. Bob Archuleta, Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Ali Sajjad Taj, and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. It was a proud moment for all involved, reflecting a community united in the vision for a connected and sustainable future.

Looking Forward

As construction progresses, we anticipate that the Southeast Gateway Line will transform not only the transit landscape in southeastern Los Angeles County but also improve the quality of life for countless residents. With its primary goal of enhancing access to transportation for vulnerable communities, this project is a significant leap toward equity and environmental justice in our region.

With the Southeast Gateway Line on the horizon, L.A. is one step closer to developing an interconnected transit network that supports its growing population—and ultimately, fosters a more sustainable future for all Angelenos. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Together, let’s look forward to a well-connected Los Angeles that embraces inclusivity, accessibility, and a greener tomorrow!

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Metro: We hope you’re as excited about the Southeast Gateway Line as we are! Do you have thoughts or questions about this project? Feel free to share in the comments below!

To learn more about the Southeast Gateway Line, please visit the project page on metro.net. 

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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In the ever-evolving world of online commerce, one story has sparked significant conversation and concern: a group of influential content creators has filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal, alleging deceptive practices involving their Honey browser extension. This situation opens up a can of worms about the often ambiguous relationships between tech companies, influencers, and consumers. Let’s dive into what’s happening!

The Allegations: A Clash of Giants

The lawsuit, filed in San Jose U.S. District Court, accuses PayPal, a tech titan with a market valuation of $87 billion, of employing “deceitful and clandestine” methods that divert millions of dollars in commissions from influencers to themselves. Creators like Marques Brownlee and the world-renowned MrBeast are reportedly calling out PayPal for undermining their livelihoods through what they describe as “fraudulent business practices.”

Honey, which PayPal purchased for $4 billion in 2020, is marketed as a free coupon-finding extension that helps online shoppers snag the best deals. With around 17 million users relying on its services, Honey appears to be a shopper’s best friend. However, the lawsuit contends that while consumers might save, influencers could lose—massively.

How It Works: The Fine Print of Affiliate Marketing

For the uninitiated, content creators typically earn a commission through affiliate marketing. When a viewer clicks on an influencer’s unique link—presumably shared via social media—and makes a purchase, the influencer earns a commission. However, the lawsuit claims that when Honey is involved, that commission doesn’t always end up in the influencers’ pockets.

The core of the allegations lies in how Honey purportedly operates. If a viewer clicks an influencer’s link but uses Honey to search for discounts, the extension may divert the sale credit to PayPal, effectively robbing the influencer of their rightful cut. According to the lawsuit, this issue persists even if Honey fails to find any coupon codes and the transaction is completed anyway.

A Ripple Effect: Implications for E-Commerce

Legal expert Josh Sanford, representing the plaintiffs, expressed that although PayPal has contributed significantly to the growth of e-commerce, such practices could fundamentally erode trust between vendors and consumers. It raises essential questions about transparency and fairness in online transactions. If consumers can’t be sure who is benefitting from their online purchases, it could damage the fabric of the influencer economy.

In response, PayPal has publicly disputed the lawsuit’s claims, insisting Honey follows industry standards and practices, including last-click attribution, which is used by numerous brands. The company maintains that Honey provides genuine value for consumers seeking savings while insisting that they promote fair dealings.

Moving Forward: What Can Consumers Do?

As the legal battle heats up, many creators are advising their followers to uninstall the Honey extension. With reports suggesting that over 3 million users may have already jumped ship, some consumers are reconsidering the convenience of coupon-finding in light of allegations of unfair practices.

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While users may still benefit from Honey’s features, it’s essential to weigh whether the potential savings are worth the risk of undermining the very creators we love and support. While Honey hasn’t been found guilty yet, the weight of these allegations casts a long shadow over its reputation.

A Community Response

In light of this controversy, many in the online community are rallying around the affected creators. From YouTube videos urging viewers to uninstall Honey to discussions across social media platforms, influencers are coming together to ensure their voices—and the interests of their communities—are heard.

As this story unfolds, it not only shines a light on the potentially murky world of affiliate marketing but also highlights the power dynamics at play in the tech and creator economies. As consumers, we should remain vigilant, prioritize transparency, and support our favorite creators while they navigate these challenges.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and remember to check your browser extensions! You might just be helping your favorite influencer in your own small way.

Related Links:

Tom’s Guide: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/software/honey-scandal-explained

Dexerto: https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/why-is-honey-getting-sued-legaleagle-class-action-paypal-lawsuit-explained-3021021

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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After a long-awaited journey, the extension of the A Line from Azusa to Pomona is officially complete and set to usher in a new era of public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. This extensive 9.1-mile extension, which has taken over five years to construct, is positioned to enhance connectivity and mobility for residents and commuters alike.

The A Line extension is set to open to the public this summer!

A Monumental Achievement

As reported in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 3, 2025, the $1.5 billion project was officially handed over to LA Metro last week. This extension includes four new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. The construction involved overcoming significant challenges, including health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of unusual weather patterns. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed within its scheduled timeline, showcasing the dedication of the construction teams from Kiewit-Parsons (KPJV) under the oversight of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.

Improving Accessibility

This extension not only connects the existing light-rail system but also extends the A Line’s total length to a noteworthy 60.8 miles, solidifying its status as the longest light-rail line in the world. Current ridership estimates suggest that the extension could lead to over 11,000 additional weekday boardings, significantly contributing to the overall ridership numbers. As of November 2024, the A Line saw an average of 70,425 daily boardings—a notable increase from the previous year.

City officials and transit advocates view this development as an important asset for the region. “This extension will solidify Los Angeles’ public transit system, providing a viable alternative to those stuck in traffic,” said Eli Lipmen, executive director of Move LA.

A Step Towards Greater Connectivity

The Pomona extension is strategically significant, as it brings the A Line closer to San Bernardino County. While not quite reaching the county line, the Pomona station is sufficiently close for many residents from western San Bernardino cities like Montclair, Ontario, Upland, and Chino to benefit from this light-rail alternative. Many of these residents will find it convenient to park at the Pomona station and travel to key job and entertainment destinations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and beyond.

Montclair City Councilmember Bill Ruh emphasized the importance of this link, noting how it enables residents to access transportation services more seamlessly than ever before. The extension is paving the way for expanded public transit options, which are essential for families in the Inland Empire.

A New Transportation Hub

The Pomona Station holds particular significance as it will also connect with the Metrolink San Bernardino line, creating a crucial interchange for travelers. This synergy between the two systems is expected to elevate passenger traffic on Metrolink, catering to an approximate increase of over 2,000 daily passengers.

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“Connecting these lines gives people more options for accessibility and commuting,” said Habib Balian, CEO of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. “It allows for a travel experience that wasn’t available before.”

Future Prospects

Notably, this extension is just the beginning. Plans are already underway for an additional 3.2-mile extension from Pomona to Claremont and Montclair, anticipated to be completed by 2030. This initiative will broaden the A Line’s reach further into San Bernardino County and provide a meaningful alternative for commuters navigating the busy 210, 10, and 60 freeways.

As residents begin to utilize the new service, the Pomona extension will likely drive demand for additional transit options in the Inland Empire. Bart Reed, executive director of The Transit Coalition, noted the anticipated ripple effect in transportation services in the region.

The upcoming opening of the A Line extension from Azusa to Pomona marks an important step forward for public transportation in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. By enhancing connectivity, providing more options for commuters, and anticipating future growth, this extension promises to offer significant benefits for communities in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. As we prepare for the service to commence later this summer, residents can look forward to a more integrated, efficient public transit system that supports their daily travel needs.

Related Links:

https://foothillgoldline.org/

Foothill Gold Line from Glendora to Pomona Reaches Substantial Completion The $1.5 Billion Four-Station Light Rail Project is Completed On Time and On Budget Press Release(PDF)

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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