News
Putting Jobs First: California High-Speed Rail Crosses 13,000 Construction Jobs Milestone
In a significant milestone for the nation’s first high-speed rail project, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announced that it has successfully created over 13,000 construction jobs since 2015. This accomplishment not only signifies progress for the ambitious high-speed rail system but also highlights the positive impact it has had on the local Californian workforce.
Central Valley Takes the Lead:
With over 70 percent of these jobs going to residents of California’s Central Valley, the project has played a vital role in providing employment opportunities for individuals in the region. It is worth acknowledging the efforts of nearly 1,400 workers dispatched each day to various high-speed rail construction sites. These jobs have injected economic vitality and growth into communities across the Central Valley.
Regional Breakdown:
- Fresno County: 4,222 jobs
- Kern County: 2,538 jobs
- Tulare County: 1,282 jobs
- Madera County: 580 jobs
- Kings County: 462 jobs
- Merced County: 189 jobs
- Remaining California Counties: 3,387 jobs
- Out-of-State: 369 jobs
A Decade of Strong Partnerships:
The Authority has had a longstanding partnership with the California State Building Trades, which has facilitated the creation of thousands of good-paying union jobs. Notably, during the past five years alone, over 10,000 construction positions have been generated through these collaborative efforts. Moreover, a significant focus has been placed on directing employment opportunities towards individuals from disadvantaged communities, further promoting inclusivity and economic upliftment.
California Jobs First Council:
To bolster job creation even further and ensure economic prosperity for all Californians, the California Jobs First Council was established. This council aims to align economic resources, expedite job creation, and enhance opportunities throughout the state. With particular focus on the Central San Joaquin Valley, this initiative serves as an impetus for creating more jobs, rapidly, in every community.
Future Expansion and Construction Progress:
Looking ahead, the Authority is resolute in extending the current 119-mile high-speed rail network to span 171 miles, reaching from Merced to Bakersfield. The construction has already commenced on this expansion project. Presently, more than 25 dynamic construction sites are active within the Central Valley. As a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship, the Authority has obtained full environmental clearance for 422 miles of the high-speed rail program, stretching from the Bay Area to Los Angeles County.
Stay Updated:
For the latest developments and information about the high-speed rail construction, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official website: www.buildhsr.com. On the website, visitors can access recent videos, animations, photographs, press center resources, and the latest renderings of the project. All files are available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s achievement of surpassing 13,000 construction jobs is undoubtedly a cause for celebration. By focusing on job creation and prioritizing the local workforce, this landmark project is making a positive difference in the lives of Californians, particularly those in the Central Valley. With continued progress and future expansions, the California High-Speed Rail project not only brings efficient transportation but also provides a substantial economic boost that benefits communities and individuals alike.
Source: California High-Speed Rail Authority
What is California High-Speed Rail?
The California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR) is a state-funded project led by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Currently under construction, Phase 1 is planned to cover 494 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, passing through the Central Valley. There are plans for Phase 2, which would extend the system to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 776 miles. Authorized by a 2008 ballot, this ambitious project aims to connect major urban areas, significantly reducing travel times. The goal for Phase 1 is to achieve a travel time of 2 hours and 40 minutes between San Francisco and Los Angeles, a vast improvement from the existing Amtrak service, which takes around nine hours.
Construction of Phase 1 began in the Central Valley back in 2015. The project is being built in sections due to limited funding. The state aims to complete a 171-mile (275 km) long Initial Operating Segment (IOS) connecting Merced and Bakersfield by 2024. The IOS is expected to begin its revenue service as a self-contained high-speed rail system between 2030-2033, at an estimated cost of $28–35 billion. CAHSR trains running along this section would be the fastest in the Americas, with a top speed of 220 mph (350 km/h).
Between January 2015 and December 2023, a whopping amount of $11.2 billion was spent on the IOS project, which includes 119 miles (192 km) currently under construction, alongside upgrades to the existing rail lines in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles. The plan is that Phase 1 will share tracks with conventional passenger trains. However, the Authority has not yet secured funding to connect the Central Valley section with either the Bay Area or Los Angeles, which involves crossing several major mountain passes. As of 2024, it is estimated that Phase 1 will cost a total of $106.2 billion.n.
Supporters of the California High-Speed Rail project emphasize the potential benefits it offers, including the reduction of air traffic and highway congestion, decreased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and the promotion of economic growth by connecting inland regions to coastal cities. However, opponents argue that the project is too expensive and advocate for directing funds to other transportation or infrastructure initiatives. The choice of route and the decision to initiate construction in the Central Valley, rather than more densely populated areas, have been points of contention. The project has encountered notable challenges such as delays and cost overruns due to management issues, legal disputes, and a lack of complete funding commitment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_High-Speed_Rail#
News
Life Time Teams up with Ben and Collin Johns, and Pickleball 360, to Deliver Educational Pickleball Video Series
CHANHASSEN, Minn., April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s largest provider of pickleball courts, programming and leagues, today announced it has teamed up with pickleball pros Ben and Collin Johns to provide members from beginner to advanced a series of 70 instructional videos to help take their game to the next level.
Lining up with April being National Pickleball Month and now available on the Life Time app, the videos will help pickleball players of all ages and abilities. Each features demonstrations by Ben and Collin, including:
- Basic pickleball orientation and rules
- Warmups and practice drills
- Singles and doubles dynamics
- Key play movements
- Advanced techniques
“We’re thrilled to team up with Ben and Collin as we serve our growing membership engaging in this incredible sport,” said RJ Singh, Life Time’s Chief Digital Officer and Leader of Life Time Racquet Sports. “In keeping with our member point of view commitment, these videos will help everyone, including those who’ve never picked up a paddle, to advanced players looking to improve their tournament play and grow to the elite level.”
“Life Time has taken pickleball by storm. I’ve had the privilege to play at several of its athletic country clubs and the Rancho San Clemente club is my absolute favorite venue,” said Ben Johns. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Life Time as the elite pickleball provider.”
Life Time launched its pickleball presence in 2021 and now has more than 635 permanent courts nationwide. Life Time is the largest owner and operator of both pickleball and tennis courts. It also recently named tennis legend Andre Agassi as its inaugural chair of the Life Time Pickleball and Tennis board.
Pickleball participation shows no signs of slowing down. A 2023 APP Pickleball Participation Report says that 36.5 million people have played pickleball at least over the last year. On its courts, Life Time saw a 51% growth of pickleball players in 2023.
You can also learn more on world-champion pickleball player Ben John’s in this Experience Life article.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 170 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The Company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 37,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.
SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
KAYSVILLE, Utah, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, announced 276 total units sold to 36 unique direct franchising groups, which amounts to approximately 2,760 indoor courts, as they closed Q1 of 2024. More importantly, their extensively qualified franchising groups will be developing all of these units themselves over the next few years. In addition, 38 new clubs will open across the United States in 23 states, with 52 additional leases in final negotiations for openings in 2024 and 2025.
The beginning of 2024 also saw The Picklr announce a strategic partnership with Pickleball Inc., the parent company to the largest pickleball brands in the world, including the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour), Pickleball Central, Pickleball Brackets/Pickleball Tournaments, PickleballTV and Pickleball.com. The partnership aligns two of the largest brands in pickleball and will drive franchise growth and new memberships at Picklr locations. In February 2024, Drew Brees was named Brand Ambassador, along with being an investor, as well as Owner/Area Developer of 30 Picklr franchises in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Drew Brees, Picklr franchise owners, and corporate leadership also appeared at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, where The Picklr was featured on Extra, discussing how important it is to bring more courts to pickleball players around the country.
As demand for premiere indoor pickleball facilities continues to grow globally, The Picklr’s leadership is in final discussions to bring franchises to an additional three continents while reinforcing their commitment to growing the game near corporate headquarters. Final master franchise agreements will be announced in Q2 for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. To support the rapid growth across multiple sectors, The Picklr has elevated their Executive Leadership Team with the promotion of Kathryn Bullough from Senior Vice President of Marketing to Chief Marketing Officer and Chris Walker from VP of Real Estate to Chief Development Office, as well as Madison Walker from Director of Human Resources to VP of People. With these promotions, 50% of the Executive Leadership Team that supports franchisees are female. As the game of pickleball continues to evolve, The Picklr has applied for five provisional patents and has trademarked The Picklr globally and will continue to be the leader in premier indoor pickleball facilities and a global ambassador for the pickleball community and sport. The Picklr will also partner with the Utah Black Diamonds team to operate the first-ever home facility for a professional pickleball team, named the Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center, outside of Salt Lake City, Utah
“Q1 was a significant quarter with the franchisees delivering strong EBITDA results on average of 38% along with rapid 62% membership growth with the annual churn rate was less than 12%. These key metrics drive the success of our franchisees. All Picklr’s open with a minimum of 250 founder memberships, but year to date, the new clubs are opening in the 500-600 range, which makes the clubs’ cash flow positive from day one. The Picklr provides outstanding operations and marketing support for all franchisees, to ensure the financial success of existing and all new clubs,” Jonathan Fornaci, President and COO. “We are so pleased with our Q1 results, and as we push into Q2, we look forward to opening new clubs around the country.”
ABOUT THE PICKLR:
At The Picklr, pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that fosters community, competition, and fun. With over 275 planned state-of-the-art facilities, with professional coaching, clinics, unlimited open play membership model and a vibrant atmosphere, The Picklr offers an unparalleled pickleball experience for players of all skill levels. All locations offer state-of-the-art professional-grade outdoor surfacing, onsite snacks and drinks, and access to free leagues, tournaments, and clinics. Follow The Picklr on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and contests, or visit https://thepicklr.com/franchise/to learn more about owning a franchise.
SOURCE The Picklr
Automotive
Hyundai 2024 Santa Fe and Kona Win Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Award
Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Fe and Kona named winners of Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award.
Exciting news for Hyundai enthusiasts! The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Hyundai Kona have been named winners of the prestigious Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award by WardsAuto. Making Hyundai the only manufacturer with two vehicles on the list.
The Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX competition focuses on identifying driver interfaces that are user-friendly, navigation systems that are easy to program, and smartphone integration that allows for safe access to various features while on the road. This award evaluates the overall quality and comfort of the vehicles’ interiors, as well as the user-friendliness of driver-assist technologies.
This isn’t the first time Hyundai has been recognized by WardsAuto. Last year, the Hyundai Palisade took home an award, cementing the brand’s commitment to creating innovative and desirable vehicle experiences.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona stands out for its dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, offering a versatile interior that is both visually appealing and technologically advanced. With a price point of $35,000, the Kona provides great value for its modernist aesthetic and abundance of features.
The 3-row Santa Fe, on the other hand, impresses with its spacious interior, perfect for urban and outdoor activities. The Calligraphy grade’s ivory and olive-green geometric interior sets a new standard for vehicle interior design, revolutionizing the industry.
Wards judge, Christie Schweinsberg, praises both vehicles for their exceptional features and value. The Kona’s affordability makes it an accessible choice for many, while the Santa Fe’s thoughtful additions such as a drawer for second-row passengers and a UV-C sterilization tray for phones further elevate its appeal.
The evaluations for the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition took place during winter and early spring, giving judges ample time to experience the vehicles in their daily driving routines. Metrics such as design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, connectivity, and infotainment are taken into consideration, along with advanced driver-assist system content and overall value.
To celebrate the achievement, the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX awards ceremony will take place on June 6, 2024, during the AutoTech: Detroit Conference. This event promises to be a showcase of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.
Hyundai continues to listen to its customers and push the boundaries of vehicle design and technology. With these awards, the brand proves its commitment to providing innovative, intuitive, and desirable vehicle experiences.
So if you’re in the market for a Hyundai, the 2024 Santa Fe and Kona should be at the top of your list. Not only do they offer exceptional interiors and user experiences, but they also represent the cutting-edge innovations that Hyundai stands for.
About Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
To access additional content about cars and related topics, please explore the Automotive category on STM Daily News. https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/
About STM Daily News
STM Vlog and Podcast is dedicated to creating content that promotes Social Good. Our platform, Stories This Moment, highlights and profiles individuals who are making a positive impact on the world. From arts and entertainment to science, community activism, events, and philanthropy, we cover a wide range of topics to inspire and uplift our audience. Our goal is to spread positivity and reach people in a meaningful way. Through our engaging video content and informative podcast episodes, we aim to create a community of like-minded individuals who want to make a difference in the world. Join us on our journey to promote Social Good by checking out our STM Vlog and Podcast on YouTube. https://stmdailynews.com/about-us/
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