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The A Line Light-Rail Extension from Azusa to Pomona: A Significant Milestone for Public Transportation

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A Train to Azusa
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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.

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.

The A Line extension in Pomona is coming soon, enhancing public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley! Stay tuned! #LAMetro

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://www.sgvtribune.com/2025/01/03/a-line-a-light-rail-from-azusa-to-pomona-is-done-and-set-to-open-in-late-summer/

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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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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Is Residential Solar on the Decline in the U.S.? A Market Correction, Not Collapse

U.S. residential solar installations are declining in 2025. Learn what’s driving the downturn—and why the long-term outlook remains

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Residential Solar

The once red-hot U.S. residential solar market is showing signs of cooling off—but don’t count it out just yet. A combination of rising interest rates, regulatory changes, and supply chain challenges have led to a notable dip in installations across the country. But while the short-term trend suggests a slowdown, industry experts remain optimistic about the long-term potential of rooftop solar.

📉 The Numbers Don’t Lie: Installations Are Down

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, residential solar installations dropped by 13% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with 1,106 megawatts (MW) installed nationwide. That’s also a 4% decline from the previous quarter. This marks a continuation of the trend that began in 2024, which saw the residential sector contract in 22 states—including a five-year low in California [^1].

Analysts at BloombergNEF predict that total U.S. solar capacity will fall by 7% between 2025 and 2027, with a projected 1% annual decline through 2035 under current policy scenarios [^2].

🧾 What’s Behind the Drop?

1. Higher Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve’s continued efforts to tame inflation have made financing solar systems more expensive for homeowners. The result? Fewer consumers are willing to commit to the upfront investment, even with long-term savings in play [^3].

2. Policy Shifts in Key States

California, long considered the leader in solar adoption, rolled back its Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 program in favor of NEM 3.0, which significantly reduces the value of solar exports back to the grid. Installations in the state fell sharply as a result [^1].

On the federal side, proposed cuts to the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—a major driver of residential adoption—have caused uncertainty in the market. According to Reuters, solar stocks plummeted following changes in a Senate tax bill that threatened to shrink or eliminate these credits [^4].

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3. Tariffs and Supply Constraints

Tariffs on Chinese and other foreign-made solar panels have led to price increases and reduced availability. Simultaneously, battery storage components are experiencing shortages, further delaying installations and complicating project timelines [^5].

🌤 The Long-Term Picture: A Resilient Future

Despite the headwinds, many in the industry see this as a short-term correction rather than a lasting decline. SEIA projects a return to 9% annual residential growth from 2025 to 2030, particularly if financing conditions improve and federal incentives remain intact [^1].

Additionally, solar panel prices remain historically low, hovering around $2.50–$2.60 per watt installed. That affordability, coupled with increasing demand for home electrification and EV charging solutions, makes rooftop solar an attractive long-term investment [^1].

In a recent industry survey, 78% of solar installers said they expect to sell as much or more in 2025 than they did in 2024 [^3]. And while the market is down in states like California, others—including Texas, Florida, and Arizona—are continuing to grow.

✅ Final Takeaway

Yes, residential solar is currently in a downturn. But it’s more of a recalibration than a collapse. Regulatory turbulence and financial pressures are squeezing the market, but the fundamentals—affordability, environmental benefits, and technological advancement—remain strong.

The future of residential solar will depend heavily on stable policy support, affordable financing, and continued innovation. If those stars align, the industry could see another boom in the latter half of the decade.

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📚 Sources

[^1]: SEIA/Wood Mackenzie. U.S. Solar Market Insight Q1 2025.

https://www.seia.org/us-solar-market-insight

[^2]: BloombergNEF. 2025–2035 U.S. Solar Outlook.

[^3]: SolarReviews. 2025 Solar Industry Installer Sentiment Survey.

[^4]: Reuters. Senate committee’s changes to tax bill slam US solar stocks. [June 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/senate-committees-changes-tax-bill-slam-us-solar-stocks-2025-06-16

[^5]: AP News. China dominates solar. Trump tariffs target China. For US solar industry, that means higher costs. [June 2025]

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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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Remembering Anne Burrell: Celebrity Chef Found Dead at 55 in Brooklyn Home

Celebrity chef Anne Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn home at age 55. Cause of death is pending autopsy, police confirm.

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Anne Burrell

Image Credit: Rebecca Jo Washington

The culinary world is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of beloved chef and television personality Anne Burrell, who was found dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home on the morning of Tuesday, June 17. She was 55 years old.

According to a statement from the New York City Police Department, officers from the 76th Precinct responded around 7:50 a.m. to a report of “an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female.” Emergency medical services arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. While police did not formally release her name pending family notification, public records and the address provided in the police statement confirm that the residence belongs to Burrell.

A cause of death has not yet been determined. The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to clarify the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Burrell’s representatives confirmed the heartbreaking news in a release obtained by People magazine, marking a devastating moment for fans, friends, and fellow chefs who admired her bold personality, bright red hair, and fierce culinary skills.

Best known for her work on Food Network shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Worst Cooks in America, and Iron Chef America, Burrell was a standout in the food television landscape. A classically trained chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she blended expertise with an infectious enthusiasm that made her a favorite among viewers and a mentor to many aspiring cooks.

 

Tributes from across the food and entertainment communities have begun pouring in as the industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest and most unique stars. More details are expected in the coming days as the investigation continues and the autopsy results are released.

Anne Burrell’s legacy will live on through the meals she inspired, the careers she helped shape, and the joy she brought to countless kitchens around the world.

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Related Links:

People: Anne Burrell Found ‘Unconscious and Unresponsive,’ Pronounced Dead at Scene: Police

USA Today: Anne Burrell, chef and Food Network star, dies at 55

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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California High-Speed Rail Fights Back: CHSRA’s Forceful Response to Federal Defunding Threat

“California fights back as feds threaten to pull $4B from high-speed rail. CHSRA calls termination ‘unjustified’ in heated battle.”

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California High Speed Rail

Image Credit: CHSRA

June 14, 2025
The California High-Speed Rail project finds itself at a critical crossroads as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) moves to terminate $4 billion in federal funding agreements. In what has become a high-stakes political and infrastructure battle, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has issued a forceful rebuttal, calling the proposed termination “unwarranted and unjustified.”

The Federal Challenge

On June 4, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy released a damning 310-page report concluding that California’s high-speed rail project has no viable path forward. The FRA’s assessment cites several critical issues:
  • $7 billion funding gap that the Authority allegedly lacks a credible plan to close
  • Missed 2024 procurement deadline for train purchases
  • Significant cost overruns and project delays
  • Default on federal grant terms according to the federal review
The report represents the Trump administration’s latest effort to halt what critics have long called a “boondoggle,” with the federal government threatening to pull the plug on agreements that have been in place since 2009.

CHSRA’s Counterattack

CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri didn’t mince words in his June 12 response, delivering what industry observers are calling one of the most comprehensive rebuttals in the project’s controversial history. The Authority’s 14-page response systematically challenges the FRA’s conclusions on multiple fronts.

Key Points in CHSRA’s Defense:

Misrepresentation of Inspector General Report: The Authority argues that the FRA has fundamentally mischaracterized findings from a 2025 Office of the Inspector General report, using selective interpretations to support predetermined conclusions.
Historical Context Matters: CHSRA emphasizes that “information that the FRA had when it chose to enter into cooperative agreements (in 2009) cannot now be a basis for termination.” The Authority contends that the federal government was fully aware of project challenges from the beginning.
Progress Despite Challenges: The response highlights ongoing construction progress and argues that the project continues to meet essential milestones, despite the complex nature of building America’s first true high-speed rail system.

The Broader Implications

This confrontation extends far beyond California’s borders. The outcome could determine the future of high-speed rail development across the United States and signal whether ambitious infrastructure projects can survive changing political administrations.

What’s at Stake:

  • $4 billion in federal funding that could be redirected to other transportation projects
  • Thousands of construction jobs currently supporting the Central Valley construction
  • America’s high-speed rail ambitions and competitiveness with global transportation leaders
  • State-federal partnership models for major infrastructure investments

Construction Continues Amid Uncertainty

Despite the federal threats, construction work continues in California’s Central Valley. The Spring 2025 construction update shows ongoing progress on viaducts, stations, and rail infrastructure between Merced and Bakersfield. Workers remain on the job while lawyers and politicians battle over the project’s future.
The visual progress stands in stark contrast to the political turmoil, with concrete structures rising from the valley floor and rail systems taking shape. For many observers, this creates a surreal dynamic where physical construction proceeds while the project’s financial foundation faces potential collapse.

The 37-Day Countdown

CHSRA now has 37 days from the FRA’s notice to provide a comprehensive response before potential grant termination. This timeline creates intense pressure for the Authority to not only defend its record but also present a convincing path forward that addresses federal concerns.
The Authority’s initial response suggests they’re prepared for a prolonged legal and political battle, with CEO Choudri’s statement indicating they view the termination threat as politically motivated rather than based on legitimate project management concerns.

Looking Ahead

As this infrastructure drama unfolds, several key questions remain:
  • Can CHSRA provide a convincing funding plan to close the $7 billion gap?
  • Will political considerations ultimately override technical project assessments?
  • How will this battle affect future federal-state infrastructure partnerships?
  • What happens to the billions already invested if the project is terminated?
The California High-Speed Rail project has survived numerous political challenges, funding crises, and technical setbacks over its 15-year history. Whether it can survive this latest existential threat may depend as much on political will as engineering capability.
For now, the trains aren’t running, but the political machinery is working overtime. The next few weeks will likely determine whether America’s most ambitious transportation project continues toward completion or becomes a costly lesson in infrastructure ambition versus political reality.

What do you think about this ongoing battle between state and federal authorities over high-speed rail? Have you been following the project’s progress, and do you see this as a necessary infrastructure investment or a project that’s gone too far off track? Leave a comment!
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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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