A plan to utilize existing train tracks to offer a luxury overnight ride between two of California’s economic and cultural hubs is looking less and less like a fantasy.

Last month, Dreamstar Lines, a Newport Beach-based transit startup, came into agreement with one of the nation’s most important freight companies, taking the first steps toward making the overnight service between San Francisco and Los Angeles a reality.

Dreamstar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Union Pacific Railroad, paving the way for the two entities to come up with a final agreement that would allow Dreamstar to operate its trains on the tracks owned by Union Pacific.

Dreamstar trains would be running on the track that make up the Coast Line railroad line between Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay area, which travels primarily along the California coast. That line is already in use by Amtrak‘s Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight, among others.

A final agreement has not been drafted or agreed to, but if and when that does happen, Dreamstar hopes to be granted exclusive overnight passenger rail service between the two regions, giving riders the chance to board in one city, fall asleep, and wake up in another.

“Our collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad is a significant milestone for Dreamstar Lines and for the future of private rail travel in the United States,” said Joshua Dominic, CEO of Dreamstar Lines, Inc. “By launching this service, we are not only offering a luxurious and eco-friendly travel option but also revitalizing the rich heritage of overnight rail travel in America.”

Officials say there are also plans to expand to other markets, if all goes well in California.

This new proposed service is not to be confused with the California High-Speed Rail, a project that aims to connect Southern California and the Bay Area utilizing high-speed electric trains that travel through the California Valley. Unlike Dreamstar’s proposed service, much of that project requires construction of brand new infrastructure.

An overnight sleeper train between downtown L.A. and downtown San Francisco has not existed since the former Southern Pacific “Lark” route ended in 1968, according to Trains.com.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/theyre-just-awful-dave-ramsey-200017468.html

Ramsey also offered a critique of a segment of these younger cohorts. He expressed his frustration, saying, "Then there's a segment of them that just sucks. They're just awful. I mean, their participation trophy, they live in their mother's basement, and they can't figure out why they can't buy a house because they don't work, you know, stuff like that." These are the attitudes and work ethic he perceives as problematic among the younger generations.

13 Best Things to Do in Tokyo 2024 - Japan Web Magazine

8. Slated to open in Spring 2024, the Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado (東急プラザ原宿 ハラカド) is a creative commercial facility emerging on the former site of “Condomania” at the Jingumae intersection in Harajuku.

This large complex, boasting nine floors above ground and three below, features exterior and rooftop designs by architect Akihisa Hirata. The facility includes a library on the second and third floors with over 3,000 magazines and a members-only creative lounge. It also offers a studio for shooting, editing, and streaming short videos, and a creator cafe operated by Shunkado, famous for their “Unagi Pie.” Additionally, a public bathhouse will open in the basement.

Harakado, situated on a corner in Harajuku, symbolizes the unexpected encounters and vibrant experiences characteristic of the area’s lively culture.

There must be like 30 golf courses in this area. WHY MUST THERE BE SO MUCH GOLF?

If golfers had their way, every mountain would be blasted and the top would be made into a golf course. We would begin worshiping Golf and erect shrines (country clubs) wherever a perfect fairway would be found.

I went to Greece in college and remember thinking Athens was one of the coolest cities I went to, it was very dense but also very lively and I loved how all the apartments had big balconies.

https://twitter.com/NYCPlanning/status/1774846351655707033

https://bsky.app/profile/ketanjoshi.co/post/3koyffl27so22

On a sidenote, I still don’t understand how RMTransit could make an entire channel about public transportation while pretending Moscow Metro doesn’t exist.

REDWOOD CITY — A former high-level employee and a one-time contractor for Caltrain have been charged with felonies after being accused of building themselves secret mini-apartments inside two Peninsula train stations, all on the taxpayers’ dime, according to authorities and court records.

[...]

One of the apartments — constructed inside Burlingame’s train station, built in 1894 and designated a historic landmark in California — reportedly featured a kitchen, shower, plumbing and security cameras. Prosecutors said the two defendants worked together to keep the invoices for the work below $3,000 each to avoid scrutiny and skirt procedures meant to discourage such fraud.

Spoiler: No photos. : (

"We did it because it was affecting us directly," resident Daisy de la Rosa said. "We wanted to do something for the community and the community started pitching in."

The buildings for one of these developments look awesome:

The Nations want the developments to be an investment that reaps returns over time, so it will offer 99-year leases to homeowners, rather than selling off any of its property.

This is what China does, right?