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DARRELL WONG / THE FRESNO BEE

Passengers board a southbound Amtrak train Tuesday in Fresno. More than 100,000 passengers rode on the San Joaquins route in July, and 2.75 million people nationwide took the train.

Driven to ride

Amtrak patronage hits a record in the Valley and the nation.

Soaring gas prices and summer vacations have pushed Amtrak ridership to a record high in the central San Joaquin Valley and across the country.

For the first time, more than 100,000 passengers rode on the San Joaquins route in a single month in July. Nationwide, a record 2.75 million people took the train last month.

By Hannah Franklin / The Fresno Bee

10:41:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Parra wins praise for political gumptionSACRAMENTO -- A day after she was booted from her Capitol office, Assembly Member Nicole Parra on Tuesday showed no signs of backing off her demand that lawmakers approve a water bond before she votes on the state budget, now 51 days late.

By E.J. Schultz / Bee Capitol Bureau

10:41:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Surging inflation hurts seniorsWith the price of food, gasoline, medical care and almost everything else on the rise, seniors are getting serious about finding ways to save.

By Jeff St. John / The Fresno Bee

10:41:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Nonresidents will continue to pay extra $2 at two Fresno parksFamilies living outside Fresno won't get a break from the city when they visit two of Fresno's regional parks. The Fresno City Council couldn't muster enough votes Tuesday to repeal a much-debated $2 surcharge for nonresidents.

By Denny Boyles / The Fresno Bee

10:50:58 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Firebaugh, San Joaquin, Mendota will share $633,000 tech grantA new technology grant will benefit three west-side communities by opening up a new world of opportunities, officials said Tuesday.

By Eddie Jimenez / The Fresno Bee

11:02:19 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Living in a dream houseThe moment Ed and Margaret Lujano walked into the white Colonial house at Terrace and Palm avenues in Fresno 14 years ago, it became their very own dream house.

By Paula Lloyd / The Fresno Bee

10:26:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Fresno offers developer bondsDevelopers will become eligible for bond financing to pay for infrastructure costs in Fresno under a resolution approved by the City Council.

By Brad Branan / The Fresno Bee

10:48:58 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Federal cash sought for advanced bus systemWith a new draft master plan in hand, Fresno city officials are seeking federal funds to help build an advanced bus system sometimes termed "light rail on rubber tires."

By Russell Clemings / The Fresno Bee

10:11:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

News briefsPolice

The Fresno Bee

11:51:27 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Fresno man sang with The PlattersIt came as no surprise to his family when Eugene "Geno" Williams Jr. was signed to a contract with 1950s rock 'n' roll legends The Platters in 1970.

By Paula Lloyd / The Fresno Bee

10:12:00 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Banda says he was 'bored'

10:29:47 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Merced soldier, 23, dies in Baghdad

10:11:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Around the Valley

10:46:59 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Assembly Member Parra a pariah in struggle over state budget

04:52:14 PM Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

Donor offers Fresno State $10 million

10:07:46 PM Monday, Aug 18, 2008