I just got back to SATX from a successful trip to California. I picked up #14 at Salinas (15 min late) on Friday and rode coach class to Los Angeles. I didn't visit the diner so can't comment on menu etc. I stayed 2 nights at the Kawada Hotel in downtown LA (quite satisfactory)and took #2 (sleeper) Sunday afternoon. We arrived in SAS last night at 9:30 pm, about half an hour early. Lots more freight traffic out there, folks......more than I've seen in several yrs. We met numerous WB freights and stopped for 3 or 4 of them. However, it all seemed to be managed very well - we did a lot of 60-79 mph running. Some of the new rail in the western portion is VERY smooth. The train was busy. Food was qood as usual, except for crab enchiladas which were sub par IMO.