LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Announces 2026 Board Leadership

Paso Robles Councilmember Fred Strong and Solana Beach Council Member Jewel Edson to Lead the Agency's Board of Directors

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® train service, has announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously selected Paso Robles Councilmember Fred Strong to serve as Board Chair and Solana Beach City Council Member Jewel Edson to serve as Board Vice Chair for 2026.

Why it matters

The LOSSAN Rail Corridor is a critical transportation link along the California coast, connecting major cities and supporting economic opportunities. The leadership of Strong and Edson will be important in enhancing service, increasing ridership, and investing in the long-term success of the Pacific Surfliner service.

The details

Strong has been a transportation advocate and civic leader for over 35 years, representing San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) on the LOSSAN Board. Edson represents the North County Transportation District (NCTD) on the LOSSAN Board and is known for her open-minded, energetic leadership style and commitment to transparency, integrity, and informed decision-making.

  • The LOSSAN Board of Directors unanimously selected the new leadership on February 24, 2026.

The players

Fred Strong

Paso Robles Councilmember and transportation advocate with over 35 years of experience serving local, regional, and national transportation and planning organizations.

Jewel Edson

Solana Beach City Council Member, North County Transportation District (NCTD) representative on the LOSSAN Board, and small business owner known for her open-minded, energetic leadership style and commitment to transparency, integrity, and informed decision-making.

LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency

A joint powers authority composed of rail owners, operators, and planning agencies along the entire LOSSAN rail corridor, which manages the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® train service.

Jason Jewell

Managing Director of the LOSSAN Agency.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored to serve as chair of the LOSSAN Agency. Passenger rail has long played a critical role in connecting communities and supporting economic opportunities. I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members, agency staff, and regional partners to strengthen the Pacific Surfliner service and advance a resilient, reliable rail corridor for the future.”

— Fred Strong, Paso Robles Councilmember (LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency)

“I'm excited to step into the role of vice chair and contribute to the collaborative leadership of the LOSSAN Agency. Transparent decision-making, informed planning, and creative problem-solving are essential as we continue improving intercity rail service for the communities we serve along the corridor.”

— Jewel Edson, Solana Beach City Council Member (LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency)

The takeaway

The selection of Fred Strong and Jewel Edson as the new leadership of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Board of Directors signals a commitment to strengthening the Pacific Surfliner service, investing in the long-term success of the rail corridor, and prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and informed decision-making.