Local Briefs

Caltrain will pay Amtrak approximately $180 million for three years of service.

The extension of the contract includes modifications to the terms including an improved financial benefit for Amtrak and incentives for on-time performance, the company reports.

"Caltrain feels that extending our contract with Amtrak will ensure high quality service for our customers as we continue to expand and improve our operations with the introduction of a new maintenance facility," Caltrain Director Robert Doty said in a statement.

Amtrak provides on-board services, equipment and track maintenance as well as dispatching and administrative services for Caltrain. Amtrak has been providing service for Caltrain since 1992.

Fallen tree causes

little damage to home

A large pine tree fell onto a house in Broadmoor Village near Daly City early yesterday, narrowly missing one of the home's bedrooms, authorities said.

No one was injured after the MacArthur Drive incident.

Rain had saturated the ground near the 70- to 100-foot tree, softening the soil.

The combination of wet earth and high winds knocked over the tree, Colma fire Chief Geoffrey Balton said.

The pine caused minor damage to roof edges and gutters along the home.

The house's occupants were asleep when the tree fell around 4:40 a.m., Balton said.