A dispute with the East Bay Regional Parks District over a lease agreement is jeopardizing one of the most beloved children's attractions in the East Bay. The owner of the Tilden Park Steam Train says it cannot continue to operate without a long-term commitment from the district.

Whenever he rides the steam train, 5-year-old Daniel likes to be first in line so he can grab the seat just behind the engine. He said he's ridden the train so many times that he's lost count.

"I don't know, maybe a lot," he said. " I rode this so much that I don't know how many."

Daniel knows the journey so well, he's like a tour guide, pointing out different sights along the ride and hoping for something to happen that he said is very rare.

At $4 a ticket, the train is a popular outing for kids and their p

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