| Panel: Build 'Early Action' projects on time
The staff came back Friday with other options: Delay other projects while carrying the Trolley forward, delay all of the early projects, or keep all of the projects on schedule and work to fill the gap later.The panel opted to keep every highway, rail and bus project on schedule.But in doing so, Santee Councilman Jack Dale reminded colleagues that they were committing themselves to "a mission to find additional dollars."And Del Mar Mayor Dave Druker, representing coastal North County on the panel, warned that if the mission fails, the agency will have to leave other projects behind in the second go-round of TransNet.Besides the Early Action Program, TransNet proposes to fund a slew of other projects. Those include popular North County projects such as car-pool lanes on Highway 78 between Oceanside and Escondido and widening of Interstate 5.The discussion was prompted by the need to adopt a TransNet financing plan as the agency prepares to sell $600 million in bonds this April to jump-start the 40-year campaign to make traveling around the county a little easier.The panel was persuaded to stay the course by John Meyer of Escondido, chairman of a regional watchdog group that oversees TransNet spending.
Feliz nears Giants exit
Ex-Giant Torres traded: Former Giants pitcher Salomon Torres, who led the league in appearances in 2006, was dealt Friday by the Pirates to the Brewers for pitching prospects Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts. The Brewers are rebuilding their bullpen after losing Francisco Cordero to Cincinnati and Scott Linebrink to Chicago via free agency. Torres, now 35, made 94 appearances in 2006 after pitching in 78 games in 2005 and 84 in 2004. Last season, Torres had recurring problems with a sore right elbow, limiting him to 56 appearances. He was 2-4 with a 5.47 ERA and lost the closer's job. The right-hander is due $3.2 million in 2008. Inge wants out: The Tigers are open to trading third baseman Brandon Inge, who lost his job to newly acquired Miguel Cabrera.
Students targeted by new file-sharing bill
This is a big deal, folks! A number of student bodies have already blanketed their Congressional delegations with letters and phone calls, citing their frustration with the proposed legislation. Would be great if Yalies did the same (read: it does actually make a difference... sometimes). While you are home for the holidays, thinking of ways to amuse yourself - let both your hometown's congressional delegations and New Haven's delegates know that this type of legislation is NOT the solution to the MPAA's current war on piracy. The US music/movie industry needs a facelift, regardless - putting the onus on unemployed college students is irresponsible. - DC-based alum .
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