Dear Editor,

EPIC's attorney reports that not much is happening at this point because we are waiting for Caltrans to prepare "the record." The "record" is all the information that Caltrans had access to in the course of developing the project and in making their decision to proceed.

The lawsuit is a mandamus action, meaning that 30 days after the record is filed with the court, the Caltrans answer to the complaint would be due. In addition, Caltrans will have to notice a settlement conference.

That's about all for now. The only other news is that Caltrans just published their draft Environmental Impact Report on Route 197-199 STAA access which is essentially the same idea that they are pursuing in Richardson Grove -- to open up these routes to STAA big rig access.

What this means, in effect, is opening up the north coast for development which will have huge changes in our quality of life, not to mention our environment.

Caltrans is still pushing the Willits by-pass project and is widening 101 South from Windsor to three lanes in either direction. I have a copy of a Route 101 concept document from November 1994, authored by Caltrans which indicates that they envisioned a four lane highway all the way from Sonoma County to the Oregon boarder -- but it looks like by this point in time they intend to make it a six lane freeway. Welcome to Los Angeles North!

Barbara Kennedy

Weott