By Daniel Thigpen, The Record, Stockton, Calif. Jan. 30--LODI -- Turns out that, for years, many truck drivers simply delivering goods to businesses throughout Lodi have been doing so illegally. At least, that's what state transportation officials recently told Lodi city planners.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has authorized 13 emergency contracts with a total value of $17.05 million for essential work related to the recent firestorms in Southern California. Small businesses will receive 45 percent of their total value.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire

Dana Alexander Nolfe, chief public affairs officer for the state Department of Transportation, has agreed to answer questions of general interest posed by Journal readers about state roads and other state transportation matters.

California's ultimate baby boomer, the Interstate Highway System, turns 50 today.