UT Inaugural Sprinter ride is for VIPs only: Start date up in air for regular service. By scheduling the ceremonial first ride on Dec. 28, North County Transit District officials technically have kept a promise to start service before the end of the year.

KPBS San Diego's Economy Continues to Worsen. The Index of Leading Economic Indicators for San Diego County fell 1.2 percent in October, the third significant decline in a row. University of San Diego economist Alan Gin compiles the forecast... Gin said the flow of dollars into San Diego's economy from defense and tourism spending also helps stave off a local recession.

SLO Mayors get dire economic forecast. There's further proof that the deepening housing crisis is hitting home. A new forecast for the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that it will cut economic growth by more than 25 percent in 143 U.S. metropolitan areas next year and by more than a third in 65 metro communities.

NCT Carlsbad's gang documentation rate soars. The number of people listed as "documented" gang members this year by Carlsbad police is more than double last year's figure ---- but don't take that as a sign that gangs are far more active in town these days, officers said. Carlsbad is Encinitas' northern neighbor.