Alex Spanos, a philanthropic Stockton developer, has yet to fulfill a promise he made in 2004 to donate $10 million to help build a sports complex at California State University, Sacramento.

The university declined to say how much of the money had been sent, saying gift agreements are confidential.

"He did make the pledge," said Kim Nava, university spokeswoman. "We're confident he's going to fulfill it."

Since the pledge was made, the school has netted $11.5 million in other private and corporate donations to build the Broad Fieldhouse. Students approved a fee of $110 a semester, which paid for The Well recreation center.

Plans for an arena were shelved because it was cost-prohibitive, Nava said.

Vince Sales, who helps raise funds for the school, said it isn't unusual for a donor to take as much as seven years to pay, "especially with the current economy."

Gift agreements usually include a time frame, he said. "So they know when to make payments, and we know when to expect money."

University officials wouldn't say if Spanos had asked to postpone his payments or how the money would be spent since the sports complex is complete.

In a prepared statement, President Alexander Gonzalez said Spanos is one of the school's "strongest supporters" whose gifts made it possible for Sacramento State to host U.S. Olympic track and field trials in 2000 and 2004.

"Mr. Spanos is living up to his gift agreement, and because of his generosity, and his ability to inspire other donors, Sacramento State continues to raise funds that are helping us accomplish many of our campus goals."

Spanos spokeswoman Natalia Orfanos said the statement released by Gonzalez reflects the sentiments of Spanos.

– Diana Lambert

Courts to offer amnesty on some traffic tickets

For a six-month period beginning Jan. 1, motorists can receive a 50 percent discount on some unpaid traffic tickets.

The California Superior Courts in all 58 counties are offering the limited-time amnesty program for certain outstanding court debts.

"People have an opportunity to clear their traffic tickets at a reduced cost, and the courts and counties will get an injection of much-needed funds," said Ronald G. Overholt, interim administrative director of the courts.

The program runs from Jan. 1 through June 30. Parking tickets, driving under the influence and reckless driving cases are not eligible.

The program does not cover the type of cases that would have prevented people from renewing their vehicle registration, officials said.

If 2 percent of the those eligible took advantage, the program would bring in $46 million statewide.

To qualify for the 50 percent discount:

• You must have an outstanding traffic case that was due to be paid in full before Jan. 1, 2009.

• You failed to appear in court, or failed to pay in full.

• You don't owe restitution to a victim on any case within the county where the traffic case was filed.

• You have no outstanding misdemeanor or felony warrants within the county where the traffic case was filed.

– Cathy Locke

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