Taking shots at Caltrans doesn't require a license. The season is always open. Anyone can do it, and if you have a microphone, a pen or a computer, you can advertise the shot to anyone who is willing to hear it or read it.

Never mind that Caltrans has delivered more than 98 percent of its projects on time, for state highways that accommodate half of the state's traffic with only 10 percent of the road mileage. When additional federal funding became available as part of the stimulus package, it was Caltrans which delivered all of its projects on time and helped local agencies do the same, ensuring that other states didn't get California's share of the funds.

Caltrans and contractor C.C. Myers rebuilt the MacArthur Maze freeway connector in less than a month after a tanker truck fire destroyed it. Caltrans successfully demolished and replaced two sections of the Bay Bridge over Labor Day weekends; accomplished a similar feat recently on the I-405 freeway in Los Angeles; and performed near-miracles in replacing destroyed bridge structures in record time after the Northridge earthquake. Caltrans does such a good job with state highways that the impartial Legislative Analyst's Office recently recommended that Caltrans perform the engineering and construction work on the proposed high-speed rail project to "increase the odds" that it will "be successful."

Caltrans construction inspectors work for you, the people of California. They ensure that the construction contractor builds the project according to plans and specifications. It has never been alleged that any of these inspectors did not do their job well. These engineers serve the public and take that responsibility seriously, without exception.

Recently, it has been alleged that a Caltrans technician who was responsible for post-construction materials testing did a poor job. Using a nuclear density procedure called gamma-gamma logging, anomalies in concrete, such as air pockets, can be identified. The technician is alleged to have performed the testing inadequately on three projects around the state. In each case, retesting was done and, where needed, minor repairs were made. The technician was fired.

Those who would take shots at Caltrans misuse this opportunity to open fire. One story claims the Bay Bridge itself may not be safe. An editorial suggests the state should slash Caltrans staff by 1,500 people. The wilder and more irresponsible the charge may be, the more coverage it receives.

Naturally, private consultants want to take over inspection of private construction contractors, even though state budget data proves that they cost twice as much as public engineers.

Ten thousand defective welds were discovered in 1995 by a Caltrans engineer in a freeway interchange in San Diego after the welds had been approved by private consultant inspectors. When the Big Dig tunnel collapsed in Boston and Hollywood Boulevard collapsed into a subway tunnel in Los Angeles due to defective construction, both projects had been approved by private inspectors. The Bay Bridge project was halted several years ago due to alleged defective welding after private consultant inspectors had approved the work.

The purpose of the Bay Bridge project is to build an earthquake-safe facility. Caltrans has retrofitted hundreds of bridges throughout California to protect them against earthquakes. Despite the Northridge, Loma Prieta and other earthquakes since that process began, not one retrofitted bridge has failed. In other words, when Caltrans retrofits a bridge or builds a new one, it withstands earthquakes, without exception.

An expert independent panel will review concerns about work on the Bay Bridge and other projects, as they have done frequently in the past. If remedial measures are required, they will be taken. In the meantime, Caltrans and its engineers will continue to serve the public through designing and inspecting the construction of not just the Bay Bridge, but thousands of other state highway projects throughout California.

In the meantime, hunting season remains open.

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Bruce Blanning is executive director of PECG, Professional Engineers in California Government, which represents state-employed engineers and others responsible for designing and inspecting California's highways and bridges.

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