CHALLENGE TO JACK MURPHY EXPANSION REJECTED

     The CA Supreme Court yesterday rejected a challenge to the
expansion of Jack Murphy Stadium by a 5-2 vote, according to
Philip LaVelle of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE.  Top city
officials "hailed" the move as further "judicial endorsement" of
government use of lease-revenue bonds, "a popular method of
paying for major projects without two-thirds voter approval, a
requirement for traditional municipal debt."  The decision "opens
the door" for the delayed expansion project to begin -- "provided
City Hall receives the approval, currently being negotiated, of
Padres management."  City Manager Jack McGrory said if an
expedited construction schedule begins by early January, the
project could be completed by September 1, in time for the
Chargers' '97 regular season.  McGrory said San Diego's '98 Super
Bowl plans are still in tact (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 10/17).