END OF TRACK: Plans to begin work...

END OF TRACK: Plans to begin work in 1995 on an east-west rail line through the San Fernando Valley have hit a snag: no money. Officials say there are no funds in sight for 10 years--but they’re looking (B1). . . . The bigger dilemma: How to build that ambitious 400-mile regional rail network with diminishing dollars.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE . . .: A former mechanic and service adviser for Sears auto repair shops in the Valley is suing the company, saying he was under “extreme pressure” to charge customers for work they didn’t need (B4). . . . He is among nine employees who filed suits after Sears’ admission--under pressure from authorities in California and other states--that repair policies led to “mistakes.” Sears agreed to provide $46 million in refunds and coupons to unhappy customers.

FATHERHOOD: Kevin Thomas of Van Nuys (above) is gay, has a 26-year relationship with another man and wanted custody of a 5-year-old girl. The child regards him as her father, he told the court, adding that he was so involved in raising her that he changed his family name to hers and drove to her house each morning to wake, feed and clothe her. . . . On Tuesday, a judge granted him fatherhood rights and custody, even though he was never more than a friend to the child’s mother (B1).

VALLEY ASIANS: The population of the San Fernando Valley grows ever more ethnically diverse. According to the 1990 census, the Valley’s Asian population more than doubled to 99,599. . . . Filipinos made up the largest share, 28.5%, with Koreans following at 18.9% and Chinese at 13.5% (B5).

HOT STUFF: Ian Feuer, a 6-foot-6 goaltender who went to Canoga Park High, is having an impressive season with the Los Angeles Salsa of the American Professional Soccer League (C6). . . . He hopes to try out for the U. S. team in next year’s World Cup tournament.