The Buzz column, Jan. 25

What’s the real completion date for the Crown Valley widening project? Those who daily inch their way by the construction signs are commenting about the lack of progress. One person said, “Aside from all the signs, I don’t see anyone working on the road.” Those in charge of P.R. can blame the weather – too windy to haul rocks.

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The city council at a recent meeting decided to put itself in charge of economic development. A former planning commissioner commented, “The Planning Commission for years had responsibility for economic development, but the council never gave the commission any money, staff time or authority to do anything.” Who on the council has a background in economic development? Will the council next grant a contract to a consultant like Roger Faubel in return for his campaign contributions?

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Following all the noise from three people about electromagnetic-field readings around the power lines, has anything changed regarding Southern California Edison’s Viejo System project? A city hall insider answered, “No, nothing has changed.” SCE received the go-ahead from the California Public Utilities Commission in 2004 to install new lines above ground. Despite claims from several council candidates who ran in 2006, there’s no smoking gun, no bombshell report and no plan to bury the lines.

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Given a choice, most people would probably like to have all power lines buried. If anyone wants to start over and promote the idea honestly, they need to begin by announcing how much it will cost to bury the lines and who will pay for it.

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Mission Viejo residents who live near the intersection of Jeronimo Road and Los Alisos Blvd. have plenty to say about grading for the Target store and Steadfast’s housing project. Comments made to The Buzz include “It looks like a strip-mining operation” and “I will never shop at that store.” Residents should keep in mind the council vote was 5-0 to overturn commercial zoning in favor of high-density housing. Had the council not sold out to the developer, the parcel should have remained part of the business park that surrounds it.

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The blog’s editor in chief forwarded the following information with a message, “Keep passing this on until everyone knows what to do. The life you save may be your own.” To identify the signs of someone having a stroke, remember the first three letters, S-T-R. S – ask the person to smile. T – ask him or her to talk and repeat a simple sentence coherently (e.g., It is sunny out today.). R – ask the person to raise both arms. Saving the life of a stroke victim can depend on recognizing, diagnosing and getting the patient medically cared for within three hours of the beginning of a stroke.