The Buzz column, March 7

A blog reader who knows a thing or two about Target stores says their new stores usually open in October. He said the corporate office’s timing gives new stores a jump start with Christmas sales, although that might not be Target’s underlying reason. The reader’s speculation would fit in with comments from Target’s spokesman regarding the new store planned at Jeronimo / Los Alisos. However, the spokesman announced a year ago the store would open in October 2006. Perhaps the new store will open in October 2007.

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Here’s news that blog readers can use. The goal of the Computer Take-Back Campaign is to protect the health and well being of electronics users, workers and the communities where electronics are produced and discarded. The campaign’s goal is to require consumer electronics manufacturers and brand owners to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products through effective public policy requirements or enforceable agreements. For anyone who is interested in taking a more in-depth look, click on the link below or cut and paste this Web address into your browser:
http://www.computertakeback.com/index.cfm

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Six months ago, some parents in the Capo school district were stunned to hear ex-superintendent James Fleming’s legal defense fees would be paid by taxpayers. CUSD has paid $5,033 in fees to the $400-per-hour attorney, Ronald Brower. At the March 7 board meeting, trustees voted to stop paying Fleming’s legal fees, which sounds like a principled and responsible decision. The rest of the story, however, indicates the case against Fleming is either winding down or inactive at this time. The trustees could vote again to continue paying if and when Brower’s services are needed.

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Capistrano USD trustees on March 7 announced that Placentia schools chief Dennis Smith is their top choice to become the new superintendent. Trustees plan to make Smith an offer during a special meeting on March 12. Before his Placentia-Yorba Linda tenure, Smith led districts in Florida, Irvine, Cajon Valley and Laguna Beach. Smith also serves as the current president of the Orange County Superintendents Association.

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For unknown reasons, watchers of council meetings are getting a break from the same three people who have spoken at nearly every meeting for years. Following several months of a letter-writing campaign to Saddleback Valley News, their lunatic ranting abruptly stopped. A bigger problem than the lunacy was their disrespect for the truth. The noise had grown old, and they were contributing nothing to the objective of better government.