The Buzz column, Oct. 17

The new Target store at Los Alisos and Jeronimo is open for business. Several residents commented about Steadfast’s not-a-housing-project adjacent to Target. A blog reader said, “The grading equipment parked on Steadfast’s vacant lot reminds me of another interrupted project, the stealth grading operation on Lower Curtis Park in 2003.” Activists succeeded in halting the city’s unauthorized work to keep a city contractor busy while running up bills of more than $200,000. After the project was stopped, the contractor stored his idle equipment in the recreation zone for months. Residents challenged the right of a contractor to set up its own heavy-equipment parking lot in a city recreation zone. The Steadfast lot isn’t a city park, but it’s an eyesore to neighbors above the property or anyone who shops at Target.

***

A blog reader commented about the city’s disaster plan, which continues to be a well-kept secret: “Here’s the city’s emergency plan. Since the city hasn’t told anyone, I will help you out. Plan A is to hole up in your home – you will need food and water. Plan B is to run for your life – wear sensible shoes.” The blog’s request to the city still stands: residents would like to see the city’s emergency plan published in the City Outlook news letter.

***

In the event that “leftover” trustees from the Fleming era resign before the next election, who should replace them? The person who started the original recall effort in 2005 is frequently mentioned, Kevin Murphy of San Juan Capistrano. Those closely following developments in the Capo school district aren’t entirely optimistic about the leftovers resigning, particularly Marlene Draper. A district insider predicts Draper will try to hold on until November 2008 so she can qualify for public retirement benefits. Meanwhile, Draper apparently can afford to buy earplugs.

***

Some parents and others who have criticized CUSD from the public microphone during board meetings complained the sound was turned down when they started making critical remarks. This isn’t paranoia, as members of the audience noticed as well. One of the parents checked with her attorney, who said such shenanigans as turning down the volume of the public microphone interfered with citizens’ right to speak. Blog readers who think these stories sound crazy should attend a CUSD board meeting.

***

According to the editor of the Capistrano Dispatch, CUSD Trustee Duane Stiff said the DA’s findings are correct – the old-guard trustees violated the Brown Act. Stiff said he didn’t think anyone intentionally broke the law, as they were “relying on the advice of former district staff members.” Would that be former administrators James Fleming and David DO-me (Doomey)? With the number of political officials now distancing themselves from the old-guard trustees, some residents are wondering if Fleming and former administrator Susan McGill have been talking about their former buddies on the school board, who voted against paying their legal bills.

***