HEAD OF THE CLASS: Want to learn...

HEAD OF THE CLASS: Want to learn more about Orange County’s bankruptcy? Chapman University will offer a course next fall on the subject to be taught by no less an authority than Supervisor William G. Steiner. “I have kept meticulous notes and I’ve learned a lot from this,” Steiner said. “Maybe college students will be able to profit from the mistakes of adults. . . . I’m told the class is in great demand.”

OWNING UP: Some motorists at John Wayne Airport are being asked to come up with more than toll money when leaving the parking area. . . . Sport utility vehicles such as Jeep Cherokees have become a target of thieves, so sheriff’s deputies are checking the driver’s license and vehicle registration of anyone behind the wheel of one. “It’s become a real problem,” said Lt. Tom Garner. “We are confirming that the driver is actually the owner.”

IN THE CARTS: Orange has declining revenue and a shaky budget, but the city has decided to tackle one tough issue head-on: renegade grocery carts. Mayor Joanne Coontz termed the scourge “secondary only to graffiti in terms of blight” and has revived an ad hoc committee on the issue. Councilman Dan Slater, a committee appointee, said there are probably 200 or more carts scattered around. . . . Said Slater: “I want something done to stop it.”

WATERED-DOWN PRICE: In Sunset Beach, the landmark Water Tower House, resembling a large wooden tub on stilts, has finally been sold for less than $1 million. . . . The house sits 87 feet above the ground and was voted the most unusual home for sale by the National Board of Realtors last year. Real estate agent Elgin Johnson wouldn’t tell who bought the house or how much they paid--”All I can say is that it was a real steal.” The property was originally listed at $2.4 million two years ago.