Happy Fourth of July along with today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Al Gore's Son Arrested In Laguna Niguel -- OCR
Al Gore III was driving 100 mph on the freeway near Crown Valley Parkway, sheriff's deputies say. But at least it was in an environmentally-friendly Toyota Prius! Ya gotta give him brownie points for loving the planet!

Report Slams Developer -- OCR
City officials ask Coastal Commission to delay a hearing; days after agency staff accuse Shea Homes of potentially illegally filling wetlands without a permit.

Councilman Helps Arrest Burglary Suspect -- OCR
Denis Bilodeau chases suspect who allegedly stole from a neighbor's open garage.

Draft Rules To Limit Spending, Board Tells Property Managers -- OCR
Laguna Woods Village critics want foundation to set policy regarding credit card use.

Council Decides Against Remodeling Waivers -- OCR
Forgiving home remodeling fees would help too few people, councilmembers say.

Out In Force On The Fourth -- OCR and DP
After five years, Newport Beach police say the safety enhancement zone is working.

Quiet Zone For Trains Is Delayed -- LAT
The debut of a long-awaited quiet zone, limiting the blasts of train horns in the city, has been delayed, officials said Tuesday.

Costa Mesa Voters Won't Directly Elect Mayor -- DP
In a surprising split vote, council rejects ballot measure early Wednesday

59 Suspected Immigration Violators Flagged In June -- DP
Federal immigration agents in June flagged 59 people at Costa Mesa's city jail as suspected immigration violators — the highest monthly total since checks began seven months ago, according to data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Santa Ana Awards pay Hike To Management -- OCR (7/3/07)
The City Council voted to award pay raises to 14 executive managers for the city's 2008 fiscal year, but refrained from granting an increase for the following year.

Rigonomics: Lack Of Transparency in KOCE-TV Sale -- DP
Jim Righeimers writes about the final fate of KOCE.

CUSD Faces Recall Campaign -- OCR
Citizens' group CUSD Recall needs to collect 20,000 signatures for each of four targeted trustees.