Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Placentia May Owe Millions, Audit Finds (LAT and OCR)
Caltrans says the city improperly spent as much as $36 million on the OnTrac project. City officials say they will contest the findings.

Dana Parsons: Replacement For Carona Too Close For Comfort (LAT)
Parsons views the Jack Anderson appointment through tin-foil colored glasses.
Word Of Teens' Videotaped Beating Richoted Across Cyberspace (OCR)
Some cringed, some delighted at sight of Newport Harbor girls attacking another, classmate says.

Two Newport High Girls, 14, Held In Beating Of 13-Year Old (LAT)
Two ninth-grade girls at Newport Harbor High have been arrested in connection with the beating of a girl from a nearby intermediate school, a video of which was posted online at MySpace.com and YouTube.com.

Why Does Mike Carona Get A Pension? (OCR)
Answers to your questions about the recent resignation of the ex-sheriff.

Officials Warn Of Freight Traffic Crush On Freeways (OCR)
OCTA holds meetings on freight traffic.

Orange Day-Labor Crackdown Having Impact (OCR)
New ordinances curbing day-laborer solicitation yield drop in numbers, officials say.

Anaheim Convention Center Explores Expansion (OCR)
Conventions, including this week's NAMM Show, are outgrowing facility.

Water Board Rejects Fountain Valley Boeing Site (OCR)
Orange County Water District panel decides against conducting study of business site, first step in eminent domain process.

La Habra Councilman Steve Anderson Dies AT Age 55 (OCR)
Funeral arrangements are pending for longtime councilman.

Capistrano District Recall Leaders Lose Court Appeal (OCR)
County registrar of voters was correct in tossing out 7,000 petition signatures in 2005, court rules.

The Political Landscape: Safety Classes Approved (DP)
Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby nearly sunk an agreement earlier this week that would provide training to Harbor Patrol personnel on how to handle marine fires.

70 MPH Winds Topple Power Lines In OC (LAT)
Fierce Santa Ana winds blew into the Southland, knocking down power lines in Orange County, and a wind warning will continue for the region.

Frank Mickadeit: A Day At The Zoo Costs More Than A Ticket (OCR)
A Carona-free zone today. But not a Schroeder-free one.