Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Toll Agency Says Criticisms Of Foothill South Are Flawed (OCR)
Press briefing challenges Coastal Commission staff report that recommends expanding I-5 instead of building new road into state park.

U.S. To Deport Kin Of Chinese-Born Engineer Who Worked For Anaheim Defense Firm (LAT)
Federal immigration officials said today that they have arrested the sister-in-law and nephew of a Chinese-born engineer convicted of conspiring to export U.S. defense technology to China and intend to deport them to China.

Search For Great Park Leader Prompts Suit (LAT and OCR)
Two Irvine council members demand to inspect resumes of 150 applicants that recruiters say have been received.

Personnel File Of Deputy Accused In Jail Beating Is Missing, Attorney Says (OCR)
A judge is being asked to force sheriff's officials to turn over past complaints regarding Kevin Taylor.

Independence Day Safety Discussed By Costa Mesa Council (DP)
The Costa Mesa City Council considered measures aimed at improving fireworks safety during a study session last Tuesday, reviewing a number of ideas on which the board is slated to vote sometime this month.

City To Expect Rehab Suits (DP)
Newport Beach will inevitably face one or more lawsuits after it implements new rules aimed at curbing the spread of drug and alcohol rehabilitation homes in the city, Councilman Steve Rosansky said Wednesday.

District Defends Results Amid Criticism (DP)
Adams Elementary School is a good school, district officials said Wednesday, and they don't know how the group of parents calling themselves the Mesa Verde Education Committee can argue otherwise.

The Political Landscape: John Campbell Says Romney Still In It (DP)
Rep. John Campbell sees a silver lining in his man Mitt Romney's second-place losses in both the New Hampshire primary and Iowa Caucus.

One Broadway Skyscraper Gets Permit To Break Ground (OCR)
Santa Ana has issued foundation and grading permits for the proposed structure; but first, the developer has to move an old house.

Newport OK's Crackdown On Rehab Homes (OCR)
Resident outcry prompts restrictions on how and where recovery houses can operate. Officials expect legal challenges.

Gordon Dillow: Chinese Letter Not Letter Perfect (OCR 1/9/08)
Missive to Chris Norby really rankled the supervisor.

Family Has No Clue About Missing OC Sailor (OCR)
Sister says Aliso Viejo man left Michigan about three years ago and relatives hadn't heard from him since. Kauai man tells how he came across abandoned boat found bobbing in calm seas 19 miles off island.

Laguna And French City Officially Sisters (OCR)
Menton, on the southeast coast of the French Riviera, becomes Laguna Beach's first sister city.

Frank Mickadeit: We Lose Staff, Friends, But Retain Hope (OCR)
We're not immune to industry hit.