Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Newport Beach Counsel: Group Can't Sue Us (DP)
Aspects of a $250-million lawsuit filed against Newport Beach and more than 10 of the city's largest drug and alcohol rehabilitation home operators are based on shaky legal ground, the city's special legal counsel said Thursday.

Newport Beach Enacts Curbs On Sober Living Homes (LAT)
A drawn-out court battle is expected, as both operators and opponents are unhappy with the ordinance.

Report Not Necessary, Newport Beach Says (DP)
An environmental group suing Newport Beach and the City Council over a multimillion dollar development agreement with the Irvine Co. claims the city has not done enough research on how the plan will affect traffic and the environment.

UCI Dispatcher Placed On Leave (OCR)
The school's police chief says the move was made to help the investigation progress.

Man Accused Of Posting Teens' Photos On Porn Site (DP)
Orange County prosecutors are considering whether any laws were broken when a UCI police dispatcher allegedly photographed local high school water polo players and then posted the images on gay pornographic websites, authorities said.

450 Parents Protest CUSD Attendance Boundary Plans (OCR)
The school board is expected to decide next month how to address crowding at two South County schools.

Santa Ana Schools Face $26.6 Million More In Cuts (OCR)
Santa Ana Unified officials say governor's proposed budget could cripple the county's largest district.

Wetlands Group Begins Approval Process For Restoration Project (OCR)
The Huntington Beach Wetland Conservancy is planning to restore about 140 acres of local marshes.

The Political Landscape: McCain Wins Mock Vote (DP)
Mock presidential primary conducted locally surveyed candidates' shots at commander in chief.

Anaheim District Looks To Move Forward (OCR)
High school district on Feb. 5 will fill board seat left vacant when Harald Martin stepped down under recall threat.

San Juan Residents Question Impact Of Ventanas Office Project (OCR)
City planners on Tuesday got their first look at the Ventanas office project, as officials outlined the more than 200,000 square foot industrial park.

San Clemente Council Asks County To Appoint Bill Hunt As Sheriff (OCR and LAT)
San Clemente's elected leaders vote 3-0-1 to send resolution to Orange County Board of Supervisors.

OC Contract Worker Accused Of Stealing $300,000 From County (LAT)
A contract Orange County employee who worked with welfare recipients was arrested Wednesday for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from the county, authorities said.