Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Carona's Pro Bono Defense Deal (LAT)
A lawyer at one of the country's top law firms has taken a professional interest in the case of the former Orange County sheriff.

Martin Wisckol's The Buzz: Supervisor's Rave Already A Spectacle (OCR)
A surprise entry and a controversial endorsement process are stirring things up.

Activists Urge Anaheim To Build; Groups March For Housing, Parks (OCR)
Residents marched through biting winds and rain to urge the city to provide community services in new development.

Councilwoman May Have Conflict of Interest (OCR)
Anaheim council member has to determine if her wine bar will financially benefit from nearby developments.

Frank Mickadeit: Want One More Nguyen V. Nguyen? (OCR)
For once, there's action in judicial races.

Rigonomics: A Primer To Ballots For February 5 (DP)
Jim Righeimer explains his picks for the February primary.

Van Tran Honored For Efforts Toward Small Businesses (DP)
Assemblyman Van Tran was awarded the California Small Business Assn.'s highest honor this week, for what the group called his dedication to California's small businesses.

Worst Cut Scenario (DP)
Lawmakers call the proposed budget cuts on Bolsa Chica State Beach a scare tactic aimed at the public and legislature.