Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Fire-Scarred Hillsides Appear To Have Weathered The Storm (OCR)
Power outages, high surf and SigAlerts as rain moves out of the area; residents are allowed to return home; more rain tonight.

OC Burn Areas Under Mandatory Evacuation (LAT)
Residents of canyon areas hit hard by the October fires are ordered to leave by 7 p.m.

Air Improves, But Not Enough (OCR)
Smog regulators release latest scientific study of the worst of the region's air contaminants.

To Build Or Not Rebuild Is Still The Question In The Laguna Slide Area (LAT)
Some residents of Bluebird Canyon plan new homes; others say it makes no sense to stay in the picturesque but unstable area.

Experts Question Costa Mesa Council (DP)
Experts disagree whether the Costa Mesa City Council violated the Brown Act when members discussed Eric Bever's mayoral candidacy prior to picking him as the city's new mayor.

OC Lawyer Argues Against Tribunals (LAT)
The decorated intelligence officer blows the whistle on reviews of Guantanamo detainees.

Teacher For Playing R-Rated Comedy For Special Ed Students (DP)
A Newport Heights Elementary School special-education teacher and two aides were forced to resign in early December after showing their special-education class the R-rated comedy "Road Trip" containing nudity, drug use and profanity, the former aides confirmed Friday.

La Habra Police Chief Says Shooting Victim Moved As If To Attack An Officer (OCR)
Michael Sungman Cho was fatally shot by La Habra Police Monday, the incident is under investigation.

Still No Word From Santa Ana $1 Million Lottery Winner (OCR)
The winning raffle ticket was sold at a Santa Ana market.

Hazmat Expert Gives Up Toxic Chemicals For Priesthood (OCR 1/3/08)
Dubbed "Klunk the Hunk" by TV reporters, his friends call him "Klunk the Monk."