It's render-unto-Caesar day for most Americans. Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Ackerman's Run As State Senate GOP Leader Ends (OCR)
The Irvine lawmaker's term in the Legislature is scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

Candidate With Environmental Platform Has Oil Investments (OCR)
Congressional candidate Debbie Cook's investments were wise financial moves but could hurt her politically, experts say.

OC's Effort To Roll Back Pensions Goes To LA Courts (LAT)
A Superior Court judge issued a final written ruling Monday ordering Orange County's legal case seeking to roll back deputies' pensions to be handled in the Los Angeles County courts.

Ladera Rallies Against Power Plant (OCR)
Ladera Hope has until April 22 to decide on settlement or continue litigation on proposed peaker plant.

New Name For Great Park Homes (OCR)
Lennar drops "Heritage Fields" for "Great Park Neighborhoods"

Immigration Not An Option For All Couples (OCR)
Binational same-sex couples seek ways to stay together, even though their unions are not recognized under federal immigration law.

Assemblyman Claims Senator Blocking House Bill (DP)
Bill would make bestowing homes easier, says DeVore; Harman says trial lawyers would be beneficiaries.

Fullerton Looks At Nighttime Paid Parking (OCR)
Study would evaluate parking fees in the downtown.

Ocean View School District Too Consider 'In God We Trust' (OCR)
Idea is brought by district superintendent after Huntington Beach City Council votes to display motto.

Senior Care Under Dispute (DP)
Councilwoman says she wants to help fix complaints; board member says 'squeaky wheels' causing fuss.

Navy Chafes At Limiting Sonar Use Near Local Whales And Dolphins (OCR)
Who thinks the Chinese place similar restrictions on their ability to train?

Investigators: Costa Mesa Officer Fired Shots In Self-Defense (OCR)
Motorcycle patrolman Scott Dibble fatally wounded one man, injured another in March 8 altercation in Temecula.

Fed Prosecutors Allege Carona Team Is Abusing Subpoena Process (OCR)
Federal prosecutors have filed a motion contending that lawyers for ex-sheriff Michael S. Carona have abused the subpoena process by asking for files that could include nearly 30,000 pages.