Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

More Than 40 Sheriff's Reserve Badges Handed Out By Michael S. Carona Are Reported Missing (LAT)
The former Orange County sheriff designated hundreds of Professional Service Responders, among them political donors. The new sheriff is recalling their badges, but many have disappeared.

State Quashes Sale Of Anaheim Memorial Medical Center To Pacific Health (LAT and OCR)
The attorney general's office cites factors including 'pending criminal investigations' and a civil complaint.

8 + 1 = 9-Way Costa Mesa Council Race (DP)
Christopher McEvoy, who teaches math at a high school in Downey, is a last-minute contender for Costa Mesa City Council.

Saddleback Ticket Distribution Angers Some (OCR)
Some O.C. residents express anger over inability to obtain tickets for Obama-McCain forum.

Lawsuit: Wildlife Agency Wrong About Toll Road (OCR)
Environmental groups say finding of 'no jeopardy' for six species was inadequate.

Huntington Beach Officials Under Investigation Speaks Out (OCR)
City officials placed Economic Development Director Stanley Smalewitz on leave a week ago.

Trust Issues At heart Of Fight Over Proposed DNA Lab (OCR)
D.A., sheriff's crime lab director slug it out over who should operate facility that probes low-level crimes.

San Clemente Wants To Collect Tax On Summer Rentals (OCR)
Hotels, motels, B&Bs and timeshares pay it, officials say, and vacation rentals should, too.

Saddleback Amasses 500 Volunteers For Presidential Forum (OCR)
Group has barely 18 hours to set church up for Obama, McCain visit.

Steep Gas Prices Boosts Bus System (OCR)
OCTA saw a record-breaking 6.2 million boardings last month.

Will Wild Rivers Be Open Next Year? (OCR)
Lease negotiations and a new water science park in O.C. are being discussed.

High-Rise Developer Takes Plunge With Rooftop Pool (OCR)
3000 The Plaza in Irvine will unveil luxe amenities at this weekend's grand opening.

Anaheim Council Approves $194,000 Chamber Contract (OCR)
Last year's contract included $17,000 dinners for business leaders, city officials.

Counseling Center For The Poor Closes (OCR)
Lack of funding doomed 34-year-old center on Bradford Avenue and Main Street.

Harvest Crusade Refocuses After Death Of Pastor's Son (OCR)
Revival begins Friday, expected to draw 100,000 nightly.

Earthly Kingdom: Trinity's $167 Million In Real Estate (OCR)
Trinity Christian Center of Santa Ana - the nonprofit that runs Trinity Broadcasting Network - owns about $54 million of property in Orange County.