Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain (apologies for the late posting):

Judge Separates Trials Of Carona And Mistress (LAT)
The former O.C. sheriff's corruption case will proceed, and Debra Hoffman will be tried later. Concerns about secretly recorded conversations played during the trial led to the decision.

Baggie Shed At Dog Beach Source Of Contention (OCR)
Huntington Beach officials say there is no permit for the shed and are at odds over whether it should stay or go.

Ex-Pal Of Carona Testifying Today (OCR)
Defense attorney Joseph Cavallo -- once a member of Mike Carona's inner circle -- will take the stand today in the public corruption trial of the indicted sheriff.

Frank Mickadeit: No Fireworks Between the Debs (OCR)
Frank's continuing coverage of the Carona trial.

OC Deputy Convicted of Falsifying Reports (OCR)
But jury also finds officer not guilty of 4 similar misdemeanor charges and deadlocks on 5 other counts.

Mission Viejo Community Pleads Against School Closures (OCR)
La Tierra and O'Neill elementaries could be shuttered in June to save money.

Beach Cleanup: City Decides To Can Trash Bins With Ads (OCR)
San Clemente also orders 92 recycling cans to dot beaches beside conventional trash barrels.

Mansoor Returns As Mayor (DP)
Councilwoman Foley drops her bid, saying City Council has a lot of work to do and that she wants to get to it.

Nixon Archives Shed Light On His Campaign To Investigate Enemies (LAT)
The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum releases its largest collection of archival papers and tapes, which reflect the president's crusade to scope out those who antagonized him.

Mission Viejo Finances Will Weather Economic Climate, Says Mayor (OCR)
Mayor Trish Kelley reflects on the city's activities in her 2008 State of the City address.

Frank Ury Is Mission Viejo's Mayor (OCR)
The City Council elects leadership for 2009 and welcomes its newest councilmember.

Controversial Paintball Tournament Cancelled (OCR)
A controversial paintball tournament in Huntington Beach that had environmentalists upset because of balls of paint scattered on the sand afterward will not be returning next year.