Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- February 6, 2007

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

OC Carpool Rule Change More Likely -- LAT
Caltrans will allow its local director to decide whether to let solo drivers use the lanes outside rush hour.

1st District Vote Today -- OCR
Eight candidates are vying to replace Lou Correa.

Tunnel Study Gets Underway -- OCR
Drilling to test if water can be moved between counties.

OC Assessor Cleared In Racial Discrimination Suit -- LAT
A jury finds that two promotion-seekers were equally qualified and that color was not an issue in promotion.

Final Report In For Sanctioned Schools -- DP
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District's hearing panel has issued its final report on three schools facing sanctions under the No Child Left Behind Act, with some suggestions added to the previous version and a few crossed off the list.

Principal Allowed To Return To Santa Margarita High School -- OCR
Diocese of Orange found he hadn’t acted maliciously when he failed to respond appropriately to accusations of staff misconduct.

Jury Finds No Bias In Assessor's Hiring -- OCR
White candidate claimed discrimination when a black employee was promoted.

Budget Plan Hits Close To Home -- OCR
Local lawmakers say the president doesn't have the final word and vow to protect funding.

Planners Tour El Toro, Tustin Bases -- OCR
Officials who are working to redevelop former military installations around the country tour the two Orange County sites Monday.

Demolition Underway At El Toro -- OCR
Building by building, former Marine facility is being torn down and recycled.

La Palma City Hall Could Expand -- OCR
The aging facility is too small and outdated to fulfill the city's needs.