Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- March 23, 2007

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Gilchrist Denied Control -- OCR
A Superior Court judge today rejected Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist's request to be immediately returned control of the anti-illegal immigration group.

Board Responds To Great Park Business Plan -- OCR
Plan estimates that $446.8 million will be spent on the park over the next five years.

Trustees Seek To Muzzle Quirky Colleague -- LAT
Orange Unified board members want to cut Steve Rocco's speaking time; parents are with them. He says it's part of 'the Partnership' plot.

OCTA Sticks With Firm Despite Complaints -- LAT
Company contracted to transport disabled has made only 'incremental' improvements. But the contract is under scrutiny.

County Leader Moves Ahead On Redevelopment -- DP
Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach says he has colleagues' support to finance a $23.7-million list of 10 projects in Santa Ana Heights.

A Primer On Vietnamese Surnames -- OCR
Anh Do: Royal surnames abound in O.C.

OC Historian Receives Lifetime Achievement Award -- OCR
Historian recounts how Orange County got its name.

Frank Mickadeit: Saran Wrap, Nguyens And 'Housewives' -- OCR
Frank covers the the above.

Initial Screenings Yield Detainees For ICE -- LAT
Ten percent of those entering O.C. jail system in the first weeks of a new program are suspected illegal immigrants.

Cities May Receive Funds To Upgrade Rail Crossings -- LAT
An Orange County Transportation Authority committee Thursday approved a new program to provide more than $30 million in additional funds for use by cities to upgrade their rail crossings.

Celebrating 25 Years -- DP
Resident Ruth Garstone fills all her prescriptions at the Balboa Pharmacy, but it's more than convenience that keeps her coming back.

Report Outlines Successes At OCC -- DP
Students in the Coast Community College District succeed more often than their peers around the state, according to a report this week that measured students' ability to earn degrees, transfer to four-year universities and more.

Editorial: Perata Locks Out Diversity Of Thought -- OCR (3/22/07)

Correa, 2 other senators punished for daring to fraternize with moderates.