Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- May 16, 2007

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Petitioners Clash Over Housing Referendum -- OCR
A Disney-funded ballot measure is drawing ire from opponents.

Op-Ed: South County Needs To Finish Toll Road -- OCR
The growing region is too reliant on the I-5 Freeway for emergencies (by Supervisor Pat Bates).

Aera Plans Head To Diamond Bar -- OCR
Scoping meeting planned Wednesday for 3,600 homes on 2,935 acres above Brea.

OC High School Graduation Rate At 92% -- OCR
About 43 percent of students from 2006 graduated eligible for California's public universities.

OC Reflects On Falwell Legacy -- OCR
'Pioneer … Christian statesman' also seen as intolerant and polarizing.

Home Sales Still Slipping -- OCR
Report says O.C. home sales fell to their lowest level for an April in 12 years.

Tustin To Show Off Historic Houses -- OCR
About 700 residents will get a glimpse into Orange County's history Saturday as part of this year's Old Town Promenade Home and Garden Tour.

Shearing Of Sheep To The Delight Of 1,000 -- OCR
Schoolchildren gather at Santa Ana's zoo for annual event.

Limiting Liquor Licenses In Poor Areas Is Targeted -- LAT
Santa Ana officials are considering the proposal of nonprofit health group. But some wonder if limits are doable or necessary.

Brea Olinda District's Superintendent Retiring -- LAT
Supt. Tim Harvey, who has led the Brea Olinda Unified School District for six years, announced Tuesday that he would retire in December.

Budget Proposal Includes Street Improvements -- DP
A second skate park, $4.8 million in street improvements and six new city employee positions are among the highlights of the $130.1-million budget Costa Mesa officials are proposing for the 2007-08 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Moratorium On Converting Rentals Exceeds 6 Months -- OCR
A ban on converting rental apartments into condos for sale will continue for six more months, the Costa Mesa City Council voted Tuesday, 4-0, with Eric Bever absent.

Let There Be Light In Fields -- DP
The city's chronically short supply of lighted athletic fields got a small boost Tuesday, with the City Council's approval of a plan to light two more fields at the Farm Sports Complex.

Governor's Revised Budget Gets High Marks -- DP
Officials in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District gave favorable marks to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's revised budget on Tuesday.