O.C. sheriff and wife surrender

Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona, his wife and his alleged former mistress surrendered today at the U.S. District Courthouse in Santa Ana, where they are facing federal corruption charges.

Carona and his wife, Deborah, entered the building about 7 a.m. They were followed at about 8:30 a.m. by Debra V. Hoffman, who was described in an indictment unsealed Tuesday as Carona’s long-term mistress. They are expected to appear in court this afternoon.

The indictment charges that Carona engaged in a broad conspiracy to enrich himself, his wife and Hoffman by trading access to his department for cash and gifts. . .

Boy started blaze, L.A. County says

A fire that charred more than 38,000 acres and destroyed 21 homes in northern Los Angeles County last week was sparked by a boy playing with matches, sheriff’s officials said Tuesday.

The disclosure about the Buckweed fire, initially blamed on downed power lines, came as firefighters continued to push forward in containing the region’s blazes and as health officials announced that strenuous outdoor exercise was no longer hazardous in most of Southern California. Authorities in all seven counties struck by the fires said air quality had improved significantly.

L.A. County Sheriff’s Department arson investigators did not name the boy believed responsible for the Buckweed fire. Nor did they give his age or the community where he and his family live. . .

Preteens Trading Fairy Wands for Fishnets

Gabby Cirenza wanted to be a referee for Halloween. The outfit she liked had a micro-mini black skirt and a form-fitting black and white-striped spandex top held together with black laces running up the flesh-exposing sides. She looked admiringly at the thigh-high black go-go boots that could be bought as an accessory. And she thought the little bunny on the chest was cute.

“Absolutely not,” said her mother, Cheryl. “That is so not happening.”

Gabby is 11. . .