Fourth Of July

As part of a deal-in-the-making over transit funding, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is proposing moving the congestion pricing plan for Los Angeles County to the 110 Freeway from the 210 Freeway. The stretch of the 110 south of downtown has been a candidate for a toll lane since last year, but the 10 and 210 were chosen instead to try to improve east-west travel among L.A., the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.

The Orange County lawsuit that desegregated California schools was deemed of such historic significance that a postage stamp commemorating it will be released in September. But organizers of the Fourth of July parade in Huntington Beach -- the largest in the western United States -- denied an entry celebrating the 60-year-old ruling, saying it lacks "entertainment value."

The "Magical History Tour" bus may roll back into Huntington Beach's Fourth of July parade. Parade organizers had snubbed the 1967 Volkswagen bus, which honors the Orange County lawsuit that desegregated California schools, because it lacked "entertainment value," although the U.S. Postal Service has deemed the lawsuit worthy of a commemorative stamp.

In the face of public pressure, organizers of Huntington Beach's Fourth of July parade have reversed themselves and will permit a vintage Volkswagen bus that honors the Orange County lawsuit that desegregated California schools to be in this year's procession. Filmmaker Sandra Robbie, whose Magical History Tour bus celebrates the 1947 Mendez vs. Westminster School District decision, said the parade coordinator called her Thursday to confirm her place in the parade.

Watch fireworks bursting above San Francisco Bay during a Fourth of July special at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. The deal: The Red, White and Blue Independence Day package, available Sunday through July 7, is $169 a night and includes a deluxe room and valet parking.

IT'S a well-known fact that pets and some people cannot stand loud sounds. If you're one of the latter, then you'll certainly be skipping this year's Fourth of July fireworks displays in favor of a quieter night at home. Relax. There's no need to feel unpatriotic about skipping the exploding rockets. Here are five films guaranteed to give you that Happy Birthday, America feeling without going anywhere near anything with a fuse.

A lack of rain in Southern California and elsewhere is turning into a smoldering concern this Fourth of July season, as officials worry fireworks may ignite dry brush in drought-stricken areas. But Jim Souza sees opportunity. Souza, who heads Rialto-based Pyro Spectaculars Inc., has developed something he has dubbed "high-definition fireworks," which he hopes will address increasing safety concerns over pyrotechnic safety.

Today Orange: The city's 11th annual July 3 celebration, featuring games, live music, rides, food and other attractions, starts at 4 p.m. and ends with fireworks about 8:30 p.m. El Modena High School, Fred Kelly Stadium, 3920 Spring St. $5; children 2 and under, free. (714) 744-7278 or www.cityoforange.org Wednesday Aliso Viejo: Community festival starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Grand Park Town Center, Aliso Creek Road at Pacific Park Drive. (949) 448-5922 or www.cityofalisoviejo.