M J Brock Sons Inc

A divided Orange County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved the controversial Laguna Laurel development agreement, dashing the hopes of an overflow crowd that had packed the board chamber to oppose development in Laguna Canyon. The 3-2 vote in favor of the agreement, which would protect the Irvine Co.'s plan for a multimillion-dollar housing and commercial project in part of the canyon, was met by shouts of disapproval and boos.

The crush of holiday shoppers last month at the Glendale Galleria ended a record retail sales year that officials say will net the city nearly $3 million in sales taxes, strengthening its position as Glendale's largest source of sales tax revenue. That figure gratifies city officials who once faced criticisms that the mall would not make money for Glendale and would destroy its small-town character. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Galleria is, by most accounts, a huge success.