REAL STRESS? The latest argument in the...

REAL STRESS? The latest argument in the county bonds debacle: Who’s hurting most? The City of Huntington Beach wants to use an emergency measure to free up $28.6 million still available in the pool. But the county’s creditors, fearful of being squeezed out, object. . . . They say Huntington Beach’s definition of an emergency doesn’t meet the federal court’s criteria. The creditors add in a sardonic jab: “While Huntington Beach officials may be going through psychological distress ,” the money left should go fairly to everyone hurt by the bonds crisis.

SOUND THE HORN: Aliso Viejo resident Scott Van Horn was looking for one more athlete to round out his team for the April 25 Eco-Challenge, a 300-mile wilderness survival race that pits five-member teams against nature--and one another (E1). Van Horn voiced his plea on KLOS radio’s Mark & Brian show and was deluged by calls. . . . He finally chose marathon runner Paul Rudman--a professional taste-tester--of Orange. Says Van Horn: “Paul brings a lot of energy to the team-- a lot of energy.”

ABC’S OF DRUGS: Superior Court Judge James P. Gray drew harsh criticism three years ago when he publicly favored decriminalization of illegal drugs. But there seems to be growing support for it. . . . Gray was among those interviewed for an ABC-TV special on drugs, “Searching for Solutions” (tonight at 10, Channel 7). . . . The judge is convinced the show will be an eye-opener: “The drug policy we have now certainly isn’t working.”

LEE WHO? With government employees getting fired wholesale these days, 24 years in the same job can seem awesome. So for Lee Risner’s retirement, after that long as La Habra’s city manager, civic leaders went all-out for a party. . . . In a stretch limousine, escorted by police vehicles and firetrucks, Risner was taken to the city’s new Community Center last weekend, to be guest of honor at the center’s first party. Risner noted: “Cars were pulling over. They thought someone important was driving by, but it was just little ol’ me.”