BEATING MALIBU: Many families have decided against...

BEATING MALIBU: Many families have decided against rebuilding in Laguna Beach after their homes were destroyed in the ferocious 1993 firestorm. But officials say the city’s recovery is much faster than Malibu, which suffered about the same damage. . . . Example: Laguna Beach lost 286 homes, Malibu 260. But Laguna Beach has received 203 applications to rebuild, Malibu just 110. . . . Says city development spokesman Kyle Butterwick: “I’m very proud we’re showing this kind of progress.” . . . After Nov. 1, Laguna Beach will no longer waive rebuilding fees, which can be as much as $6,000.

SPECIAL CUSTOMERS: The county library system has a couple of changes in mind--besides just closing six of its 28 branches--to fight bankruptcy-related budget cuts. . . . One of them: Library fines are going up, to 25 cents from 20 cents a day. . . . Another, now in the final planning stage: Selling library gold cards. They won’t give you priority on new books. But they could be used for discounts at stores that agree to cooperate.

SPRING BREAK? Jeannot Painchaud’s career path belies the stereotype of circus performers who go for the big top by running away from home. Painchaud is artistic director of Quebec’s Cirque Eloize, which appears Sunday, May 7, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center (OC Live!). He says of his circus beginnings: “I didn’t go to circus school to become a circus artist. I just wanted to take a break from school and have fun.”

SHE’S NO RADICAL: “I’m into causes,” admits Chapman University freshman Erin Meyer. Which is why she has been spending most of her time outside the classroom putting together today’s Earth Day Expo on grounds near the Orange campus’ Argyros Forum. . . . Nearly a dozen local environmental groups will have booths and help in activities set up by the campus’ Environmental Concerns Club. Says Meyer: “We want to heighten awareness, and just show that this isn’t a radical cause.”

TONIGHT: “The Miracle Worker” opens at 8, the Ensemble Theatre, 844 E. Lincoln Ave., Orange. (714) 998-2670.