EX-CEO SALUTE: He says he got grief...

EX-CEO SALUTE: He says he got grief from the Board of Supervisors, but former Orange County Chief Executive William J. Popejoy got a plaque and a “thank you” Wednesday from two Latino groups. Popejoy was feted by Los Amigos of Orange County and the Santa Ana unit of the League of United Latin American Citizens. . . . “He is deserving because he gave so much of his time, for no pay, to try to help the county out of its mess,” said LULAC secretary Zeke Hernandez.

LOCALPALOOZA: Alternative rock’s answer to Disneyland, the Lollapalooza festival returns to Irvine Meadows on Monday and Tuesday after a two-year absence (OC Live!). One new attraction this year is a third stage. . . . Dubbed “The Lab,” it’s designed to give a local flavor by featuring food, fashion, dance and musical contributions by area enthusiasts of the alternative music scene.

NOMADS NO MORE: With headquarters, storage space and practice rooms spread over three cities, Orange County’s Ballet Pacifica always scrambles. Putting its art before an audience gets easier next month. Thanks to generous donations from supporters, the troupe moves into a new home at 1824 Kaiser Ave., Irvine . . . a place with three times the rehearsal space. Says director Molly Lynch: “My dancers and I are thrilled to finally have a centralized home.” Open house is Sept. 9.

PRIME-TIME DREAM: County officials like to attract Hollywood filmmakers to Orange County, especially as the fees they pay help bolster sagging finances. . . . Last year, they put $2 million into county coffers. Recently, parts of “Crimson Tide,” “Apollo 13” and “Clear and Present Danger” were filmed here. But outgoing Board Chairman Gaddi H. Vasquez says he’s not satisfied. . . . His dream is a TV series set in the county: “To be featured every week . . . would bring in tourists.”