Sound of Silence

For all the music, comedy and educational options available on in-flight entertainment systems, the favorite of passengers might just be silence. Irvine’s Sony Trans Com has a way to offer that too with high-tech headphones that cancel the din of jet engines. It offers no cure yet for airline food. BUSINESS, D1

A Dog Named Boo

There have been 939 reports of dog bites and scratches in the last three months. Twenty-seven canines have been declared vicious, but only one--Boo’s the name--has been ordered destroyed. Boo’s owner has gone to court to appeal. METRO, B1

Change in Climate

Beth Nixon of Seattle was a flower girl 25 years ago at cousin Tricia’s White House wedding. Visiting the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, the late president’s niece said being a Nixon in Orange County is “great, [but] up north, it feels like hell. There are so many Democrats. I’ve lost a couple of jobs over it.” LIFE & STYLE, E1

Park Place

Land for Upper Newport Bay Regional Park came from Irvine Co., which was seeking approval to build homes. Less known is the role of Newport Beach’s Mary and Peter Muth, who gave $1 million for a nature center. Six years later, park development is underway. METRO, B1