City May Pay $1.8M to Keep Its Redevelopment Agency

Tonight the Mission Viejo City Council will decide if it should keep the city's redevelopment agency as restructured by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Vicodin-Plagued Plastic Surgeon's License Revoked

Dana Point plastic surgeon John Hatherley has had his medical license revoked for probation violations including prescribing himself sleep medication.

Mission Viejo Rated Best Water Savers in OC

The Sierra Club's recent survey found Mission Viejo was one of only two Orange County cities with water-conservation policies warranting a "best" rating.

Should You Pay for Mission Viejo City Council's Health Care?

Salaries and benefits vary throughout the county and the state for city council members. Find out where Mission Viejo city council ranks.

$1 Million to Maintain Mission Viejo Roads

City contract covers weed removal, signs, road striping and cleaning storm drains.

A Lie As Big As Texas

Texas is in worse financial shape than California. Why don't conservatives seem to know?

Revenue Picture Called 'Weak' as O.C. Budget Approved

County services, such as food stamps, clinics for the uninsured are in great demand, budget director says.

Sacred Republican Cows in Presidential Debate

The 2012 Republican presidential debate was a herd of sacred cows.

Sick of Traffic Lights? Improvements Coming to Mission Viejo

Crown Valley Parkway and Marguerite Parkway are scheduled to have their traffic lights coordinated under an $8 million plan approved Monday.

Is Fame a Pass for Bad Behavior?

Rep Anthony Weiner is just the latest: Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods, Jesse James, and Arnold Schwarzenegger... Do politicians and celebrities get a pass for bad behavior?

County Execs Enjoyed Raises While Workers Endured Cuts

While many O.C. government workers took pay cuts and furloughs, some executives received raises with no justification, according to an internal audit.

Council Braces for Budget Showdown

The Mission Viejo City Council will decide two years of city spending in its next meeting. The debate on how it should be spent is already heating up.

Dog Park: Cathy Schlicht Responds

After a stir on the Patch message boards, Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht offers details of her dog park position.

New Dog Park Contest: Supporters Seek $100,000

The owner of mvdogpark.com is encouraging residents to take part in a contest. If enough supporters join, the city will get $100,000 toward a new dog park.

Toxic-Groundwater Cleanup Required of Unisys

Former Mission Viejo computer parts manufacturer Unisys has been ordered by the California water quality agency to clean up its site next to Target on Jeronimo. The agency found some toxic solvents in concentrations as much as 145 times the legal limit.

California Budget Smackdown: Part 2

GOP politicos wrestle against letting voters decide Jerry Brown's tax plan and readers can try a do-it-yourself budget chopper.

Pay Raise, Pension Cut Request from Mission Viejo City Staff

The city staff will ask the Mission Viejo City Council to approve a plan that would increase pay but reduce the pensions of incoming employees.

Why Republicans Don't Want You Voting on Jerry Brown's Budget Plan

Although two polls say Californians would like the issue on the ballot, GOP legislators representing Mission Viejo and RSM explain their objections.

Orly Taitz Presses Obama Birther Argument in Pasadena Court

Mission Viejo dentist and lawyer Orly Taitz and another Southern California lawyer seek the court's permission to press a lawsuit about President Barack Obama's birth certificate.

Marguerite, Oso Clogged Traffic Continues

A look at Mission Viejo road closures throughout the morning.

Taxes: How Is Mission Viejo Spending Money?

Find out where your local tax dollars are being spent.

Parking Fines, Library Fees Increased in Mission Viejo

The City Council approves parking fines and library fees while decreasing costs for city clerk services and advertising on Mission Viejo Television.

Half-Million-Dollar Tax Avoiders in Mission Viejo

A Mission Viejo couple have popped up on the state's list of the 250 biggest tax avoiders. Find out who below.

Video: It's Tax Day, See the Tea Party Protest in Mission Viejo

Todd Spitzer, former deputy district attorney, and others protested government spending and taxes Friday in Mission Viejo.

Photos: Tea Party Rally in Mission Viejo

Tea Partiers held a tax day protest at the corner of La Paz Road and Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo Friday, sponsored by the Republican Party of Orange County and the Saddleback Republican Assembly.

City Council: Will Mission Viejo Compete with Groupon?

Inspired by Groupon, LivingSocial and other coupon-based websites, the Mission Viejo City Council will meet Monday to discuss a possible city-sponsored website to host local business deals and coupons.

$165K: City May Spend Obama Stimulus Dollars on Light Bulbs

If the plan is approved Monday night, the City Council will direct its staff to spend more than $165,000 on new energy-efficient light bulbs for the city's community center, civic center and traffic lights.

Owners of Unlicensed Dogs Could Save Hundreds During Local Animal Service Amnesty

All April, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Department will give dog owners in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo a chance to license their pets without paying unlicensed dog penalties.

Train Crash Victim's Family Seeks $5M from Mission Viejo

After the Sept. 9 death of former Mission Viejo High School student Anastasia Bolton, 17, the victim's family is asking for $5 million in damages from the city of Mission Viejo.

Photos: Mayor Joined by Feet, Paws on Lakeside Stroll

Dog owners take a walk with Mission Viejo Mayor Dave Leckness to show support for a city dog park.

City Turning Recyclables into Library Books

Waste management will donate $5 for every ton of residential trash it collects in April.

Get Smart About The Public’s Right to Know

Mission Viejo Patch is participating in Sunshine Week by promoting and celebrating open government and freedom of information.

Oso Widening, Annexation Move Forward in Mission Viejo

Check the tale of the tape following the Monday meeting of the Mission Viejo City Council.

Damage List: What Havoc Did December Storm Wreak?

Find out what was destroyed or damaged in December during heavy rains in Mission Viejo—and how much it will cost to repair.

Winter Storms Cost Half a Million, Says Mission Viejo City Estimate

The City Council will vote Monday on payments for various storm-related emergency costs.

City to Consider $30K to Finish Olympiad 'Finish Line'

The council will vote on the second phase of a project begun in 2004 to commemorate the 1984 Olympic bike races held in Mission Viejo.

City to Consider $2 Million to Widen Oso Parkway

The money would be spent to buy out private owners along the busy arterial road.

Mission Viejo Might Become 38 Acres Bigger

If a housing developer has its way, Mission Viejo will grow by about 38 acres on the south side of El Toro Road.

City Dumps Auditor of Scandal-Ridden Bell

In a unanimous vote, the Mission Viejo City Council chooses to find a new auditor for the city's financial statements.

Big Changes Coming for California Politics, Says Blogger Jon Fleischman

Blogger Jon Fleischman told the Saddleback Republican Assembly California Republicans stand to lose 5-7 U.S. House Seats as a result of Proposition 14.