Orange County Mourns 4,000 Coronavirus Deaths As Rates Decline

On a somber day, as Orange County residents the lives lost due to the coronavirus pandemic, the county reminds all to keep getting tested.

What Do You Wish For In Rancho Santa Margarita? Patch Photos

A sunny weekend, or morning, is only complete after a walk with your best friend. Here's a peek at life in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Good Day, Sunshine In Rancho Santa Margarita: Patch Photos

Enjoy a vicarious morning on Rancho Santa Margarita lake. Patch loves photos! Here's how to share a pic & tell why you love where you live.

Rancho Santa Margarita Gas Prices Soar Compared To February, 2020

Gas prices have increased 47 times in the past 48 days, AAA reports. Are you feeling more pain at the pump in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Vincent Jackson, Former Chargers Wide Receiver, Dead At 38

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Vincent Jackson’s sudden passing.”

Wildfire Alarm 'Eavesdrops' On Power Grid In Calif. Pilot Project

Early Fault Detection, as SoCal Edison calls it, will detect problems that could spark brush fires long before people even smell the smoke.

Park Closed: Mountain Lions Afoot In Whiting Ranch Wilderness

Sightings of mountain lions have led officials to close the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Parks.

Mudslides Overnight Bury Roads, Block Homes Of Bond Fire Evacuees

Orange County Public Works worked through the night to clear the roadways for canyon residents under voluntary evacuations from the storm.

Bond Fire Area Under Voluntary Evacuation Ahead Of Winter Storm

Residents who live in Silverado, Modjeska or Williams Canyons were told to prepare for evacuations. Large animal owners, take note.

Snow-Capped Saddleback Mountains: Patch Photo Of The Week

With flurries of rainstorms turning to snow at higher elevations, the Saddleback Mountain Range got dressed up in their winter coat.

More Restaurants Succumb To COVID | Test Kit Fines: Patch PMs

Vaccines Slow Roll | Ballona Petition Gains Traction | Fire Captain Dies | Heroes Get Paid | OC Council Member Won't Mask Up For Meeting

Orange County's Year Interrupted By Coronavirus: 2020 Revisited

We know you may not want to remember everything about 2020 as we roll into 2021, but here is a look back at the stories that changed us.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Rancho Santa Margarita: CR&R

If you bought your Christmas tree in November, chances are it's now a fire hazard. Here is how and when to recycle your dried-out tree.

Rancho Santa Margarita Supports OCSD In Keeping Inmates Jailed

A recent court order to release half of the inmates of Orange County jail during the coronavirus outbreak is decried by OCSD, & many cities.

USPS Operation Santa: How You Can Play Santa In RSM

Many U.S. kids could go without gifts this Christmas. The Postal Service’s Operation Santa wants your help keeping Santa’s magic alive.

Geminids, Best 2020 Meteor Show: How To See Shooting Stars in RSM

Get far away from the city lights in Orange County and take in the always-reliable Geminid meteor shower, known for its colorful fireballs.

Power Outages Possible In Rancho Santa Margarita, Dove Canyon

Inland OC homes face possible power outages due to powerful Santa Ana winds as firefighters draw battle lines to keep the Bond Fire at bay.

Holiday: Christmas, Hanukkah & Santa 2020: Rancho Santa Margarita

Holly jolly still is on the calendar as Christmas tree & menorah lightings, Santa visits, Nutcrackers & more will go on. Just differently.

Fast Food Chain Settles Harassment Suit | LA Vs. Hate: Patch PMs

Decathlete 'Took Down' RFK's Killer Remembered | LeBron Stays For Record Pay | Towns Balk At LA Restaurant Closures | Power Outages Coming

Rancho Santa Margarita: No Burn Alert As Air Quality Worsens

There is no burning wood in your fireplaces or any indoor or outdoor wood-burning device until midnight, Friday across the Southland.

Rancho Santa Margarita Lake: Still Life On A Fall Morning

Rancho Santa Margarita Lake on a chilly fall morning in Orange County: Patch loves photos! here's how to send a pic of your favorite place.

Incumbents Reelected In Rancho Santa Margarita

In Rancho Santa Margarita, two seats were up for four-year terms.

Orange County Man Michael Nguyen Freed From Vietnam Prison After 2 Years For Allegedly ‘Attempting To Overthrow’ Government

The Orange County man has finally been freed and is back to his Southern California home.

Photo Of The Week: Sunset Celebration In Rancho Santa Margarita

Patch loves photos! and this picture of a sunset captures that SoCal vibe that residents love. Share your sunset pictures with Patch!

Sex Offenders In Rancho Santa Margarita: 2020 Local Safety Map

Find out where registered sex offenders live in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and nearby before the kids go out trick or treating.

Rancho Santa Margarita Gas Prices Drop Again, Time To Fill 'er Up

California's average gas prices are $3.199 per gallon, a full $1.023 more than the national average. How much did you last pay to fill up?

Halloween Event Guide 2020: Rancho Santa Margarita & Nearby

Halloween is still on the calendar! Check out OC haunts, pumpkin patches, & trick-or-treating for this most spook-tacular time of the year.

Rancho Santa Margarita Annual Residential Slurry Seal Project

This year’s Annual Slurry Seal Project begins in mid-October in certain areas and will take an estimated 40 working days to complete.

Mom Wins Settlement, School Memorial, In Son's OC Golf Cart Death

One year ago, an autistic teen died after driving a golf cart into a railing at El Modena High School.

Rancho Santa Margarita: Virtual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest Will Benefit Sheltered Animals

Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center invite your participation in a virtual fundraising ev ...

Orange County’s Mayors: ‘Mask Up To Open Up Oc!’

Mayor McGirr joins Orange County’s 34 mayors to send a message to residents, businesses, and visitors: “Mask up to open up OC!”

Drive-Through Vaccine Clinic Set For October 3rd In Mission Viejo

"The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Saturday, October 3 will host a drive-through low-cost pet vaccination clinic"

Long Beach Woman Pleads Not Guilty To Attempted Murder After Allegedly Driving Into Counter-Protesters In Yorba Linda

Tatiana Rita Turner was charged Tuesday for allegedly driving her car into a group of people in Yorba Linda over the weekend.

Low-Cost *Drive Thru* Pet Clinic Set For October 7, 2020 In Rancho Santa Margarita

To ensure safety and time efficiency, reservations are required and must be scheduled no later than one week prior to the clinic.

Cleveland National Forest Remains Closed Due To Fire Dangers

Cleveland National Forest will be closed to visitors through next Wednesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Rancho Santa Margarita Veterans Day Recognition

As a reminder, City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, in observance of the national holiday.

Rancho Santa Margarita: National Prescription Medication Take Back Day Slated For Saturday, October 24th

National Prescription Medication Take Back Day slated for Saturday, October 24th

Quake Rattles OC, Rancho Santa Margarita: Did You Feel It?

A 3.3 magnitude quake rattled inland Orange County awake Monday morning. Did you feel it?

Rancho Santa Margarita: Drive-Thru Flu Shots Offered By Age Well Senior Services

Please call Age Well staff at (949) 709-7592 for more information.

Santa Margarita Parkway Bridge Hinge Maintenance Project Update

Construction this week will occur behind protective concrete barriers.