Parks Prices Just Fell Off the Cliff

This week the cost of using Orange County Parks got cheaper.

With Four $100,000 City Employees, Rancho Santa Margarita Is 'Lean and Mean'

Per capita, the city has fewer employees making six-figure incomes than any other city in Orange County.

Rancho Santa Margarita Moves Closer to Barring Sex Offenders from Parks

The proposed ordinance requires sex offenders to get written permission from the Orange County Sheriff's Department to visit a site; the request must be date- and time-specific.

Obama Birther Lawyer Orly Taitz Is Stupid or Playing Games, Judge Says

A judge comes down hard on the Rancho Santa Margarita lawyer for continued mistakes in defiance of the court's direction.

Local Doctor and Latvian Prime Minister Cut Ribbon on Consulate

Dr. Juris Bunkis of Coto de Caza received his diplomat's identification card from the leader of his parents' homeland Sunday. He is the honorary consulate of Latvia.

Prime Minister Goes One-on-One With Patch

Valdis Dombrovskis offers up his impression of Rancho Santa Margarita, the prospects for a growing economy, defining success, and what Latvia has to offer the U.S.

Special Ceremony Honors Latvian Prime Minister Visiting Rancho Santa Margarita

Mayor gives Valdis Dombrovskis the key to the city on Sunday at City Hall.

Beall, Hyundai Bring Back Rancho Santa Margarita 5K

Hyundai takes over the Labor Day race, which the city had discontinued because of budget concerns. The event will raise money to fight pediatric cancer.

Latvian Prime Minister to Visit Rancho on Sunday

The event is part of a working trip to the U.S. for Valdis Dombrovskis, whose country is opening an honorary consulate in town to foster "economic cooperation."

RSM Council Considers Two Options in Sex Offender Ban

Officials want more time to discuss options as well as give city staff time to reach out to local homeowners' associations.

Caylee's Law Seeks to Fill Legal Gap Exposed in the Casey Anthony Trial

National outrage over Casey Anthony's acquittal prompts a grass-roots movement for Caylee's Law.

Planning Commission OK's Tutoring Center and Martial Arts Studio

The commissioners also sign off on an antenna to improve cell phone reception.

Plans for 'South California' to Become 51st State

As the country readies for its Independence Day weekend, Supervisor Jeff Stone of Riverside broaches the idea of secession for 13 counties in California, including Orange County.

Thompson Gets the 'Welcome' Sign as a Show of Thanks

Gary Thompson, one of the city founders, is honored by Rancho Santa Margarita leaders for his civic contribution.

Petrilla Returns to Council Minus the Drama

After almost four months of military training, Jesse Petrilla says the right things at RSM City Council meeting.

Plan for 23-Acre Sports Park Delayed as City Seeks More Info

Officials vote to hold a workshop to review research on 92-acres of city-owned open space, known as Chiquita Ridge.

Petrilla Returns From Training, Ready for Council

After being gone for nearly four months, Jesse Petrilla rejoins City Council on Wednesday.

Council Postpones Vote on Contract for Analysis of Chiquita Ridge Project Options

Vote would have chosen project manager for analysis of the 92-acre open space between the 241 Toll Road and Antonio Parkway.

Rancho Santa Margarita OKs $15-Million Budget

Financial plan includes $158,827 surplus and $8,466 for the 2/5 Marine battalion and a trauma intervention program.

City Council Moves Toward More Bans for Sex Offenders

RSM council members like the idea of putting restrictions on registered sex offenders at parks and want to expand it to buildings and add tougher penalties.

City to Discuss Banning Sex Offenders from RSM Parks

City Council will confer with a deputy district attorney. A similar county ordinance was adopted unanimously by Orange County Board of Supervisors.

Council to Consider Ban on Sex Offenders in City Parks

Councilman Steve Baric proposed an ordinance that would be similar to a recent law passed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

84 Acres of Trabuco Canyon Set Aside as Open Space

The property, called Saddle Creek South, lies on the south side of Live Oak Canyon Road next to Cleveland National Forest.

City Council Grants Funds for Nonprofit Organizations

The annual CDBGs are handed out. Also, students from Serra Catholic are recognized.

City Hall Now Available 24/7, More or Less

Online service provides access to the city leaders, though there's no guarantee anyone will answer at 4 a.m.

RSM Townhomes, 66 of Them, Get OK from City Council

City Council approves a 4.09-acre project at corner of Avenida de las Banderas and Alma Aldea, next to the IHOP. Holloway dissents: "We're all built out."

Parking Violation Fees Raised $3, Other Tickets Reduced $15

City Council decreases 'correctable vehicle violation' amounts by $15. Your fix-it tickets are worth fixing.

Park Neighbors Don't Sign Off on Banners

Banners at Trabuco Mesa Park are a bone of contention for neighbors who take their case to the Planning Commission.

O.C. Coaches Allegedly Received $700,000 in Kickbacks, Probe Finds

According to financial records obtained by PBS SoCal, coaches from Tesoro High, San Clemente High, Aliso Niguel High, Capistrano Valley High, El Toro High and Saddleback College were all involved.

Official Reissues His 'Killing bin Laden' Video Game

Rancho Santa Margarita City Councilman Jesse Petrilla revives 'Quest for Al-Qa'eda,' a game he created after 9/11.

RSM's Orly Taitz Presents Birth Certificate Case In 9th Circuit Court

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

Taitz to Argue Obama's Legitimacy as President Before Panel

RSM's Orly Taitz gets another day in court to challenge President Obama's citizenship and right to hold office.

RSM's Orly Taitz: Obama Certificate Should Say 'Negro,' not 'African'

A birth certificate produced by the president is not enough to stop attorney and dentist Orly Taitz from pursuing the question of the president's legitimacy in court.

Gamble Was No Gamble, but a Known Quantity

By choosing a popular former council member, the City Council made a safe choice for an 18-month interim leader.

City Council Has News You Can Use, Unveils Online Mello Roos Tax Tool

Officials also approve $236,991.92 contract for overlay of certain city streets.

Gamble is Chosen New Council Member by Unanimous Vote

Steve Baric's unifying speech precedes Carol Gamble's unanimous selection as the successor to Gary Thompson.

Hrabik Bows Out, Beall Asks the Tough Questions

Mayor asks Safranski about his connection to Coto de Caza annexation attempts in the 1990s, Whittingham about conflicts of interest.

Round 2 of Interviews in Special Meeting Tuesday

A special meeting of the City Council will be held Tuesday for the purpose of re-interviewing candidates for Gary Thompson's vacated seat.

Petrilla Gives Council Go-Ahead to Go On Without Him

Petrilla tells his colleagues to vote without him because of his unavailability and the cost of a special election is unnecessary.

City Council: No Appointment but Plenty of Antics

Jesse Petrilla proves difficult on a bad night for City Council, which is unable to make much progress toward choosing Gary Thompson's successor.