News Summary
William ‘Bill’ Curley, the City Attorney of Mission Viejo, has passed away after over two decades of service to the city. Curley was remembered for his expertise in various legal matters critical to the city’s operations and for his exceptional character and humor. His passing comes during a time of legal challenges for the city council, which has led to ongoing scrutiny and changes in its governance structure. City officials are focusing on maintaining stability amidst these transitions and honoring Curley’s significant contributions.
Mission Viejo – The City Attorney of Mission Viejo, William “Bill” Curley, has passed away over the weekend after more than two decades of dedicated service to the city. Curley was an essential contract employee, having served in this capacity for 21 years, and his loss is mourned by city officials and residents alike.
City Clerk Kimberly Schmitt expressed heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Curley’s impactful contributions to the city and his exceptional character. Colleagues remember him not only for his professional expertise but also for his great sense of humor, which endeared him to many throughout the city government.
In a tribute to Curley’s significant impact on the community, city officials have lowered the city flag to half-staff. The Mission Viejo City Council honored Curley during its recent meeting, reflecting the sadness and appreciation for his long-term contributions.
Throughout his career, Curley demonstrated expertise in a variety of legal matters crucial to the city’s operations. His practice areas included housing, economic development, special district representation, ethics and official conduct, land use advice, and code enforcement. His profound knowledge in these areas supported the council in navigating complex legal landscapes.
In the backdrop of Curley’s passing, Mission Viejo finds itself embroiled in legal complexities related to city council term extensions. Taxpayers now face prospectively owing $715,000 in attorney’s fees linked to lawsuits that arose when the city council extended its members’ terms without an election in 2020. This action attracted scrutiny and led to a lawsuit filed against the council.
An Orange County Superior Court Judge ruled that several council members, including Ed Sachs and Greg Raths, had overstayed their terms significantly, adding urgency to the council’s restructuring. The judge mandated that council members Brian Goodell and Trish Kelley must run in the 2022 election to regain their seats, rather than completing their terms until 2024.
Furthermore, the council’s decision to adopt cumulative voting temporarily was made following discussions to remedy potential violations of the California Voting Rights Act. This shift aims to enhance representation while the appeal processes for the various lawsuits continue, as all five council seats were contested due to the ongoing legal disputes.
As the council navigates this challenging landscape, a recent appellate court ruling affirmed the removal of three council members, emphasizing the importance of ongoing oversight and representation within the council structure. The outcome of ongoing litigation remains undetermined, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over future elections.
Amidst the turmoil, the city has swiftly appointed a temporary council member to ensure that a quorum is maintained for the certification of upcoming elections, following the required removals. Curley’s departure, combined with these significant legal challenges, marks a pivotal moment in Mission Viejo’s governance.
As Mission Viejo moves forward, city officials are focused on maintaining stability and fulfilling the community’s needs amidst transitions. William Curley’s legacy will certainly be remembered as residents and leaders alike celebrate his extensive contributions to the city.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Community Mourns Loss of City Attorney Bill Curley
- OC Register: 3 Mission Viejo Council Members Removed from Office
- LAist: Mission Viejo City Council Elections
- Google Search: Mission Viejo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mission Viejo
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
