There are so many ways to use Patch to connect to your friends and neighbors, tell your community what you think and how you feel and promote your local business.
Here's a list of the reasons why we're here and what this site is all about. Simply put, it's about you.
We've built Patch for you to comment on stories, share your opinions, post photos and announcements and add events to the community calendar. We hope that our site will strengthen the community, but we can't do it without you.
So get to it!
1. COMMENT
We believe news is a conversation. A lot of our reporting comes from what readers tell us in e-mails, comments on our sites, and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.
Do you know of a book signing at our local bookstore, a celebrity chef appearing at cooking store or an art exhibit at a local coffeehouse? Is there a garage sale or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be. Feel free to add events to our site here.
3. BLOG
What do you love about Mission Viejo? What can't you stand? Whatever you care about, you'll love blogging. Sign up for a blog here, and share your ideas with the rest of Orange County.
At the bottom of the home page, there's a link that says "Send Us News Tips." Tell us the stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to Pete Schelden, your (incredibly grateful) editor. You can also e-mail him at peter.schelden@patch.com.
Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank-you shout-outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, we welcome you to call on your community for help. Just remember, our terms of service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.
The daily Mission Viejo Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your e-mail every day.
7. CLAIM YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING
Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, email us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it here.
8. UPLOAD PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Upload videos of high school football touchdowns or your Little Leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share with the rest of the community the memories you've caught on camera.
9. ADVERTISE WITH US
For all advertising queries, please contact Mission Viejo Patch's Regional Publisher Steven Suhrheinrich at (619) 402-6625.
Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets a thumbs-up? You can post a review of your favorite (or not-so favorite) restaurants and businesses. Or, search to find what you're craving—you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.
You can "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/MissionViejoPatch and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/MissionVPatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation.
12. SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Patch would like to invite every member of the Mission Viejo community to submit a letter to the editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words, and e-mail it to Editor Pete Schelden at peter.schelden@patch.com. The more Mission Viejo Patch serves as on online space for community dialogue, the more useful our site will be. So next time you have something to share with your neighbors, consider taking a moment to send a letter to Patch. Chances are, you're not the only one who feels that way.
