Bernardi credits leadership that makes public safety a top priority. The city spends about $13.5 million a year to contract with the sheriff's department. Police services has 56 sworn officers, crime prevention programs aimed at adults, teens and seniors and can tap into the sheriff's department for services that include the bomb squad, special investigations and training.

Crime trends are quickly identified. Last year nearly 30 SUVs were stolen from the Shops at Mission Viejo in six months causing an unusual spike in auto thefts in the city. This year that number has gone down to just four. There is crime in the city but most of it involves burglary. No homicides occurred last year.

Mission Viejo has a population of about 98,000. It has more than 41 parks, and five recreation centers. Its city logo boasts the 'California Promise' focusing on athleticism, community and youth sports. It hosted the cycling road race for the 1984 Olympics.

As word spread through the community Monday it confirmed what many residents already knew.

"I always though it was the best place to bring up kids," said Neil MacEachern, 60, who moved to the Mission Viejo from Long Beach more than 20 years ago. "I always felt it was safe. I'm a guy who worked in LA so when I came home here it was always like a breath of fresh air. We all know what we have here."

Sharon Bane, a seven-year resident, agreed.

"I'm comfortable here with my kids wandering around," said the 35-year-old mother who moved from Alta Loma. "We don't need to chain down our windows. That's the main reason we moved here. It's a family place with good schools, good shopping and restaurants."                      More