Ex-Mayor Files Claim Against O.C. City

A former mayor of Mission Viejo, who had said her council colleagues “sold me down the river,” filed a $10-million claim against three council members and the city, alleging harassment, among other things.

The claim by Gail Reavis, who is still a councilwoman, was filed Wednesday against Mayor Patricia Kelley and Councilmen Lance MacLean and Frank Ury.

Also named are City Atty. Peter Thorson and Kathy Rios, assistant to the city manager.

Reavis alleges a hostile work environment, personal harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy and emotional stress.

Neither Reavis nor her attorney could be reached for comment. Legal claims are usually a precursor to a lawsuit.

The action is related to a long-running feud among council members and an earlier claim of harassment filed by Rios against Reavis.

Rios sought $15,600 and a public apology from Reavis. The councilwoman never conceded any wrongdoing.

In November, the council voted 3 to 1 to settle Rios’ claim with an undisclosed sum. Reavis was excluded from the closed session.

Reavis, at the time, said her colleagues “sold me down the river” by settling the claim.