MISSION VIEJO

City Manager Dan Joseph said Monday that he has authorized hiring a private security firm to patrol the public library after hours in response to recent acts of vandalism. The latest incident occurred last weekend, when a Molotov cocktail erupted in flames at the front door and several light fixtures in the parking lot were smashed. Two vehicle also were severely damaged, with broken windows and slashed tires.

The total cost of the damage has not been determined, but Joseph said it appears to be at least $4,000, which will come out of the city’s building maintenance fund. City Librarian Valerie Meyer said light fixtures were broken and outdoor furniture in the library’s Garden of Knowledge were marked with graffiti a few weeks ago. Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call (949) 425-1800.