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RSM Messenger
June 2010
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
Melinda Street Improvements
Flag Retirement Ceremony
For Seniors
Need a Venue for a Private Event?
Recreation Highlights
RSM Historical Society
Protecting the Environment While Improving Your Home
Community Living
2010 Summer CLM

The Summer Community Living Magazine is here. It's time to register for summer camps, programs, and classes.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
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There's an exciting new way to let your voice be heard! Every month, the city is asking residents to answer a a couple of questions that will help city staff deliver the best possible services to residents and businesses.

Click here to voice your opinion.
Quick Links
RSM City Council
Mayor
Jerry Holloway

Mayor Pro Tempore
L. Anthony Beall

Council Members
Neil C. Blais
Gary Thompson
James M. Thor
City Council Meetings
Held on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
 
22112 El Paseo
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

For more information, call
949.635.1800.
Join Our Mailing List
City Manager's Message
Steve Hayman
Shop RSM

One of the joys of living in Rancho Santa Margarita is that you can shop and dine without leaving town. RSM is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and services. Surrounded by lush landscaping, with easy movement for pedestrians and vehicles, shopping centers in the city are designed to provide a pleasurable experience for shoppers.  Add the convenience of shopping locally, and you can see why shopping in RSM is a great idea.
 
When you shop in town, you financially support local business and help strengthen our community. Many RSM businesses are operated by folks who live in your neighborhoods. And, did you know that one cent of sales tax for each dollar you spend goes into the City's general fund, which supports city services such as public safety, street maintenance, and recreation programs? These city services help keep Rancho Santa Margarita consistently on the list of safest cities in California.
 
Our community is a great place to shop and dine so if you have the choice of where to make your next purchase, choose Rancho Santa Margarita!
 
Sincerely,
Steven E. Hayman
Melinda Street Improvements
Could Cause Minor Traffic Delays
At the end of June, construction will begin on the pavement resurfacing for Melinda Road from Altisma to Ametrine Way. Improvements include asphalt pavement resurfacing, repair and replacement of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and curb ramps. The City is using a combination of funding for this project including; Measure M revenues, Gas Tax revenues, Proposition 1B, Proposition 42 revenues and funds from a rubberized asphalt concrete grant through the State.  Minor traffic delays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. are expected during the months of June, July and August.  During those times, motorists are advised to use alternate routes.
 
For more information about the project, visit www.cityofrsm.org or contact the Public Works Department at 949.635.1800.
US Flag on poleU.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony
Flag Day, June 14
City Hall Parking Lot, 22112 El Paseo
7:30 (dusk) to 9:00 p.m.


The Saddleback Valley American Legion Post 862 along with Boy Scout Troop 623 will be retiring worn and/or unserviceable United States Flags as outlined by the U.S. Flag Code. This ceremony is steeped in tradition and reverence as many have given all to serve and protect what the U.S. Flag represents. If you have a U.S. Flag that is unserviceable, please contact Saddleback Valley American Legion Post 862 by visiting www.post862.org.
For Seniors...
Senior Mobility Program
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita has partnered with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and California Yellow Cab to subsidize cab rides for older adults to designated locations. The Senior Mobility Program is being offered to provide transportation services to adults 60 years of age and up who reside in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.  For more information or to purchase vouchers, please call 949.216.9700.
 
Blood Pressure Check
Come down to the Bell Tower Community Center every Wednesday, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. to have your blood pressure checked for FREE!
 
Hearing Aid Clean and Check
Every other Tuesday from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Bell Tower Community Center a hearing aid specialist is on hand to clean and check your hearing aid, this is a FREE service.
 
Classes and Activities
The City of RSM offers many classes for seniors; for a complete listing, you can pick up a Community Living Magazine at the Bell Tower Community Center or view online at www.cityofrsm.org.
BTRCC Ball RoomNeed a Venue for a Private Event?
Look No Further Than Your Own Backyard

When planning an event consider looking in your own community!  The Bell Tower Regional Community Center offers the perfect combination of elegance and affordability.  The Grand Ballroom is ideal for up to 250 people seated with beautiful views of palm trees and mountains.  The high windows, pendant chandeliers and hardwood floors allow you to create your event vision, whether it's either simple or elaborate.  The state-of-the-art commercial kitchen rental offers the option of having the caterer of your choice.  Over-sized electronic projection screens are available as well as a built-in sound system. 
 
Additional rooms are available for smaller functions. The Center is the ideal location for all size events: weddings, receptions, banquets, general business meetings, fundraisers and seminars.
 
Visit www.cityofrsm.org or call 949.216.9700 ext. 250 for more information.
Recreation Highlights
There is something for every member of the family at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center! 

Summer Camps are filling fast!  See all the camps here.
 
Parent & Me Art Time                                             
Explore a variety of art materials and fire up your child's imagination. Hands on projects may include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, preparing frames, and much more!  Come ready to get messy.  All materials and aprons are provided.  What to bring: a $10 materials fee. 
Friday, June 4 to June 25, 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Ages 3-5 yrs. $52/4 classes
 
Spanish for Early Preschoolers 
This is a unique language learning experience combines TPR (Total Physical Response) activities, music, movement, and hands on arts and crafts. This effective method introduces children to a second language in much the same way they learn their first.  No class July 5.  What to bring: $5 materials fee. 
Mondays, June 21 to August 9, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Ages 3-5 yrs. $118/7 classes
 
Children's Etiquette for Today
Good manners are lifetime skills that go hand-in-hand with leadership. This confidence building and interactive program teaches proper introduction and handshaking skills; polite conversation and public speaking; gift giving and receiving; thank you notes; and more.  Materials include workbook and certificate of completion.  What to bring: $18 materials fee. 
Tuesdays, June 15 to June 29, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Ages 8-12 yrs. $78/3 Classes
 
American Red Cross Babysitter's Training Course
Using a unique interactive format, youth learn to identify safety problems around the house and yard, and select age-appropriate toys and games. Participants will receive a Babysitter's Training certificate, bag, book, first aid kit, flashlight, and emergency contact log. 
Monday and Wednesday, June 14 and June 16, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Ages 11-15 yrs. $53/2 classes
 
Percussion Fundamentals
Learn rhythms, rudiments, and notes.  Develop a solid foundation for percussion instruments like drum kit, snare drum, timpani, congas, and bongos.  What to bring: drum sticks, drum pad on a stand, and a music stand. 
Thursdays, June 3 to June 24, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Ages 12+ yrs. $63/4 classes
 
Ballroom Dancing           
Learn both rhythm and smooth dances in this fun social dance class.  This class is designed as a "sampler" of both rhythm (salsa, swing, etc.) and smooth dances (waltz, tango, etc.). A partner is not required to enjoy this class and learn dances properly. 
No class July 5.  Mondays, June 7 to August 2, 8:00-8:50 p.m.
Ages 18+ yrs. $92/8 sessions
 
To register for these and other classes, visit the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org
RSM Historical Society
Wine Tasting Fundraiser

When: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Uncorked Wine Boutique, 22342 El Paseo
How: $35 includes admission, 2 tickets for Wine, beer, soft drinks, all you can eat appetizer buffet and one raffle ticket

For more information, visit www.rsmhistoricalsociety.org, email info@rsmhistoricalsociety.org or call Kathie Wickham 949.858.8970.
Protecting the Environment While Improving Your Home

Paint, wood, concrete, and soil are to improve your home; however, they can be harmful to our water and environment. If not disposed of properly, these materials can be carried by rain water and irrigation runoff into streets, storm drain systems, creeks, and eventually into our beautiful ocean.
 
To protect our precious environment and water sources, use the following important tips:
 
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
- Schedule projects during dry weather season (April 30 - October 1).
- Keep all construction debris away from the street, gutter and storm drains.
- Store materials under cover with temporary roofs or plastic sheets.

BUILDING MATERIALS
 - Order only the amount of materials needed to complete the job.
 - Store construction materials away from the street and sidewalk.
 - Wash concrete mixers and equipment in a designated area where water can be collected and disposed of properly.
 
PAINT/SPILLS
 - Store paint cans in a dry location away from the elements.
 - Wash brushes and other tools only in sinks connected to a sanitary sewer.
 - Never put wet paint in the trash.
 - Dispose of leftover paint at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. For locations and hours, call 714.834.6752 or visit www.oclandfills.com
- Use absorbent material such as cat litter to clean spills, and then dispose of material properly.
 - Report spills that affect the street, gutter or storm drain immediately using the 24-Hour Water Pollution Hotline at 877.89SPILL.

For more information, visit Public Works Department at www.cityofrsm.org or call 949.635.1800.