This month the City would like to hear about your experience at the annual New Year's Eve "Celebrating Family and Friends"

Registration for Fall / Winter classes and programs is now available.

Summer has drifted to Autumn days filled with school, sports, and the anticipation of upcoming holidays. City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center are buzzing with activity. In the regional community center, the YMCA has resumed its school year hours, holiday parties are being booked, and Fall classes are in full swing. Visit the city's new registration system to participate in the fun programs being offered.
 
The City Clerk's Office is preparing for the election on November 2. Voter registration forms are available at City Hall should you need to register or update your registration. Public Works is busy completing roadway improvements for your safety. And, we welcome back the city's adopted Second Battalion, Fifth Marines on October 17 for the 2/5 Ooo-Rah! Car Wash fundraiser.
 
You can read about all these activities in this month's newsletter. As always, up to date information is available on our website at www.cityofrsm.org.
 
Sincerely,
Steven E. Hayman

Santa Margarita Ford is hosting the 2/5 Ooo-Rah! Car Wash to benefit the City of Rancho Santa Margarita's  adopted Second Battalion, Fifth Marines (2/5) on Sunday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
The car wash, which takes place at Santa Margarita Ford, 30031 Santa Margarita Parkway, RSM, CA 92688, will feature a display of two Hard Back HMMWV gun trucks.
 
Community members can get their vehicles washed, check out the Humvees, and help support the Marines by giving a donation. Proceeds from the day-long event will help fund upcoming programs, events, and more for the city's adopted Marines.

Contact Christine Groves at cgroves@cityofrsm.org for more information.

The upcoming General Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.  Ensure a positive voting experience by confirming that you are a registered voter. Have you moved since the last election? Will you be turning 18 on or by November 2?  If so, you may need to register or re-register to vote. Voter registration forms are available at the RSM Public Library, at City Hall and through the Registrar of Voters Office. Don't delay! The deadline to submit a voter registration form is October 18. 

Vote by Mail applications are available until October 26.
 

For more information or with specific election questions, call Molly McLaughlin, City Clerk, at 949.635.1806 or the Registrar of Voters at 714.567.7568 or visit www.ocvote.com.

A residential slurry seal project in the Melinda Heights neighborhood will begin this month and is scheduled to be completed before the end of October. The slurry seal process requires that the street be closed from 8 a.m. until the contractor removes the traffic control devices later the same day. Residents on the affected streets will be notified by the City's contractor, American Asphalt South, in advance of each local street closure.

A successful street maintenance program depends on your cooperation. Please remove all cars from the affected street when notified by the City's contractor and remain off the street until it is re-opened.
 
For more information about the project, please contact the Public Works Department at 949.635.1805.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita Community Services Division is excited to share with you RecTrac, the online registration system that gives you the convenience and flexibility to register for classes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Classes fill quickly! Create an account right now, or if you have taken classes with Rancho Santa Margarita before, simply reenter your information on the new RecTrac system.

The Fall/Winter Activity Guide is now available on the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org.

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, Wednesday, October 18-20, 4-7:30 p.m.
Ages 11 to 15 years, $53 / 2 class
 
Make a Difference 101       
This is a fun, empowering workshop where teens in grades 6-12 learn actual tools and skills to be effective citizens in their community.  Students will learn how to create an event from beginning to end or add dynamics to an already existing project.  With fun and creative activities, we explore the role youth can contribute to the community.
Tuesday, October 5, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Ages 14+ years, $33 / 1 class
 
Basics of Skateboarding
This hands-on camp allows children to develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other kids in the camp. All participants receive direct instruction from an experienced skateboard teacher and are grouped according to ability and age. The class focuses on basic skills that are acquired in a skate park ranging from safety, skating bowls and making transitions, to overall confidence building.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 5-14, 3-5 p.m.
Ages 5-12 years, $153 / 4 classes
 
Jewelry Design
Learn the basic skills to create your own one-of-a-kind jewelry.  Make a bracelet and earrings using semiprecious stone beads; the same quality of those sold at fine boutiques. What to bring:  $20 cash materials fee.
Friday, October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Ages 18+ years, $38 / 1 class
 
Dr. Sears L.E.A.N Start
Attend a highly interactive class with other parents where you will learn fun, creative, and practical ways to bring good nutrition into your home. Learn how foods impact learning, behavior, moods, and sleep. Come discover basic behaviors that will empower you to raise healthy children.
Thursdays, October 14-28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages 18+ years, $63 / 3 classes
 
Growing Your Own Food Anywhere
Learn about organic versus commercial food, GMO's and hybrids, soil, fertilizer, and composting. Growing food in small spaces such as decks or patios will be discussed.
Thursdays, October 7-21, 7-9 p.m.
Ages 18+ years, $28 / 3 classes

To register for these and other classes, visit Community Services on the city's website at www.cityofrsm.org