There's an exciting way to let your voice be heard! Every month, the city asks residents to answer a couple of questions that will help city staff deliver the best possible services to residents and businesses.

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

RSM Rated Safest City in California

I am proud to announce that the City of Rancho Santa Margarita has been listed as the safest city in California for cities with a population greater than 20,000 residents according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) 2009 Uniform Crime Report. This is the ninth consecutive year that RSM has been identified as one of the safest communities in Orange County and California.

Numerous categories in the crime report showed a decrease in frequency, including violent crime, robbery, larceny-theft, and aggravated assault. Other categories remained among the lowest numbers for cities similar in size. Overall, Rancho Santa Margarita has experienced a steady decline in all crimes over the past five years.

This is good news for the residents of Rancho Santa Margarita. The combination of high standards for our Police Services Department and the efforts of the community in our neighborhoods and schools are working.  Congratulations are due everyone in the community of Rancho Santa Margarita. If you would like more information about the FBI's Uniform Crime Report or crime prevention programs, visit the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org.

Today is Election Day. Don't forget to vote!

Sincerely,
Steven E. Hayman

On average a child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for an average-size elementary school.  Packing waste-free lunches reduces waste and saves your family and school money.

Use these tips to get started:

• Pack food in reusable lunch containers and avoid using plastic baggies for snacks and disposable utensils.
• Replace paper napkins with a cloth napkin that can be washed and reused.
• Use a reusable (BPA free) bottle to store water or other beverages.
• Pack it all up in a reusable lunch bag or tote!

For more information on Waste Free Lunches, visit www.wastefreelunches.org.

Slot Car Racing                                

Slot Car Racing is a fun/competitive activity for boys, girls and parents too!  Make it a family night; bring your neighbors and friends for some Friday night fun.  Each session is a mini tournament for everyone to enjoy.  Parents are encouraged to attend but not required.

Friday, November 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, December 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Ages 6-12 years, $23 / 1 class

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.
Wednesday, Thursday, December 1-2, 4-7:30 p.m.
Ages 11 to 15 years, $53 / 2 classes

This is one of the most versatile and fun dances since it can be danced to almost any kind of music. If you learn only one dance this should be it. No partner needed. 

Tuesdays, November 9-30, 7-7:55 p.m.

Ages 16+ years, $50 / 4 classes

Floral Design     

Learn how to create a remarkable low cost holiday floral arrangement.  Share your newly developed talents by creating centerpieces for the holidays or social gatherings.

What to bring:  $20 cash materials fee and small garden trimmers.

Friday, November 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Ages 18+ years, $38 / 1 class                                     

Congregate Meals

Join us daily for hot or cold, nutritious, healthy meals and enjoy the company of friends.

Monday-Friday, 11:30 am-12:00 pm (excluding holidays)  

Location: Bell Tower Regional Community Center

Suggested donation is $4 for 60+ years and $5.50 for those under 60 years

Lunch and a Movie

1st and 3rd Friday of every month (excluding holidays)

Lunch 11:30 a.m. and movie 12 p.m.

Lunch donation and free movie                                

Bingo

Bingo is played communally with numbered cards. Numbers are selected at random and the first person to cover all or specified numbered slots wins. Come for lunch at 11:30 am and stay for Bingo!

Every Monday (excluding holidays)

Registration is 12:30-1 p.m. and games 1-3 p.m.

$4 per card (10 games), $2 each additional

HeartSaver CPR: Adult, Child & Infant                                       

Learn how to respond to breathing/cardiac emergencies for an adult, child and infant.  Participants will receive an American Heart Association CPR & AED certification that is good for two years. What to bring: $15 materials fee 

Tuesday, November 9, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tuesday, November 9, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Ages 12+ yrs, $50 / 1 class