| City Office Closures | City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center will be closed Monday, January 17, in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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| Let Your Voice Be Heard |
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.
Click here to voice your opinion. |
Community Living
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Look for the Spring Community Living magazine in February 2011.
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RSM City Council
| Mayor
L. Anthony Beall
Mayor Pro Tempore
Gary Thompson
Council Members
Steven Baric
Jerry Holloway
Jesse Petrilla
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| City Council Meetings | Held on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
22112 El Paseo
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
For more information, call
949.635.1806.
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City Manager's Message
 At the December 8, 2010, City Council meeting, two new members were sworn in and a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem were selected. Your new city council is: Tony Beall, Mayor; Gary Thompson, Mayor Pro Tem; and Council Members Steven Baric, Jerry Holloway, and Jesse Petrilla.
Although some of the names have changed, each one of these gentlemen has noted their commitment to maintaining and improving city services while remaining financially vigilant. For 2011, Mayor Beall has requested City staff to review and update its previous Mello Roos audit information. Results will be finished and made available to residents by the end of Spring. Another significant goal for the new year is proceeding with the evaluating, planning, and eventual development of the Chiquita Ridge property along Antonio Parkway.
The City Council and City staff are looking forward to the new year with cautious optimism regarding the economy. Although there are some good signs, we will continue to take a conservative approach in the upcoming months as we prepare a balanced budget for the next fiscal year.
As always, remember to visit the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org for current news and information.
From all of us to all of you, Happy New Year!
Steven E. Hayman
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Annual City Council Reorganization
City Council elects Tony Beall as Mayor and Gary Thompson as Mayor Pro Tempore
At its December 8, 2010 meeting, the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council elected its new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Tony Beall was selected to run his second term as mayor and in his incoming remarks he reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the original vision of the City as a master planned community in order to "...retain its character, its charm and its soul." Mayor Beall outlined his priorities for 2011 which included a commitment to providing residents with an update of the City's existing Mello Roos audit, an enhanced focus on economic development to assist the business community, and a desire to promptly proceed with the City's development of the Chiquita Ridge property.
Newly elected Mayor Pro Tem Gary Thompson is serving his fourth term as Mayor Pro Tem. In his incoming remarks, Mayor Pro Tem Thompson noted his continuing commitment to the development of the Chiquita Ridge property and his dedication to working diligently to ensure a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Preceding the City Council reorganization, oaths of office were given to newly elected City Council members Steven Baric and Jesse Petrilla as well as re-elected Council Member Gary Thompson. Biographical information for the Council Members can be found on the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org.
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Free Tax Preparation Service
Appointments available beginning January 7, 2011
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the AARP Tax Aide group will be conducting the "Tax Preparation Assistance" program from February 9 through April 13, 2011 by appointment only. The Tax Assistance Program provides free assistance in filing federal and state income tax returns for low and moderate-income taxpayers of all ages. This service is free to eligible residents of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Appointments can be scheduled beginning January 7 by calling RSM Community Services at 949.216.9700, extension 1259. |
 Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
Start the New Year by getting your pets vaccinated!
Wednesday, January 5, 7-8:30 p.m.
Bell Tower Regional Community Center
Services include:
Dogs: Rabies vaccination, DHLPP "4 in 1" and Bordatella
Cats: Rabies vaccination and FVRCP "3 in 1"
AVID micro chips
Cash only. For details and pricing information, please contact the Community Services Department at 949.216.9700.
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Habitat for Humanity Offers Housing Maintenance Assistance
A new Housing Maintenance Assistance Program is now available for homeowners in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The program is aimed at maintaining neighborhoods where homeowners need aid in weatherization maintenance for their home's exterior, and/or improved access or mobility within their home's interior. Services will be provided by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. The Housing Maintenance Assistance Program is available through June 2011, and is available to owner-occupied residences with proof of ownership, and verifiable total household income not exceeding 80 percent of the area median income. Homeowners interested in registering for the program can contact Habitat for Humanity of OC at 714.434.6200 extension 227 or familyservices@habitatoc.org. The Housing Maintenance Assistance Program is financed by Community Development Block Grant Funds received by the City from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). |
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Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
Free counseling provided by Fair Housing Council of Orange County
The Fair Housing Council of Orange County, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified agency, is conducting free foreclosure prevention workshops with no appointment needed every Tuesday of the month. Walk-in hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet with HUD certified counselors to discuss your options. Free counseling sessions include information on:
- How to avoid and prevent foreclosure
- How to communicate with your lender
- Loan workouts and modifications
- Short sales and forbearance agreements
- How to avoid predatory lenders and scams
- Options to help you stay in your home
For more information, contact Brenda Magana at 714.569.0823, extension 224 or by email at bmagana@fairhousingoc.org. The Fair Housing Council of Orange County is located at 201 S. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Click here for information flyer.
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 10th Annual "Celebrating Family and Friends" New Year's Eve EventA big round of applause to our sponsorsA magic show, games, crafts, inflatable rides, live music, and food made for a fun filled family New Year's Eve. This year brought special meaning to the celebration as it included commemorating the 10th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. Hundreds of people from across Orange County started their New Year's Eve celebration at the 10th Annual "Celebrating Family and Friends" community event at Civic Plaza.
The City would like to express its sincere appreciation of the event sponsors: Family and Friends: Applied Medical Anniversary: Charles Abbott Associates Celebration: Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart, and Cox Communications
Community: Harbor Pointe Air Conditioning & Control Systems, Inc, Shulman, Hodges & Bastian, LLP., and Merchants Building Maintenance
Friend: Hogle-Ireland, Trabuco Canyon News, and CR&R
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Disposal Options for Home Generated Sharps
Did you know that it is prohibited to dispose of home generated sharps in your trash and recycling containers? "Home generated sharps" is defined as hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a residence. Sharps waste should be contained in a heavy duty, puncture resistant container with a tight fitting lid and may be disposed for no charge at any of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers. The nearest collection centers are located at 32250 La Pata in San Juan Capistrano and 6411 Oak Canyon in Irvine. Other options include asking your health care provider or local pharmacy if they take back used needles, lancets, and syringes. You may also consider using a "mail-back" service for proper disposal. These can be purchased at Walgreens or CVS pharmacies or online. For more information, visit the OC Waste & Recycling website.
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 Recreation Highlights
Find fun at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center
Parent and Me Clay 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.
Wednesdays, January 12 - February 16, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Ages 3-5 years, $52 / 4 classes
Girls Gymnastics - Tumbling and FX Routine
Learn quality tumbling skills, an original floor routine, and you can "compete" and earn a ribbon. All levels welcome. This is a great opportunity for homeschool programs.
No class on January 17 and February 21
Mondays, January 10 - February 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursdays, January 13 - February 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Ages 5-10 years, $63 / 6 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 to 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, January 24-26, 4-7:30 p.m.
Ages 11-15 years, $53 / 2 classes
Beginning Guitar
Learn to play the guitar in just five weeks! This class is designed to build a strong foundation for people with no experience playing the guitar. Students will learn several chords, strum styles, and three classic rock songs. Students must bring their own guitar to class. Class is repeatable.
Wednesdays, January 5 - February 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Ages 10+ years, $93 / 5 classes
Heartsaver CPR: Adult, Child, and 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. $15 cash materials fee.
Wednesday, January 12, 6-9 p.m.
Ages 18+ years, $38 / 1 class
Congregate Meals
Join us for hot or cold, nutritious, healthy meals and enjoy the company of friends.
Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Bell Tower Regional Community Center
Suggestion donation: $4 for ages 60+ years and $5.50 for those under 60 years
Lunch and a Movie
First and third Friday of every month (excluding holidays)
Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and the movie begins at noon.
Lunch donation and free movie.
Bingo
Come for lunch and stay for Bingo!
Every Monday (excluding holidays)
Registration is 12:30-1 p.m. and games are 1-3 p.m.
$4 per card (10 games), $2 each additional card
To register for these and other classes, visit Community Services on the city's website at www.cityofrsm.org.
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