The month of June in most of Southern California is often associated with being "gloomy" as in the "June gloom"; but in Rancho Santa Margarita it's truly the beginning of summer. The signs of summer are all around our community as children are finishing the school year and summer camps start getting into full swing.  Weddings and other special occasions will be celebrated at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center and our Civic Center lights up in the evenings and weekends. The various parks in the community will be full of picnics, fun, and family activities; including skateboarders and our four-legged friends at Canada Vista Park. In July, plan on attending the very popular summer concert series; as it returns on Sunday evenings at Central Park. 

Be sure to look through the summer Community Living Magazine or visit the city's website, www.cityofrsm.org, for more information about all the family fun and activities that help make Rancho Santa Margarita a great place to live, work, and play.

Enjoy the summer.

Free Electronic Waste Collection Event   

Saturday, June 4, 2011, 9 a.m to 3 p.m.  

Do something that's good for the environment and benefits the American Cancer Society. On Saturday, June 4, in the City Hall Parking Lot, electronic waste will be collected. Electronic waste includes items such as televisions, computers, cell phones, and DVD/VCR players. Proceeds from the collection will be donated to the RSM Relay for Life event on June 11, 2011, at Central Park.

For more information about the electronic waste collection or Relay for Life, contact Joe at joegarza@pvmaintenance.com or Lisa at lisa@globale-r.com.  

U.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 many local Boy Scout Troops, 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. 

Report Graffiti Vandalism Quickly and Safely

Keep Our Community Beautiful

Graffiti, like everything else, comes in waves and  Rancho Santa Margarita has historically experienced a wave of graffiti vandalism during the summer.

To keep our community safe and beautiful, we encourage all residents to report graffiti as quickly as possible using the following guidelines:

 - If you actually see graffiti vandalism in progress, please call the police at 949.770.6011 immediately with as much detail about the area, street name, and vandals as possible. Do not approach or confront the vandal yourself. While catching vandals is significant, your personal safety is of the utmost importance.

 - If you observe graffiti with no vandals in the area, please report it to the Public Works Department at 949.635.1800, extension 6501. Public Works staff will work to have the graffiti removed in a timely manner.  

Remember: Report graffiti quickly, but safely.  

Did you know? Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services participates in an Orange County Sheriff's Department program called Tracking Automated Graffiti Reporting System (TAGRS) in which all graffiti is photographed and documented and entered into the TAGRS database. This database helps to track and link incidents throughout Orange County and aids in the investigation and prosecution of graffiti vandals. 

Book Your Summer Event in the Ballroom 

Whether you are planning a wedding, quinceañera, graduation party, bar or bat mitzvah, the ballroom at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center is perfect for your event. This beautiful room is complete with hardwood floors, chandeliers, and a tremendous view of Central Park and the Saddleback Mountains.

In addition to its beauty, the ballroom has numerous amenities. Its integrated sound system is complete with full audiovisual capabilities and multiple electronic projection screens. Immediately adjacent to the ballroom is a full service caterer's kitchen with state of the art appliances. Use of the kitchen can be added to any ballroom event.

The ballroom can be divided into smaller rooms for more intimate celebrations. Or, you may choose one of the conference rooms that are also available at the community center. 

For more information on how to rent the beautiful facilities at the Bell Tower Community Center, visit the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org.

Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic

Summer Camp Registration  

Is in Full Swing 

Camps Fill Up Fast. Register Today.

Recreation Highlights

Spanish for Preschoolers     

This 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 learned their first language. No class July 4. 

Mondays, June 20 - August 1, 4:30-5:20 p.m.

Ages 3-5 years, $102 / 6 classes

Basics of Skateboarding   

Whether your child is a five year old who has never been on a skateboard or an intermediate 12 year old, this class will offer the guidance and instruction necessary to skateboard at the next level. All participants are grouped according to ability and age. The class focuses on basic skills including safety, flat ground techniques, small ramps, and other obstacles.  

Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 7 - June 16, 3-5 p.m.

Ages 5-12 years, $153 / 4 classes

Self-Defense / Anti-Bullying - NEW!     

Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most fun and exciting martial art out there! This class is a perfect way to stay fit, learn self-defense, and belong to a group who are seriously committed to each other's progress. Students will learn about conflict resolution, available school-based resources, interpersonal skills, and self-defense.   

Wednesdays, June 1 - June 22, 5-6 p.m.

Ages 6+ years, $63 / 6 classes

College Admissions Essay Writing Boot Camp - NEW!   

Current high school juniors should not miss this comprehensive, fun, and informative boot camp. Learn tricks, tips, and techniques to finish your admissions essay well before you start filling out applications. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to write an impressive essay, how to pick a topic, and tips on what not to do. Students will leave with a draft of their essay, as well as valuable exposure to what makes the best admission essays work. If you have a laptop, bring it.   

Saturday, June 25, 2-5 p.m. 

Ages 15-16 years, $28 / 1 class

Photography Fundamentals - NEW! 

Interested in photography? If the automatic settings are not working for you and you want to improve your photography skills, then this is the class for you. You will learn how to use your camera, understand all of the different settings, and improve your picture taking skills. Please bring your camera to class. 

Wednesday, June 5 - June 29, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 6 - August 3, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Ages 16+ years, $48 / 4 classes

Country Line Dancing - NEW! 

Learn the latest country line dances. Dances include "10 Rounds of Jose Cuervo", "Goodtime", "Lover, Lover", "Bobby with an 'I'", "Uno, Dos, Tres", and many more.  

Tuesdays, June 7 - June 28, 6:45-7:45 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $45 / 4 classes

Investment Strategies for Your Future - NEW!   

Are you worried about your retirement nest egg? Learn how the fixed income market works and how to make money in it. Learn about mutual funds, buying and selling individual stocks, and all types of retirement accounts. This class also covers annuities, long term care, and estate planning. Participants will not be solicited for business. 

Tuesdays, June 28 - July 12, 6:30-9 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $38 / 3 classes  

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