City Manager's Message

Last year at this time, I was writing about the tough decisions the City Council faced while working out a balanced budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011, in light of economic conditions. Their hard work paid off. Through their leadership and insistence on accountability, Rancho Santa Margarita will end the year with an estimated $1 million surplus. However, before thinking of ways to advise the City how to spend it, the surplus is primarily non-recurring. Nonetheless, we have recovered much of the deficit spending over the past two years and by keeping austere, 2011-12 will be as successful.

Over the past couple of months, the City Council again used responsible fiscal stewardship that ultimately resulted in approving a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Financial indicators look brighter, but we remain cautiously optimistic which explains our conservative spending plan. We certainly hope for the best, but are planning for something less as good government should. 

Enjoy the free summer concerts that begin July 17 and have a happy Fourth of July!   

Steven E. Hayman

Free Summer Concerts

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita and SAMLARC present four free concerts of fantastic musical performances. 

According to one RSM resident, "Last summer was our first time attending the concerts in the park. Some of our best memories from last summer were packing up blankets, the kids, and being under the summer sky dancing with our family and friends to live music."     

Concerts are on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. in Central Park in Civic Plaza. Bring your family, friends, blankets and chairs.

July 17 ~ Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band (Jimmy Buffet tribute)

July 24 ~ Neon Nation (80's cover music)

July 31 ~ The Kelly Fitzgerald Band (rock and roll)

August 7 ~ Surf City All Stars (surf and beach party music)

For more information, visit the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org. 

Hope on Wheels 5K Race/Run and Celebration of Life Benefiting  

CHOC Children's  

Following the 5K event, participants can enjoy a Celebration of Life Family Fun Day, complete with face painting, carnival games, arts & crafts, and more. Admission to the Family Fun Day is included with your race entry. Whether you are a professional runner or just want to support this cause, the Hope on Wheels 5K Run and Walk has something for everyone.

Register today at www.HyundaiHopeonWheels.org/5K

Save Water,  

Get Money 

Reduce Your Water Use with Water Efficient Devices and Receive a Rebate!  

Local Orange County water districts are offering rebates on water-saving devices that can help you reduce your water bill. Rebates are currently being offered on high efficiency clothes washers, efficient irrigation systems, and rotating sprinkler nozzles.

For more information about current rebates, please visit www.socalwatersmart.com or call 888.376.3314.

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety  

Learn the ABC's of Pool Safety 

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, California leads the nation in drownings. The ABC's of Pool Safety are design to help you and your child  learn how to prevent needless and tragic drownings.

Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic

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 Tuesday, from 10 a.m -12 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.

Recreation Highlights

Parent & Me Music Melodies      

Play and learn in this exciting environment of imaginative play for boys and girls and develop motor skills, coordination, and socialization with music, rhythm, games, creative movement, props, and parachutes. This parent participation class is filled with fun and fantasy that keeps children engaged while stimulating their minds and moving their bodies. Parent participation is required. 

Fridays, July 15 - August 19, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ages 1.5-4 years, $72 / 6 classes

Piano/Keyboard for Children    

Experience this revolutionary new approach to learning piano. Children will learn simple melodies of popular songs.  No musical experience required. Students must bring their own keyboard and AC adapter to class. No class August 12.   

Fridays, July 15 - August 19, 10-10:50 a.m.

Ages 6-11 years, $93 / 5 classes

Youth Running Club      

This club promotes the sport of running by providing high quality coaching for kids. Each runner develops proper running skills through consistent practice and instruction. Meets in the Bell Tower Community Center Atrium on first day of class.     

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, July 6 - July 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Ages 8-14 years, $78 / 13 classes

Babysitter Training    

Using a unique American Red Cross interactive format, youth learn to identify safety problems around the house and yard, and to select age-appropriate toys and games. Participants will recieve a Babysitter Training certificate, bag, book, first aid kit, flashlight, and emergency contact log.    

Monday and Wednesday, July 11-13, 4-7:30 p.m. 

Ages 11-15 years, $68 / 2 classes

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. No class July 13. 

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 are taught to popular songs. $2 materials fee. 

Tuesdays, July 12 - August 2, 6:45-7:45 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $45 / 4 classes

Build and Fly Model Airplanes    

This class is and introduction the the sport and hobby or radio controlled aircraft. Learn to build and fly a remote control (RC) airplane. The first day of class meets at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center. The second day is held at a local RC airfield where you will fly a model plane with the use of a buddy box. Visit www.trabucoflyers.com for directions to the field.   

Thursday, July 14, 7-8:30 p.m.  

And Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $48 / 2 classes  

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