City Manager's Message

Are You Prepared?  

In Southern California, it's not uncommon to experience a wide variety of potential disasters. Most of you have felt an earthquake, smelled smoke from a wildfire, or have dealt with flooding, and power outages. You may have experienced smaller scale emergencies like household fires or injuries at home and work.

Following the tragedy of 9/11, September was designated National Preparedness month. It's a great time to review your emergency readiness. Are you ready to take care of yourself, your family, and your home or business if something happened now? Could you help neighbors and co-workers? Will you be able to get by if utilities fail, if roads and communications are disrupted, or if stores and banks are closed? This edition of RSM Messenger includes resources to help you and your family prepare for emergencies and potential disasters.

In the event of a disaster, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita is committed to keeping you informed to the best of our ability. We will post information on our website at www.cityofrsm.org and will use AlertOC to send emergency notifications to you.  Please register your cell phone numbers and email addresses with AlertOC to ensure you receive important notifications from the City during a disaster or emergency. Visit www.AlertOC.com to register today.

Wishing you a safe September, 

Steven E. Hayman

Hope On Wheels 5K Race and Walk on Labor Day

September 5, 2011, Civic Plaza 

Hyundai Corporation of America has chosen the beautiful City of Rancho Santa Margarita to kick off their "Hope on Wheels Tour" to raise funds and awareness about pediatric cancer.  

This family event will kick off the Hope on Wheels 2011 September Hope Grant 60-city tour. During the tour, $6 million in grants for pediatric cancer research will be awarded, and on race day, CHOC Children's will receive a major gift from Hope on Wheels as part of the tour.

Following the race, stay for the Celebration of Life Family Fun Day and enjoy food, games, and fun in Central Park!  

For more information and to register, visit

www.HyundaiHopeonWheels.org/5k 

Patriot Day and 9/11 Remembrance  

With Special Recognition of Cpl. Jordan Stanton 

September 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Civic Plaza, 22112 El Paseo, RSM    

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita welcomes the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines to town. For a second year, the Marines will be bringing a display of military vehicles and assorted weapon systems for the public to view.  

A special ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. to remember the  tenth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and to honor our military men and women who serve our country. Mayor Beall and members of the City Council will be honoring the memory of Rancho Santa Margarita hometown patriot, Cpl. Jordan Stanton.  

For more information, contact Christine Groves at cgroves@cityofrsm.org or call 949.635.1825. 

NEW! Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Offered Every Month! 

NEW! Parent & Me "My First Movement Class"        

Children will play and learn in this exciting first movement class experience through the use of music and props. This class will teach children movement, dance, coordination, and how to play with others while getting all their wiggles out. This is an active environment that requires active parent/caretaker participation. It is filled with fun and fantasy that keeps children engaged while stimulating their minds and moving their bodies.   

Wednesdays, September 21 - October 26, 10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Ages 1.5-4 years, $72 / 6 classes

NEW! Music For Me & You      

This class encourages development of the whole child through music. In this fun class, parents and children experience the sounds and rhythms of music through instrument play, songs, rhymes, puppetry, and musical scores.  

Tuesdays, September 13 - November 1, 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Ages 1.5-5 years, $135 / 8 classes

Hip Hop Sing & Dance Pop Star 

Come join OC Dance for this Glee inspired class. Participants will learn and sing lyrics to their favorite Radio Disney songs while dancing to fun, clean, choreography like a true pop star. Moves are basic clean hip hop and jazz dance. Props and crafts will be made for final class. All songs, moves, and themes are age appropriate.   

Mondays, September 19 - October 24, 4:15-5:00 p.m.

Ages 4-7 years, $72 / 6 classes

Photography Fundamentals     

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

Wednesdays, September 7 - October 12, 6:45-7:45 p.m. 

Ages 16+ years, $63 / 6 classes

NEW! Dog Obedience Training    

This course will teach dog owners basic obedience commands using positive reinforcement. Please bring proof of vaccinations. Puppies are required to have at least two rounds of shots and be at least 3 months old in order to participate in the class.     

Thursdays, September 8 - October 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturdays, September 10 - October 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $98 / 7 classes

Are you active but lack flexibility and core strength? Then join us as we roll away the aches and pains, stretch tight muscles, and strengthen the core with foam rollers and contemporary mat Pilates. Please bring a fitness mat and roller. Rollers can be purchased from the instructor for $40 on the first day of class.    

Saturday, September 17 - October 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m.  

Ages 18-65 years, $72 / 4 classes   

Heartsaver CPR

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. Bring $25 materials fee. 

Wednesday, September 28, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Wednesday, September 28, 6-9 p.m. 

Ages 12+ years, $50 / 1 class  

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