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RSM Messenger
October 2011
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
Easy Audio Access Now Available
Online City Services 24/7
AlertOC Regional Test
Fall Clean-up Day
The Perfect Venue for Your Next Celebration
Children's Art Contest
Recreation Highlights
Quick Links
Community Living  
2011 Fall CLM Cover
Register now to ensure your spot in your favorite class or try something new!
RSM City Council
Mayor
L. Anthony Beall

Council Members
Steven Baric
Carol Gamble

Jerry Holloway

Jesse Petrilla

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

Online City Services   

Steve Hayman

Information technology advancements continue to change the way people communicate and how companies do business. Technology is also enhancing how government provides services to the public. Are you aware of the many city services you can access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Of course, let's not forget that many services are still provided by people and machines in the field, on the ground and often behind the scenes...  Nonetheless, online interactive services are here and we expect to continue expanding them for you as time goes by.

 

The hub of online services is the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org. From this launching pad you can find city news, submit a request for service, find business resources, research your Mello Roos assessment, register for a recreation class, and much more.

 

This month's edition of RSM Messenger introduces you to the many services available on the City's website including our newest online service: audio streaming. You can listen live or any time using the link on the City's website agenda page. Find out more about this new feature in the article below.  I hope you get as excited about it as I am when you see how much more connected you can now be with your elected officials and the business of the City.

 

Transparency, open governance, and ease of access are not just buzz words. For the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, they are priorities. Please take some time to get acquainted with the many online services available to keep the community engaged.

 

Sincerely,

Steven E. Hayman

Have You Heard?teacup laptop man

Easy Audio Access is Now Available for City Council and Planning Commission Meetings!

Audio streaming of City Council and Planning Commission meetings is now available through a new portal on the City's website. Dedicated to open governance and transparency, the City has implemented a new audio streaming feature and e-Comment program that allows easy access to local government decisions and information.  

 

The audio streaming feature allows the user to listen to both "live" and "archived" meetings on a computer, digital tablet or smart phone. View documents associated with agenda items and listen to your elected officials deliberate and discuss important City issues. Additionally, check out our new e-Comment feature that allows you to comment and provide your opinion on upcoming agenda items.

 

Go to www.cityofrsm.org to access both of these new programs and let us know what you think by contacting Molly McLaughlin, City Clerk/PIO at mmclaughlin@cityofrsm.org or at 949.635-1806.

Rancho Santa Margarita is Here For You

Access Online Services 24/7 From Your Computer

Here is just a sample of what you can do from the City's website:

We invite you to explore the City's website to see all that it has to offer. Of course, city staff is here to help you, too. City Hall office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop by or use the online phone directory to call during business hours. 

AlertOC Regional TestAlertOC Logo, October 20, at 5 p.m.  

 

Be a part by registering your cell phone and email today! 

 

AlertOC is a mass notification system designed to keep residents and businesses informed of emergencies. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive voice messages from the City of Rancho Santa Margarita can be sent to your home, cell or business phone. Text messages can also be sent to cell phones, email accounts, and hearing impaired receiving devices. 

 

On October 20, more than two million Orange County residents will receive a call at 5 p.m. to test AlertOC. This is the second annual regional test of the system and will include 28 other participating cities and the County's unincorporated areas, including Coto de Caza, Wagon Wheel, and Las Flores.

 

Residents are encouraged to self-register their cell phone numbers and other contact information to be a part of the regional test.  

 

For more information and to register, visit www.AlertOC.com.   

Fall Clean-Up Day ~ Bulky Item Pick Up 

October 17-21, 2011  

CR&R will be picking up bulky items on regular trash pick-up days during the week of October 17-21, 2011. Items that can be picked up include furniture, appliances, electronic equipment, and yard waste. CR&R coordinates with charitable organizations which are given the opportunity to pick up re-usuable items before CR&R trucks arrive. 

 

For more information, call CR&R at 1.877.728.0446.

BallroomThe Bell Tower Regional Community Center
The Perfect Venue For Your Next Celebration

The holiday season is fast approaching and whether you are planning a formal holiday gala or an employee luncheon, the Grand Ballroom at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center is an exceptional room complete with hardwood floors and chandeliers.  The room may be sub-divided to accommodate smaller functions as well.   

 

To enhance your event, the room has an integrated sound system 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. The kitchen can be added to any ballroom rental for an additional fee.

 

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

NeNew Year's Eve Logow Year's Eve Children's Art Contest
Entries Due December 9, 2011

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is proud to announce the annual Children's Art Contest in conjunction with 11th Annual New Year's Eve event on Saturday, December 31, 2011. Art contest participants are invited to submit artwork, no larger than 3'x3', in the following categories: drawings (i.e. pencil, charcoal, chalk, ink, crayons, pastels), collages (i.e. paper, fabric, string, noodles, beads, tissue) or fiber work (i.e. needlework, sewn designs, leather).  

 

All entries must be submitted with an entry form and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. Entry forms are available online or at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center. Entries will be judged using the following age categories:  K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th and 9th-12th grades.

Entries will be displayed in the community center and winners will be announced at the "Celebrating Family and Friends"  event in the Civic Plaza on December 31, 2011.

For more information contact Community Services at 949.216.9700.
Recreation Highlights  
Register for Fall fun now!  

 

Circle Time with Miss Wendy         

Introduce finger plays and songs, and open your child's world up to a wide range of youth development activities. Children will socialize with a variety of activities including bean bags, rhythm sticks, prompted dance, scarves, and more. A simple craft activity is included.    

Wednesdays, October 26 - December 7, 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Ages 1.5-3 years, $78 / 6 classes

 

Cartooning       

Learning to draw is lots of fun especially when you're creating silly characters, funny expressions, and drawing sequences that tell jokes. The program combines Young Rembrandts innovative step-by-step method with light hearted subject matters that engage children, their sense of humor, and vivid imaginations.   

Tuesdays, October 25 - November 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Ages 6-12 years, $66 / 5 classes

 

Ceramic Creations  

Transform a lump of clay into fun creatures and functional pieces. Participants will learn a variety of hand building techniques such as coiling, scoring, slab, and sgraffito. Enjoy a new project each class.  

Tuesdays, October 11 - November 1, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Ages 6-12 years, $59 / 4 classes

 

Growing Your Own Food Anywhere     

Learn about organic versus commercial food, GMO's and hybrids, soil fertilizer, and composting. Growing food in small spaces will be discussed with information on how to grow on decks and patios.       

Wednesdays, October 5 - October 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $33 / 3 classes


Investment Strategies For Your Future    

Are you worried about your retirement nest egg? It's time to learn the strategies that can make the difference in your financial future. In this class, participants will review all types of retirement accounts, mutual funds. stocks, annuities, long term care, and estate planning. No solicitation for business will occur in this class. 

Tuesdays, October 4 - October 18, 6:30-9 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $38 / 3 classes

 

Roll with Mat Pilates

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, October 29 - November 19, 9:30-10:30 a.m.  

Ages 18-65 years, $72 / 4 classes   

 

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