website header
RSM Messenger
January 2012
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
City Council Reorganization
Celebrating Family and Friends
Free Tax Preparation Service
Recreation Highlights
Holiday Closure
City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center will be closed on Monday, January 16, in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Quick Links
Community Living  
2011 Fall CLM Cover
Look for the Spring Community Living Magazine in late January!
RSM City Council
Mayor
L. Anthony Beall

Mayor Pro Tempore
Steven Baric

Council Members
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.
 
Join Our Mailing List

City Manager's Message

Steve Hayman

As you may have heard, I have officially retired. That makes this my last e-newsletter column. However, I don't see this as an ending. This is merely one article in a continuing dialogue between the City of Rancho Santa Margarita and its residents, businesses, and visitors. Throughout my over six-year tenure serving you, building strong communication pathways has been a priority for me. City staff and I have done this by revamping the city's website, implementing an online request system, creating this electronic newsletter, providing streaming audio of council meetings and most recently, venturing into Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube.

 

I hope you have found these communications products to be helpful.  The fact that you receive this e-newsletter lets me know that you find value in it. It is my sincere hope that you will let your friends and neighbors know about our website, e-newsletter, audio-streaming, and social media sites. By expanding our communications network, we ensure that important city news is received.

 

Speaking of important city news... Although I have officially retired, I will be serving as interim city manager while the city council works toward selecting my replacement. It is hoped that there will be a new city manager within the first quarter of 2012. City staff will use all of its communications resources to keep you informed, not only of the city manager selection, but of all city news, events, meetings, and recreation opportunities.

  

I have enjoyed working for such a wonderful community. I wish you, your family and friends a happy New Year.

Steven E. Hayman

Annual City Council Reorganization
Tony Beall is elected Mayor and Steve Baric is elected Mayor Pro Tempore
At its December 14, 2011 meeting, the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council elected the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore for 2012. Tony Beall was re-elected for his second consecutive term as mayor and Steve Baric was elected as Mayor Pro Tempore.

The City Council is elected at large by the voters of Rancho Santa Margarita. The council member terms are established to stagger, ensuring consistent legislative leadership in the community.

11th Annual "Celebrating Family and Friends" New Year's Eve Event 

A Big THANK YOU to Our Sponsors

A magic show, games, crafts, inflatable rides, live music, and food made for a fun filled family New Year's Eve. Thousands of people from across Orange County started their New Year's Eve celebration at the 11th Annual "Celebrating Family and Friends" community event at Civic Plaza.

 

The City would like to express its sincere appreciation of the event sponsors without whom this community favorite event would not be possible:

Family & Friends: Applied Medical

Special Recognition towards the Children's Art Contest: Applied Medical

Anniversary: Charles Abbott Associates

Celebration:CR & R Environmental Services

Community: Santa Margarita Ford

Friend: South County Bank

Free Tax Preparation Service

Appointments available beginning January 9, 2012 

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the AARP Tax Aide group will be conducting the "Tax Preparation Assistance" program from February 3 through April 13, 2012 by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled on Fridays only between the hours of 12:00-4:00 p.m.

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 9 by calling RSM Community Services at 949.216.9700, extension 1251.

Recreation Highlights  2011 Fall CLM Cover 

Parent and Me Art 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. Bring $15 cash materials fee.

Fridays, January 13 - February 17, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Ages 3-5 years, $65 / 6 classes   

 

Preschool Drawing - Young Rembrandts 

Preschoolers will draw fun pictures from fish to teddy bears, cowboys, and more. Participants work on fine motor skills, listening, staying on task, organization, and patience. 

Tuesdays, January 10 - February 7, 2:30-3:15 p.m. 

Ages 3.5-5 years, $66 / 5 classes

 

Gymnastics Tumble and Routine  

Learn quality tumbling techniques and improve the basic skills of gymnastics. You will have fun creating an original floor routine to use to "compete" at the end of the class and earn a ribbon.  

Thursdays, January 12 - February 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m.  

Ages 5-11 years, $63 / 6 classes

 

American Doll Fashions     

Design, plan, and create your very own doll fashions. Students will select fabrics and learn to follow a pattern while mastering basic sewing skills and will work on a complete outfit for an 18" doll (includes American Girl dolls). Girls are encouraged to bring their doll to class for the fittings and fashion show. No experience is necessary. All fabric, notions, and sewing machines supplied. Bring $20 cash materials fee. 

Thursdays, January 12 - February 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 

Ages 8+ years, $138 / 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. Bring $15 cash materials fee.    

Tuesdays, January 10 - 31, 3:30-4:45 p.m.  

Ages 6-12 years, $59 / 4 classes

 

Photography Fundamentals   

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

Wednesdays, January 18 - February 22, 6:45-7:45 p.m.  

Ages 16+ years, $63 / 6 classes

   

Zumba with Tania   

Zumba Fitness is a fusion of Latin and international music-dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system. Appropriate for any fitness level. Try the first class of a session before you register. No class February 20-23.    

Mondays, January 23 - February 27, 7-8 p.m. 

Thursdays, January 26 - March 1, 7-8 p.m.  

$50 / 5 classes

Mondays and Thursdays, January 23 - March 1, 7-8 p.m.

Ages 18+ years, $95 / 10 classes 

 

Investment Strategies for Your Future    

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, January 10 - January 24, 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