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RSM Messenger
October 2012
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
Council Member Petrilla Returns Home
Candidate Forums Scheduled
State of the City Breakfast
Early Voting in RSM
OCFA Open House
Habitat for Humanity Homes Available in RSM
Recreation Highlights
Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links
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 
Community Living Magazine   
Fall 2012 CLM
Registration for Fall - Winter classes is now available.

City Manager's Message

As a community, we have been very active in welcoming home our servicemen and women over the past month. I am happy to report that the yellow ribbons that were tied around the trees in Central Park on Patriot Day have been removed with everyone from the 2/5 returning home to Camp Pendleton and with the return of Council Member Jesse Petrilla. We will never forget the Marines from our adopted battalion who made the ultimate sacrifice: Sgt. Wade D. Wilson, Cpl. Alex Martinez, Cpl. Anthony R. Servin and Lance Cpl. Joshua Eli Witsman.

We now turn our attention to the many Fall activities and events in Rancho Santa Margarita. I would like to remind residents that Early Voting will again be available (see article below). There are also two opportunities for residents to attend an Orange County Fire Authority Open House - always a hit with the kids and just in time for National Fire Prevention Week October 7th through 13th. Despite modern building methods and materials and the advanced technology of smoke detectors, it is still important for residents to brush up on other measures such as fire drills and escape planning. Your family's safety is important to us. Finally, now that Autumn is upon us (it is, in fact, getting dark earlier), it is a good time to take a look at our Recreation Classes, including a new Self-Defense for Women Class.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Cervantez

City Council
Council Member Jesse Petrilla Returns Home from Military Service in Afghanistan
Council Member Jesse Petrilla, a lieutenant in the California National Guard, returned home after a five month deployment to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Mayor and City Council at its September 26th City Council meeting, formally welcomed Council Member Petrilla home and presented him with a Certificate of Recognition for his service. In return, Council Member Petrilla presented a flag to the City Council that was flown in Afghanistan during his deployment.

Audio from the council meeting can be accessed on the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org.
Two Council Candidate Forums Scheduled
There are two candidate forums scheduled at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo

October 1, 2012, at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by RSM Patch.com and the RSM Chamber of Commerce
For more information, visit www.rsmchamber.com.

October 2, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Community Associations of Rancho (CAR)
For more information, contact Tita Gervasi at tgervasi@meritpm.com.
Join the Mayor at the
RSM State of the City Breakfast
Thursday, October 11, 7:15 - 9:15 a.m.
The RSM Chamber of Commerce has announced the date for the annual State of the City Breakfast featuring Mayor Tony Beall. Join elected and appointed officials, community business leaders, nonprofit organizations and community partners for this annual breakfast. Click here for registration flyer.
For more information, visit www.rsmchamber.com.

My Vote Early Voting Returns to Rancho Santa Margarita 

The Registrar of Voters has invited Rancho Santa Margarita to be an Early Voting site beginning October 22 through October 30, excluding the weekend.  

 

Early Voting is a convenient alternative to vote-by-mail or Election Day voting. Any registered voter in Orange County can vote in Rancho Santa Margarita during this time period. This unique voting opportunity is helpful for employees of our local businesses, public responders, and the community at large.  

 

Early Voting will be available at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

 

Contact City Clerk Molly McLaughlin at 949.635.1806 for additional information or visit www.ocvote.com.  

Orange County Fire Authority Open House
Come meet your firefighters and learn how to protect your family and home through their "Know 2 Ways Out of Your Home" program.

Station 45 in Rancho Santa Margarita will have their Open House on Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. located at 30131 Aventura.

OCFA Headquarters Open House is Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine.

For more information, visit the OCFA website at www.ocfa.org or call 714.573.6200.
Habitat for Humanity of OC Seeks Families to Purchase Affordable Homes in Rancho Santa Margarita
Affordable condominium homes in RSM are being prepared for new qualified homeowners. Qualified families should have a steady and verifiable source of income, demonstrate responsible use of credit, meet Habitat's income guidelines, and be willing to partner with Habitat.

Families interested in learning more about this opportunity are invited to attend a homebuyer orientation meeting. No reservations are required.

October 23, 2012, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Community Lutheran Church, 30322 Via Con Dios, RSM

For more information, contact Habitat for Humanity of OC at 714.434.6200 extension 227 or familyservices@habitatoc.org.
Recreation Highlights
To register for these and other classes, visit Community Services on the city's website at www.cityofrsm.org.   

 

Preschool Drawing       

Preschoolers will draw fun pictures from astronauts to spring flowers and tree houses. Participants work on fine motor skills, listening, staying on task, organization, and patience.  

Tuesdays, October 23 - November 20, 2:30-3:15 p.m.

Ages 3.5-5 years, $69 / 5 classes   

 

Clay Adventures            

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. No class October 31.    

Wednesdays, October 24 - November 28, 3:30-4:45 p.m.     

Ages 6-12 years, $79 / 5 classes

 

Investment Strategies for Your Future          

Are you worried about your retirement nest egg? It is time to learn the strategies that can make the difference in your financial future. Participants will 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, October 9 - 23, 6:30-9 p.m.

Ages 18+ years, $38 / 3 classes

 

NEW! Self-Defense for Women          

This two-hour self-defense class for women will cover several different topics that include crime statistics, the mindset of an attacker, physical tactics, avoiding attacks, rape prevention, legal issues, and demonstrations.
Thursday, October 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Ages 18+ years, $25 / 1 class

 

Zumba Gold Toning           

This class combines the enticing international rhythms of the Zumba Gold program with the strength training techniques of the Zumba Toning program. It's an easy to follow, health boosting dance-fitness program for the active older adult. Participants can help prevent age-related bone loss, increase muscle strength and definition, improve mobility, and heart health. Participants should bring water, a towel, and 1 or 2 pound dumbbell hand weights.     

Fridays, October 19 - November 30, 9-9:50 a.m.

Ages 55+ years, $39 / 6 classes