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RSM Messenger
February 2013
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
Free Business Forum
Robinson Ranch Road Improvements
Meet Child Safety Deputy Clay Clayton
Free Tax Preparation Service
Become a TIP Volunteer
Try Something New This Spring for Free
Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
Recreation Highlights
Join Our Mailing List
RSM City Council
Mayor
L. Anthony Beall

Mayor Pro Tempore
Carol Gamble

Council Members
Steve Baric
Brad McGirr

Jesse Petrilla

Holiday Closures
City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center will be closed Monday, February 18, in honor of Presidents Day.
Quick Links
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   

Look for the spring 2013 Community Living Magazine arriving in mid-February!

City Manager's Message

As residents drive along Santa Margarita Parkway, one can't help but notice the brand new In-N-Out building. This month, In-N-Out will open to the public, and many people have been anxiously awaiting its arrival. This new business is just one of the additions to our community as Rancho Santa Margarita strives to be a business-friendly City that seeks to enhance the quality of services available to our residents, while still maintaining the soul of a small village.  

 

The City has many partners in this effort including the RSM Chamber of Commerce, individual business owners, shopping center owners, and non-profit and educational organizations. The articles in this issue of the RSM Messenger highlight some of those partnerships. The RSM Chamber and ACH Technologies will be hosting a free forum for businesses related to technology. Through April, the AARP Tax Aide group will be providing free tax assistance for low- and moderate-income taxpayer. Lastly, the ever popular pet vaccinations clinics are announced for February.  

 

Our businesses and residents rely on each other for the overall success of the RSM community, and the City is proud of the outstanding partnerships that have been forged.

 

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Cervantez

Free Business Forum

"Technology Tune-Up for 2013: Mobility, Visibility & Profitability"

Three Practical Steps to Leverage Technology and Increase Profits

Join the business community for this free business forum, hosted by the RSM Chamber of Commerce and ACH Technologies at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center on Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be provided.

 

Workshops will include how to create a "mobile strategy"; take advantage of search prioritization; and how to adapt to marketing in the age of social media. This is an opportunity to learn about the latest technology trends from the experts. You won't want to miss it!

For more information, visit the RSM Chamber of Commerce website at www.rsmchamber.com.
Robinson Ranch Road Improvements
You Have Questions - We Have Answers
In an effort to keep your drive safe and accessible, Robinson Ranch Road is in the process of getting a makeover. Improvements include the installation of a new sidewalk, curb ramps, cross-gutters, asphalt pavement, slurry seal, catch basins, pavement striping, and synthetic turf.

To help answer any questions you might have about the project, staff has prepared a FAQ sheet complete with maps and descriptions for your convenience. Click here to read the FAQ sheet.

For more information, contact Bill Lawson, Traffic Engineer, at 949.635.1800, extension 6508.
Child Resource Deputy
Meet Child Safety Deputy
Clay Cranford 

Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services, with support from the City Council, has created the new Child Safety Deputy position to address three important needs in the community. First, the Child Safety Deputy is a liaison to all the schools in RSM, providing education, safety and police resources. Secondly, the Child Safety Deputy monitors registered sex offenders in the city that have a history of crimes against children and will engage in other enforcement issues that serve the safety of our community's children. Lastly, the Child Safety Deputy will administer crime prevention programs throughout the community. 

 

One of the crime prevention programs that Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services has a strong interest in creating and supporting is the Neighborhood Watch programs in our community. Residents who would like to become involved in or start a new Neighborhood Watch program, please contact Child Safety Deputy Clay Cranford at 949.635.1830 or ccranford@ocsd.org. Or visit the Police Services page on the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org.
IRS forms

Free Tax Preparation Service

Appointments Now Available 

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the AARP Tax Aide group will be conducting the "Tax Preparation Assistance" program from February 6 through April 10, 2013 by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled for Wednesdays only between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 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 by calling RSM Community Services at 949.216.9700, extension 251. Click here to view flyer.
Become a TIP Volunteer
Training Begins February 21, 2013
Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) is looking for caring people willing to be part of a team of citizen volunteers trained to provide emotional and practical support to the victims of traumatic events. No experience is necessary. These modern-day Good Samaritans will be called to emergency scenes by emergency response personnel to comfort and support families after the death of a loved one, help traumatized victims of accidents, and assist those emotionally shaken by any crisis event.

If you are interested in becoming a TIP volunteer, visit their website at www.TIPOrangeCounty.org. For more information, click here to view the flyer.

Try Something New This Spring For Free 

"Try It Before You Buy It" Is Back! 

Need further encouragement to try something new? How about a FREE class? The City is once again offering its "Try It Before You Buy It" program, registration begins Monday, February 4, 2013. With 15 free classes offered there's something for everyone from preschool to seniors. It's a great way to try something new.  

Click here to see the schedule of free classes.  

 

Look in your mailbox during the week of February 11, 2013 for the spring Community Living Magazine.

 

Dates to remember:

February 4: Get registered for a FREE class

February 11: Community Living Magazine mailed

February 19: Registration begins for spring classes

 

For more information visit our website or contact Community Services at 949.216.9700.

Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
Wednesday, February 6, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Bell Tower Regional Community Center

Services include:
Dogs: Rabies vaccination $7, DHPP $17, Bordetella $14, Lym
e $22
Cats: Rabies $7, FELV $19, FVRCP $17, Purevax $20
AVID micro chip $28
Cash only. Pets must be secured on leashes or in pet carriers.

For more information, please visit the City's website or call the
Community Services Department at 949.216.9700.
Recreation Highlights
To register for these and other classes, visit Community Services on the city's website at www.cityofrsm.org.
 

Zoo Phonics          

Zoo Phonics is a unique program that involves your whole child; eyes, ears, mouth, mind, and body.  Parents are amazed by it, teachers swear by it, and children love it! Combining an adorable cast of animal characters with sounds, songs, body movements, and games, Zoo Phonics is designed to put kids on a fast track to literacy. Bring $5 cash materials fee.  

Thursdays, February 7 - March 28, 9:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m.  

Ages 2-5 years, $118 / 8 classes   

 

Parent and Me Clay Time                

Roll, pinch, and pound! Come and enjoy some creative time with your little one. Your young artist will enjoy a tactile experience using clay as we hand build playful projects step-by-step each week. All pieces will be glazed and fired. Aprons will be provided. Bring $20 cash materials fee.        

Wednesdays, February 6 - February 27, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.      

Ages 3-5 years, $68 / 5 classes

 

Learn To Sew              

Learn sewing basics, fabric selection, how to follow a pattern, and complete amazing projects in class. No prior experience is needed. All fabric, notions, and sewing machines are supplied. Bring $25 cash materials fee.
Tuesdays, February 26 - March 26, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Ages 8-14 years, $138 / 5 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 and AED certification that is good for two years.
Mondays, February 11, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Ages 11+ years, $50 / 1 class

  

Country Line Dancing

Come and learn the latest country line dances. Dances will be taught to current popular country music songs. Bring $2 cash materials fee.   

Tuesdays, February 5 - February 26, 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

Ages 18+ years, $49 / 4 classes

 

Zumba Gold Toning             

Zumba Gold Toning combines the enticing international rhythms of the Zumba Gold program with the strength training techniques of the Zumba Toning programs, creating 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, February 1 - March 1, 9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m.

Ages 55+ years, $39 / 6 classes