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RSM Messenger
January 2014
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
Celebrate the Magic of New Year's Eve
Council Reorganization
Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers
Dine RSM
Dine RSM
Christmas Tree Collection
Dine RSM
January Recreation Highlights
Join Our Mailing List
RSM City Council
Mayor
Carol Gamble

Mayor Pro Tempore
Brad McGirr

Council Members
Steve Baric
L. Anthony Beall

Jesse Petrilla

  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   
Fall CLM Cover
New Class Registration
Now Available!

City Manager's Message

Happy New Year!  The City is Looking Forward to a Great Year
A dynamic 2014 is underway at City Hall.  First, the City Council reorganized in December and we have a new Mayor, Carol Gamble, and a new Mayor Pro Tempore, Brad McGirr.   Because of the annual City Council reorganization, the RSM Chamber hosts an annual "Meet the Mayor and Council Members" event that should take place sometime in May. 

 

City staff will begin the process of examining the City's mid-year budget revenues and expenditures, as well as begin the FY 2014-15 budget discussion process.  I am looking forward to presenting the draft budget to the City Council this spring.  The City's Capital Improvement Projects continue to enhance the City's infrastructure and City streets,and the Chiquita Ridge feasibility analysis is expected to be finalized in the upcoming year.  Development Services, including the City's Economic Development Program, continues to thrive - evidenced by the number of new and expanded businesses coming into the City.  Additionally, Community Services continues to provide outstanding recreational opportunities for all ages.  Finally, the City's General Municipal Election will soon be upon us where three City Council seats will be determined by the voters on November 4, 2014. 

 

A busy and productive 2014 is planned and we look forward to continuing to bring City residents and businesses the outstanding services and programs that make the City of Rancho Santa Margarita the special community it is today.

 

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Cervantez

13th Annual Celebrating Family and Friends New Year's Eve

 

A Big THANK YOU to Our Sponsors

 

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita would like to thank the sponsors of the 13th Annual  "Celebrating Family and Friends" New Year's Eve Event.  The generous support of these businesses allow for the production of this festive community event.

 

Family & Friends: Applied Medical

Children's Art Contest: Applied Medical

Community: Tutor Time Child Care & Learning Center, Orangetheory Fitness

Friend: South County Bank

City Council Reorganization

Mayor Carol A. Gamble and Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr

At the December 11, 2013, City Council meeting, the City Council elected Carol A. Gamble to serve as Mayor and Bradley J. McGirr to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore. Both Mayor Gamble and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr are longtime City residents and have been very active in the community. To read more on the newly elected Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore, click here.:

  

 

City Receives Community Development Block Grant Funds
In anticipation of approval of the 2014 Federal budget, the City's Development Service staff has initiated the planning process for the receipt of approximately $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Fiscal Year 2914-2015.  The City of Rancho Santa Margarita has received CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development since 2006.  CDBG funds may be used for a variety of activities ranging from public infrastructure improvements, to housing rehabilitation, to public social services, provided primarily beneficiaries are households with moderate to low income. 

In early December, the City announced the availability of funds for public services and other potentially eligible activities.  These applications were due by December 20.   Applications for social services will be reviewed by the citizens advisory committee which will make funding recommendations to the City Council. 

The entire funding plan for CDBG funds will be presented to the City Council in April 2014.  Funds will be available July 1, 2014.  Additional information regarding the City's CDBG program can be found on the City's website or by contacting Mike Linares at 949.635.1800 x6702.

Santa Margarita Water District

2014 California Friendly Landscape Classes

Free California Friendly Landscape Classes from SMWD

 

Learn how to create a thriving California-friendly garden from Santa Margarita Water District using a holistic approach to landscape design and maintenance - saving you water and money!

 

Classes are scheduled on:

Saturday, February 8, 2014 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Saturday, April 12, 2014 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Saturday, June 7, 2014 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

 

Classes are held at the District's office at 26111 Antonio Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita.

 

To make a reservation, please call SMWD - Tina Trotta at 949.459.6645 or email at [email protected].

Vaccination Clinic

Wednesday, January 8*, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Cats only from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bell Tower Regional Community Center  
  

On the first Wednesday of every month*, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita hosts a low cost pet vaccination clinic at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. To alleviate stress on our feline friends, the vaccination clinic will be open early for cats only at 6:30 p.m No appointment is needed; pets are treated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Services include:
Dogs: Rabies vaccination $7, DHPP $19, Bordetella $14, Lyme $22
Cats: Rabies $7, FELV $21, FVRCP $18, Purevax $20
AVID micro chip $28 

 

 

Cash only. Pets must be secured on leashes or in pet carriers.

For more information click here or call Community Services at 949.216.9700.

 

*Delayed one week due to the New Years Day Holiday.

Recycle your Christmas Tree at Your Curb!

Ever wondered how you can recycle your Christmas tree after the holidays?  It's easy!  During the period of December  26, 2013 - January 9, 2014, place the tree at the curb on your regular trash collection day and CR&R will collect it for free.  All trees should have decorations, ornaments and stands removed.  If the tree is larger than 6 feet, it should be cut in half.  Then the tree has another opportunity to be enjoyed as compost, mulch or other product.  Questions? Call CR&R at 877.728.0446.

FREE Electronic Waste and Document Shredding Event

Saturday, January 11, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
City Hall Parking Lot, 22112 El Paseo, RSM

Drop off unwanted e-waste such as computer monitors, laptops, cell phones, and other electronic items at this FREE event located in the City Hall parking lot.  

Document shredding will also be provided for free. Up to 10 standard size storage boxes of personal documents per household or business will be accepted.  

 

For more information about the electronic waste collection or document shredding, click here for a flyer or call Lawrence Jones at 714.372.8261

January Recreation Highlights  

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

     

Tunes & Tales 

City Hall & Bell Tower Regional Community Center

 

Let's get the wiggles out! Tunes & Tales is a Music and Movement Class for children ages 1 � to 4 years. Sing-a-longs and finger play songs start off this fun-filled class followed by music activities using bean bags, rhythm sticks, instruments, a parachute, and more. We will even have a chance to read a short story each week (2 � - 4 year old class only). The children have a great time while developing their listening and social skills. Parent/adult participation required.

 

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 5

9:30 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.

Ages: 1� - 2� years - $43 / 5 Classes

 

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 5

10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Ages: 2� - 4 years - $48 / 5 Classes

 

 

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. What to bring: $5 cash materials fee

 

Thursdays, January 9 - February 27     9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Ages: 2-5 years - $118 / 8 Classes

 

 

Academic Chess

We make chess fun by using stories that are designed to fit the needs of all skill levels! This class will include lessons, chess play, a tournament and prizes for the winners. Chess is a great way to increase IQ and teaches children to think deeply, gain confidence, solve problems, develop patience, compete well, visualize results and strategize. Every chess student will receive an Academic Chess workbook based on their skill level. Instructor: Academic Chess Staff

 

Tuesdays, January 28 - March 18     4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ages: 6-12 years - $99 / 8 Classes

 

 

Youth Beginning Karate

This class will cover basic blocking and self-defense. Class is conducted in a traditional manner with emphasis on protocol and etiquette. What to bring: one time $40 cash material fee, uniform included. 

   

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 2 - January 30     4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ages: 6 - 12 years - $98 per month  

 

 

Youth Advanced Karate

This class will go more in-depth in the study of Karate and will include traditional Karate as well as preparation for National and International competition for the students who want to compete. Placement in this class is up to the discretion of Sensei McDonough. 

What to bring: one time $40 cash material fee, uniform included.  

 

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 2 - January 30     5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Ages: 8 - 12 years - $98 per month  

 

 

Adult Karate

This class will cover all aspects of Karate; the lecture portion of class is designed for individual's ages 13 yrs. & up. Placement in this class is up to the discretion of Sensei McDonough.

What to bring: one time $40 cash material fee, uniform included.  
 

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 2 - January 30     6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Ages: 13+ - $98 per month

 

 

Growing Your Own Food

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 on decks and patios.

 

Thursdays, January 30 - February 13     7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Ages: 18 years & up - $30 / 3 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.

 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014     6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ages: 12 years & up - $40 / 1 class