City Manager's Message

November is the season of giving, and nowhere is it more evident than in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. As you peruse this month's activities and offerings, I hope you and your family will consider one of the many opportunities to give back to our wonderful community. From giving thanks to those who served in the Armed Forces at our Veterans Day Recognition reception and ceremony, making a donation to the members of the City's adopted Marine Battalion, supporting the RSM CARES Brick Legacy Program or food drive - opportunities abound to make a difference throughout the City. In fact, there are even ways to help and support our four-legged friends as we prepare to transition on January 1, 2017 to the City of Mission Viejo's Animal Services Center. Volunteers are needed for dog-walking as well as cat and rabbit care at the shelter. In addition, and the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) gladly accepts donations and volunteer assistance. As we give thanks for the abundant spirit of giving that defines Rancho Santa Margarita, I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
 
Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Cervantez

Welcome Lieutenant Luke South

Chief of Police Services 

RSM CARES Continues Legacy of The Bell Tower Foundation

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is proud to partner with RSM CARES, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of those who live and work in our community. The following is an excerpt from their newly redesigned website:

Over the years, the Bell Tower Foundation has grown and changed along with the Rancho Santa Margarita Community.  Our foundation has been shaped and supported by many talented volunteers and business and civic leaders, in return, RSM has benefited from our giving back to the community.

Our values and principles remain unchanged, we seek to enrich the quality of life for residents of Rancho Santa Margarita by inspiring local philanthropy, engaging stakeholders in community service and embracing the local nonprofit network through collaborative partnerships.

Our new name, RSM Cares/Bell Tower Foundation and our new logo represents our immutable service and dedication to the RSM Community, service that is deeply rooted in our hearts.

For more information, or to get involved with the many programs and volunteer opportunities offered by RSM CARES, please visit their website at belltowerfoundation.org.

General Plan Update

In October, staff and the City’s General Plan Consultant wrapped up the Public Participation and Input phase of the General Plan Update.  On October 10^th, a focus group comprised of 15 attendees from Age Well Senior Services led to a very lively and insightful conversation from the unique perspective of our senior residents, many of whom have resided in the City for 20 year or more, about how they experience our City.  The Planning Department would like to thank Lindy Kehler, the Nutrition Site Director at Age Well, for her assistance with facilitating this focus group.

On October 11^th, approximately a dozen children ranging in age from 12 to 14 years provided staff and the Consultant with feedback about their vision for the City.  A spirited and interactive conversation ensued; the children drew pictures and wrote words that represented their vision for the future of the City.  The Planning Department would like to thank Christina Wolbert from the Boys and Girls Club for all of her help.

While the public participation phase has concluded, there will be other opportunities for you to provide feedback during the public review of the Updated General Plan. These opportunities, as well as more information about the General Plan Update can be found on the City’s website.   

November Recreation Highlights

Winter Live Action Flix (NEW)

Have a blast making a winter themed movie!  Will your movie be about a snow day or huge winter storm? This is your chance to write, direct, film, and star in a live action movie…and you will get to keep your movie to enjoy forever!  Ages: 7-12 yrs. What to bring: $30 cash materials fee

 
Instructor:  IncrediFlix Crew

$173/ 5 Classes
 
220825 01       M - F           Dec 19 - Dec 23   9 am - 12 pm
 
 
Winter Imagination Flix (NEW)

What’s better than building a snowman? How about building a claymation snowman that you bring to life to star in your own movie?  You will compose a story, create your clay character, build your set and film the movie. Once your movie masterpiece is complete, you will get to keep it to share and enjoy forever! Ages: 7-12 yrs. What to bring: $30 cash materials fee

 
Instructor:  IncrediFlix Crew

$173/ 5 Classes

220826 01       M - F           Dec 19 - Dec 23   1 - 4 pm
 

American Doll Fashions

Design, plan and actually 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. Ages: 7.5-14 yrs. No Class: 11/24

 
Instructor:  Linda Rush
 
$112/ 3 Classes

320506 02       Th              Nov 10 - Dec 1    3:30 - 6 pm
 

Karate
 
Youth Beginning Karate: 4:15-5 pm

This class will cover basic blocking and self-defense.  Class is conducted in a traditional manner with emphasis on protocol and etiquette. Ages: 6-12 yrs.
 

Youth Advanced Karate: 5-5:45 pm

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 at the discretion of Sensei McDonough.  Ages: 8-12 yrs.

 
Adult Karate: 5:45-6:45 pm

This class will cover all aspects of Karate; the lecture portion of class is designed for individuals ages 13 yrs. & up. Placement in this class is at the discretion of Sensei McDonough. No Class: 11/3 & 11/24

 
Instructor:  Robert McDonough
 
$85/ per month

320202 03       T,Th          Nov 1 - Nov 29   4:15 - 6:45 pm
 

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. Ages: 18 yrs. & up.
 
Instructor:  Tania Villalbazo
 
$45/ 4 Classes
340206 08       W               Nov 2 - Nov 23   7 - 8 pm
340206 10       M               Nov 28 - Dec 19  7 - 8 pm
340206 11       W               Nov 30 - Dec 21  7 - 8 pm
 
$85/ 8 Classes
340206 12       M,W          Nov 28 - Dec 21  7 - 8 pm

 
Click here to access our online class registration system.