e-news masthead with Saddleback mountain and City seal
April 2019
hello April graphic

In this Issue:


City Manager's Message
Noise Abatement
Low-Cost Pet Care Clinic
ZeroTrash RSM
Crime Prevention
Senior Activities
Recreation Highlights
RSM Chamber of Commerce
RSM Cares Food Pantry
E-Comments and Public Record Requests

OCTA Citizens Advisory Committee

City Manager's Message


Safety has always been a top priority in Rancho Santa Margarita, and we have once again received recognition one of the safest cities in California and the nation. Vigilant residents, coupled with proactive law enforcement, make RSM a desirable place to live, work, and do business. To further prevent crimes in our community, RSM Police Services has developed a fraud prevention seminar that is being presented to audiences at senior facilities throughout the city. The seminar focuses on internet and telephone scams that target vulnerable populations including the IRS Tax Scam, Virtual Kidnap Scam, Bail Scam, and eBay car sales scams. The seminar has been well received by members of the community, and we invite you to attend the next session at noon on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Cervantez
Neighborhood noise graphic


Development Services - Code Enforcement and Noise Abatement



With spring weather in full bloom here in Rancho Santa Margarita, residents may begin to leave windows open to enjoy the fresh air, the sweet bird calls, and the slow hum of our beautiful surroundings. Occasionally, unwanted noises can interrupt these simple pleasures. It is common to hear lawn mowers, delivery trucks, barking dogs, and other common neighborhood sounds.  The City of RSM noise ordinance allows  for normal daily noises during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (including construction and maintenance noises). Quiet hours shall be observed from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; construction and maintenance activity should not occur during these hours. 

Here are a few tips for helping prevent disruptive noise:

  • Restrict the use of saws and loud machinery to the inside of your garage whenever possible.
  • Mow lawns after 7:00 a.m.
  • Schedule landscaping and construction crews after 7:00 a.m. make them aware of City ordinances.
  • Ensure outdoor pets are cared for to prevent agitation and excessive barking.
  • Alert neighbors in advance about any upcoming activities such as celebrations, construction projects or cleaning services to allow them to contact you if there is a problem with noise or disturbances


To report disruptive noises that occur during the business DAY: Call Code Enforcement at (949) 635-1800 ext. 6703


To report loud or continuous noise at NIGHT during the hours of 10 pm to 7 am: Call the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency number for assistance at (949) 770-6011
Cat looking at dog with stethoscope in its mouth

Low-Cost Pet Care Clinic


Wednesday, April 3rd
Bell Tower Regional Community Center
22232 El Paseo


6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Cats only)
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Dogs & Cats)

 
INFO: (714) 993-9193
www.heart4pets.org

The Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART) provides vaccinations, de-worming, microchipping, flea and tick control and, if time allows, nail trims for dogs and cats at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center on the first Wednesday of each month. Please visit their website or click here to view a detailed flyer for more information. Cash or credit card ($3 additional processing fee per pet) only; checks are not accepted. Those who have a cat or have pre-paid for vaccines do not need to wait in line and may proceed directly to the cashier table. All others will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis (with the exception of those who are physically unable to stand in line).

PLEASE NOTE PRICE INCREASE FOR 2019:


Vaccines for dogs include:
Rabies - $7.00
DHP/DHPP - $22.00
Bordetella - $17.00
Lyme - $24.00
Microchip - $30.00
$2.00 hazardous materials disposal fee per pet
 
Vaccines for cats include:
Rabies - (killed virus) Purevax - $22.00 (1 yr) $49.00 (3 yr)
FVRCP "3-in-1" - $22.00
FELV - $24.00
Microchip - $30.00
$2.00 hazardous materials disposal fee per pet

Important Rabies Information
Please bring a prior Rabies Certificate and other vaccination records with you. A 3-year Rabies Certificate can only be issued if you provide a prior Rabies Certificate. Otherwise, you will receive a 1-year Rabies Certificate.

"HEART" (aka "SCVVC") is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving lives and improving pet and wild animal health, safety, and welfare.
 
Prices are subject to change; clinic will cancel in the event of rain.
ZeroTrash volunteers

ZeroTrash RSM

Saturday, April 6th


ZeroTrash Rancho Santa Margarita is a volunteer group that meets on the "Zero T First Saturday" of each month to rally together to rid the community of litter. All are welcome; parents, children, students, friends, neighbors  – anyone interested in keeping RSM clean! 


Volunteers meet in front of Cinepolis/Panera at 10:00 a.m. and fan out from there. ZeroTrash provides the pickers and bags; volunteers are asked to closely supervise young children at all times, stay on trails and to keep a look out for snakes!  Return pickers and trash at noon behind the Bell Tower Community Center and obtain sign-offs for certification of community service hours or badge requirements.


Follow ZeroTrash RSM on Facebook for more information.

*ZeroTrash will cancel in the event of rain.
OCSD Badge, City of RSM logo

Crime Prevention

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day



Saturday, April 27th
10:00 am - 2:00 p.m.

City Hall Parking Lot
22112 El Paseo



Safely dispose of your unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medication pills or patches conveniently at RSM Police Services. This event is free, and drop-off is anonymous. (Sharps not accepted).

The County of Orange uses AlertOC to notify residents of voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders. Register your landline, cell phones, and email addresses to ensure you receive official emergency notifications and alerts. Follow Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services on social media for the latest in crime prevention and safety news. 


Twitter - @OCSDRanchoSM


Facebook - @OCSDRanchoSM


Instagram - ocsdranchosm

  

REPORT SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES!
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Non-Emergency (949) 770-6011
Emergency 911
Got Drugs? graphic
Age Well Senior Services logo

Senior Activities at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center


The mission of Age Well Senior Services is to promote and improve the quality of life and independence of the senior community.


April

Save the Date: Mother's Day Luncheon, Friday May 10th featuring
Joe Tatar, Vaudeville Headliner!


Visit the Senior Activities webpage for more information, follow Age Well RSM on Facebook or call (949) 709-7592.
Children playing on grass outside

April Recreation Highlights


Tunes & Tales

$53/ 5 Classes 

Let’s get the wiggles out! Tunes & Tales is a Music and Movement class for children ages 2 to 4 years. Sing-a-longs and finger play songs start this fun-filled class followed by musical activities using bean bags, rhythm sticks, instruments, a parachute and more. Children have a great time while developing their listening and social skills. Parent/adult participation required. Ages: 2-4 yrs.

Instructor:  Vivian Stapleton

110913 01 W Apr 17 - May 15 9:45-10:40 am


NEW! Beginning Irish Dance 
$53/ 4 Classes 

Leapin’ Leprechauns!  Participants will learn proper technique, terminology, and a beginner reel.  Dancers should wear shorts, a t-shirt, white socks and soft-soled shoes such as ballet slippers or jazz shoes. Ages: 4-5 yrs.

Instructor: Thistle Academy of Irish Dance

110424 01 W May 1 - May 22   5:30 - 6 pm


Paint, Paste & Pour
$48/ 5 Classes

Watch your little ones explore and discover paint, glue, crayons, dough, bubbles and much more. They'll enjoy developmentally appropriate hands-on experiences with manipulative art and sensory materials. Put on your play clothes and share this special time with your little one. Each session has new and exciting activities. Parent participation required. Ages: 1.5-6 yrs. What to bring: $20 cash materials fee

Instructor:  Paint Paste and Pour Staff

110302 02 W Apr 17 - May 15   10 - 10:45 am


Zumba with Tania
$33/ 3 Classes

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

140206 03 M May 6 - May 20 7 - 8 pm


  
Click here to access the City's online registration system.

Summer Camp registration begins TODAY (April 1st)
Check out the Spring issue of the Rancho Santa Margarita Community Living Magazine for our Summer Camp Preview!
RSM Chamber logo

RSM Chamber of Commerce

Membership Benefits


The RSM Chamber of Commerce' mission is to promote and enhance the business community of Rancho Santa Margarita by assisting members through Joining, Connecting, and Growing a vibrant local economy.

For more information, visit rsmchamber.org or call (949) 667-3776.
Rancho Family Fest Save the Date
RSM Cares Bell logo

RSM Cares Food Pantry



The RSM Cares Food Pantry is supported solely on private donations from generous private donors, local churches and businesses. There are no minimum or financial qualifications required. Stop by between 2 - 5:00 p.m. and get a box for you, your family or for a neighbor in need. 


Email RSMCares@belltowerfoundation.org for more information on how to donate or for volunteer opportunities.
RSM Cares Food Pantry dates
We want to hear from you signs

Connect with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita



Planning Commission meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and the City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Meeting agendas are posted 72 hours in advance, and cancellations occur occasionally due to holidays. There are several options to comment and participate in City Council and Planning Commission meetings:

  • Written material may be submitted in hard copy to the City Clerk, who will copy it and provide the statement to the Council or Commissioners.
  • Comments may be submitted via the City's website The eComment will be emailed directly to the City Clerk. eComments are accepted up until 4:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
  • Comments may be submitted by e-mail message to the City Clerk who will provide them to the City Council or Commissioners.
  • Comments may be delivered orally at a meeting. There is a three-minute time limit per speaker. 
  • A statement can be submitted by proxy on a resident’s behalf at a meeting by reading it aloud. The three-minute time limit applies.  

For more information, please contact Amy Diaz, City Clerk, at (949) 635-1806.
Photos of train, bus, and freeway

OCTA Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Citizens Advisory Committee 

Residents who are interested in the transportation needs of Orange County are sought to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Applications for this OCTA Board-appointed committee are due May 1, 2019.

CAC members provide input on a broad spectrum of transportation projects, studies, and outreach activities. During their two-year terms, they identify opportunities for community input, recommend methods for obtaining feedback on specific transportation issues, serve as liaisons between the public and OCTA, and participate in roundtable discussions. Potential committee members should demonstrate a history of participating in community activities and transportation issues, and be willing to dedicate at least 15 hours per year to OCTA meetings and activities. Applications are available here.  In three interviews, CAC Chair Roy Shahbazian and Vice-Chair Dan Kalmick share why they volunteer for the CAC here.


For additional information, please contact Jared Hill at (714) 560-5680 or jhill1@octa.net. 
City Hall/Bell Tower Community Center at night

Rancho Santa Margarita

City Council


Jerry Holloway, Mayor

Brad McGirr, Mayor Pro Tempore
L. Anthony Beall, Council Member
Anne Figueroa, Council Member

Carol Gamble, Council Member

Copyright 2015 City of Rancho Santa Margarita. All Rights Reserved.
22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
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