News Flash

Final Map Submission for District-Based Elections Deadline is September 15, 2023

All public map submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 15th to be considered by the Council at the Public Hearing on September 27th.

Submit/view draft maps at drawrsm.org.  

At the July 24, 2023, City Council Meeting, the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council adopted a Resolution declaring its intention to transition from at-large to by-district municipal elections.

Currently, all...

Rancho Family Fest returns to Central Park in October!

Kick off the fall with neighbors, friends, family, and LIVE MUSIC! The family-friendly celebration will be held on Saturday, October 7th, from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 8th, from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Central Park in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Join the RSM Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC), and US Alliance Group, Inc. for a fun-filled weekend for the entire family featuring live musi...

Shop & Dine Program presented by RSM Chamber of Commerce

Explore and discover the various discount offerings from participating members on the Chamber website. Present the codes at the time of purchase; it’s THAT easy!

Introducing the RSM Chamber of Commerce Shop & Dine Program! 

The aim is clear: to bring together the Rancho Santa Margarita community and the array of local businesses that give our city its distinctive charm. 

Learn more at ...

Splash Pad at Central Park

The Splash Pad at Central Park is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, October 1st, weather permitting.

Amenities of this 120-person water play experience located in Central Park include on-site restrooms, a tempered shower, and ample shaded seating.

Please note that the Splash Pad may be closed anytime due to inclement weather or maintenance. We appreciate ...

City Begins Transition to District-Based Elections

At the July 24, 2023, City Council Meeting, the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council adopted a Resolution declaring its intention to transition from at-large to by-district municipal elections.

Currently, all Rancho Santa Margarita registered voters vote for all five City Council Members. Upon completion of the districting process, the City will have separate voting districts. Beginning in 2024, voters will vote for one City Council Member to re...

Pet Adoption Center of Orange County

Donations are sought for the Lake Forest Adoption Center to ensure the center can continue its mission to connect adoptable pets with loving people and the resources they need to be a family for life.

The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County relies on the generosity of animal lovers to provide for the adoptable pets in their care. Please consider contributing to help the center continue to rescue these dogs and serve our community. 501(c)(3). EIN: 47-3...

Military Support Opportunity

Donations are sought for the City's adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is collecting items to support the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during their upcoming training.  Donations of sealed and unused travel-size toiletries can be dropped off during August and September at the Bell Tow...

Rancho Santa Margarita Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has once again awarded the City of Rancho Santa Margarita the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report ending June 30, 2022.

This is the highest recognition in government accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment for the City; this is the twenty-second consecutive year the City has received this coveted designation.

The award-winning report s...

Lifeline network is available 24/7

The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and is confidential.

 If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

Southern California Edison Announces Aerial Inspections Utilizing Drones and Helicopters

Southern California Edison will be conducting aerial inspections utilizing drones and/or helicopters throughout Orange County

Southern California Edison (SCE) will conduct inspections in the Rancho Santa Margarita area using drones and/or helicopters over the next few weeks as part of their wildfire prevention and mitigation program.

SCE inspectors use drones and helicopters to i...

Next E-Waste & Document Shredding Opportunity set for October 14th

Mark your calendar for the fall electronic waste and recycling opportunity conveniently located in the parking lot of Applied Medical at 29977 Avenida de Las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s next electronic waste disposal and document shredding event will occur on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Applied Medical’s R100 building parking lot at 29977 Avenida de ...

Online Passport Appointment Booking Now Available

With online scheduling, applicants can now navigate to the booking link on our passport page and make an appointment at their convenience. Reminder and confirmation emails/SMS messages will be sent before the selected appointment date and time.

Passport Acceptance Facility

By Appointment 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. 

Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall 

To Schedule an Appointment: https://cityofrsmpassport.youcanb...

Recycle From Home comes to Rancho Santa Margarita

Recycle From Home™ is a program that PICKS UP and PAYS residents for their recyclable cans and bottles, making it easier than ever for Rancho Santa Margarita residents to recycle right from their driveway or doorstep.

Inspired by 13-year-old recycling superstar Ryan Hickman, the Recycle from Home program means the end of loading up the car with boxes or bags of cans and bottles in search of a redemption center. Collection bags and QR code tracking labels are provided t...

Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Orange County

Information presented at the community forum on June 20, 2023, is available for viewing at your convenience.

The magnitude of the danger fentanyl poses to the community, especially teens and young adults, is alarming and concerning. This community forum, held on June 20, 2023, aimed to raise awareness about opioid misuse and the rise of fentanyl poisoning deaths...

Are You Wildfire Ready?

Videos from the recent Fire Safety & Preparedness community meeting held at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center are now posted on the City's YouTube channel. Hear safety strategies from the experts on the front lines in preparation for fire season.

Fire Season is a year-round reality in Rancho Santa Margarita. We greatly appreciate our public safety partners, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), for joining us and presenting at an informative and...

Register for AlertOC to receive Emergency Alerts and Evacuation Orders

AlertOC is a mass notification system that keeps Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies that may require immediate life-saving actions.

By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive voice messages from the County or city where you live, or work may be sent to your home, cell, or business phone. You can also register to enable text messages on cell phones. AlertOC is also equipped to send al...

2023 Mission Viejo Animal Shelter Vaccine Clinics

Save the date for 2023 pet vaccination clinics hosted by Mission Viejo Animal Services and available to residents of Rancho Santa Margarita.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is proud to contract with the City of Mission Viejo for animal care and control services. Their pro-humane shelter, stellar customer service, and good response times ensure the best care for the City's four-legg...

Jerry Holloway to serve as Mayor, Carol Gamble as Mayor Pro Tempore

Jerry Holloway will serve as Mayor, and Carol Gamble as Mayor Pro Tempore for the 2023 term. City Council members made the 1-year appointments during their annual reorganization on Wednesday.

Each December, the council selects a new mayor and mayor pro tem from among its five members. 

This is Jerry Holloway's fourth mayoral term. He was first elected to the city council in 2002 and was mayor in 2005, 2010, and 2019.

Mayor Pro ...