A brush fire on the west end of Camp Pendleton has caused smoke to drift across South Orange County causing a smokey smell in Rancho Santa Margarita.  According to the OC Register the thousand acre fire is being fought by aircraft, helicopter and over 20 trucks and they are making good progress in fighting the fire which is 70% contained.  
At this time there appears to be no danger to Orange County by this fire.  The city is monitoring the situation and should there be any change, we will post an update on our website.

The Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita are partnering to present a FREE Job Fair on October 22, 2008 at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center from 3:00pm to 7:30pm.  The list of anticipated employers participating in the 2008 RSM Job Fair will be posted here on the City's website on Monday, October 20, 2008. 

Don't miss the 7th Annual World's Largest Ice Cream Social at Cold Stone Creamery, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with a FREE ice cream and family fun.  

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is conducting the South Orange County Major Investment Study (SOCMIS), to develop long-range improvements for South County's transportation challenges.

Recently, through a combination of technical study and public feedback, a draft Locally Preferred Strategy (LPS) has been developed. The draft LPS includes a mixture of investment in freeways, toll roads, streets, and transit.

Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers that made the 4th Annual Healthy Community Expo and 5k Fun Run/Walk a successful event.  See photos by Jody Marcon Photo and check your time at Active.com

Caltrans will be conducting nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound SR 241 between Oso and Antonio on Saturday, September 6th from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am Sunday, September 7th.  Additional nighttime lane closures will occur Sunday, September 7th through Friday, September 12th from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. Caltrans will begin installing the permanent striping starting on September 6th.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita, in partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross, has prepared a course of training that will provide the resources to guide you in your planning and preparations.

Orange County Animal Care Services publishes this quarterly newsletter containing valuable information on the services they provide to the community.

Polls will be open today, June 24th, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  There are three polling locations in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita:  Tijeras Creek School, Arroyo Vista School, and Las Flores Middle School.  To access your polling location, visit www.ocvote.com or call the City Clerk's Office at 949.635.1806.  You may drop off your vote by mail ballot at any of the three polling locations.

The City's adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment deployed in May with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  The City will provide regular updates on 2/5's current deployment via this website in an effort to further the connection between RSM residents and businesses and the brave Marines and Sailors of 2/5.

In February, the Coastal Commission voted against completion of the 241 Toll Road. However, the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita City Council remain committed to seeing this project through.  The TCA has filed an appeal to the Secretary of Commerce, requesting that the Coastal Commission vote be overturned.  Click on "more" to voice your support today by sending an email or letter to the Secretary of Commerce.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is currently accepting proposals from qualified firms to provide City Attorney and legal representation services.

The aromas of delicious foods will be wafting through the air as the City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the Bell Tower Foundation host the 1st annual Taste of Rancho.  Restaurants from all corners of Rancho Santa Margarita will participate in this festive celebration of food.

The Contractor shall finish sawcutting the west and south side of the street the week of April 7th.  The Contractor is scheduled to pour the sidewalk from El Portal to Calle de Felicidad on April 15th.  All three wells that have been repaired should have new planting soil the week of April 14th.

The City's Community Services Department oversees a master calendar of community events on the City’s website.  The calendar may be used by your organization and it is also a helpful tool for residents to view what is happening around the community.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita will present the 7th Annual "Celebrating Family & Friends" New Year's Eve Event on Monday, December 31, 2007.  The Event is an alcohol-free community festival featuring roving entertainers, musical entertainment and opportunities for interactive art activities with family and friends.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita has implemented a state-of-the-art electronic notification system for use in routine or emergency situations.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita announces the release of a new application that will allow the public to obtain property information and other frequently requested information through an online mapping service.  Click here to visit this application.  The application utilizes the City's Geographic Information System, commonly referred to as GIS, to provide "layers" of information through maps.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the Orange County Vector Control want to make residents aware of the status of West Nile Virus and Fire Ants in our community.