Rancho Santa Margarita e-news masthead
SEPTEMBER 2019

In this issue:


City Manager's Message
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
ZeroTrash RSM
Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony
Crime Prevention
September Recreation Highlights
Senior Activities
RSM Chamber of Commerce
RSM Cares

Emergency Preparedness

Edison Public Safety Power Shutoff Program

Connect with Us
September graphic

City Manager's Message


Schools across the city have welcomed back our children for another year of learning. Be sure and observe all traffic laws while driving in school zones and stay alert! Our OCSD – Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services motorcycle officers and traffic officers will be out in full force ensuring the safety of returning students, with an increased presence in and around our schools. Our goal is to enhance the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Together we can continue to keep Rancho Santa Margarita one of the safest cities in the nation.
While September is abuzz with activity, our community will also take a moment to pause and reflect on a somber occasion. On the evening of September 11th, we invite you to attend our annual Patriot Day Observance honoring the victims and first responders of the attacks from September 11, 2001. This event will be held at Civic Center Plaza at 5:30 p.m.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Cervantez
Veterinarian with dog and cat

Low Cost Pet Care Clinic


Wednesday, September 4th
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).

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 Banner outside City Hall

Zero Trash RSM

Saturday, September 7th 


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.
Patriot Day logo

Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony


Wednesday, September 11, 2019
5:30 p.m.
Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Plaza


The City of Rancho Santa Margarita will host a community gathering in honor of the men, women and children who lost their lives and the heroes who responded to the catastrophic events of 9/11.This brief yet poignant ceremony is held annually on the lawn at City Hall, giving attendees and participants an opportunity to reflect on the memories of a day we will never forget. 


Please bring lawn chars for seating; call (949) 216-9700 for more information. 
Orange County Sheriff's Department Seal

Crime Prevention


Back to School Safety


School is back in session in RSM, which means an increase in traffic and congestion on our roadways. School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, and busy parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. OCSD - RSM Police Services reminds us that it's our responsibility to slow down and pay attention when kids are present – especially before and after school. 

Deputies and motor officers will be enforcing traffic related violations around school campuses to ensure that motorists slow down when children are present, observe no parking areas,  and following the directions of our helpful crossing guards.

  

REPORT SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES!
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Non-Emergency (949) 770-6011
Emergency 911

Follow OCSD RSM Police Services on social media:

Twitter - @OCSDRanchoSM

Facebook - @OCSDRanchoSM

Instagram - ocsdranchosm
Crossing guard assisting children
Kids walking to school

September Recreation Highlights


My Gym Parent & Me
$48/ 4 Classes
 
This fun-filled, interactive program leads parents and their little ones through a variety of songs, dances, beginning stretches and exercises, beginning tumbling as well as fun rides, games, and puppet shows!
 
Instructor:  My Gym Staff
 
Ages: 6-13 months
 
310252 01     T            Sep 3 - Sep 24           8:30-9:15 am
310252 02     T            Oct 8 - Oct 29             8:30-9:15 am
 
Ages: 14-24 months
 
310252 04     T            Sep 3  -Sep 24           9:30-10:15 am
310252 05     T            Oct 8 - Oct 29             9:30-10:15 am
310252 06     T            Nov 5 - Nov 26           9:30-10:15 am
410252 03     T            Jan 7 - Jan 28             9:30-10:15 am
410252 04     T            Feb 4 - Feb 25            9:30-10:15 am
 
 
The Etiquette Factory
$139/ 6 Classes
 
The Etiquette Factory is a unique learning experience designed to change the world, one child at a time. We define manners as helping those around you to feel valued. Our exclusive program helps children understand why integrity, respect, empathy, and charity help our lives both personally and professionally. Over 50 different etiquette skills are taught using games, activities, role play, props, music, stories, and kind discussion.  Some of the skills included are: Introductions, Dining Etiquette, Kindness, Tact, Conversation, Being a Guest, A Clean Mouth, Sincere Apologies, and so much more! Who knew learning manners could be so much fun! Ages: 5-12 yrs.
 
What to bring: $20 cash materials fee
 
Instructor:  Etiquette Factory Staff
 
321097 01     T            Oct 22 - Nov 26        4:30-6:30 pm
 
Beginning Guitar
$103/ 5 Classes
 
Playing the guitar is an enjoyable and relaxing way to enrich your life with music. Experience interaction with other beginning guitarists in a supportive, small group environment. The aim of the class is to transform the novice into a self-reliant musician. Learn to play easy chords, fun melodies, strum styles, and many popular songs. Instructor Ron Gorman has enjoyed teaching this class for the city of RSM for twelve years. Have a blast and bring your own guitar to class. Ages: 10 yrs. & up.
 
Instructor:  Ron Gorman
 
320901 01     T            Sep 10 - Oct 8           6-7 pm
 
Zumba with Tania
$33/ 3 Classes
$43/ 4 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
 
340206 01     M          Sep 16 - Sep 30         7-8 pm
340206 02*    M          Oct 7 - Oct 28            7-8 pm
 
Befree Yoga Stretch
$123/ 10 Classes
 
Release tension, elongate, and open the body with this all-levels class.  We will begin with a series of Yin Yoga poses that are held passively, for longer periods of time, creating space in our connective tissues and joints.  Classic yoga stretch postures will then be introduced, using the aid of props to support the process of stretching, ending with a relaxation series. Ages: 18 yrs. & up
 
Instructor:  Christy Graniere
 
340255 01     T,Th       Sep 3 - Oct 3     4:15-5:15 pm
340255 02     T,Th       Oct 8 - Nov 7     4:15-5:15 pm
 
 
Healthy Fit with Tanya
$123/ 8 Classes
$153/ 10 Classes*
 
Designed for women who want to develop and maintain flexibility, cardio, endurance, and strong bones with gentle stretching, low impact aerobics, plyometrics, and strength training. Resistance bands, balance balls, and light weights will be used to incorporate yoga, Pilates, low impact aerobics, and strength training techniques. Ages: 40 yrs. & up
 
Instructor:  Tanya Koko
 
340205 01     T,Th       Sep 3 - Sep 26    5:45-6:45 pm
340205 02*    T,Th       Oct 1 - Oct 31     5:45-6:45 pm

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

Senior Activities


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

September Activities and Classes




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


RSM Chamber Logo

RSM Chamber of Commerce

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.
RSM Cares logo

RSM Cares Food Pantry


Wednesday, September 4th
Wednesday, September 18th
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church
30605 Avenida de Las Flores


The RSM Cares Food Pantry is supported solely by 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. 


Visit the RSM Cares website for more information on how to donate or to learn about  volunteer opportunities.
Ready OC graphic

Emergency Preparedness 


September is National Preparedness Month


The 2019 theme is Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters. Prepare today with the free ReadyOC app and register for emergency alerts at www.AlertOC.org.
Ready OC cell phone battery graphic
Southern California Edison logo

Public Safety Power Shutoff Information


Southern California Edison (SCE) 


In an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire, Southern California Edison (SCE) may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in High Fire Threat District areas as designated by the California Public Utilities Commission.

During these events, SCE may proactively shut off power temporarily as a result of elevated weather conditions that could cause a power line to fall and spark, possibly igniting a wildfire. PSPS events are temporary and are meant to keep the community safe.

SCE considers a number of factors and conditions before declaring a PSPS. These include, but are not limited to:

• High winds (including Red Flag Warnings declared by the National Weather Service)
• Low humidity
• Dry vegetation that could serve as fuel
• On-the-ground observations
• Fire threat to electric infrastructure
• Public safety risk

SCE will notify local governments, the emergency management community, and first responders in advance of PSPS events. They also intend to notify affected customers approximately two days in advance of a potential power shutoff. This notification will be via email, text or phone call. They may also send another notice to customers approximately one day before a potential power shutoff. SCE will also notify affected customers when power has been restored.

For more information, visit www.sce.com and SCEs social media channels, and sign up for PSPS alerts at: sce.com/OutageAlerts. 
Bell Tower, Rancho Santa Margarita

Connect with Us!


Planning Commission meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 
City Council meetings are 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.


Rancho Santa Margarita City Council

Jerry Holloway, Mayor
Bradley J. McGirr, Mayor Pro Tempore
L. Anthony Beall, Council Member
Anne D. Figueroa, Council Member
Carol A. Gamble, Council Member

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22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
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