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Age Well Senior Services February Menus and Activities
The professional staff and volunteers at Age Well Senior Services—Bell Tower Regional Community Center are committed to serving seniors and providing programs and services that meet their needs. Age Well offers rich, engaging opportunities to help older adults age successfully, including special-interest and seasonal programs, events, and workshops.February 2026 Age Well Congregate Lunch MenuFebruary 2026 Age Well Meals on Wheels MenuFebruary 2026 Age Well Activity Calendar
City Council Approves Final Design and Next Steps for Veterans Monument at Central Park
The action followed the City’s annual Veterans Day recognition ceremony and represents a significant milestone in a project championed by Council Member Anne Figueroa, who has led the effort for more than two years. The newly approved monument—an expanded, 15-foot-long installation with military service seals, a dedication plaque, integrated lighting, and shaded seating—will replace the existing 2015 Boy Scouts of America plaque, which will be preserved at City Hall. The monument will be located adjacent to City Hall, requiring an easement agreement with the Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC).“This monument will serve as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of all who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said Mayor Tony Beall. “We are honored to create a place of reflection and gratitude at the heart of our community.”Council Member Anne Figueroa, who initiated the monument proposal and worked extensively with veterans, staff, and SAMLARC to develop the refined design, expressed her appreciation for the project’s progress.“Creating a permanent monument to honor our veterans has been one of the most meaningful efforts I have ever worked on,” said Council Member Figueroa. “Rancho Santa Margarita is home to so many who have served, and this monument ensures their courage and sacrifice will forever be recognized by future generations.”Throughout the design process, Figueroa conducted outreach to local veterans and worked alongside City engineers and SAMLARC to resolve design challenges, including protecting existing olive trees, improving visibility, and orienting the monument to support both reflection and accessibility. Two local veterans spoke during the meeting, underscoring the emotional significance of the project.Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Jim Clements shared, “Being a veteran is earned—it can never be taken away. This monument will stand as a beacon of light for those who have served.” Vietnam veteran Harry Steelman, Commander of VFW Post 6024, emphasized the value of a permanent place to reflect: “There are days when veterans just need somewhere quiet to sit, remember, and reflect. A monument like this becomes a place of healing and connection—something every community should provide its veterans.” After multiple field reviews with SAMLARC’s Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee (LFEC), the monument footprint was moved approximately 18 feet south, protecting tree roots, eliminating the need to remove historic olive trees, and improving visibility. The SAMLARC Board approved the refined monument location and layout in October.The FY 2025–26 Budget sets aside General Fund resources for the monument. Current cost estimates include $50,000 for design and construction and $20,000 for soft costs and contingencies. Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2026, with completion expected by May 2026, in time for Memorial Day and Independence Day commemoration.
Enhanced Street Sweeping Schedule Continues through April
From October through April, residential streets will be swept twice per month. Service maps and annual calendars are available here. We appreciate residents’ cooperation in removing vehicles and other items from the street to ensure effective sweeping, which not only beautifies our City but also helps protect local water quality.Thank you for doing your part to keep Rancho Santa Margarita clean!For more information, please call 949-635-1800, ext. 6703.
Fire Prevention and Preparedness Event Videos Available
The event brought together local and regional experts to provide residents with essential resources, updates, and guidance on how to stay safe during fire season. Mayor Tony Beall opened the evening by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of wildfire readiness. A series of speakers provided valuable information, including:OCFA Division Chief Cheyne Maule shared insights on home hardening and fire safety.Captain Dwayne Chapple, the City’s Chief of Police Services, discussed evacuation readiness and public safety.Brenda Caloca from the California Department of Insurance addressed current issues affecting the insurance market in California.Tara Campbell, Chief of Staff for Supervisor Don Wagner, gave an update on O’Neill Park and the surrounding canyon areas.Lieutenant Kyle Werner from Mission Viejo Animal Services provided essential tips on preparing pets for emergency evacuations.Resource tables were available throughout the evening, featuring representatives from OCFA, OCSD Crime Prevention, OC Fire Watch, RSM CERT, Southern California Edison, BeFireSafe.org, Mission Viejo Animal Services, SAMLARC, the County of Orange, and more.This 4th annual event was a successful collaboration dedicated to empowering the community with the tools and knowledge needed to stay prepared and protected during wildfire season. Stay tuned for information on our 2026 event!City of Rancho Santa Margarita - YouTube
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Age Well Senior Services February Menus and Activities
Activities and events for Seniors 60+ are available on weekdays at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center.
The professional staff and volunteers at Age Well Senior Services—Bell Tower Regional Community Center are committed to serving seniors and providing programs and services that meet their needs. Age Well offers rich, engaging opportunities to help older adults age successfully, including special-interest and seasonal programs, events, and workshops.
February 2026 Age Well Congregate Lunch Menu
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City Council Approves Final Design and Next Steps for Veterans Monument at Central Park
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council unanimously approved the final design and next steps for the construction of a new Veterans Monument at Central Park at their regular meeting on Wednesday, November 12.
The action followed the City’s annual Veterans Day recognition ceremony and represents a significant milestone in a project championed by Council Member Anne Figueroa, who has led the effort for more than two years.
The newly approved monument—an expanded, 15-foot-long installation with military service seals, a dedication plaque, integrated lighting, and shaded seating—will replace the existing 2015 Boy Scouts of America plaque, which will be preserved at City Hall. The monument will be located adjacent to City Hall, requiring an easement agreement with the Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC).
“This monument will serve as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of all who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said Mayor Tony Beall. “We are honored to create a place of reflection and gratitude at the heart of our community.”
Council Member Anne Figueroa, who initiated the monument proposal and worked extensively with veterans, staff, and SAMLARC to develop the refined design, expressed her appreciation for the project’s progress.
“Creating a permanent monument to honor our veterans has been one of the most meaningful efforts I have ever worked on,” said Council Member Figueroa. “Rancho Santa Margarita is home to so many who have served, and this monument ensures their courage and sacrifice will forever be recognized by future generations.”
Throughout the design process, Figueroa conducted outreach to local veterans and worked alongside City engineers and SAMLARC to resolve design challenges, including protecting existing olive trees, improving visibility, and orienting the monument to support both reflection and accessibility.
Two local veterans spoke during the meeting, underscoring the emotional significance of the project.
Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Jim Clements shared, “Being a veteran is earned—it can never be taken away. This monument will stand as a beacon of light for those who have served.”
Vietnam veteran Harry Steelman, Commander of VFW Post 6024, emphasized the value of a permanent place to reflect: “There are days when veterans just need somewhere quiet to sit, remember, and reflect. A monument like this becomes a place of healing and connection—something every community should provide its veterans.”
After multiple field reviews with SAMLARC’s Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee (LFEC), the monument footprint was moved approximately 18 feet south, protecting tree roots, eliminating the need to remove historic olive trees, and improving visibility. The SAMLARC Board approved the refined monument location and layout in October.
The FY 2025–26 Budget sets aside General Fund resources for the monument. Current cost estimates include $50,000 for design and construction and $20,000 for soft costs and contingencies. Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2026, with completion expected by May 2026, in time for Memorial Day and Independence Day commemoration.
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Enhanced Street Sweeping Schedule Continues through April
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is enhancing street sweeping services during the fall and winter months to address seasonal debris.
From October through April, residential streets will be swept twice per month. Service maps and annual calendars are available here.
We appreciate residents’ cooperation in removing vehicles and other items from the street to ensure effective sweeping, which not only beautifies our City but also helps protect local water quality.
Thank you for doing your part to keep Rancho Santa Margarita clean!
For more information, please call 949-635-1800, ext. 6703.