🌱 Patch AM: How Rancho Santa Margarita deputies stopped an organized theft crew in minutes

Hi Rancho Santa Margarita! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How Rancho Santa Margarita deputies stopped an organized theft crew in minutes

Also on today's calendar: Oktoberfest Steinholding Challenge! and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 61 degrees.
• Sunday: Beautiful with some sunshine, temps: high: 78, low: 61.
• Monday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 80 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• OC Deputies arrest three suspects after organized retail theft at a south OC Smart & Final (newsantaana.com) — Rancho Santa Margarita deputies recently arrested three suspects after a coordinated theft at a nearby Smart & Final led them to a vehicle loaded with stolen goods. Authorities say the case reflects a broader surge in organized retail theft across Orange County, with local businesses facing higher losses, insurance costs, and more locked-up merchandise as a result.
   

📸 Around Rancho Santa Margarita

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rancho Santa Margarita

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★ Featured events ★

Wednesday September 23
• Oktoberfest Steinholding Challenge! →
  Selma's Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room, 30461 Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita
  7:00 pm
Saturday October 3
• DFC Expo Fall 2026 →
  Hotel Fera Anaheim - A Double Tree By Hilton, 100 The City Dr S, Orange
  10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday September 23
• Cat Video Fest 2026 →
  The Frida Cinema, 305 E 4th St, Santa Ana
  5:30 pm
• City Council Meeting →
  City Council Chambers, 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita
  7:00 pm
Saturday September 26
• RSM Certified Farmer's Market →
  Rancho Santa Margarita CA
  8:00 am
Tuesday September 29
• RSM Cert: Citizens Academy Topic: Basic to Advanced Bleeding Control →
  Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita
  6:00 pm
Saturday October 10
• Mission Ready Brewing →
  Mission Ready Brewing- Public House and Eatery., 29851 Aventura suite d, Rancho Santa Margarita
  7:00 pm

📣 Rancho Santa Margarita Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday September 19
• Caden Hoang's Eagle Project →
  James G. Gilleran Park, 24960 Felipe Road, Mission Viejo
  8:30 am
• Mission Viejo Farmers Market →
  25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo
  9:00 am
• Farmers Market and Crafts - Rain or Shine →
  North Paseo at LOS OSOS, 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo
  9:00 am
• Walk to End Alzheimer's – Walk With Team Beheshti Wellness →
  Mission Viejo CA
  9:00 am
• Night Market - Oktoberfest →
  North Paseo at LOS OSOS, 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo
  5:00 pm
• OKTOBERFEST: Night Market →
  25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo
  5:00 pm
Sunday September 20
• Woven in Harmony →
  Lake Forest Performing Arts Center, Lake Forest

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Rancho Santa Margarita PatchAM possible:

• Segerstrom Shelby Event Center — 9499694368
• THE MAIL ROOM — (949) 329-6121

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 Patch Classifieds

• Come Sing with Us
  The Festival Singers of Orange County, a premier community SATB chorus invites singers who are passionate about making beautiful music to join us... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• This little guy just showed up at my birdfeeder.
  Does anybody know what he is? I just started putting in sunflower chips. He likes them and so do the goldfinches. (Nextdoor Ventana)

• Target posted a job opening for General Merchandise, Closing, Fulfillment (T0914) in Rancho Santa Margarita. Apply here.
• Del Taco posted a job opening for Team Member in Rancho Santa Margarita. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rancho Santa Margarita here.

🗞 Nearby News

Mission Viejo

• Artist To Have Route 66 Artwork Displayed In Mission Viejo In Honor Of Anniversary (patch.com)
• Bay Area high school football games of the week: Hayward faces test in Windsor (sfchronicle.com)
• Meet the 6 brands taking the stage at the 2026 Perfect Pitch (fastcasual.com)

Lake Forest

• Tour Fire Station At Free Open House In Lake Forest (patch.com)

Laguna Beach

• Venomous Sea Snake Slithers Onto Crystal Cove State Beach, Video Shows (patch.com)
• Surfing Heritage & Culture Center Celebrates Grand Opening This Weekend In Laguna Beach (patch.com)

Ok Rancho Santa Margarita! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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