Couples In Rancho Santa Margarita Can Now Get Married Online

Orange County is offering online marriage counseling to help reduce crowding at the Clerk-Recorder's office amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Start celebrating the 4th of July now with a very special Summer

For the Next Week, You Can Join the Best Online Summer Camp in Town and enjoy 25% OFF Tuition

Laura's House Education Manager Elected To New Board Position

Jennifer Ponce, Education Manager of Laura's House, was elected to serve on the California Partnership To End Domestic Violence board.

On The Edge Of Homelessness In OC: United Way Seeks To Help

Families on the brink of homelessness in time of coronavirus are helped across OC, thanks to the United Way $500 emergency debit cards.

Shop Thursday in Ladera Ranch at 35 Vendor Holiday Pop-Up Event

Shop Thursday Nov. 14th from 10:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. at a One-Day, 35 Vendor Holiday Pop-Up in Beautiful Ladera Ranch at Mercantile West

5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

'A Great Dad': Father's Day Photos

Patch is celebrating Father's Day 2019!

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots 2018: List Of Orange County Races

Choose from the many runs throughout the O.C. area, and more pumpkin pie for you!

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

Car Seat Safety: How To Choose And Install Correctly

Let's face it. When you buckle your baby, toddler or child into a car seat you want to do it right. Here's how to be sure that you are.

Because of Girl Scouts

Published by Girl Scouts of Orange County on behalf of Gold Award Girl Scout and recent alum Madeline Salvatierra

Art As Expression For Santa Margarita Student

Santa Margarita High School student Molly Roberts shared both her drawings, teenage depression & a bit about herself with Patch this week.

RTGSA 10U Gold Team Eclipse going to Western Nationals!

Support RTGSA 10U Gold Team Eclipse softball team as they prepare for Western National Championship

Yes! There Is A Free Lunch At These OC Libraries; Kids Up To 18

Orange County Public Libraries invites kids near Rancho Santa Margarita to a free lunch, starting June 18.

This Is What A Good Babysitter Costs In Los Angeles

Get the breakdown on what childcare will cost you, plus an exclusive discount for Patch readers who are ready to book a sitter.

Snow On Saddleback From Rancho Santa Margarita: Photo Of The Week

It was the morning after the first wave of cold storms blasted through Orange County when she rose to take this picture of the snow.

Girl Scouts Day Camps in Orange County - for All Girls K-5

Summer Day Camps in Orange County. Let your girl unplug from the everyday and have fun at Day Camp. Outdoors. Learn. Grow. Make new friends.

FREE Stuff for Halloween in Rancho Santa Margarita: Scary Pancakes at IHOP [VIDEO]

Plan on taking the kiddos for scary pancakes at IHOP in Rancho Santa Margarita. Only limited by imagination. Which scary face will you make?

Diving into New Territory for Family Travel in Rancho Santa Margarita

A local travel company- Family Travel Association has joined with the PADI Professional diving instructors to change the way families travel

What Are America's Top Baby Names?

These are the official, registered names from the Social Security Administration. Did your baby's name make the list?

5 Tips To Fight 'Super Lice' As Rancho Santa Margarita Kids Go Back To School

Some preventative and treatment steps to take.

Summer Art Contest For Ages 4-18 Underway

Submissions must be postmarked by September 8.

Watch: Baby Otters Debut at the L.A. Zoo

A new litter of endangered giant river otters was born this spring. The two boys and one girl are still waiting for names.

Anti-Vaxxers Gather Signatures to Overturn Vaccine Mandate

Opponents of a new law that bars parents from opting their children out of mandatory vaccines are gathering signatures for a referendum.

Boy Scouts Takes Major Step Toward Ending Ban on Gay Scout Leaders

A Boy Scout Executive Committee voted to allow gay scout leaders. If ratified, troops would be able to determine their own policies.

Watch Animal Kingdom Upended: Cat Named Hero Dog of the Year

A 7-year-old tabby usurped all K9s to become the National Hero Dog by saving a 5-year-old boy as he was being attacked by a dog.

Saturday Smiles: Overheated Pooch Rescued; Doggie Surf School; Thousands of Crabs Swarm Beach; Heroes Save Lives

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Southern California.

Spooky! Disneyland Surveillance Video Shows "Ghost" Walking Through Closed Park

It’s seen near—you guessed it—the Haunted Mansion!

Top 4 Destinations in California for Spring Break

Spring Break is just weeks away..book now to lock-in deals.

Orange County Beaches Make 2015 List of America's Favorites

Trip Advisor users pick their Top 25. Did your favorite make the list?

Grant to Stock South County Food Bank for 2015

A $10,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation will help South County Outreach feed local families in need.

Volunteers Needed to Count the Homeless

Do you have a heart for the downtrodden? The annual homeless count impacts available funding and services.

Psst, RSM! Here's How to Get Free Frosty Treats for the Year

By donating to a worthy cause, you can score a sweet deal.

Watch How OC Homeless Man Spends $100

Did you think he'd blow it all on booze? The man who commissioned this video did.

Dispatcher Helps Daughter Save Choking Mom

A 9-1-1 dispatcher helped save a Laguna Niguel woman's life by walking her daughter through the Heimlich maneuver.

Donor Drops $20 Million in the Collection Plate

The anonymous donation is the largest in the history of the Orange Diocese.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

RSM Teen Combines Boy Scouts, National Honor Society Projects to Help Troubled Kids

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.