Gamble Says 'Stand Up For Rancho' in Campaign Kickoff Address

The councilwoman says she expects an unpleasant race for city council in Rancho Santa Margarita, and the community has a chance to put it down as an election tactic.

City Receives Highest Credit Rating Possible

Rancho Santa Margarita is in excellent financial shape, according to Standard & Poor's.

Council Race: Kenney Hrabik's Candidate Statement

The candidate statement for Kenney Hrabik, who is vying with Tony Beall and Carol Gamble for Rancho Santa Margarita's two available four-year seats on city council in the November general election.

Council Race: Carol Gamble's Candidate Statement

The candidate statement for Carol Gamble, who is vying with Tony Beall and Kenney Hrabik for Rancho Santa Margarita's two available four-year seats on city council in the November general election.

Council Race: Tony Beall's Candidate Statement

The candidate statement for Tony Beall, who is vying with Carol Gamble and Kenney Hrabik for Rancho Santa Margarita's two available four-year seats on city council in the November general election.

Council Race: Larry McCook's Candidate Statement

The candidate statement for Larry McCook, who is vying with Glenn Acosta and Brad McGirr for Rancho Santa Margarita's one available two-year seat on city council in the November general election.

Council Race: Brad McGirr's Candidate Statement

The candidate statement for Brad McGirr, who is vying with Glenn Acosta and Larry McCook for Rancho Santa Margarita's one available two-year seat on city council in the November general election.

Council Race: Glenn Acosta's Candidate Statement

The candidate statement for Glenn Acosta, who is vying with Larry McCook and Brad McGirr for Rancho Santa Margarita's one available two-year seat on city council in the November general election.

No Last-Minute Surprises Among Council Candidates

There will be at least one new face in Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall, and possibly two, now that the candidates are official and the application process is closed.

City Council Not Impressed by Grand Jury

A recent grade given to RSM for compensation transparency is met with scrutiny—and right back at you.

McCook Files on Penultimate Day to Join Council Race

Retired businessman makes good on promise. Anyone else interested in running for City Council in Rancho Santa Margarita is officially up against it, time-wise.

Candidate Upload Form

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City Council Field Forms; Hrabik, McGirr, Acosta Are In

There will be competition for both two- and four-year seats in the general election as Rancho Santa Margarita considers new leadership in the November general election.

RSM Law: Adhere to Brown Act Despite State's Stance

The City Council of Rancho Santa Margarita passes a resolution to continue to follow the public information protocol even though State has suspended certain requirements.

City OKs Sale of Land to In-N-Out

The burger chain will pay Rancho Santa Margarita for a french fry-shaped piece of land that paves the way for project to move forward; restaurant hopes to open before 2013.

Survey Says—You Like Rancho Santa Margarita

A poll of residents indicates they are happy with the quality of life in RSM and the services provided by city government.

Holloway Won't Seek Reelection to Council Seat

Completing his 10th year of civic service, Jerry Holloway says 'it's time to move on,' but doesn't rule out a campaign for another day.

Water District Delays Vote on Controversial Pipeline

After a 7-hour meeting, the Santa Margarita Water District delayed until Tuesday a decision on a 42-mile pipeline to bolster the region's water supply with desert groundwater.

SMWD Doesn't Look Far to Replace Schatz

Chief engineer Dan Ferons is the man who will guide Santa Margarita Water District through its various challenges, including the Cadiz Project, as he succeeds John Schatz.

Ka-Ching! City Says It's Entitled to $700K from County

After auditing Mello Roos districts in Rancho Santa Margarita, staffers say money spent for a number of traffic improvement projects could be reimbursed.

Watchdog Group Launches Petition to Protect Brown Act

Californians Aware is asking voters to sign a petition that would protect key provisions of the Brown Act, the state's open-government law.

RSM Won’t Join State's Brown Act Move Allowing Less Transparency

Aiming to save money, lawmakers halted Brown Act rules on meeting notices, closed-session reports. For Rancho Santa Margarita and its new city manager, it will remain business as usual.

City Swears In Its New City Manager

Jennifer Cervantez is the focal point of a light council agenda as Rancho Santa Margarita embarks on new era of city management.

City Clears the Way for In-N-Out to Build

The restaurant is never mentioned at the meeting of the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council, but its approval in a number of consent items has clear burger implications.

Beall Announces Candidacy, Says Vote on City's Record

Tony Beall, the mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita, announces his decision to run for city council again. He says 'Results matter.'

Toll Road Prices Go Up July 1, TCA Approves Budget

The 2013 fiscal year budget also takes aim at the 241 extension to Ortega Highway, and a transition to all electronic billing.

2012 General Election Guide for Rancho Santa Margarita

The candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Rancho Santa Margarita and the county.

Plenty In Reserve as City OKs New Budget

Financial plan also re-funds an Orange County Sheriff's deputy position that had been removed during a previous year's budget.

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Birther Case

Judges refuse to consider the appeal of the challenge that started with Orly Taitz and is now in the hands of Gary Kreep, who insists President Barack Obama is not a U.S. citizen.

Starbucks in RSM Gets OK to Sell Alcohol

Planning Commission in Rancho Santa Margarita approves the Conditional Use Permit that allows beer and wine sales at the coffeehouse; also gives OK to create an outdoor patio area in front of the store.

Live 2012 Election Results

Watch the returns for congressional, legislative, state and Orange County races affecting Rancho Santa Margarita in the June 2012 California primary.

Webb Spins His Message in RSM on Election Eve

Congressional candidate John Webb of Rancho Santa Margarita talks jobs the night before the election.

RSM Approves Cervantez As City Manager

Jennifer Cervantez is approved by a 4-0 vote of the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council to be the next city manager.

Next City Manager Will Be Jennifer Cervantez, the La Habra No. 2

Rancho Santa Margarita will have a female city manager for the first time if the City Council vote goes as planned. Jennifer Cervantez is stepping up from the No. 2 role in La Habra to replace Steve Hayman.

City to Revamp Traffic Decision Process

Issues will go to the Planning Commission under tentatively approved measure. The City Council also honors students from Trabuco Mesa Elementary and Melinda Heights Elementary.

City Budgets for Child Safety Officer; Projects $340K Surplus

Lengthy study session yields good news for parents, residents, as Rancho Santa Margarita council members dial in on the city's budget.

At Commission Meeting, A Lesson in Good Business

Lotus 7 moves for the third time but is praised for reinventing itself to stay viable as the city shows how it can accommodate small businesses. Planning Commission signs off on CUP.

Hometown Hockey Heroes Honored By City Leaders

Rancho Santa Margarita's city council recognizes Santa Margarita Catholic's ice hockey club, which won the state championship this year. Murder victim Elvis Kechechian, the team's trainer, is remembered.

Petrilla Departs For Afghanistan: 'Give 'em Heck'

Rancho Santa Margarita city councilman Jesse Petrilla, as part of his duties with the California National Guard, departs for Afghanistan today.

Acosta Announces Bid for City Council

Glenn Acosta has three things he wants to get done, including starting a scholarship for local kids. He also eyes Chiquita Ridge and business.