RSM Residents Lean Toward Gamble, McGirr During Public Comments

On Sunday, 10 locals gave their take on who should fill the seat of retired city council member Gary Thompson.

Tax Not Due Today, Procrastinators Get a Reprieve

It's April 15, but this year tax isn't due until April 18.

$1-Million Jackpot for Rancho Santa Margarita

Ka-ching! City expects to end its fiscal year with a surplus for the first time since 2009. Officials also honor four local students.

Second Round of Candidates Appear Before City Council

With Gary Thompson looking on, the last six candidates vying for his seat were interviewed by city councilmen.

Heavy Hitters on Deck for Second Round of City Council Interviews

Former Mayor Carol Gamble is among the six candidates who will be interviewed for Gary Thompson's open seat.

Six Down, a Half-Dozen to Go for Council Position

Outstanding applicants vie for open City Council position. Half the field was interviewed on Thursday in a specially called meeting.

What Would You Ask the Candidates for City Council?

The open application process takes place with public interviews tonight. What would you ask?

I's Dotted, T's Crossed, Special City Council Meeting Set for Interviews

The agenda for a meeting proposed for Thursday, 6 p.m., was posted Wednesday morning, eight hours before the deadline. Interview order is set. Mayor still not happy.

Six Interviewees Set for Thursday, but No Agenda Yet

The agenda—which is necessary by law—has not yet been posted for the anticipated City Council meeting Thursday in which it will interview six applicants for Gary Thompson's vacant seat.

City Council Interview Process Begins Thursday Without Mayor

Mayor Tony Beall will not be at the special meeting to interview half the candidate pool for Gary Thompson's seat, but Jesse Petrilla will be there—for the first time in two months.

Dove Canyon Courtyard Wins Permit Over Residents' Appeal

In an impassioned meeting, city councilmen voted 3-0 in favor of the Dove Canyon Courtyard, which can now hold up to 156 events per year.

Council Cuts the Field to 12 for Thompson's Spot

City Council met Wednesday and picked a dozen candidates to interview for Gary Thompson's vacated council position; others could be added based on Petrilla's preferences.

Council Members Get Ready to Deal 21

There are almost two dozen applicants for the City Council position vacated by Gary Thompson. At least three of the remaining four council members will have to determine who represents the people.

Baric Elected to GOP Position

City councilman from Rancho Santa Margarita now holds No. 2 spot in California Republican Party.

Get Smart About The Public’s Right to Know

Rancho Santa Margarita Patch is participating in Sunshine Week by promoting and celebrating open government and freedom of information.

Applications Being Accepted for Thompson's Vacant City Council Position

City has formally released the application. Residents are encouraged to apply for the seat vacated by Gary Thompson.

Councilmen Set Application Deadline for March 22

They agree to appoint a replacement for Gary Thompson—instead of holding a special election—on a night when they also remember Cpl. Jordan Stanley.

Residents Speak Out at Emergency City Council Meeting in Rancho

Locals honor Gary Thompson and criticize recent portrayals of the city council in the media.

Petrilla Gets a Reprieve, and Vote of Confidence

Three city councilmen, citing changed circumstances, hold off on the idea of temporarily replacing their colleague.

Blais Not Interested in Petrilla's Temporary Seat

Former councilman says business interests wouldn't be fair to vendors or the city if he accepted a 3-month position. He doesn't dismiss the idea of a permanent seat, though.

Gary Thompson Resigns as City Councilman

One of the original Rancho Santa Margarita city council members, Thompson cited family issues for stepping down.

BJ's, Townhomes Closer to Becoming a Reality

Planning Commission approves recommendations for major projects. Also, Walgreens can sell beer and wine.

City Releases Requirements to Become a Council Temp

A resume and an essay are the major components of making a good first impression for the temporary city council position that includes a $463.50 monthly stipend.

City Council Chooses to Keep Petrilla's Seat Warm

The council will open the councilman's position up to residents who want to replace Jesse Petrilla while he's in tank school. They should make a decision at the next meeting.

Council Considers Ordinary Business and an Extraordinary Situation

The RSM City Council made and received presentations, chose committee representatives, joined an association and decided how to deal with a councilman's four-month absence.

Petrilla Puts Council at Odds with the Military

Reservist still wants City Council colleagues to allow him to govern by teleconference, though the military hasn't offered any assurances it can happen. Mayor says Petrilla is 'asking us to do something that the military does not permit us to do.'

Petrilla's Chances of Serving City and Country Take a Hit

The city staff has "significant concerns" the Brown Act can be adhered to, and the military indicates that it wants him to focus on his training.

Planning Commission Meeting is Cancelled

Business will resume with the meeting scheduled for March 2.

Petrilla's Double Duty Still Up in the Air, but Could be 'Unrealistic'

City has not yet received confirmation that the councilman can train during the day and govern at night via teleconference.

Beall Honored in a Wild Night for County GOP

Mayor Tony Beall and wife Jennifer are recognized for their contributions to the Orange County Republican Party, but they stir it up at the OCGOP reorganization meeting.