RSM Updates From E- Newsletter Feb. 2021

Appointments are available through Othena.com based on vaccine availability.

Othena platform specialists are responding to callers at the HCA Hotline to assist with questions related to the app and vaccine appointments. Call (714) 834-2000, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or email Othena at support@compositeapps.net.

Median reconstruction, including replacement of trees and landscaping, will occur after re-striping. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of February 2021.

As a reminder, the speed limit through the construction zone is 45 mph at all times. Motorists are advised to watch for signage indicating changes to traffic patterns.

The City will continue to monitor construction and implement measures to improve traffic safety and minimize construction impacts to the greatest extent possible.

Read on…

Each month, residents and visitors to Rancho Santa Margarita take advantage of monthly Low-Cost Pet Care Clinics which are now done on a drive-through, reservation-only basis. Clinics are hosted by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita with Veterinarian Services provided by H.E.A.R.T.Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the clinics, usually held on the first Wednesday of each month, are canceled at this time. Please check heart4pets.org for updated clinic information. Read on…

RSM Cares Food Pantry takes place on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. All are welcome; no pre-qualification is required. Drive through and obtain a box for you, your family, or a neighbor in need.

​Located at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church parking lot, 30605 Avenida de Las Flores, the pantry is supported solely by donations from generous private donors, local churches, and businesses.

Email RSMCares@belltowerfoundation.org for more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer. Read on…

While closed, patrons can access all other open OC Public Libraries and pick up their holds at the Foothill Ranch Library.

The renovation process is to bring the buildings up to code and to meet current and future needs.

Please visit ocpl.org for more information, including Friends of the Library Bookstore news.

Rancho Santa Margarita Branch Library

30902 La Promesa

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

(949) 459-6094

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious daily meals for seniors aged 60+ who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves. Deliveries run Mondays through Fridays and include one breakfast, one hot lunch, and one frozen dinner.

Grab & Go (Ages 60+)

Due to COVID-19, congregate lunches have been temporarily converted to an outdoor Grab & Go format. Seniors may pick up a frozen meal accompanied by milk, juice, bread, and butter. (Participants must register two (2) business days prior to ensure enough meals are available).

When: Mondays – Fridays 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Where: Bell Tower Community Center Parking Lot

Senior Pantry (Ages 60+)

Grab & Go participants may pick up a bag of non-perishable grocery items on a monthly basis or upon request. Our Senior Pantry runs alongside Grab & Go Mondays – Fridays 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the Bell Tower Community Center Parking Lot. New clients must register by phone or with a volunteer on-site.

Senior Pet Pantry (Ages 60+)

Pets are family too! Meals on Wheels and Grab & Go participants may now receive cat or dog food for their furry friends at no cost. For details or to sign up, please contact Age Well Senior Services at (949) 709-7592.

Age Well Senior Services

The Bell Tower Regional Community Center

22232 El Paseo, RSM 92688

(949)709-7592

All cities in the six-county Southern California region, including the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, must update their General Plan Housing Elements by October 15, 2021. Housing Elements must include an eight-year plan for new housing growth allocated by the State.

Over the coming months, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita will conduct a public outreach campaign to obtain input regarding how the community would prefer to plan for housing in the future. An early step in the Housing Element Update process is an initial survey; this and future surveys will be used to ensure that the Housing Element Update reflects local priorities.

If you live or work in Rancho Santa Margarita, please complete this short survey to provide your input regarding existing housing conditions and fair housing issues. . There will be further opportunities to comment on additional topics, including potential locations to accommodate the State-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

Please visit the City’s Housing Element Update page, available on the City’s website at cityofrsm.org for the latest information.

Your input is welcomed and encouraged; the City is forming an interest list for updates and the latest news on the process. Please email wstarks@cityofrsm.org to add your name to the list.

Please call (949) 589-7767 for more information or to schedule an appointment.