Rancho Santa Margarita is a city in Orange County, California, United States. One of Orange County's youngest cities, Rancho Santa Margarita is a master-planned community. The population was 47,853 at the 2010 census, up from 47,214 at the 2000 census. Although it is named for Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, which was in San Diego County, the city limits fall within the borders of Rancho Mission Viejo.[1]

The City is a general law city and operates under the council-manager form of government (see RSM City Council). Rancho Santa Margarita is a contract city. Police services are provided through contract with the OCSD. Fire Protection services are provided through the OCFA. It was incorporated on January 1, 2000.

Rancho Santa Margarita is bordered by the city of Mission Viejo on the west, the census-designated Coto de Caza and Las Flores on the south, Trabuco Canyon on the north, and the Cleveland National Forest on the east.[1]

Issues, Controversies#

• In March 2008, then city attorney John Cavanaugh was suddenly asked to resign by then-Mayor Pro-Tem Gary Thompson with no explanation given or in the record.[1]
• In April 2010 city councilmen Gary Thompson and Neil C. Blais as part of a financial audit in the city of Menifee for billing and contract overbilling.[1]
• In February 2011 Mayor Tony Beall tried to remove councilman Jesse Petrilla while he was on California Army National Guard deployment.[1]
• In September 2019 residents of the city started a recall campaign against long-time city councilman L. Anthony (Tony) Beall.[1]
• In November 2019 long-time city councilwoman and city founder Carol Gamble was found guilty by the FPPC of campaign finance violations.[1]
• In December 2019 long-time city councilman L. Anthony (Tony) Beall was fined by the FPPC for campaign finance reporting issues.[1]

Notable Political Residents#

Footnotes#