Before cityhood, home owner associations managed our communities and neighborhoods, our parks, our recreation and way of life. Then in 1996, Rancho Santa Margarita’s Cityhood Committee was formed. The Mission Statement was “dedicated to the promotion of cityhood for Rancho Santa Margarita in order to have greater control over our tax dollars, land uses, public and emergency services, political representation and a voice on regional issues affecting our community. Cityhood for Rancho Santa Margarita will preserve our community identity, encourage positive growth and maintain the essence of our…

An open letter to the voters of Rancho Santa Margarita: I wish to humbly thank the voters in Rancho Santa Margarita for the 4,326 votes (2/3 as many as the winners) cast for me in the November 2, 2010 election. In my last-minute two-month campaign, the acceptance and support was tremendous and a grateful validation of my efforts on behalf of RSM. I am now considering how to best help and serve our fine city in the ensuing years. Thank you all and have a Happy New Year!Larry McCook