City Council Honors Taylor; Schmutz Named New Police Chief for RSM

In the same night that Rancho Santa Margarita said goodbye to its police chief, residents got a glimpse of the new chief for the first time.

Chief of Police Services Lt. Stacey Taylor was recognized for her service to Rancho Santa Margarita at the city council meeting on Wednesday, and the city manager announced that Lt. Brian Schmutz would be taking her place.

Taylor is transferring to head a still-unnamed countywide drug prevention program created by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Before the ceremony, Taylor said she felt “melancholy” about the transfer.

“Working here in Rancho has been the highlight of my career,” Taylor said. “It was too short lived for my liking, but the Sheriff passed me an opportunity I could not pass up.”

The council honored Taylor with a plaque and a statement of appreciation.

“You’re going to do very well there, and we’re going to miss you,” said Mayor Tony Beall.

Taylor has served as chief since November 20, 2009.

During the ceremony, city manager Steve Hayman announced that he had selected a replacement for Taylor—Lt. Brian Schmutz, a 20-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department.

 Schmutz was taking pictures during the ceremony.  

“I don’t know if anyone can fill the shoes of Lt. Taylor,” Schmutz said, but added that he was proud to be “carrying on her legacy.”

Taylor’s last day in Rancho was March 24. Schmutz is expected to begin work today, March 25.

Hayman said there were six possible candidates for the position, that his staff winnowed the choices down to four and that Hayman selected Schmutz on the day of the city council meeting.

Hayman said he chose Schmutz because of “his education, (his) overall experience in all aspects of the department and (his) fit with city staff.”

“I told him to hit the ground running,” Hayman said

Other council business

• The City Council also recognized two local students from Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Officials honored Jessica Joseph, a 12th grade student and Member of the National Charity League. She won the Spectrum Award (for working with a minimum of 12 charities), the Yellow Rose Award five times (for completing over 70 hours of community service) and two President’s Charity Awards (for providing over 100 hours of community service.)

Jessica has played on the school’s basketball team for four years.

School staff also selected Grant Yosenick for recognition. Council members honored Yosenick, an 11th grade student, for keeping a 4.5 grade-point average and being a member of the International Baccalaureate Program, a Link Crew Leader at school, a member of the school’s marching band and part of the school’s Performing Arts Department.

• The City Council thanked Sgt. Al Philips, a longtime Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy who plans to retire soon, for his service.

Philips began work as a Deputy Sheriff in 1985 and has served in Rancho Santa Margarita since 2008.

Also at the meeting:

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