Cervantez Manages as the Center of Attention

Nearly 90 business leaders from Rancho Santa Margarita descended on Dove Canyon Country Club on Thursday, and all had had the same motive.

Meet Jennifer Cervantez.

Cervantez is the new city manager for Rancho Santa Margarita. She has been on the job since July 9, and for many in the audience, it was the first time they had a chance to meet her.

As the city manager, she acts as RSM's chief executive officer; the city council essentially act as her board of directors. She was chosen and after a search of about nine months. She had previously been the assitant city manager in La Habra.

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Mayor Tony Beall provided some background information on Cervantez, and after explaining the myriad of traits the council was looking for in a city manager, said "we are confident that Jennifer's energy, professionalism and expertise will enable her to continue leading this city in the direction that we expect and with the positive results we require. ... We are also confident that as you get the opportunity to know and work with Jennifer, you too will see what we saw, and that you'll agree she absolutely was the right person for this important job."

After that, the new city manager—who replaced Steve Hayman—spoke briefly, calling RSM an ideal community. Cervantez made reference to a that described how pleased they were with the community.

She is not at all long-winded, and ended her short speech by saying that "it is my intention to serve for many years with integrity, honesty and openness."

The event, which was presented by the Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce and Dove Canyon Country Club, achieved its goal: Cervantez said she was pretty certain she had met everyone in attendance at least once.