Briefing RSM Thru Oct. 27: Worthwhile Events This Week

By Martin Henderson

A look at what's going down and coming up for Rancho Santa Margarita and residents of the surrounding area.  

• Tuesday there will be a blood drive at Melinda Heights Elementary to benefit the American Red Cross. The event is 2:30-7:30 p.m., in the school's multi-purpose room. Donors can sign up online for appointment times using "Melinda" as the sponsor code. 

• If something along the lines of Shark Tank is interesting to you, Tuesday you can watch and network at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin as entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win $10,000. Cox Business and Inc. Magazineare teaming together on the project, called "Get Started O.C." Click here for more details. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the museum, located at 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin.

• Saddleback Valley Toastmasters will meet Tuesday night at Carrows in Laguna Hills. Click here for more details. 

• The regular meeting of the City Council has been canceled this week.

• Some Rancho Santa Margarita area students are likely to feel pretty good about their football teams after Friday night. Tesoro has a chance to clinch the South Coast League title if it can win against Orange County Top 10's No. 1 team, Mission Viejo. The host Diablos won't clinch anything if they win, but they'll be in good position—having beaten the team that has already beaten El Toro and Trabuco Hills. That ET-TH game should be an event: It's the first on-campus game in the new stadium for El Toro, which for years has played its home games at Trabuco. And both teams really need to win. Speaking of needing a win, Santa Margarita Catholic plays at Santa Ana Stadium against Mater Dei. The Eagles have already lost their first two Trinity League games, and their playoff chances take a hit if they can't beat one of the league's Big 3.  

• Saturday is the first Rocktoberfest in Central Park, a daylong music festival that includes food and fun for adults and kids alike. presented by the RSM Chamber of Commerce. Event includes a Kids Fun Zone, along with shopping, food, beer and wine, vendor booths and live entertainment. Those who will take the stage include the Tijuana Dogs, Flock of '80s, Pickleback Shine and Hero For Today. Adults $10, kids $5. Event is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Sunday is the Trunk or Treat Halloween Event at 4:30 p.m. It's a chance for kids to trick or treat from car to car, and there's also a chili cookoff. It's at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church on Las Flores on the south end of the Lowe's shopping center. Dinner available for $5. Click here for details. 

• The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano this week features William Shatner (yes, that William Shatner) on Friday as he performs his album Ponder the Mystery in its entirety. Thursday will be a performance by The Mavericks, and on Saturday Stephen Kellogg.