Rancho Santa Margarita, California

History

In 1940, the Flood family sold their portion of the ranch to the U.S. Navy for use as Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, a major Marine Corps base. The O'Neill family retained the upper portion of the ranch, which included the area that is now Rancho Santa Margarita. In 1948 and 1963, they donated some of their land to the County of Orange for park purposes, creating O'Neill Regional Park and Caspers Wilderness Park. In 1963, they also founded the Mission Viejo Company, a real estate developer that planned and built the master-planned community of Mission Viejo, one of the first of its kind in California.

By the 1960s, there were already some rural homes in Trabuco Canyon, an area within Rancho Santa Margarita. The first tract development in the area was Coto de Caza, which started out as a hunting and fishing resort in 1968 and later became a gated community. Other developments followed in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Dove Canyon, Robinson Ranch, Wagon Wheel, and Trabuco Highlands. The area became more accessible in 1992, when extensions of Oso Parkway, Antonio Parkway, and Alicia Parkway were completed.

In 1989, the residents of Rancho Santa Margarita established a Community Civic Association (CCA) to provide a political voice for the community. The CCA later became the Rancho Margarita Civic Association (RMCA) and then the Civic Council. In 1995, a separate group called the RSM Cityhood Committee began the official drive for incorporation as a city. After a successful petition drive and a vote by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), a cityhood election was held on November 3, 1999. The voters approved cityhood by a margin of 86% to 14%, making Rancho Santa Margarita the 33rd city in Orange County. The city was officially incorporated on January 1, 2000.

Rancho Santa Margarita is a general law city and operates under the council-manager form of government. The city council consists of five members elected at-large to four-year terms. The mayor and mayor pro tem are chosen by the council from among its members. The city manager is appointed by the council and serves as the chief administrative officer of the city. The city contracts with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for police services and with the Orange County Fire Authority for fire protection services.

Rancho Santa Margarita is located on a high plateau known as Plano Trabuco, at an elevation of about 925 feet above sea level. It covers an area of about 13 square miles. The city is bordered by Trabuco Canyon to the north and east, Coto de Caza and Las Flores to the south, and Mission Viejo and Lake Forest to the west. The city's most prominent landmark is Santiago Peak, which is visible from most parts of the city and has an elevation of 5,689 feet.

Rancho Santa Margarita has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature in January is about 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The city receives about 15 inches of rainfall per year, mostly between November and March. The city is also prone to wildfires, especially during the Santa Ana winds season.

Things To Do

O'Neill Regional Park

This scenic park offers over 23 miles of trails for hikers and bikers of all levels. You can explore the diverse landscapes of oak woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral, and spot wildlife like deer, coyotes, and bobcats. The park also has picnic areas, campgrounds, and a nature center.

Rancho Santa Margarita Lake

This man-made lake is the centerpiece of the city, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and a beach club. You can rent a paddle boat, kayak, or stand-up paddle board and enjoy the views of the water and the mountains. Or you can relax on the sandy beach and swim in the lagoon.

Mercado del Lago

This shopping center is located on the shore of the lake, and it has a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from. You can find everything from clothing and jewelry to books and gifts. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the eateries, such as The Blind Pig, Carmelita's, or Tutto Fresco.

Central Park

Central Park is a popular venue for outdoor events and concerts. The park is surrounded by a playground, amphitheater, arena, and a library. The amphitheater can accommodate up to 2,000 people and has a stage, lighting, and sound system. The amphitheater hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as movies, music, festivals, and community gatherings. Central Park is a great place to enjoy nature, relax, and have fun.

Schools

The city is served by two school districts, Saddleback Valley Unified School District and Capistrano Unified School District.

Saddleback Valley Unified School District serves the communities of Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Rancho Santa Margarita. The district has 34 schools, including 25 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, and one alternative education center. The district's mission is to provide a high-quality education that prepares all students for college and career success. The district's vision is to be a leader in innovation, excellence, and equity in education.

Capistrano Unified School District is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in California, serving over 47,000 students in 63 schools. The district offers a variety of programs and opportunities for students, such as dual immersion, STEM, arts, athletics, and more. The district also strives to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, staff, and families.

Elementary Schools

Arroyo Vista Elementary: This public school serves students from K to 8th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 28:1. It has a Niche grade of A+ for academics and diversity, and an A for teachers. It also has a high percentage of students who are proficient in math and reading, according to state test scores.

Cielo Vista Elementary: This public school serves students from K to 6th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 27:1. It has a Niche grade of A+ for academics and diversity, and an A- for teachers. It also has a high percentage of students who are proficient in math and reading, according to state test scores.

Melinda Heights Elementary School: Recognized for its excellence in education and innovation. School has a strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, as well as arts and humanities. They also have a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, such as robotics, chess, drama and music. The school fosters a culture of collaboration, respect and curiosity, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions.

Tijeras Creek Elementary: This public school serves students from K to 5th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 31:1. It has a Niche grade of A for academics and diversity, and an A- for teachers. It also has a high percentage of students who are proficient in math and reading, according to state test scores.

Intermediate Schools

Arroyo Vista Middle School: This school serves students in grades 6-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, such as gifted and talented education, music, art, and sports. It also has a positive school culture and a supportive community.

Las Flores Middle School: This school serves students in grades 6-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. It has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, as well as arts and humanities. It also has a high level of parent involvement and a diverse student body.

Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School: This school serves students in grades 7-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 28:1. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for high school and beyond. It also has a wide range of clubs and activities, such as robotics, drama, and leadership.

High Schools

Tesoro High School: This is a public, co-educational school that serves students in grades 9-12. It has about 2,451 students and a student-teacher ratio of 26.6:1. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE).

Portola High School: This is a public, co-educational school that serves students in grades 9-12. It has about 2,509 students and a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as AP, IB, STEM, arts, athletics, and clubs.

Private Schools

RSM Christian School: Is a private, co-educational institution that offers a Christ-centered education to students from kindergarten to 12.th grade.

School offers a rigorous curriculum that meets or exceeds the provincial standards, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art and drama. Our teachers are qualified, experienced and committed to the success of each student.

St. Johns Episcopal: Is a private, coeducational school that offers a rigorous academic curriculum for students from preschool to 8th grade.

School has a strong emphasis on STEM education, arts and music, athletics, and service learning. The school also fosters a sense of community and belonging among its diverse student body and faculty.

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School: Is a private, Catholic elementary and middle school that serves students from preschool to 8th grade.

School offers a rigorous curriculum that includes religion, language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, art, music, physical education, and technology. School also has a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, choir, band, drama, and student council.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School: This is a private, co-educational, college preparatory institution that offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum.

Demographics

City has a strong economy and a high quality of life. The city has a variety of businesses, including accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, and transportation and warehousing. The city also has many amenities, such as parks, trails, lakes, and golf courses. The city is known for its scenic views and its community spirit. Population The racial makeup: White: 68.4% Asian: 12.5% Hispanic or Latino: 20.4% Two or More Races: 11.7% Age and Sex Here are some key facts about its age and sex distribution: City's median age: 40.1 State's median age: 37.3 Female: 50.4% Male: 49.6% 00 to 18: 23% 65+: 10% 50 to 59: 18% 40 to 49: 15% 30 to 39: 14% Race and Ethnicity According to the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic composition of the city was: White: 74.5% Hispanic or Latino: 12.3% Asian: 8.9% Black or African American: 1.6% Native American: 0.4% Pacific Islander: 0.2% Other races: 2.1% Education The percentage of foreign-born persons is 20.8%, and The percentage of persons with a bachelor's degree or higher is 49.9%. Income and Poverty Rancho Santa Margarita is a vibrant and prosperous community, with a high median household income of $150,146 and a low poverty rate of 3.9%. It also has a high rate of homeownership (72.9%) and a high percentage of foreign-born residents (20.8%). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 4.5% of the city's residents live below the poverty line, which is $25,750 for a family of four. This means that more than 2,000 people in Rancho Santa Margarita struggle to meet their basic needs. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts, July 1, 2022 City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Demographics World Population Review, Rancho Santa Margarita, California Population 2022 Biggest US Cities, Rancho Santa Margarita, California Population History Data USA, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA