In a deeply disappointing turn of events, the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council — led by Mayor Tony Beall — took away the Bell Tower facility used by the Boys & Girls Club and created conditions where the organization felt it could no longer operate in the city. As a result, hundreds of local families lost vital after-school and summer programs their children depended on.

Citing unfounded concerns of “indoctrination,” the council chose politics over people, dismissing the real value this program brings to our community. For years, the Boys & Girls Club has been a lifeline for RSM families — providing safe, reliable after-school care, summer camps, academic support, mentorship, and youth development programs that shape confident, capable young leaders.

According to a study commissioned by BGCA, every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs generates $9.60 in community benefits — from improved academic outcomes and workforce readiness to reduced juvenile crime and stronger family stability.

Meanwhile, neighboring cities like Aliso Viejo continue to invest in youth programs, making them more attractive for young families seeking supportive, family-oriented communities. As RSM limits opportunities for children and working parents, school registrations are declining, reflecting the broader impact of disengaged leadership and short-sighted decisions.

This choice ignores both the human and economic value of investing in youth, sending a troubling message that political agendas now outweigh the long-term well-being and vitality of our community.

While local families lose access to essential programs like the Boys & Girls Club, the RSM City Council approved an $800,000 monument sign on Antonio Parkway — an expense offering no measurable benefit to residents or the city’s financial health.

Here’s the truth: studies show that every $1 invested in the Boys & Girls Club returns nearly $9.60 in community benefits — through better education outcomes, reduced crime, and stronger futures for our kids. Yet instead of investing in our youth, the City spent $800,000 on a monument wall — an “Ego Wall.” That same investment could have funded the Boys & Girls Club for seven years, generating nearly $7 million in value for Rancho Santa Margarita families and children. What a missed opportunity.

Without the Club, families are left to carry the burden. After-school programs now cost an average of $450 per child per month — over $5,000 a year. For many working parents, that’s simply not affordable.

If elected, I will ensure that every decision is made with financial responsibility and accountability — no more ego projects while vital services are ignored. Every dollar should deliver real value to residents, not just fund vanity projects or splashy, low-impact spending.

We’ll prioritize what truly matters — youth programs, public safety, parks, and infrastructure — the foundations of a thriving community. Every proposal will be carefully reviewed for costs, benefits, and long-term impact, ensuring that spending directly supports families, seniors, and residents across RSM.

Let’s invest in programs and solutions that create lasting, measurable value — and build a city government that is transparent, accountable, and works for the people, not against them.

Did you know the current RSM City Council just approved another vanity project—this time allocating close to $1M for a decorative fence along Antonio Parkway as part of the so-called “Gateway Project”?

While families are struggling with affordability and the loss of essential community services, the City continues to pour taxpayer dollars into projects that offer little to no real community value.

Imagine what that same investment could do if directed toward youth programs, park improvements, safety initiatives, or senior services — things that actually improve quality of life for residents.

Rancho Santa Margarita deserves smart spending and meaningful investment, not more vanity projects that prioritize appearance over impact.

The issue stems from a redistricting dispute, where the City initially refused to pay a much smaller invoice. Rather than resolving the matter responsibly, the Council’s refusal escalated into costly legal action — driving up lawyer fees and taxpayer expenses.

What could have been handled with sound judgment and transparency has now turned into another example of poor financial management.

RSM deserves leaders who practice fiscal responsibility, accountability, and common sense — not costly decisions that waste public funds and erode community trust.

In another move that puts political self-preservation over community representation, the RSM City Council supported a redistricting process to ensure that all current council members could be elected, even though several live just blocks apart. The City Council voted for an at-large mayor with four council districts—despite the majority of public comments favoring a five-district map.

I believe in nurturing a feedback culture where residents’ voices matter. Families, youth, seniors, parents—every group in RSM deserves to be heard and understood, because every city action, every council decision, has a direct impact on people’s lives. Yet right now, residents don’t even have a voice. Our mayor doesn’t read the public comments during council meetings. That silence sends a message: your input doesn’t matter. And that’s not acceptable.

If elected, I will lead with open ears and an open heart. I will listen before acting. I will ensure that transparency is not just a buzzword but a way of doing business in Rancho Santa Margarita.

That is not accountability. That is not leadership. What’s worse, our city has drifted away from the nonpartisan spirit that local government is meant to embody. City leaders have brought their own ideologies and agendas into decision-making, putting politics above people. That should never happen at the local level, where the focus must always be on families, neighborhoods, and quality of life.

Rancho Santa Margarita deserves fresh perspectives and new leadership — not a City Council made up of the same voices year after year.

With the exception of Councilmember Keri Baert, RSM’s City Council has been held by the same long-term incumbents for decades, creating a culture of complacency and limited accountability. Without term limits, power remains concentrated, and innovation, transparency, and community engagement suffer.

It’s time to bring in new energy, new ideas, and leaders who listen. Term limits ensure that no one becomes too comfortable in power — that government stays responsive, inclusive, and reflective of the people it serves.

RSM deserves a council that represents all residents — not the same few.

School registrations in Orange County are dropping, a clear signal that fewer young families are choosing to make this area their home. This trend affects more than classrooms — it impacts property values, local business revenue, and our long-term economic strength.

Meanwhile, neighboring cities like Aliso Viejo are investing in youth programs and family-friendly services, making them more attractive destinations for parents seeking a supportive community.

To keep RSM thriving, we must:

✅ Restore and expand youth programs — including partnerships like the Boys & Girls Club
✅ Prioritize family-focused amenities that support working parents
✅ Draw more young families to strengthen our city’s purchasing power and local economy

A strong city is built on strong families. Let’s ensure RSM remains a place where children grow, parents thrive, and our future stays bright.