News

Margaret Novak was elected to the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board of Directors in 2024 and represents Division 5, which includes Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, and a portion of San Clemente.

Ms. Novak is a long-time resident of south Orange County and has over 25 years of experience in the community development and infrastructure realm. Her strong understanding of Division 5 – including the unincorporated areas – comes from serving on the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Ratepayer Advisory Committee, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) Board, Ladera Ranch Civic Council (LRCC), and South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC). She also has served on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Citizens Advisory Committee and Women’s Transportation Seminar of Orange County (WTS-OC) Board, in addition to participating in the Orange County Business Council’s (OCBC) Governmental Affairs and Infrastructure Action Committees.

As a results-oriented leader, Ms. Novak is committed to maintaining SMWD’s high standard of service and delivery of clean, reliable, and cost-effective water to ratepayers. She will continue safeguarding our District through sound policies and fiscal responsibility in support of expanded local water supply options and reduced energy-related costs.

Ms. Novak has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona and is passionate about making a meaningful difference in her community.

Sign up for updates from Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.

Job description

About us

HOTWORX - 24-Hour Infrared Fitness Studio is the first ever implementation of 3-dimensional training. We combine Heat (dimension 1), Infrared Energy (dimension 2) and Exercise (dimension 3) to help members flush toxins, tone up, and torch calories. Our studio offers 24-hour unlimited access to sessions ranging from HOT Yoga, to Hot Cycle, Hot Buns and more. Our exclusive workouts are led by a virtual instructor in a semi-private environment, suitable for all fitness levels to give members MORE WORKOUT IN LESS TIME!

Join our team for an exciting opportunity to drive membership growth and to deliver exceptional customer service in the fitness/health and wellness industry!

We are currently looking to build a team of self-motivated, dependable fitness minded individuals. If you are looking for a career opportunity with this cutting-edge concept where you can become a part of an organization focused on helping the community feel and look their very best then look at HOTWORX. We have one position open for a Full-time Assistant General Manager who has previous experience in customer service, membership sales and marketing.

Candidates interested in joining our team should expect to be successful in the following:

• Be the face of HOTWORX.
• Meeting and exceeding membership sales goals. Must be strong in sales and outreach!
• Showing up daily, on time, and with the mindset to execute every job duty and function with absolute integrity and enthusiasm.
• Always providing superior customer service to members by creating a positive and motivating environment.
• Meeting with and reporting on sales trends and prospecting efforts to owner on a regular basis.
• Willing to network in the community, online and B2B to promote HOTWORX.
• Demonstrated Pre-sales experience.
• Utilizing social media and all other marketing and advertising media to engage members and the community and to help grow the member base and brand awareness, on a regular basis.
• Using online platforms and software for customer relations management process, POS systems for membership sales, billing and collections as well as for email and texting campaigns. Training will be provided!
• Management candidates should be able to successfully motivate and lead the membership sales team by achieving personal sales goals and providing coaching to the sales staff to meet their personal sales goals.
• Completing all required training's both online and in person as required by owner, to ensure you have all the tools needed to be successful.

Basic Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Complete a minimum 30-40 hours per week, using the provided time clock.
• Assist with all weekly and/or monthly staff meetings & training sessions.
• Always maintain HOTWORX®® customer service standards. (5 Star Rating)
• Create social media content posting and marketing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
• Maintain a professional appearance adhering to the HOTWORX® Uniform Policy & Code of Conduct.
• Follow general cleaning and maintenance checklists as assigned by management.
• Complete daily open/closing procedures and checklists.
• Provide an excellent customer service experience.
• Must be able to confidently answer phones and greet customers.
• Ensure members understand how to use the Burn Off App.
• Promote participation in the Burn Off Challenge and use of the HOTWORX® App.
• Maintain accurate member and employee records.
• Ad Hoc duties as needed

Employee Management Responsibilities:

• Actively recruit & interview staff.
• Ensure all daily operational checklists are prepared weekly/daily for monitoring.
• Train all Fitness Sales Associates according to HOTWORX® training material and programs. Ensure all employees are fulfilling the required training and certifications.
• Ensure all new and existing employees’ training is up to date.
• Monitor the closing percentage and percentage to goal of all employees and discuss action plans.
• Ensure all related equipment maintenance and cleanliness tasks are completed and or delegated as defined in full Job Description.

Register Functions & Membership Billing Responsibilities:

• Ensure all employees are practicing proper data entry for all guests, members and clients at all times.
• Perform monthly EFT billing (pre-draft, processing and post-draft) duties to ensure maximum collection rates.
• Update member Brivo access credentials as accounts become delinquent.
• Exercise proper collections methods.

Sales Management Responsibilities & Minimum Performance Expectations:

• Ensure that minimum requirements for prospecting are met monthly.
• Monitor, track and analyze and communicate daily, weekly and monthly lead flow.
• Work with staff to ensure daily and weekly organic posts are set up and increase engagement.
• Communicating with GM or Franchisee/Owner on changes in social media lead quality or feedback.
• Formally meet with GM or Franchisee/Owner regularly to monitor and communicate clearly regarding return on ad budget/spend as well as cost per lead metrics.
• Ensure Daily Duties Checklist is completed daily.
• Submit required close of business reports to franchisee nightly and a brief email to franchisee at the end of the staffed hours everyday M-F.
• Review Studio Prospecting/Client tracking logs daily to ensure proper exercise of prospecting duties.

This opportunity has your name on it if you are:

• Autonomous/Independent -- enjoys working with little direction.
• Goal-oriented -- enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail.
• Detail-oriented -- would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture.
• Dependable -- more reliable than spontaneous

Our ideal candidates have 2+ years previous sales experience, strong interest in helping others feel and look their very best while benefiting from rewarding.

Candidates should personally lead a healthy lifestyle and have a personal passion for fitness.

We provide substantial paid training, certifications and support to ensure your success. Compensation includes base pay, commissions, bonuses, a free studio membership and product discounts.

If you are a high energy, positive, self-motivated individual looking to continually grow, join our team and help us deliver exceptional fitness experiences to our members while driving growth for our studio! Apply now to become a part of the HOTWORX® family.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Sharon Mueller

Franchise Owner, Ladera Ranch

25612 Crown Valley Parkway, #L-8

(559) 696-0500

Sharon.Mueller@hotworx.net

Safeguarding a $3 Billion Water System
The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) manages a vast $3 billion water infrastructure system, serving nearly 220,000 residents in southern Orange County. With an average annual delivery of 10 billion gallons of drinking water, SMWD plays a critical role in supporting the area's thriving communities.

To maintain the reliability of aging infrastructure, SMWD emphasizes proactive maintenance. In 2024, the District allocated $21.44 million for maintenance and upgrades, along with an additional $11.53 million for water reliability projects, ensuring a sustainable future for its customers. Long-term planning is particularly important, as 90% of SMWD’s drinking water comes from northern California and the Colorado River.

As part of its commitment to transparency and sustainability, SMWD is finalizing a rate study. Starting in May 2025, a proposed water rate adjustment will appear on customer water bills. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining reliable and sustainable water delivery in the District's growing communities.

Want to learn more? Join SMWD for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of its extensive infrastructure. Your engagement and support are vital as the District invests in a reliable water system that benefits the entire community.

SMWD Tours: How Water Rates are Determined

Learn about the fascinating complexities, technological advances, and scientific processes behind water delivery to South Orange County. The tours include an informative rate discussion, hosted by SMWD's finance team to help customers better understand how water rates are determined.

Friday, March 7

4:30-6:30 p.m.

California's largest recycled water reservoir: Trampas Canyon Reservoir.

Register: https://form.jotform.com/250227218092148

Thursday, March 13

9:00-10:30 a.m.

Emergency Drinking Water Storage: Upper Chiquita Reservoir.

Register: https://form.jotform.com/250227174502145

For information on Santa Margarita Water District infrastructure tours, visit SMWD.com/Tours

 

People who cite meaningful connections with others in their community report extraordinarily high levels of satisfaction on “Best Places to Live” indexes. They also tend to live much longer. Therein lies the impetus behind Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch’s newest monthly event: Coffee Chat, held at Morena’s Mexican in the Sendero Marketplace. 

“We want Coffee Chat to be an event for everyone,” said Juliet Rosales, Morena’s owner, “with monthly topics that include other events, infrastructure, utilities, governance, land use, the environment, retail and business.” Presenters will be will be experts on the topics, which will be relevant to everyday life, newsworthy and intended to enhance the group’s knowledge base in some way. The upcoming election is sure to attract a few political candidates, eager for an audience with engaged, civic-minded voters!

Upcoming topics include tips on photography, how to start your own small business, senior living options, and how south O.C. reuses water. Follow Community Coffee Chat’s Facebook page for a list of upcoming speakers and topics.

Organizers say the event is more than the information shared, it’s also about building relationships with people who want to make a difference in the community. “Our goal is to build an event where the residents become friends through their shared interests and consistent participation,” said Linda Hakim and Todd Stearns. “We hope they’ll go out of their way to say “hi” when bumping into each other at the farmers market or the grocery store!”

Plan to visit on the third Thursday of each month and email the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce with a topic you would like covered: info@laderaranchochamber.org.

On June 12, Wells Fargo employees were joined by Jackson Cripe, District Representative Congressman Levin's office, Kim Carr, Sr. District Representative, Office of State Senator Blakespear, Anne Figueroa, District Director for assembly member Sanchez’s office, Tyler Mosher, Staff Representative Office of Supervisor Foley and local leaders from the Ladera Ranch Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of its new bank branch at 30773 Gateway Place in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, as it expands and welcomes new and existing customers in the local area.

Located within the Sendero Marketplace, the 1,800 square-foot branch has been designed and built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards and includes an assisted‑service ATM, a floorplan to create more space for conversation and consultation, and informative digital messaging displays. The new Sendero Marketplace branch’s convenient location is a benefit to customers as its nestled among a mix of independent boutiques, restaurants, and other service providers within the center.

During the event, Wells Fargo awarded a $25,000 grant to Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) to help provide stability to OC residents through rental assistance, financial education, and housing counseling services.

Welcome to the community Wells Fargo!

Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez invites you to learn more about “Active Violence” which can include incidents such as flash mob robberies, workplace violence, an active shooter, or any other violent scenario that poses a risk to the safety of those present.

Orange County's 5th District includes some of the most desirable real estate in the planet including Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as our own communities: Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo!

5th District Supervisor Katrina Foley presides over these fabulous locations and will be the keynote speaker at this year's event to provide updates on what is happening and key projects.

It is sure to be a lively lunch event and we hope you will join us!

Join a FREE Galactic Celebration - Santa Margarita Water District's 60th Anniversary!

SMWD's legendary Water Festival returns as a free family-friendly event to explore the intrigues of drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater. For over 30 years, the month of May has transformed into California’s Water Awareness Month, guiding the community in the ways of water wisdom and unveiling the secrets of water system infrastructure.

Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: SMWD Headquarters, 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita

Young Padawans can enjoy a variety of activities, including face painting, reptile encounters, pipe building races, and more! Take a leisurely stroll through the WaterWorks Garden and engage in conversations with garden Jedi masters amidst stunning California-friendly plants.

Indulge in delectable treats such as Mountain Mike's Pizza (featuring Millennium Falcon Mozzarella and Podracer Pepperoni) and groove to the tunes of a DJ.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration! Mark your calendars for May 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

For more information, visit: https://www.smwd.com/222/Water-Festival

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA (April 4, 2024) – Stater Bros. Markets and PepsiCo associates gathered to commemorate PepsiCo’s 9th annual “Rolling Remembrance,” a 14,000+ mile long relay that honors military heroes who lost their lives while serving the United States. This cross-country relay embarks from Seattle, transporting an American flag first flown on a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. PepsiCo’s extensive network of veteran drivers will pass off the flag to each other at different relay points. The relay will conclude at PepsiCo headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., right before Memorial Day, on May 23.

During the stop at Stater Bros. Markets’ headquarters on Thursday, March 28, Stater Bros. Charities and PepsiCo presented a $50,000 donation to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, an organization that provides college scholarships and educational counseling to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Since 2017, this partnership has donated the equivalent of 56 years of college for Fallen Patriots scholars.

“We are very grateful for our continued partnership with PepsiCo and Children of Fallen Patriots. Supporting the education of the children of the heroes that lost their lives serving our country is just one way we can honor their memory,” stated Nancy Negrette, Chairman and President of Stater Bros. Charities. Funds will assist families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Meet Abbie Wittwer, a Children of Fallen Patriots scholarship recipient. 

Abbie is the daughter of Lieutenant Commander Frank Wittwer, who passed away in 2006. Abbie says her dad “loved being a pilot and serving his country, but he also loved being a dad, and he was great at both.”

Abbie says, “The scholarships I have received from Fallen Patriots let me pursue my degree full-time, without worrying about going into debt. I would not have been the student I was, or the person I am, without the support of Fallen Patriots.” Abbie graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2022, completely debt-free thanks to Children of Fallen Patriots.

There are approximately 25,000 children who have lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every such child receives all necessary college funding. To donate and learn more, visit Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.

Good job Stater Bros.!

Irvine, Calif. - March 11, 2024

The Foothill Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) continues to strengthen its economic position in the bond market with Fitch Ratings upgrading the Agency’s bonds to A- for Senior Lien and BBB+ for Junior Lien, with a positive outlook. F/ETCA operates the 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads in Orange County, Calif.

Following are the F/ETCA’s current bond ratings:

• Fitch: A- and BBB+ respectively, with outlook positive
• Moody’s: Baa1 with outlook stable
• S&P: A and A- respectively, with outlook stable

In addition, Fitch Ratings has affirmed San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA) Senior Lien bonds at BBB+ and Junior Lien bonds at BBB and revised the rating outlook to positive.

“The rating upgrade reflects an improved credit profile driven by the combination of the agency's prudent debt management strategies through bond buybacks alongside traffic and revenue performance that has exceeded Fitch's case expectations,” stated in a recent release by Fitch’s Credit Rating. “Management demonstrated its commitment to paying down debt when opportunities arise at bond call dates as well as opportunistically through open-market bond buybacks, which will support debt service reductions over the long term.”

“Fitch’s decision to upgrade the F/ETCA credit rating underscores the Agencies’ financial strength and well-positioned fiscal policies that provide The Toll Roads with stability and strong operational performance,” said F/ETCA Chair and San Juan Capistrano City Council Member John Taylor. “It is important that the Agencies continue to pursue opportunities that further reduce operating costs and enhance revenues, along with board-approved policies for managing and reducing debt.”

“In line with the Boards of Directors’ Strategic Plan, since 2019, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) have executed bond refundings and strategic early bond paydowns that have reduced debt service by nearly $1.4 billion, thereby further enhancing the Agencies’ strong financial position,” said TCA CFO Howard Mallen.

The F/ETCA and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA), which comprise TCA, are two joint powers authorities created to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s 51-mile toll road network – the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.

The Toll Roads have been providing a choice for drivers for over 25 years and the tolls collected are used to repay the debt incurred to construct the system and fund ongoing operations and improvements.

The Toll Roads system, which represents 20% of Orange County’s highways, is the largest toll road network in California.