Parents urge council to preserve Boys & Girls Club after possible closure draws concern

Multiple parents and residents urged the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council to preserve the local Boys & Girls Club, saying the organization provides essential, affordable after‑school care and summer programming that many working families rely on.

Bonnie Healy Callahan, a working mother of four, told the council there are few affordable, walkable after‑school options near RSM Intermediate and that many families plan to rely on the Club for summer camp and after‑school services. "There are not many options, if any, outside of Boys and Girls Club in RSM," she said, asking the council to support continuation of the program.

Renee Branch, a single full‑time parent, described the stress of arranging care if the Club closes and said she has been working to raise awareness; she predicted enrollment could grow with local return‑to‑office trends and reported at least five incoming students have expressed intent to enroll next year.

Chris McLaughlin, another commenter, framed the matter in the context of budget priorities, noting the city subsidizes about $120,000 a year for the Club and urging the council to weigh that figure against recent capital spending decisions.

Mayor Beal noted the city is entering budget‑planning season and said police and public safety are large budget components; no council action on the Club was taken during the meeting. Staff did not present a specific proposal for continued funding at this session and referred public commenters to upcoming budget discussions where program funding and priorities will be addressed.

Provenance: Public comments on first public‑comment period (item 4) and additional comments later in the agenda.