Rancho Round Up Rancho Round Up
Rienda K-8 School Groundbreaking ...............................................................................
Kris Maher Named 55+ Sage Council Person of the Year ............................................ ASCE OC Awards RMV Projects of
President’s Message
“Dèyè mòn gen mon”
The above is a Creole / Haitian proverb translated “Beyond the Mountains are Mountains.”
So often, and in so many situations, I keep coming back to this statement / concept and find it so applicable in so many areas of life (and particularly in the franticly busy and topsy turvy world we live in today). There is always something. There is always uncertainty. There are always challenges. There is always another effort, another task, and another deadline It so simply and beautifully speaks to the continuous nature of obstacles and issues and efforts in life And it re-sets one’s outlook and perspective on how to view life’s challenges and issues. And in a way it provides hope and grounding.
So often I find myself thinking, if I can just get to Friday, if I can just complete this task, or if I can just get through a certain event or period But what I am learning is that there is always something else There are always more obstacles and more challenges The more you accomplish, the more things will appear in your way. One does not overcome an obstacle to enter the land of no obstacles. Rather, you get past one obstacle just to prepare for the next one. Maybe the current environment is not a storm, but rather, maybe it is just the climate Maybe the current state is the new normal There is no arrival. You are never “there. ”
David Goggins, the retired Navy SEAL and extreme endurance athlete, known for his mental toughness and philosophy of pushing past perceived limitations – often talks of the importance of changing your mindset “Rather than hoping for the best, hope for less than the best! Hope the water is cold!” A life changing perspective shift.
Expect it. Get used to it. Even hope for it. Just keep going. Expect more mountains, and embrace the journey anyway As the journey is truly what this is all about (and who you are on the journey with, and choose to be with, might be equally or more important). Growth and knowledge and wisdom and improvement are hopefully learned along the way. Along with perseverance and patience and peace.
I mention the above because it feels like our world is a crazy place full of lots of mountains these days (professionally, personally, and even globally). Nothing is easy, and as soon as one mountain is conquered, another rises right behind it.
So, I just encourage all of us to expect mountains, embrace mountains, and keep on conquering mountains You can do, we can do it - together!
A few “mountains” on the horizon right now:
RMV has a very busy summer coming up with the close out of sales in Phase 2b, the Grand Opening of Phase 3 in June, a Builder Opportunity Presentation in July, and the completion of the updated planning efforts for the remainder of Planning Area 3. And all of these efforts are taking place in the face of elevated home prices, a slowing housing market across the country, persistently high mortgage rates, a slowing job market, and fire insurance upheaval throughout California
Zooming out from RMV and the entire State, Country and World feels a bit crazy right now. The geo-political uncertainty at home and abroad are a cause of massive uncertainty (so far the word of 2025) around so much in all of our lives Inflation, trade wars, military conflicts and hostilities across many regions of the globe It definitely makes planning a challenge and creates lots of mountains in our near-term future.
And in the face of all of this, our world is undergoing significant change RMV is at the front end of a wave of retirements over the next few years RMV is currently implementing a few key new hires with more on the way. There has also been significant change in personnel at both the agencies we work most closely with (at the County, SMWD, OCFA, OCTA, etc.) and at our consultant and builder partners. And additionally, we are exploring fundamentally new structures for our business that will impact all of us for years to come There is lots out there
But, what gives me hope and confidence as we move forward, is that Rancho Mission
Viejo is a wonderful place full of wonderful and talented people. RMV is long-term, steady, nimble, creative, trusted, and a go-to partner in the face of uncertainty We have the team, the talent, the knowledge, the discipline, and the know how to achieve success. There is no place I would rather be and no group I would rather be encountering and conquering these mountains with. We were made for this.
I hope the water is cold…
Chairman’s Corner
June 2025 all of a sudden, it’s summer ’25 Hard to
believe! This year is “half gone” ! Half day Fridays begin June 13!! Make sure that you and your families enjoy every possible opportunity to put work responsibilities aside and to enjoy this summer of long days and warm evenings.
On your list of opportunities, I respectfully suggest including the beach, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club,
O’Neill’s, the Old Mission, El Adobe, downtown San Juan Capistrano, River Street Market Place, the Ranch’s hiking trails, family vacations, and even your own back yard!
Memorial Day 2025 Hope that all enjoyed Four
Day Weekend – the best! Hope too that, as urged at our Thursday, May 22, Birthday gathering, on
Monday, the 26 , at 3:00 p m , you did pause, reflect, and offer a special prayer for those who have died in all conflicts down through our country’s two hundred fifty years I hope too that some did visit the Old Mission and the Field of Honor. th
John Markel… As of this writing – Friday, May 30 –
John’s cancer battle continues. Please do keep him, wife, Patti, and the entire Markel Family in your thoughts and prayers. At Santa Margarita and especially at Ladera Ranch, John, our Vice
President-Construction, served as a critical –valuable, important – leader and was part of our success formula One of the all time, true “good guys, ” John was Jack’s predecessor and mentor
John’s footprints are on these Ranch lands; he is part of our story – our history – forever
Wednesday, May 28, during our Quarterly DMB /DFE meeting, I was reminded that our partnership /friendship with Bennett Dorrance, Drew Brown, Mark Sklar, and all who have supported them will celebrate twenty-nine years together December 6.
Three decades of accomplishment, success, friendship – the best partnership of all time At the meeting, it was acknowledged, that no one in the
Conference Room – except Don and I – was on Team RMV when we met DMB Spring 1996! Time marches relentlessly on.
Monday, March 10, Rancho Mission Viejo proudly and officially committed $50 million to Providence
Mission Hospital’s expansion plan. The pledge is a gift from our development world and from our family. More than fifty years ago, our first development company, Mission Viejo Company, provided the land on which the hospital stands Now, because our developments are “home” to the majority of present and future hospital “clients, ” it is more than appropriate – it is our obligation, our responsibility, our honor – to lead the campaign to expand and to meet the needs of the decades ahead
Yes, time is roaring by Please keep in your prayers our great friend, John Martin, who at age ninety, died May 20. John’s career began even before he co l d hi d i f h lans for ou s which op
John Martin at BIASC Hall of Legends
Jo e helped us leading
bu passion, en ss, and hu More im
June 12, Rancho Mission Viejo is to be honored
The bright hot pink flowers came from the patio at
by the Orange County Business Journal’s 26 annual Family-Owned Business Award This acknowledgment is significant and will be the second time the Ranch has been a recipient! Twenty-five years ago – maybe twenty-six –
Uncle Richard, my mother, Melinda, and I proudly accepted To be selected again, with our next generation of leadership at the helm, is very special th
Yes, in 1882, Richard O’Neill Sr and partner, James C. Flood, purchased the great Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores; and yes, in the late 1950’s, the freeway came and we chose to become “developers.” Unlike other Orange
County ranching families, instead of selling to
“developers, ” we – the family – became developers and proudly accepted the challenge, shouldered risks, endured, and succeeded The OCBJ recognition – now twice – is very special
Mark your calendars – mid September – date TBA – for our annual All Employee Luncheon “out on the Ranch ” We’ve been to Amantes Camp, the Cow Camp, Rienda’s Ranch Camp, the Reserve
HQ’s, the Eagles Nest, and the Tree of Life
Nursery ·This year, we’ll visit Campo Portolá in Gabino Canyon, El Viaje de Portola’s annual Spring Trek camp. To share this historic site will be great fun.
Happy Father’s Day, June 15, – and belated
Happy Mother’s Day, May 11, to all parents Being a mother or a father is the most important job any of us has!
Thanks again to Marnie and to everyone who contributed to this edition of our Rancho Round
Up…and to all who make our Weekly Wavetops and our monthly Operating Report so informative, so great. All three are important and are critical to accomplishing our goals
Almost last, great to see our bougainvillea replanting at the guest parking area flourishing
the Ranch House, at the Rancho Santa Margarita
y Las Flores, now Camp Pendleton. The cutting
was a gift from Major General Michael Lehnert,
the Base Commander, fifteen years ago. Our
friend, Mike Evans, Tree of Life Nursery, nurtured
it for years Now, this physical tie to our one hundred forty three year history is really special –big time!
Bougainvillea from the Ranch House, Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores
Last for sure, again tried to be brief, but couldn’t
do it Apologies! For Melinda, our family, and me, please know that it remains our honor and a
blessing to be listed on the same Employee
Roster as each of you.
Ride on Forever!
Tony Moiso
Rienda School K-8 Groundbreaking Rienda School K-8 Groundbreaking
Rancho Mission Viejo and Capistrano Unified School District recently celebrated breaking ground on the future Rienda School a new 15-acre site located between Coyotes and Pablo Way, that feature a transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade campus coming to the heart of the Village of Rienda in Fall 2027!
This future-ready will be designed to serve up to 1,600 students, offering flexible learning environments, a strong emphasis on STEAM education, and thoughtfully designed spaces that support creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
The school will be equipped with an “Innovation Center” that will be equipped with a robotic lab, makerspace and wireless technology and flexible seating arrangements. The campus will also have numerous outdoor spaces for outdoor learning activities and flexible teaching.
Alongside the school, Rancho Mission Viejo also plans to construct a 6-acre joint-use park adjacent to the campus which will feature youth athletic fields, picnic area and walking trails. As the community of Rancho Mission Viejo and Rienda continues to grow, the new Rienda School reflects RMV’s shared commitment to investing in the next generation.
To view more on the groundbreaking, use the link below to the RMV YouTube page to see the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrLjZpJmQJ0
Kris Maher Named Person of
the
Year by
BIASC
Sage 55+ Housing Council
We’re proud to share that our very own Kris Maher was honored as Person of the Year by the
BIASC Sage 55+ Housing Council during their annual awards event on Thursday, April 17th.
The ceremony was held at the iconic Lido Theater in Newport Beach and brought together professionals from across the industry to celebrate leadership and innovation in 55+ housing.
Although Kris couldn’t be there in person, the spotlight was still firm on her incredible accomplishments. Jennifer Taylor and Danie Cawthorn attended the event and had the privilege of accepting the award on her behalf.
Kris has been a trailblazer in the 55+ home building industry for years. Her passion for creating communities that not only meet the needs of older adults but enrich their lives has
left a lasting impression across the industry. Her leadership, insight, and collaborative spirit have inspired many and continue to shape the future of housing for this growing demographic.
During the ceremony, both Jennifer and Danie shared heartfelt words about Kris’s impact and leadership. “Kris has helped redefine what great 55+ living looks like, ” Jennifer said. “She leads with grace and conviction and never misses an opportunity to teach. ”
Danie added, “Kris’ vision on designing and building for 55+ community isn’t about slowing down, it’s about turning the volume up on vitality, purpose, and living life to the fullest.”
The Person of the Year award is a major honor, celebrating professionals who demonstrate outstanding service and vision in the 55+ housing market. We’re thrilled to see Kris receive this recognition, and even more proud to have her as the leader of our team and mentor to all of us!
Please join us in congratulating Kris on this incredible achievement!
RMV Awarded Projects of the Year at the ASCE-OC Awards
At Rancho Mission Viejo, we take great pride in the success of our community, but it’s especially meaningful when our work is recognized by industry peers. On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Orange County Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) honored two standout projects in the Rienda village and acknowledged the exceptional work of two of our engineers
One of the highlighted projects, the “Boulder Pond and Playground Project, ” was awarded the 2025 ASCE Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Project. This innovative recreational space in Rienda offers a vibrant and enriching outdoor experience, featuring a 3.5-acre pond, a three-quarter-mile walking path, and a thoughtfully designed playground for children of all ages The park is designed to inspire exploration and connection with nature, with landscape features that invite families to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding environment
At the heart of the park is a stunning two-tiered pond, linked by a 60-foot-wide cascading waterfall and lined with natural materials along its 2,500-foot shoreline. The pond uses recycled water and includes an advanced aeration system to ensure high water quality yearround
This collaborative effort included contributions from PACE, GMU, RJM Landscape, Fountainhead, JES, and our own RMV team, led by Jennifer Taylor and Bill Sadler.
The Rienda C-Complex Flood Basin, a critical infrastructure project within Rancho Mission Viejo’s PA-3 development, was honored with the 2025 ASCE Outstanding Flood Management Project award This 170-acre-foot earthen basin provides essential flood attenuation and flow mitigation for a 1,300-acre portion of the PA-3 area
Key features of the project include a 144-inch-diameter storm drain pipeline that transitions into a 12’ x 8’ reinforced concrete box culvert, designed to convey 100-year storm flows directly to the basin. A carefully engineered weir outlet system regulates discharge from the basin into San Juan Creek, helping to manage stormwater runoff and ensure long-term flood protection for the surrounding development
This successful project wa
Zollars, Fountainhead, Sukut Construction, and our RMV management team, led by Tyler Holst, Jim Yates, and Scott Leetzow.
In addition to the recognition of our projects, two key members of our engineering team Rianne Okamoto and Greg Silver—were honored for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Our RMV Engineering team is proud to be part of these award-winning projects and to work alongside such dedicated and accomplished professionals. We look forward to taking on new challenges as we continue to help make Rancho Mission Viejo a vibrant and exceptional place to live Renee Okomoto (PACE) 2025 ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineer in Community Service
Silv
Looking No
- Rienda C Bas
Com
x
New Office Coordinator -Suzanna Ferebee New Office Coordinator -Suzanna Ferebee
Hi, my name is Suzanna Ferebee. I am thrilled to have joined Rancho Mission Viejo in November 2024 as Office Coordinator. My partner John and I live in San Clemente and have been together for 32 years I have a son, Ryan I am an animal rescue advocate and have a sweet, stubborn, English Bulldog breeder dump named Sugar I was fortunate to grow up in the Coachella Valley when it was a small town. I played golf with my parents and grandparents, rode dirt bikes, cruised Palm Canyon during Spring break and spent endless hours in the pool. These days you will find me cooking, reading, fishing in the Sierra’s, going to concerts and spending time with an amazing group of friends back in my hometown My work has been primarily in construction, development, and property management I have been fortunate to work at amazing companies and with families managing commercial properties and private estates, contract management, accounting, executive and personal assistant. As a personal assistant, I traveled domestically and internationally experiencing things that were beyond my dreams I am fortunate and blessed
I find humor in life Never take today for granted Never apologize for needing down time to reflect. I was in New York on 9-11, was at the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, qualified for Jeopardy but too afraid to compete. I have danced on Soul Train, sky dived, drove on the Ontario racetrack, volunteered building an orphanage in Mexico, and rode motorcycles along the Mississippi River Now, I work at RMV!
New Marketing Manager - Michelle Castellini
New Marketing Manager - Michelle Castellini
I am thrilled to join the Rancho Mission Viejo team as the new Marketing Manager! As a Southern California native - born and raised in Irvine, and now living in Rancho Santa Marga
contribute to the growth of a community I know and love. My college years took me to Northern California where I graduated from UC Davis and fell in love with the Midwest-feel of
almost moved there after graduation, b
ime (Mike) lived in San Clemente so I decided to come back home. We got married nearly 10 years after dating, so I’d say it all worked out!
We have a very chatty 2-year-old daughter named Kay who keeps us on our toes She loves animals, Diego (Dora the Explorer’s cousin), and singing Taylor Swift songs. She was even born on her birthday, which makes her an automatic Swifty!
The force is strong with our two dogs Leia (8) and Luke (6) who also keep Kay entertained Between Luke “borrowing” Kay’s toys and Leia stealing Kay’s snacks, there is never a dull moment between the three of them.
Professionally, my career in marketing began shortly after college, during a pivotal time just before the rise of social media and the digital landscape as we know it today I was drawn to the creativity of marketing and the power of storytelling, particularly the opportunity to shape a brand’s identity both visually and through written content. It was during my time in Ad Operations at Entrepreneur Magazine that I was first introduced to the digital side of marketing, which ultimately shaped the direction of my career from that point forward.
Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m outdoors Whether it’s family hikes with our pups, paddle boarding in Dana Point, or going on backpacking trips (last year we backpacked through the Dinky Lakes Wilderness), I love being active and away from my phone. I’m also a big country music fan - especially Chris Stapleton.
One fun fact about me: if you tell me your birthday, I’ll never forget it!
I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, and excited to begin my journey at Rancho Mission Viejo!
New Director of Architecture -Mike Hutaff
I’m excited to be joining the team and wanted to share a little about myself as an introduction.
This June, my wife Stephanie and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage. We met in college at USC and have been blessed with three wonderful children Clark (12), Eliza (9), and Rhett (7). Last year we also added Henry, a spirited (and somewhat spoiled) wiener dog, to the family
For the past 10 years, we’ve made our home in Laguna Niguel, where we’ve enjoyed investing time (and plenty of weekends) into remodeling our one-story ranch-style house. Before that, Stephanie and I lived in Ladera Ranch for 6 years, which makes joining this team feel a little like coming home.
I am a licensed architect with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture I founded Hutaff Architects, a full-service firm in Orange County, California, dedicated to creating authentic, timeless, and well-crafted designs. Previously, I served as a Division Architect – Pacific Region at Toll Brothers, a Fortune 500 home builder, and as Director of Architectural Development at Homebound, a tech-enabled homebuilding startup.
Additionally, I also held the position of Principal at WHA | William Hezmalhalch Architects, one of Orange County's premier residential architecture firms Through these roles, I have developed a unique perspective on the development process, balancing authentic design with budget considerations.
Faith and family are central to our lives. I stay busy coaching Clark and Rhett’s sports teams, cheering Eliza on at her musical theater performances and competitions, and serving in the Edge Ministry at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, where I help teach 5th and 6th graders
When we have the chance, we love to travel as a family and are especially hoping to make it back to Italy in the next few years to share that experience with our kids.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to join the team and look forward to meeting and working with all of you
Sip, Shop, Eat !
The RMV retail portfolio is in good shape to begin 2025! All centers continue to enjoy healthy occupancy rates, high-quality tenants, and increased traffic and sales. Growth in our new RMV
communities, along with maturation of Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, and San Juan Capistrano, means RMV properties are no longer a “frontier market” - we are officially “on the map”! Combined with the lack of new retail development and a resurgent post-pandemic retail environment, we continue to see strong leasing interest and increasingly compelling tenants that want to be in our centers.
While it’s tough to compete with 2024’s openings of Trader Joe’s and Lucky Strike in MercEast, the theme of 2025 is upgrades in tenant mix As examples, replacing Subway with
Sourdough & Co (high-end sandwich shop) and Pizza Hut with Toastique (gourmet toast and juice bar) – good and better for your options (with apologies to high schoolers looking for a budget meal)! Below are new retailers recently opened or are set to open later this year:
Mercantile West (Ladera):
Paris Baguette (Coffee and Bakery) – OPEN
Franco’s Famous (casual family style Mexican food) – OPEN
Hotworx (Fitness / Sauna) – Estimated to open Q2 2025
Solos Pilates – Estimated to open Q3 2025
Ricco Gelato (dessert) – Estimated to open Q3 2025
Mercantile East (Ladera):
Hydration Room (IV Therapy) – OPEN
Goldfish Swim School – Estimated to open Q2 2025
Toastique (gourmet toast and juice bar) – Estimated to open Q2 2025
Sourdough & Co. (high-end sandwich shop) - Estimated to open Q3 2025
Pet Supply (pet products) - Estimated to open Q3 2025
Sendero (Rancho Mission Viejo):
Perspire Sauna Studio – OPEN
Despite this robust activity, retail continues to evolve and one of the business models most impacted in recent years, has been Drug Stores. RMV has felt the effects of this through the closures of CVS in Bridgepark Plaza and Rite Aid in Sendero, the latter of which declared corporate bankruptcy in the Fall of 2023, and again in Spring of 2025 We’re in the planning process to reposition both of those vacancies, and the good news is we already have significant interest from new and exciting tenants! Additionally, our new 175,000 sf in Esencia remains “pencils down” as we await the fallout of a failed merger in the grocery space that will affect our ability to attract a grocer-anchor tenant. We should have more updates on all fronts later this year – stay tuned!
RMV Heritage Tree Preservation Program:
Our Community’s Deep Roots in the Past
As Gaspar de Portola navigated overland
through the sage scrub and over the coastal
hills of the future Rancho Mission Viejo in late
July 1769 – none of us were there As Father
Presidente Junipero Serra crisscrossed the
fields as he worked to re-found the Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776 – none of us
watched. We did not hear the negotiations between former Governor Pico and John
Forster to cover the Governor’s gambling
debts and acquire Santa Margarita and Las
Flores; nor did we witness or could have
known the future historical significance of the
Forster’s moving out and the Floods and Oneill’s moving in
How do we move Giants?
There is, however, a force that was present; a living testimony to the great bounty of this land - the trees. The majestic Oaks and Sycamores have observed and been present for all of modern history on the Ranch
Today, through the Heritage Tree Program, some of those same trees become our community’s first residents.
This program’s core value is captured in one quote:
“Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.”
--Marguerite “Daisy” O’Neill
The preservation of these stately oaks anchors our community by placing a first living resident at the core. The first living thing in each phase is a hundred plus year Old Testament to the Ranch’s deep care and stewardship of the land
Years before we enter a new planning area a team of professionals identify every viable tree within the grading footprint. Using GIS
software, we gather the exact coordinates via GPS, the tree’s heath, size and form, its
potential to be boxed and then we tag it with a unique number and snap a photo
Plotting and Tagging Giants
For PA 3, it took the team 3 full weeks of driving and hiking to tag over 900 trees. The collected data is analyzed based on the ability to box and best health which resulted in 133 trees for the PA3 development
Once we have the approved budget to proceed, the hard work begins. Based on the grading footprint for a phase we will identify the trees inside that foot print and begin the process of what’s called “boxing” a tree
When possible, we go to each tree a year in advance and build a square berm the approximate size of the box that it will eventually get stored in.
We water the tree inside that berm to promote a new root zone and prep the tree for pruning
the roots that may have been searching for
water outside the future box size. About 6 months prior to the grading operation starting,
the team will begin to side box and bottom box the trees They will use heavy equipment to trench around the tree and place a premade wood side to form the box.
The sides get banded together to hold in the soil so the team can begin to dig under the tree to make its bottom, one board at a time
This process can only be done by hand and takes the most time.
Once the tree is fully boxed the site will be prepared to allow a crane or trailer to be get close enough to the tree to move it to its temporary nursery location.
The tree will be monitored, watered and maintained in the nursery until the grading operation is completed and their new homes have been identified
Careful coordination happens during the construction of our development and the
trees get planted well before any streets are formed due to their size and the ability to move them to their new home
These Heritage Trees will be here waiting to welcome our new residents to The Ranch, tell them our history and commitment to preservation as well as be a witness to the future of generations to come.
To watch the process of the moving RMV’s largest Heritage Tree, click on the YouTube link below.
https://youtu.be/6bdAm- aCHo?
si=V1W33DgItvWeMTNx
Rienda Construction Update Rienda Construction Update
The pace of development in 2025 is giving off strong “Ladera-like” vibes. Our teams are
actively working across four phases, each at different stages preparing for a Grand Opening in Phase 3, constructing backbone roads in Phase 4, delivering blue top pads in Phase 5, and strategizing the start of grading for Phase 6 Add in a 900-lineal-foot extension of Cow Camp
Road 2C-1, 2,900-lineal-foot of Gibby Road, and the development of another major amenity, the Gavilan Ridge Club, and it's clear our team is staying busy! Below are a few aerial shots showcasing our current efforts.
PHASE 3
We're adding the finishing touches
around our builder tracts—what I like to
call "the frosting on the cake. " Trumark
leads the way with the most production
units already out of the ground
Meanwhile, we're wrapping up
underground improvements along
Coyotes from Bucker to Cow Camp
Road, including the extension of Saddle
Way. To top it off, CUSD’s contractor,
Swinerton, has officially broken ground on the school site, visible right next to
Coyotes
PHASE 4
Builders finalized their land acquisitions in February and have since completed their underground improvements. Our team is on track to pave Gavilan Ridge Road and Legado by the end of June 2025. In the background, you can also spot the Gavilan
Club amenity taking shape.
Phase 3 Builders (Looking West)
Phase 3 Coyotes and School (Looking South)
Phase 4- Legado and Gavilan Ridge (Looking South)
PHASE 5
Phase 5 has been the most efficient grading phase to date, thanks in large part to the
additional work we integrated into the adjacent Phase 4 grading project last year The executive decision to mitigate schedule risks—particularly in
p fill areas—
oved successful, putting us slightly ahead of our business plan. Sukut Construction is on track to
plete all g
se 5 Grading (Age Qualified) Area
Phase 5 Grading (Market Rate) Area
Pha
Wildfire Mitigation on The Ranch Wildfire Mitigation on The Ranch
Given recent disasters that have befallen Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other communities, fire safety and fire insurance are topics on everyone’s mind these days.
As Jeremy Laster recently told the Orange County Business Journal, “We’ve been worried about fires for a long time We’ve implemented lots of measures to harden our communities ”
Homes have been built with non-combustible roofs, ember resistant eaves, vents and decks, and multi-paned and tempered windows. There are two fire stations located within the community, with a wildfire response fire station coming in 2027. Irrigated and thinned vegetative buffers around the community are designed to slow a wildfire to a halt, roads are wide enough for fire equipment access, and resident evacuation, and water supplies exceed code requirements for emergency fire use
State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has visited our site, as has State Fire Marshal
Daniel Berlant. Both key decision-makers lauded all that we’ve done to reduce wildfire risks. Our efforts became so noteworthy that Milliman, a global actuarial and consulting firm, authored a detailed study touting Rancho Mission Viejo as an example for other residential communities to follow The Milliman report led us to a direct relationship with Mercury insurance company and their sister company AIS.
The California Board of Forestry is finalizing a regulation called “Zone Zero” that intends to prohibit all vegetation within five feet of homes in our community We have been urging the Board of Forestry to avoid applying a “one-size-fits-all” mandate Treating well-designed, modern fire-resistant communities the same as aging, fire-prone developments ignores the science and common sense. Zone Zero may make sense in legacy neighborhoods—but in fire-hardened communities like ours, where risk has already been mitigated through comprehensive layered strategies, our residents should be able to enjoy some greenery, trees, shrubs and ornamental plants in their private yards and common areas
Lastly, RMV is making solid progress toward being designated as a Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), which conducts research for about 70% of the nation’s insurance companies.
The bottom line is that RMV is doing everything we can within our own power to try to move the needle to improve safety and insurance availability
Earth Day Festival on The Ranch
On Saturday, April 26, The Pavilion came alive with energy, excitement, and community spirit for our annual Earth Day Festi
Families and neighbors gathered to celebrate our planet at this funfilled outdoor event, packed with interactive
vities, hands-on learning, and unforgettable memories
Adventurers of all ages embraced the thrill of the outdoors with high-energy attractions including a 4-person rock wall, 90-foot mobile zipline, giant inflatables, and a 4-person bungee jump The festival transformed into a playground for those ready to climb, bounce, and soar!
Nature came to life with engaging, up-close experiences that delighted kids and adults alike. Guests had the chance to feed colorful lorikeet birds, meet fascinating creatures during exotic animal encounters, and explore marine life in mobile tidepools. Creative minds flourished at stations for DIY flower crowns and microgreen planting with RMV Farms, while the Nature Reserve offered live animals and nature-inspired crafts to spark curiosity and environmental awareness
Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring Earth Day, and a special shout out to The Nature Reserve Team, RMV Farms, and FirstService Residential team members who make this event truly special Your enthusiasm and love for the planet is inspiring We can’t wait to see you again next year!
At Rancho Mission Viejo, community and connection go hand-in-hand and RanchRide is helping
drive that experience forward As Rancho Mission Viejo’s official Transportation Management
Association (Rancho TMA), RanchRide was created to improve mobility and connectivity for both residents and visitors
Through event-based shuttle services, private and group charters, and valuable transportation resources, RanchRide makes it easier (and more enjoyable) to get where you need to go whether it’s across The Ranch or out to a local event. And residents are taking notice.
In the 2025 Resident Survey, RanchRide received high marks across the board, including:
92% satisfaction with driver courteousness
89% overall satisfaction
CONNECTINGGENERATIONSOFHOPE
88% for on-time and reliable service
TheGentlemen’sHaberdashery2025: WhereFaith&FashionIntertwine
84% satisfaction with RanchRide communication
October2nd,202511am-2pm
BALBOABAYRESORT
These outstanding results reflect our commitment to delivering a convenient, comfortable, and community-centered service
Joinusforacelebrationof communityandresilience. Anextraordinarydaywhere beautymeetsbenevolence,and together,weweavehopeforthe generationsyettocome
Looking ahead, RanchRide will be available for transportation to several exciting upcoming events: Music Under the Stars at The Mission – July 12 & 26 George Strait + Chris Stapleton at SoFi Stadium – July 19
Additionally, a brand-new landing page was recently added to the Rancho Mission Website dedicated entirely to RanchRide, and featuring our very own RanchRide Manager, Cat Helmstetter.
Thisannualfundraisingluncheon andfashionshowcelebrates purpose,passion,andpromise -benefitingtheHeartofJesus RetreatCenterandtheworkof theSacredHeartSisters Moredetailstocome
Check out the video and website page here: https://www.ranchomissionviejo.com/amenities/ranchride Whether you're planning a night out or organizing a special gathering, RanchRide will get you there with ease Stay tuned for updates and booking details and thanks for riding with us!
Every 2 years, a survey is conducted to assess the resident importance, satisfaction and ratings for Rancho MMC, RanchLife and RanchRide Each year we obtain valuable feedback that guides and informs planning and operations and helps the FirstService Residential team and Boards of Directors prioritize and ultimately, enrich resident experiences and build long-term value In addition, it provides insights for our development team as we continue to plan amenities and spaces for resident connections
We wanted to share a few of our key findings and give a shout out to the entire company – it takes a village to finance, plan, build and execute on the vision where a community of neighbors and friends call Rancho Mission Viejo home with over 13,000 residents to date.
81% are likely to recommend Rancho Mission Viejo to friends or family
82% agree or strongly agree that Rancho Mission Vejo supports wellbeing
88% of respondents moved from prior addresses in California
65% moved locally from Orange County
The Bi-Annual Resident Survey respondents rated summer concerts as one of the top seasonal events of the year with an 89% satisfaction rating, only ranked higher by the Turkey Trot on The Ranch.
This year, RanchLife will host a summer concert series every Saturday in the month of June and will collaborate with Ladera Rancho Chamber to host a Night Market which will have an emphasis on food and artisan vendors along with a Beer Garden hosted by Frisby. These concerts will gear up for the finale at the Red, White & Blue Bash on June 28th with The Ultimate 2000s Celebration.
June 7 | 60’s & 70’s Top Hits With the SeaForth Band
June 14 | 80’s & 90’s Classic Rock with Pulp Vixen
June 21 | Country Hits with Kelly &The Boyz
This is a public event – please bring family and friends to kick off the summer season!
Check out RanchRide net for the shuttle service times and locations
School Field Trippin on The Nature Reserve
That’s a wrap on school field trips for this 2024-25 school year! Our Nature Reserve school program staff and volunteers served 3,145 students in kindergarten thr
September and May Schools from all over Orange County visited The Nature Reserve, totaling 54 school field trips and 35 virtual presentations Each year the field trip curriculum st
ys r
t
t
same, but the students are always what make the difference Each day brings a unique experience, whether that’s observing a deer on a hillside eating
in the dirt. The best part of our job is knowing that t
experiences studen
have on a field trip don’t end when they leave We are fortunate to receive packages in the mail of students’ reflections, typically a few weeks after their day on the trail Teachers send letters and projects that students pour their hearts into after their field trip They remember the Mother Oak tree’s branches, broken and beautiful Their drawings depict the enormous tree with branches unlike any they have seen before They write about how Rosy the snake felt when they touched it for the first time, with smooth scales creating a pattern down her body. Students take time in class, sometimes weeks, to learn more about the plants and animals they saw when they visited The Nature Reserve. Their experience becomes a project or presentation on endangered species, native plants, or ecosystems.
We don’t always know the direct impact our programs have on each child However, we know that the learning, connection, and care for the natural world is something that does continue beyond the day they visit Our goal is to be one part of a student’s connection with nature and to help foster their future thoughts, feelings and actions with how they interact with the natural world
Planting the Seeds of Stewardship
Starting in 2020, The Nature Reserve has held a program to help local high school juniors and seniors become more familiar with the careers in environmental science and land management Students are invited to submit an application and interview to be part of the program that runs through the fall, meeting twice a month on Saturday mornings.
Each meeting introduces a different professional in the field of environmental science and the role they play with The Nature Reserve and other projects in Orange County These professionals have helped restore habitats affected by development, conducted research to ensure sensitive habitats were protected for the wildlife that relies on them, identified locations for the creation of underpasses on major roads for wildlife to travel more safely and monitored for threats such as invasive species. Each professional shared not only the tools and techniques they used in their job, but how they became interested in environmental science as well as their educational path
Given that the program primarily draws from our local high schools, the students that participate in the program have a window not only into a growing professional environment, but the connections to the communities they live in. The time spent with a hydrologist will leave them, for a time at least, noticing where runoff goes and what it carries eventually into the ocean
The wildlife they see and hear around their neighborhoods are viewed in a different light The connections they create can build a stronger sense of responsibility to their community and the land around it. In turn, they bring this sense of stewardship into their career they enter and help instill those values in their own family. Those that go into environmental science, or other careers will do so with better ways of communicating the importance of caring for the land we use and live on
The Nature Reserve - Volunteer
and Partner Appreciation
May 3, 2025, may have been a drizzly evening, but there were no dampened spirits as we celebrated and recognized our incredible Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo volunteers. The Nature Reserve’s annual Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Dinner is one of our favorite nights of the year and this year’s celebration was no exception.
Volunteers on The Nature Reserve give their time, energy, and talent in a variety of ways.
They act as trail sweeps on hikes and walks, assist during school field trips, build trails and restore habitat, keep look out while on Fire Watch, help with community outreach, and support us in the office. With volunteer help in these roles and countless others, we can serve over 8,000 visitors and participants each year.
During our dinner we recognize those volunteers who have made significant contributions and reached milestones in the hours contributed to The Nature Reserve. This year we recognized two volunteers, Lynne Conger and Bud Carter, who have each volunteered over 100 hours. We also thanked long-time volunteer, and Sendero resident, Soussan Ahmadi for 300 hours of volunteerism. Finally, we showed our appreciation to Brent Seaton who has dedicated over 500 hours to our school and community programs, and over half of those hours we just this year! We are very grateful to all our volunteers and partners for all their support.
Photo: Chuck Bandy, McMillan Farm Management with Servando Zavaleta, San Juan Company
WELCOME MCMILLAN FARM MANAGEMENT!
McMillan Farm Management is a family-owned
agribusiness that owns, manages and leases over
4,000 acres of avocados and citrus throughout the
San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Santa Barbara counties.
The McMillan family has been producing California citrus since 1910 Currently located in Temecula, the company is owned by Gary McMillan. He is one of the most pre-eminent citrus growers in California. He oversees all aspects of the company.
Avocado and Citrus Field operations are overseen by
Chuck Bandy Chuck has been growing avocados since the mid 1970’s.
He is a former director of the California Avocado Commission; a current director of the Upper
San Luis Rey Ground Water Sustainability Authority; and President of the Rancho Pauma Mutual Water Company
McMillan brings a team that is deep in resources in terms of financial strength, equipment assets, experience and technical skills to oversee their growers’ properties.
We are delighted to welcome them to the Rancho Mission Viejo farming team
3 Detached New Home Neighborhoods from the Mid $1 Millions
Get creative with Floral Crown Crafts & Flower Potting - perfect for all ages!
Explore Boulder Pond & Playground with Kite Flying and Bubble fun!
Treat your taste buds at our tasty Food Trucks. Available for purchase, while supplies last
Get a sneak peek at the future Rienda TK-8 School at Ranch Camp.
RanchRide Shuttle Service from Ranch Camp to Boulder Pond & Model Homes.
Visit the Discovery House and meet with Community Ambassadors to learn about all our Neighborhoods
CONNECTING GENERATIONS OF HOPE
The Gentlemen’s Haberdashery 2025: Where Faith & Fashion Intertwine
October 2nd, 2025 11am-2pm
BALBOA BAY RESORT
Join us for a celebration of community and resilience. An extraordinary day where beauty meets benevolence, and together, we weave hope for the generations yet to come.
This annual fundraising luncheon and fashion show celebrates purpose, passion and promise - benefiting the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center and the work of the Sacred Heart Sisters
SUMMER 2025
PROGRAMS on THE NATURE RESERVE AT RANCHO MISSION VIEJO
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! For campers ages 6-11.
6/9 - 6/12
6/16 - 6/19
6/23 - 6/26
Outdoor Explorers!
Nature Artists!
California Animal Adventures!
9:00am - 2:00pm (drop-off starts at 8:30am)
JUNE
6/11
Under a Strawberry Moon Hike
8:30pm - 10:30pm
Ages: 8 and up
6/14 6/17
Volunteer Orientation and Training
9:00am - 10:30am
Ages: 18 and up
Reading with Reptiles
9:00am - 10:00am
Ages: All (recommended 3-5)
JULY
7/9 7/12
Volunteer Orientation and Training
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Ages: 18 and up
Early Morning Beat the Heat Hike
7:00am - 9:00am
Ages: 10 and up
Advance registration required. For program registration and information visit thenaturereserve.org/events or scan the QR code above.
7/14 7/19 7/21
Wonderful Wildlife! at Ladera Ranch
Librar y 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: All (recommended 4 and up)
Call of the Wild Night Walk
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Ages: 8 and up
I Dig Rocks & Fossils! at Ladera Ranch
Librar y 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: All (recommended 4 and up)
7/26 Family Nature Hike from Ranch Camp
9:00am - 10:30am
Ages: 6 and up
7/28
Inspect an Insect! at Ladera Ranch
Librar y 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: All (recommended 4 and up)
AUGUST
8/2 8/9 Astronomy Night 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Ages: 8 and up
Moonrise on Middle Ridge Hike
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Ages: 8 and up
8/23 Sycamore Loop/Shady Canyon Hike
8:00am - 10:00am
Ages: 8 and up
