Welcome to Moulton Ranch III

Our community is located near open space and natural habitats that are home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes. Recently, coyotes have been observed in and around the neighborhood. While coyotes are a normal part of Southern California’s ecosystem, some have become more accustomed to residential areas and may be seen at any time of day or night, though they are most active between sunset and sunrise.

Coyotes typically avoid humans, but they may become bold or aggressive if they feel threatened or if food sources are readily available. Small pets may be viewed as prey, so residents are encouraged to take appropriate precautions. Parents should remind children to stay away from all unfamiliar animals, whether domestic or wild.

If You See a Coyote

If coyotes are observed in the community or near your home, residents may contact Mission Viejo Animal Services at (949) 470-3045 and provide details regarding the location and behavior of the animal.

If You Have an Encounter

If a coyote enters your yard and will not leave, behaves aggressively, or threatens people or pets, contact Mission Viejo Animal Services at (949) 470-3045.

If a person is attacked by a coyote, call 911 immediately.

Tips to Reduce Coyote Activity

• Residents can help discourage coyotes from entering the community by following these simple guidelines:
• Do not allow small pets outside unattended, even in fenced yards
• Secure trash in tightly closed containers
• Remove outdoor water sources when possible
• Bring pets indoors at night and do not leave pet food outside
• Remove bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost areas
• Trim low shrubs and dense ground cover to reduce hiding places

If you encounter a coyote while walking, remain calm, make loud noises, and make yourself appear larger. If necessary, throw objects in the direction of the animal (not at people or pets) to encourage it to leave.

By staying alert and taking these precautions, residents can help keep the community safe while coexisting responsibly with local wildlife.

This time of year brings a lot of mosquito activity in the area which typically subsides in December. A large portion of mosquitoes are produced in residential backyards in small breeding sources. Any water-holding container, even as small as a bottle cap, can produce mosquitoes. Only female mosquitoes are capable of biting and can transmit diseases to humans and animals through their bite.

The most common mosquitoes in Orange County are the Culex (“Southern House Mosquito”) and the Aedes (“Asian Tiger Mosquito”). The Culex prefers to breed in large backyard water sources such as gutters, ponds and green pools. The adults are active during dusk and dawn. Though they prefer to feed on birds, they will also feed on humans and can transmit West Nile virus and encephalitis. The Aedes prefers to breed in smaller water sources, such as plant saucers, plants, tires and buckets. They like to feed during the daytime and are also called “Ankle Biters” to indicate the part of the body they prefer. They can transmit dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and dog heartworm.

Common mosquito breeding sources that you may have around your property include the following:

– Children’s toys, wheelbarrows and other items left outside that could hold water

– Water holding plants and plant saucers

– Rain barrels

– Green pools, ornamental ponds and bird baths

Below are some tips to mosquito-proof your home:

– Dump and drain any unnecessary items that could hold water around your home and property

– Cover empty containers with a lid or turn upside down to prevent water from accumulating

– After dumping water, clean and scrub bird baths, pots and pet bowls weekly

– Drill a hole or puncture potted plants to eliminate standing water

– Check that gutters are not holding water and cover rain barrels with tight screening so that mosquitoes cannot enter

If you believe there may be a mosquito breeding source on or near your property, you can contact Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control at 714-971-2421, who will dispatch an officer to identify and breeding sources. They will provide free mosquitofish if there is a body of water that is identified as a breeding source.

Below is a link to Orange County Vector Control’s helpful “Do It Yourself” tips to get mosquitoes under control at your property:

https://www.ocvector.org/do-it-yourself-solutions-for-mosquito-issues

Proposed changes to the Architectural Guidelines regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), in addition to proposed changes to the Enforcement and Fine Policy, were recently distributed to the membership for review and comment. No comments were received and the Board of Directors adopted the proposed revisions to the Architectural Guidelines and Enforcement and Fine Policy as presented.

The updated documents can be viewed at any time on the Resident Portal at resident.actionlife.com.

The gazebo and barbecue island have been repainted in a fresh, updated color scheme, bringing a refreshed look to the park. All park benches and tables have been replaced with new pieces from the Sitescapes Avondale collection. Later this month, the barbecues will be replaced with new covered models.

Additionally, as of August, Personal Touch Cleaning and Maintenance has been providing weekly janitorial services at the park. This ensures the park remains clean, sanitary, and enjoyable for all residents.

We hope you enjoy these upgrades and look forward to seeing the community benefit from these enhancements!