'X' Mystery Has All of Ladera Ranch Abuzz with Curiosity

     Do you know what “X” is? Inquiring minds want to know! Signs about the coming of “X” have popped up all over Ladera Ranch and residents have become frantic trying to uncover the secret. Is it the “X” Factor? Does “X” mark the spot? Is it the Greek letter Chi? Or the 24th letter in English alphabet? (Well, actually, it is both of those, but not in this context.) If you type “X” in Webdings, you come up with the international symbol for “Don’t.” Could it be that the poster campaign wants residents to stop doing something? A Google search identified “X” as the universally recognized mark for buried treasure. Someone speculated that it is a reality show spin off called: “The Real X-Housewives of Orange County.” The secret will be unveiled during the fireworks display at 9:30 pm in Founders Park on Saturday, July 4, followed by more information rolled out over the next 12 months. If you are unable to attend the  fireworks on  July 4, check out LaderaLife.com on July 6. It will also be posted on this website.

A Full Day of Activities Planned for the Fourth of July Saturday

Known for one of the best fireworks displays in South Orange County, Ladera Ranch will present an incredible fun-filled day of activities at Founders Park at Avendale Boulevard and Daisy on the 4th of July this Saturday. Culminating with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks show, which will begin at dusk (about 9:30 pm), the celebration of America’s Birthday will include a community parade, live music, fun activities, delicious food. And much, much more. For more details, click on Star Spangled Saturday.

July Ladera Times Covers News Laderians Can't Get Anywhere

Else; It's Ladera Ranch's Hometown Community Newspaper

        The July 2009 issue of the Ladera Times, delivered to every home, business, and apartment complex in Ladera Ranch on Thursday, July 2, is packed full of news and stories on activities in Ladera Ranch, including

Letters to the Editor Must Have Writer's Full Identification 
        The Ladera Times has recently received three unsigned letters urging further action on a specific news story that ran sometime ago. There is no way of knowing the legitimacy of the information because the individual has not identified him or herslf. And responsible journalists do not run off half-cocked chasing down leads that may or may not have any merit. This type of behaivor leads to the type of over-hyped bad news reporting that most Americans dislike. Signed letters, articles, photos, and news tips are not only welcomed but encouraged. However, the following policy with regard to submission of letters or news leads, posted under "About Us," is adhered to by responsibvle news organizations. 
            o All submissions must contain the name, address, phone number, and signature of the
               person submitting the material. Email addresses would also be appreciated. 
            o Ladera Times reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit editorial material, photos, letters to the 
               editor, and/or advertisements as it deems appropriate and consistent with the editorial policy of the 
               publication. For more info on this and related matters, click About Us.

Coyote Sightings & Attacks Are Increasing in Ladera Ranch
        Many reports of coyote sightings and, in a few cases, attacks have been coming into the Ladera Times office for the past several weeks. The latest encounter was reported by Mark Rogers of Duxbury Street who was walking his daughter’s pet yorkie when it was struck by a coyote in his neighborhood. Mark tried to scare off the coyote by charging at it but it appeared to have no natural fear of humans. He scooped up the yorkie and took it to the safety of his home. Mark’s first-person account of this attack will be chronicled in the July Ladera Times, to be delivered to every home, business and apartment complex on Thursday, July 2. In the meantime, follow these guidelines:
            1. NEVER feed coyotes.
            2. Remove coyote food sources such as trash, 
                fruit and pet food from your yard.
            3. Keep small pets inside from dusk to dawn or in safe enclosures.
            4. Never leave young children unattended in yards or parks.
            5. If necessary to ward off an attack, harass coyotes with loud noises, clapping hands, yelling,
                throwing rocks at them and waving your arms to create fear.
            6. Call the Orange County Animal Control at 714-935-6848 or the South Patrol Division of the 
                Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 949-770-6011 if coyotes attack humans, become too 
                aggressive by approaching humans and by showing lack of fear of humans or if they attack 
                small pets.

Ladera’s 'First Relay for Life' Is Set for Saturday, July 11
        The countdown has begun to Ladera’s first ever "Relay for Life of Ladera Ranch," a unique family friendly event that takes place over 24 hours beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at San Juan Hills High School. The  Relay for Life of Ladera Ranch is designed to raise funds and awareness of the fight against cancer. The theme of the Ladera event is "Community for a Cure." Inside the track where team member are walking (or running), there will be live bands, games for all ages, activities, a kids camp, food and booths run by teams and local businesses with all donations going to the Relay that benefits the American Cancer Society. Details will be published in the July Ladera Times. Those who would like to join the Relay for Life of Ladera Ranch as a volunteer or team participant, can sign up online at www.Relay.org/LaderaRanchCA or by calling the American Cancer Society at 949-567-0603.

Former Resident Charged for Second Violent
Attack Against Same Woman in Ladera Ranch
        Mark Alan Jarosik, 43, formerly of Ladera Ranch, has been charged with attempting to murder his ex-girlfriend, rendering her in serious condition, while out on bail on another felony case for raping the same victim, a resident of Ladera Ranch, whose name is being withheld by the Ladera Times due to the nature of the original charges. Jarosik was charged with additional counts including one felony count of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, one felony count of residential burglary, one felony count of corporal injury of a former cohabitant, one felony count of dissuading a witness, two misdemeanor counts of violating a protective order, and sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury inflicted during domestic violence and crime-bail-crime. He is being held without bail. The injuries to the victim were so severe she was admitted to Mission Hospital.

Ladera Ranch 2009 Calendar Of Events Posted on Website
        Activities planned in 2009 for Ladera Ranch have been listed on this website in the Calendar of Events. The Calendar also includes pertinent Capistrano Unified School District dates. In addition, state and federal, as well as many religious events and dates have also been added to the Calendar. New dates and details will be added to the Calendar as they become known. Organizations intererested in posting their events are asked to email all details to LaderaTimes@cox.net.

Open Houses Listed on LaderaTimes.com Every Weekend
        On Friday of every week, the Ladera Times will post a schedule of Open Houses in Ladera Ranch for that weekend. For a list of Open Houses, click on Real Estate Activity. This list and a Ladera Ranch map are also available for free at Albertsons in the Bridgepark Shopping Center at 27700 Crown Valley Parkway and Cecil Pasture Road, Pavilions in the Mercantile West Shopping Center at Sienna Parkway and Mercantile Way, and at the Avendale and Oak Knoll Clubhouses.