Before the world changed, the Rancho Mission Viejo community enjoyed drinks at the Hilltop Club bar on Friday nights, worked out in the gym and visited the coffeehouses in the community.
Then the coronavirus pandemic began.
Events, including the annual rodeo and regular group hikes at The Reserve, have been shut down. Businesses are closed or have reduced operations. People are hunkering down indoors. Playgrounds go unused, and traffic is light when driving through the area. There are fewer cars than usual in the parking lots at Sendero Marketplace, where many Ranch residents shop.