A Hoppy Ending for the Brown Bunny
Several neighbors recently reported sightings of a very out-of-place brown bunny hopping around the community—clearly more “house pet” than “wildlife.” Whether he was a lost pet or a liberated Easter gift remains a mystery, but we’re happy to report he’s safe and sound!
He was lovingly captured and taken to the vet for a check-up. At about a year old and in good health, he’s now enjoying life on a real farm near Beaverton—with space to hop, play, and do whatever it is bunnies do all day. (And to be clear: this is a real farm with actual fields and fresh veggies, not the mysterious “farm” your parents said Sparky went to when you were five.)
He answered to many names—some called him Rex, others swore he was Cadbury, and there were likely a few more in rotation. No matter the name, this little guy certainly made an impression.
Huge thanks to Burt and Ginny for their kindness and quick action in rescuing our furry visitor. Hoppy trails, buddy!
Do I Need ARC Approval? New Guide Makes It Easy to Know
Planning a home improvement project? The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has created a clear and concise set of Minor Improvement Approval Guidelines to help homeowners understand which projects require pre-approval—and which don’t.
The goal is to maintain the beauty and consistency of our community while giving homeowners clarity and flexibility. The guide outlines common projects—such as roof repairs, new paint colors, or utility installations—and whether or not they need ARC review. [Spoiler alert – they usually do!]
It also includes instructions on how to submit a request, what to include, and why it’s important to plan ahead.
Remember: Starting a project without approval can result in fines or removal of the work. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to the ARC before getting started.
You can find this new document as well as the full guidelines on the HOA website sidebar (thecapeshoa.org) or in the Owner Portal Library in the Architecture folder under “Architectural Review Forms & Documents.”
Or, you can follow these handy-dandy links:
Beware the Spicy Flies: A Summer PSA
Ah, summer—the season of sunshine, sandals, and surprise heart attacks caused by spicy flies (also known to scientists as “wasps,” but we prefer the term that accurately reflects their fiery little attitudes).
This is your friendly reminder to take a walk around your home and do a little recon mission, especially under decks, eaves, patio furniture, and anywhere else you might stick your unsuspecting face. Wasps love to set up shop in quiet, sheltered nooks, just waiting to defend their tiny papery castles with all the fury of a medieval army on espresso.
Don’t poke a nest unless you want to become a contestant in “So You Think You Can Run?” [Right, Steve?] Instead, look for small, papery-looking clumps with buzzing attendants, and call in a pro (or suit up like you’re entering a beehive in space).
Here are a few local heros you can call if you do find one of these little dens of evil:
- Dave Burch – “Bee Swarms, Yellow Jackets, Hornets and Wasp Removal” – 503-812-2457. Dave is located in Bay City and advertises, “7 days a week, rain or shine!”
- Dan Scollard – Oregon Wasp – “Free removal of yellow jacket, paper wasp and hornet nests. Your unsprayed nest is needed for the manufacture of lifesaving allergy shots” – 541-753-6861. www.oregonwasp.com
Also be advised—they don’t go quietly. We’ve had reports of two nests in the neighborhood in just the past few weeks. Within hours of one nest’s destruction, the little buzzers were spotted holding hands amongst the wreckage, chanting “We will rebuild!” A new nest was already under construction in the exact same spot. And we can confirm: no ARC Request for Review was submitted prior to said construction!
LSC Advisory Committee Meeting
The first meeting of the Landscape Advisory Committee Meeting formed at the last Board of Directors Meeting in July is now scheduled. All homeowners are able to observe, but only those on the committee will be unmuted. Monday, August 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM via Zoom. (See your August 2025 newsletter for the meeting link.)
The goal of the advisory committee is to review the procedures followed by the LSC in connection with the protection of views of the bay and ocean pursuant to Section 6.11 of the CC&Rs and the View Protection Resolution adopted on March 18, 2023, and to make recommendations to the Board for any changes to such procedures and the View Protection Resolution. Our thanks to the 9 volunteers serving on the committee.
Tract B Owner Meeting
The Landscape Committee is hosting a second Question and Answer session regarding the Tract B Project on Saturday, August 16th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. The committee is currently coordinating the logistical details for the project and will officially announce the start date once everything is finalized.
As a reminder, homeowners can access information about the project in the Manage My Nest Owner Portal. This includes a geotechnical and engineering report, a recording of the Zoom meeting, a presentation slide deck, photographs by lot, and recommendations specific to each lot.
You can find all project-related information in the Landscaping folder within the Owner Portal Library, under the subheading “Tract B Project – 2024-2025.”
Raccoon Alert: Stay Aware This Season
Raccoon activity increases this time of year, and they can become aggressive—especially if protecting their young. In July 2021 and again in September 2023, residents walking their dogs were attacked by raccoons in our neighborhood. In both cases, the raccoons were unprovoked.
Watch for These Signs of Aggression:
- Hissing, growling, chattering teeth, or snorting
- Charging or feinting attacks
- Refusing to retreat when approached
- Bold daytime behavior while foraging
- Aggression toward pets
Stay Safe While Walking:
- Don’t run—back away slowly while facing the raccoon
- Make yourself look big and loud to scare it off
- Keep pets leashed and close
- Use a flashlight at night to spot wildlife
- Avoid dense bushes or dark corners where animals may be hiding
- Carry a walking stick or hiking pole as a deterrent or defense
A little caution goes a long way in preventing dangerous encounters.
Labor Day Weekend Wine & Cheese Gathering
Mark your calendars – the Annual Labor Day Wine and Cheese gathering will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 3 pm to 5 pm in the Meadow. If weather is not ideal, it will still be held in the Bridge House so please plan on attending, rain or shine. We’ll supply the yummy treats, and you should just bring a bottle of your favorite vino to share. Any questions? Feel free to reach out to the Bridge House Committee at fun@thecapeshoa.org.
September Board Meeting – Scheduling Change
For various scheduling reasons, the September board meeting has been moved up from September 20th to Saturday, September 6, 2025. As always, the meeting will begin at 9:30 am with a homeowner open forum followed immediately by the regular board meeting.