This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | April 1, 2022

April Pony Express Magazine

The April Pony Express Magazine is out now. The issue includes our Easter Egg hunt, Director’s Message, New Election Rules, a Spring Time Smoothie and much more! Click here to view


EHV-1 Update

Rio Vista and Sierra Vista Stables have been released from quarantine in San Juan Capistrano. Unfortunately Sycamore Stables in San Juan Capistrano has a new case as of Wednesday as follows:

March 30, 2022: One (1) additional horse on the premises displaying neurological clinical signs was confirmed positive for EHV-1 on March 30th. The horse is alive and under veterinary care. To date, there have been three (3) confirmed EHM cases (EHV-1 infection with neurological signs) and twenty-four (24) positive EHV-1 fever-only or mild clinical cases on this premises with two (2) asymptomatic positives off premises but associated with this incident. CDFA is actively monitoring the situation.

Additionally, due to a new case in San Diego County, Blenheim EquiSports has cancelled their equestrian competition scheduled for next week. Our Equestrian Center continues to implement safety protocols to limit interaction with horses outside of the Equestrian Center.


Annual Easter Egg Hunt


A Lost Ring was Found

Have you lost a ring or know anyone that has lost a ring? A ring was found on the trail behind the Equestrian Center. Please contact the Nellie Gail Owner’s Association Office at 949.425.1477 for more information.


28th Annual Summer Tennis & Swim Camp


Equestrian Novice Camp

This camp is geared towards ages five to twelve with campers divided into age groups. Each day, campers will groom horses, have one-on-one riding time, and participate in many fun learning activities.

April Pony Express

The April Pony Express Magazine is out now. The issue includes our Easter Egg hunt, Director’s Message, New Election Rules, a Spring Time Smoothie and much more!

Trails Closed Due to Rain

Trails are currently closed for the next couple of days due to heavy rain. Please do not schedule feed or hay deliveries while the trails are wet. Every year we get one or two drivers who think they can beat the odds and it turns into an ordeal to offload and wait for the trails to dry enough to send out a rescue.

Assuming the weather stays clear, many trails should be ready to re-open Thursday or Friday with shaded and steep trails possibly staying closed longer. We do not send a general re-opening notice because our 25 miles of trails dry at different rates.

If you are not sure about your specific trail condition, please contact Jeff Hinkle at 949-425-1477 and he will inspect and evaluate.

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | March 25, 2022

From the week ending March 25, 2022

We have been monitoring the EHV-1 outbreak in San Juan Capistrano very closely as we keep in contact with the CDFA state veterinarians and local equestrian stables. In the past two weeks we have seen some positive signs regarding the containment of the EHV-1/ EHM virus in Orange County and the surrounding areas.

The following link has the current alert status for the outbreak. Of the three equestrian centers in San Juan Capistrano with reported cases CDFA reports one with no new cases since March 10th, another with no new cases since March 13th and a third with two asymptomatic horses confirmed positive March 22nd but permitted to be relocated to Tehama County in Northern California. For the states purpose they consider the last case at that stable to be March 17th.

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

Until the state release the three stables from quarantine status we continue to ask homeowners to avoid using the common watering areas as recommended by the state veterinarians due to the risk of cross contamination.

Please continue to require your boarders and personal trainers to continue with the following protocols:

1. Trainers, Instructors and Caregivers currently caring for any horses at Rio Vista, Rancho Sierra Vista or Sycamore Trails should be requested to suspend all work within Nellie Gail Ranch until the State lifts the quarantines.

2. Boarders, Trainers, Instructors and Caregivers who may be working with any horses away from Nellie Gail Ranch should be required to have a complete change of clothes, and hats, prior to coming to Nellie Gail Ranch.

3. Please do not visit the Equestrian Center. We want to minimize the number of people who may be in contact with horses.

Thank you for your supporting efforts to keep our equestrian community safe!


Association Clubhouse Parking

Association Clubhouse Parking Lot Re-Opens Saturday Afternoon

The Association Clubhouse parking lot has been closed for extensive maintenance Thursday and Friday this week. Re-striping will be completed Saturday morning and the parking lot will re-open for guests Saturday afternoon. After this weekend the asphalt will set over the next 40 days and we will close again on May 4th to apply a final sealcoat over the entire lot.

The new top coat further extends the lifespan of the parking lot and we revert back to seal coats every four years. You may also appreciate knowing the top layer of asphalt that was removed is returned to asphalt plants to be re-processed. Asphalt is 95% rock and sand and 5% bitumen (low grade crude oil) and is recyclable. We also decided to take advantage by having several truckloads taken to our Equestrian Center dumpster staging area that has never been paved. By using the asphalt spoils we are able to further stabilize the dirt path the trash hauling trucks use to service our dumpsters.


EPC Training and Beekeeping Clinic

The Association Clubhouse was host to two events this week benefiting attending homeowners .The Emergency Preparedness Committee presented a Water Preservation training session on March 22nd. Presenter Dr. Kenneth Cheng shared the importance of having water on hand for water service interruptions. It is important for homeowners to have emergency water on hand for their families as well as pets, horses and other animals that are cared for. Water storage barrels are available in 15-55 gallon sizes and they can be stored in garages or barns or other out of the way locations. If you are interested in purchasing any 55-gallon barrels please e-mail us at admin@nelliegailranch.org with the possible number of barrels you may want. We may be able to purchase in bulk and receive a break in the barrel or delivery cost. We will send a separate e-mail to anyone interested with a price once we have an idea as to how many storage barrels may be needed.Also presented this week was a clinic on beekeeping. Nellie Gail Ranch homeowner Pamela Fraser is a Master Beekeeper and she hosted an introduction to the Basics of Beekeeping. With our natural resources dwindling it is more important than ever to help bees thrive and continue to pollinate the flowers we love to look at and the foods we love to eat. The next time you find an unwanted hive in your irrigation box or under a house eve, please consider removal using a Honeybee Rescue & Relocation Beekeeper. One we are familiar with is Alberta The Beekeeper with HEY HONEY (949-646-2606). You can find additional rescue beekeepers via a Google search as well as beekeeping resources and information at the following websites:
The Orange County Beekeepers Association http://www.ocbeekeepers.org
Beekeepers Association of Southern California http://bascbees.org
California State Beekeeping Association http://www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/index.html

Tree Mapping Software

The Board of Directors has approved purchasing a software license for mapping of trees in Nellie Gail Ranch common area and easements. Starting Monday representatives of Arbor Pro will be working throughout the community. Over the next four to six weeks they will be identifying and measuring trees at our parks, entries, streetscapes and trails. The software will track the type of tree, location, health and size. We will now be able to better manage maintenance of this very important community asset. We will use the software to track tree trimming frequencies, tree removals and tree planting.


Easter Egg Hunt

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | March 18, 2022

From The Week Ending March 18, 2022

Tennis & Swim Club Parking Lot Closure

The NGROA parking lot paving project will require the entire parking lot to be closed all day Thursday & Friday, March 24 & 25 and half day SaturdayMarch 26, 2022. The project consists of repairs, repaving and striping the entire parking lot. There will be no vehicle access to the Association, Tennis & Swim Center parking lot during this time. Temporary parking will be available on Empty Saddle Drive. The parking lot will re-open Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:00pm. Please contact the Association office at 949-425-1477 with any inquiries or concerns. We apologize for any inconvenience.


Crime Prevention Workshop

The Crime prevention Workshop was held Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the Association Clubhouse. Approximately 40 members were in attendance. The meeting was led by Alyssa Rabas, Laguna Hills Crime Prevention Specialist. In addition, two OC Sheriff Deputies assigned to Laguna Hills were in attendance for a Q&A session with residents. The below link is a Crime Prevention handout provided at the meeting. Alyssa and the two attending sherrif’s stressed the following:

Anyone who see suspicious activity should immediately call Sheriff dispatch. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of why the activity is suspicious. To the extent possible provide the make, model and color of any vehicle involved. If the report is regarding a person or persons provide a description including height, build, identifying features, color and clothes.

Effective deterrents include the following:

  1. Cameras on homes
  2. Alarm systems (when armed)
  3. Dogs

Additional Resources:

OC Sheriff Blotter – http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/BlotterSearch.aspx

Alert OC – to receive alerts via phone for large incidents e.g., earthquakes, tsunami warnings – Alertoc.com

For information on starting a Neighborhood Watch Program on your street, please contact Alyssa Rabas, OC Sheriff Crime Prevention Specialist at 949-707-2641 or email Crimeprevention@lagunahillsca.gov.


OCSD’s Crime Mapping Program

Residents of Laguna Hills have the ability to better track public safety issues in their neighborhoods with the OCSD software program, CrimeMapping, which allows anyone to monitor and analyze criminal activity. More specifically, CrimeMapping allows residents to search for 15 types of crime by address, landmark, or zip code. In addition, residents can also sign up for custom-designed alerts, as well as create reports to easily analyze criminal activity near homes, schools, or businesses. The crime data reported on the mobile-friendly application is pulled directly from crimes reported to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and is updated every 24 hours. Although the data is preliminary, the CrimeMapping program provides the public with important and timely information, which will increase awareness of criminal activity and promote safer communities.

Laguna Hills residents can sign up for CrimeMapping alerts through the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website at www.ocsd.org/crimemapping


Solicitation for Board Candidates

The Association is soliciting candidates for the upcoming 2022 Board of Directors election to be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Candidate applications must be received by the Association by March 24, 2022 to be nominated and listed on the pre-ballot notice that will be posted prior to April 1, 2022. The pre-ballot notice will include all names that will be included on the ballot to be mailed by April 30, 2022. Candidates whose nominations are received after March 24, 2022 may still run for election but will not be included on the ballot.

1. Subject to Civil Code §5105, all Candidates for the Board must meet the following qualifications:

a. The Candidate must be an Owner. If title to a separate interest is held by a legal entity, such entity may appoint a natural person to serve or vote on such entity’s behalf by delivering evidence of an appropriate written appointment to the Association;

b. The Candidate must be current in the payment of all regular and special assessments. For the purposes of these election rules, “current” means no regular or special assessment is past due by more than thirty (30) days, or such period of time as is specifically defined in the Association’s collection policy;

c. The Candidate may not hold a joint ownership interest in the same separate interest as any other candidate or incumbent director; and

d. The Candidate is not eligible to run if the Association is aware or becomes aware of a past criminal conviction that would, if the Candidate were elected, either prevent the Association from purchasing the fidelity bond coverage required by Civil Code §5806 or terminate the Association’s existing fidelity bond coverage.

Additional information regarding the Associations Election Rules and Procedures is provided in the Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association Election Rules adopted November 19, 2019 and are available on-line at nelliegailranch.org or by request to admin@nelliegailranch.org.


Revised Election Rules

Revised Election Rules Adopted March 15, 2022

The attached Election Rules were adopted by the Board effective March 15, 2022. The revisions confirm that a Candidate Registration list will be maintained and that election records will be maintained as an association record for such period as required by law. Both revisions make the Election Rules compliant with new California Civil Code.

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | March 11th

Nellie Gail Ranch Homeowners

The health and safety of horses throughout the Nellie Gail Ranch community and Equestrian Center is a top priority. The Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Committee has reviewed the increase of EHV-1 outbreaks in Orange County and adopted a number of safety protocols at our Equestrian Center to reduce risk of exposure. There have been three outbreaks in San Juan Capistrano resulting in four horses being euthanized and the state has placed Rio Vista Stables, Sycamore Trails Stables and Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center under quarantine. We wanted to share with you links to information regarding the extent of this outbreak, recommendations you may want to implement to protect your horses and steps we have taken at our Equestrian Center. If you have private boarders on your property, please pass this information on to them.

Normally we enjoy and welcome occasional visits to our beautiful equestrian center, however, we are not currently allowing any visitor or guest access to the Equestrian Center outside of our current boarders and authorized personnel. Please wait until after the quarantines at Orange County stables have been lifted before resuming visits.

Safety Precautions Nellie Gail Ranch Horse Owners / Private Boarders May Take:

  1. Monitor your horse for fever, nasal discharge or labored breathing. Contact a veterinarian to report any of these symptoms.
  2. For the duration of this outbreak do not let your horse use a shared water source. Shared water sources are a source of exposure.
  3. Do not allow your horse to nuzzle other horses along trails or in Association arenas.
  4. Avoid to the extent possible shared use of the Association arenas and round pens with other horses.
  5. Require any stable hand, instructor or caregiver who works at your stables or with your horse to have a complete change of clothes, and hats, prior to coming to your stables if they have interacted with any other horses anywhere else. Riding boots or footwear must also be sanitized.

Please review the attachments on the following links for more detailed information. Address any questions you may have to admin@nelliegailranch.org.

EHV-1 Info to HomeownersDiseaseFactsheet-EHM

Crime Prevention Worshop

Please Join us Wednesday, March 16th at 6pm for our Crime Prevention Workshop being held at the Nellie Gail Ranch Association Clubhouse.

Nellie Gail Ranch Board Meeting

Join us at the Nellie Gail Ranch Association Club House on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 7:30PM. View the Open Session Agenda below.

Open Session Agenda

Solicitation for Board Candidates

The Association is soliciting candidates for the upcoming 2022 Board of Directors election to be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Candidate applications must be received by the Association by March 24, 2022 to be nominated and listed on the pre-ballot notice that will be posted prior to April 1, 2022. The pre-ballot notice will include all names that will be included on the ballot to be mailed by April 30, 2022. Candidates whose nominations are received after March 24, 2022 may still run for election but will not be included on the ballot.

1. Subject to Civil Code §5105, all Candidates for the Board must meet the following qualifications:

a. The Candidate must be an Owner. If title to a separate interest is held by a legal entity, such entity may appoint a natural person to serve or vote on such entity’s behalf by delivering evidence of an appropriate written appointment to the Association;

b. The Candidate must be current in the payment of all regular and special assessments. For the purposes of these election rules, “current” means no regular or special assessment is past due by more than thirty (30) days, or such period of time as is specifically defined in the Association’s collection policy;

c. The Candidate may not hold a joint ownership interest in the same separate interest as any other candidate or incumbent director; and

d. The Candidate is not eligible to run if the Association is aware or becomes aware of a past criminal conviction that would, if the Candidate were elected, either prevent the Association from purchasing the fidelity bond coverage required by Civil Code §5806 or terminate the Association’s existing fidelity bond coverage.

Additional information regarding the Associations Election Rules and Procedures is provided in the Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association Election Rules adopted November 19, 2019 and are available on-line at nelliegailranch.org or by request to admin@nelliegailranch.org.

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | March 4th

Stinging and Burning Nettle Weed Control

Ongoing control of weeds will be occurring through Spring on the trails. Consistent with our practice since June 2018 we use organic products to treat weeds such as Avenger Weed Killer, a natural citrus oil-based organic herbicide.

Stinging and Burning Nettle is one of the prevalent weeds being battled at this time by our trail crews. Horses and dogs don’t usually eat stinging nettle, however, if they brush up against it while walking or lie down or roll on the plant, glassy hairs from the plant’s leaves and stems cause a skin reaction and an intensely painful stinging sensation that may last 24 hours or more. The standard practice for our trail crews is to weed whip the taller nettles to reduce the height of the plant and spot spray the base of the weeds and adjacent remaining weeds to limit regrowth.

Equines and pets using trails should not be permitted to eat the stinging nettle or grasses or weeds in close proximity to them. Enjoy your time on the trail and the beautiful weather.

 

Help The Cause by Donating

 

The 5th Annual Blood drive is here and being held at Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse Parking lot on March 8th. Schedule your appointment today by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code NellieGail

 

March Pony Express Magazine

 

The March Pony Express is here. No need to wait for the newsletter to reach your mailbox, read the March Issue online today!

 

March Pony Express

No need to wait, the March issue is out now!

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | January 28, 2022

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This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the week ending on January 28, 2022

Hidden Trail Park Playground Renovation Project

The Hidden Trail Park playground renovation project is underway. The playground and adjacent concrete path is closed and surrounded with a protective barrier fence while construction is being performed. The project is scheduled to be completed by February 16, 2022.

Pet Safety Reminder

Please be a good and responsible neighbor by maintaining control of your pet while in parks and on trails. Additionally, people with and without pets are sometimes unsure of a dogs intention and can become fearful when approached on a trail or in a community park by an off leash dog. The below flyer from Mission Viejo Animal Services has information regarding the leash law and pet safety.

Security Safety Tip of the Week

Lights! Camera! Action!

Lights! Don’t give a burglar the cover of darkness around your home in which to work. Be sure the front of your home is well lit at night. The options for effective security lighting range from a simple porch light that you turn on before turning in at night, to dusk to dawn technology that activates at or around dusk, to motion activated spotlights. Do some research, find out what works best for your home and budget and get started!

Camera! Like lighting, there is a wide variety of security camera options available to protect your home. A do it yourself-er may prefer an option like Ring, widely available commercially, that provide an array of low cost, easy to install doorbell cameras for your front door and motion activated spotlight cameras for the perimeter areas of your yard. You can pick what you need, add and modify as needed, and their service plans are affordable and flexible based upon your needs. There are also countless professional security camera companies available who will do an assessment of your property and customize a security camera system that meets your needs and budget.

Action! Take some simple, common-sense steps to make your home less attractive to criminals. Be sure the entryways and windows of your home are not hidden by overgrown trees and bushes. Do not leave extension ladders in your yard providing easy access to the second-floor doors and windows of your home. Lock your doors and windows when you are not at home. Let your neighbors know if you are going to be away for an extended period of time. You can also request home checks by the Sheriff’s Department if you will be away on vacation.

Home security is everyone’s business. It is unreasonable to expect the police or private security to prevent all crime. Make your home less attractive to criminals and you will be less likely to become a victim of crime. Lights! Camera! Action! means safety and security for your home and loved ones!

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | January 21, 2022

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This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the week ending on January 21, 2022

Notice of Board of Directors Election

The Annual Meeting of the Members and Election of Board of Directors is set for Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse. In order to achieve quorum, at least fifty percent (50%) of the homeowners must vote. In the event that less than 50% vote, the Reconvened Election meeting date will be Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. This year three (3) seats are up for election.

At the Board Meeting held January 18, 2022 the Board appointed The Ballot Box as Inspectors of Election. The next step in the election process will be for the Board to appoint a Nominating Committee. Below is the solicitation and application for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee. The February issue of The Pony Express will include a solicitation for board candidates.

After receiving applications the Nominating Committee will then formally nominate the candidates and a pre-ballot notice listing candidate names to be included on the ballot will be posted prior to April 1, 2022. We will provide updates on the election and formal notices via these weekly reports and The Pony Express. If you have any questions regarding the process please e-mail admin@nelliegailranch.org.

Notice of Proposed Revisions to Election Rules

This notice of proposed revisions to the Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association Election Rules sets forth the purpose and effect of the proposed changes.

Effective January 1, 2022 California Civil Code has set forth two new election requirements that we propose to incorporate into the Election Rules most recently adopted November 19, 2019. You may send comments by e-mail to admin@nelliegailranch.org.

Notice of Proposed Revisions to Election Rules
Link to Election Rules

Application for Nominating Committee Appointment

Consistent with Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association By-Laws Article VI, Section 1, the Board of Directors will be appointing a Nominating Committee at the February 15, 2022 Board Meeting. If you have an interest in serving, please complete the below linked form and return by Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Nominating Committee Application
Nominating Committee Charter

Hidden Trail Park Playground Closed for Renovation

The Hidden Trail Park playground is being renovated this month with new equipment. The playground and adjacent concrete path will be closed to use and will surrounded with a protective barrier fence while demolition and construction is being performed for approximately 3 weeks. Demolition of the old play structures will start on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 and the new playground should be completed by February 16, 2022.

Event Notices