Clubhouse Update

We are optimistic that the interior of the Clubhouse will be complete by the end of March.  Work pending as of the end of February includes final cabinet installation, wood staining, countertop installation, fireplace stonework and finally, carpet. All work is in process and scheduled and the Clubhouse interior is really coming together nicely. Come on down and take a look at the progress, play some pickleball or tennis and take a swim.

In the last few months, we have focused on completing the interior so our Members can begin enjoying the benefits of the new interior. Work is scheduled to commence on the exterior of the building and the parking lot on March 9th. We will send further scheduling updates via our This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch e-mails.

Playground Chip Replenishment

The wood chip play surfaces at Gallup Park and Hidden Trail Park are being replenished today.  Gone are the days where simple wood chips were utilized. The wood chips we utilize are an engineered wood fiber specifically made for and certified for playground use.  They maintain cushioning properties, do not decompose and have improved impact resistance.  That’s important for our parents to know. But all the kids know is that its fun to run, jump and play in. This should be a great weekend to get out and visit one of the parks!

Play Pickleball in March

Lessons with Vinnie Brascia

Beginner & advanced beginner pickleball lessons with Vinnie Brascia. Free for Members, otherwise $5 guest fee. Every Saturday during March at 1 pm. Call Tennis Club to reserve space at 949-831-6660. Space is limited. No walk-ups. For Pickleball membership information, please visit HERE.

Open Drop-in Play for beginners/advanced beginners in March

Beginning in March, we will be offering drop-in play for beginners and advanced beginners. These are players who typically are beginning to play the game and or have limited experience playing it. Your skill level could be described as just starting to play, limited experience, rely on others to keep score, and can sustain a short rally. It will allow you to play with others to develop your skills together. You should have completed the open free clinic or played somewhere else at least once. Free for Members, otherwise a $5 guest fee. It will be on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm beginning in March.

SOLICITATION FOR BOARD CANDIDATES AND NOTICE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION AND SPECIAL BALLOT MEASURE

(NOTICE DATE FEBRUARY 21, 2020)
Annual Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Location: 25281 Empty Saddle Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Registration & Call to Order: 6:30 PM

Board Candidacy Form:
The Association is soliciting candidates for the upcoming 2020 Board of Directors election to be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.  Candidate applications must be received by the Association by March 25, 2020 to be nominated and listed on the pre-ballot notice that will be mailed to all homeowners of record prior to April 1, 2020.  The pre-ballot notice will include all names that will be included on the ballot to be mailed by May 1, 2020.
 
Candidates whose nominations are received after March 25, 2020 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:
    1. 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;
    2. 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;
    3. The Candidate may not hold a joint ownership interest in the same separate interest as any other candidate or incumbent director; and
    4. 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 here or by request to admin@nelliegailranch.org.
 
Notice of Board of Directors Election and Special Ballot Measure

The Annual Meeting of the Members and Election of Board of Directors is set for Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse at 25281 Empty Saddle Drive, Laguna Hills, CA.  In order to achieve quorum, at least fifty percent (50%) of the Homeowners (i.e. 704 out of 1407 members) must vote.  In the event that less than 50% of the membership participate in the Annual Meeting, either by returning their ballot or appearing in person, then those in attendance may adjourn the meeting to a date not less than 5 nor more than 30 days thereafter, and the quorum at such adjourned meeting shall be lowered to twenty-five percent (25%) (i.e. 352 out of 1407 members).  The Reconvened Election meeting date, if necessary, will be Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 6:30 pm at the same location.

This year three (3) seats are up for election.  The pre-ballot notice listing candidate names to be included on the ballot will be mailed to all homeowners of record prior to April 1, 2020.   Check the May 2020 issue of The Pony Express for candidate bios and information.  For any questions regarding the Annual Meeting and Election of Board Directors, please call the Association office at (949) 425-1477. 

Also included on this years’ ballot will be a special ballot measure for a membership vote to continue or discontinue 24-hour mobile patrol services.  The 2019 vote count was 330 in favor of keeping the service, 192 Against and 17 Abstained.  Feedback after the 2019 annual meeting suggested a preference to include this ballot measure again on the 2020 ballot.  Information regarding the cost of this service will be provided prior to balloting.

 

Ron Larson Memorial Picnic Table  

The Ron Larson Memorial Picnic Table has been installed at Gallup Park. The family of the longtime Nellie Gail Ranch resident received additional donations for a memorial picnic table to be added alongside of the Ron Larson Memorial Bench. Ron Larson passed away on August 5, 2019. Ron was a long-term tennis player and Club Member since 1982. He also enjoyed walking his dog and bird watching at Gallup Park.

Clubhouse Update

This week door and window casings have been installed throughout the Clubhouse.  Additional drywall work has been completed and cabinet installation is ongoing. We passed a city inspection milestone this week and we look forward to continuing forward next week.

Cabot Arena

After some feedback regarding the Cabot Arena footing depth we have reduced it a bit and re-groomed.  Come on out and enjoy our freshly dragged Cabot Arena.

Tree Trimming / Brush Clearing

This week we performed tree trimming and brush clearing below the Equestrian Center opening up the visibility through the tree understory.

Memorial Tree

Hayden / Clarke and equestrian friends of Rose Schwary donated this Orchid tree to commemorate the recent passing of Lady, Rose’s horse who has boarded at our Equestrian Center for almost 20 years. This tree overlooks Lady’s home stall and the arena she enjoyed training in.

Learn How to Play Pickleball!

Beginner & advanced beginner pickleball lessons with Vinnie Brascia. No membership required, guest fee $5. Monday & Wednesday at 6:00 pm and Saturday at 1 pm. Every week ending on Saturday, February 29th. Call Tennis Club to reserve space at 949-831-6660. Space is limited. No walk-ups. For Pickleball membership information, please visit HERE.

Remember our first 100 members receive an inaugural pin!