General Announcements, Notices & Public Safety

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | September 10, 2021

Summer Concert Series

TONIGHT, September 10 at 7:00 PM at Gallup Park

Mark Wood and the Parrott Head Band is the next best thing to Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, performing a mix of Calypso, Reggae, Rock and Roll, Country, R&B, and Samba/Salsa. Whether you’re a true Jimmy Buffett “Parrothead” or just a fan of good partying music, put on your tropical attire and grab a cheeseburger in paradise (or lobster roll or sushi roll) at Gallup Park on Friday, September 10!

Come relax and let the gourmet food trucks make you dinner that night! Choose from the very popular and sought after Cousins Maine Lobster Truck, or Rolling Sushi Van, or Burning Buns gourmet burgers and fries. And for dessert . . . Scooter’s Sweet Shack, serving mouth-watering Italian ice, homemade mini donuts, and gourmet churros. It’s going to be a festive and fun night!

Thank you to contributing sponsor

Pets on Parade Contest and Expo

If you or someone you know has a pet-related business (products or services) and would like to participate as an Exhibitor or Vendor at the Pets on Parade event, please contact Mary Gonzales, Events Coordinator at 949-425-1477 or maryg@nelliegailranch.org.

Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse
Restroom Renovation Project

We are excited to announce the commencement of our restroom renovation project. In order to keep some restrooms operational throughout our project we have started with the swim side restrooms leaving the tennis restrooms available for use. Work on the swim side will take approximately ten weeks. After we re-open the swim side we will start work on the tennis restrooms which will take approximately 5 weeks.

The new restrooms will be significantly improved in both look and function. We will have improved access and all new fixtures. The restroom partitions will be upgraded to a resort grade aesthetic (see door sample below) and the shower changing areas will have seating benches as well as privacy doors instead of curtains. The floor tile will be slip resistant with improved drain channels resulting in elimination of the plastic grating squares on the swim side. Additionally, new lockers with keyless combination locks will be installed.

But that’s not all! We will also be installing a kitchen available for use for catering and special events. When the project is completed we will also be able to begin serving drinks from our bar. Hours of service are TBD but we are looking forward to creating an even better atmosphere for our community to socialize, enjoy and benefit from the Clubhouse. Work is anticipated to be complete by the beginning of the year. We are committed to making your experience at the Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse an even better value in 2022 and beyond!!

Emergency Kit Training

Attention: Mark Your Calendars!

October 21, 2021, 7:00 PM @ Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse

The Emergency Preparedness Committee will be holding a live training on “How to Put Together your Home Emergency Kit.” Come learn what goes in your kit, why certain things are needed during an emergency, and how to easily put this kit together over time.

We look forward to seeing you!

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | 9/3/21

Labor Day

The Nellie Gail Ranch Owner’s Association business office will be closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day.

September Pony Express

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

Summer Concert Series

Whether you’re a true Jimmy Buffett “Parrothead” or just a fan of good partying music, put on your tropical attire and grab a cheeseburger in paradise (or lobster roll or sushi roll) at Gallup Park on Friday, September 10! Mark Wood and the Parrott Head Band is the next best thing to Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, performing a mix of Calypso, Reggae, Rock and Roll, Country, R&B, and Samba/Salsa. Come relax and let the gourmet food trucks make you dinner that night! Choose from the very popular and sought after Cousins Maine Lobster Truck, or Rolling Sushi Van, or Burning Buns gourmet burgers and fries. And for dessert . . . Scooter’s Sweet Shack, serving mouth-watering Italian ice, homemade mini donuts, and gourmet churros. It’s going to be a festive and fun night!

Thank you to contributing sponsor

Pets on Parade Contest and Expo

Registration information to come

PICKLERS NEEDING PICKLERS

For those of you who might be new to the Pickleball Club or just haven’t used your membership as much as you might like, we are creating a new way for you to match up with players of like ability skill levels.

Just call the front desk at (949) 831-6660 and ask the staff member to put you on the “Pickleball” list. We will ask for your name, email address and cell phone number to share with other Pickleball Club members.

It is also very important to give them as accurate an evaluation of your level as possible. Please click on the following link to view or download a copy of the Pickleball Skill Level Guidelines.
Pickleball Skill Level Guidelines

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | August 27, 2021

Summer Concert Series

TONIGHT, August 27 at 7:00 PM

THE MIGHTY UNTOUCHABLES is an award winning band guaranteed to please audiences of all taste with their extensive and diverse collection of material. Offering everything from Top 40 hits, Motown, Classic Rock, Jazz, Country, current Pop hits and more!

Grab your chairs, blankets and ice chest and come sing while watching THE MIGHTY UNTOUCHABLES perform LIVE at Gallup Park on Friday, August 27th at 7:00 pm!

COME HUNGRY FOR DINNER! We’ve got some yummy food trucks waiting for you!

Burning Buns Food Truck

An eye-catching gourmet food truck that offers specialty burgers, veggie burgers, authentic Cuban sandwiches, chicken wraps, and veggie wraps. Add a side of epic fries (Cheesy, Cubano, Carne Asada, Bleu Buffalo, Truffle, or seasoned). And their choice of sauces, spreads and toppings are outstanding!

View Menu

Loading Fresh & Foodilicious

Serving up unique Mexican, American and Vegetarian food using the highest quality ingredients: taco plates or a-la-carte (Carnitas, Asada, Chicken, Al Pastor, Shrimp or Veggie), burritos, tortas, tostada salad, taquitos, quesadillas, meat fries, sopes, rice and beans. The menu choices and quality are superb!

View Menu

Kona Ice

Kick up your feet and enjoy a one-of-a-kind, gourmet shaved ice experience with a choice of the most delicious flavors you’ve ever tasted.

View Menu

Contributing sponsor

Playground Maintenance Scheduled

Gallup Park, Moulton Park and Dapple Gray Park playground repairs are scheduled to take place this Monday and Tuesday, August 30 and August 31, 2021. Repairs range from replacing missing nuts and washers to changing out damaged components like chains, steps, ladders and decks. Portions of each playground will be closed as repairs are made so some areas of the play structures will be temporarily off limits during repairs. The repairs will start around 8 am each day and go through approximately 4 pm.

Hidden Trail Park is not included in the repair schedule as that equipment is scheduled for replacement in the Fall. The October issue of The Pony Express will include information and exhibits showing what is coming!

Moulton Museum Coming Soon (Spring 2022)

Jared Mathis and Scott T. Barnes, great-grandsons of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, founders of the Moulton Ranch, invited our Board of Directors to attend a Bunkhouse BBQ at the Aliso Viejo Ranch this past Wednesday. The event, a celebration of history, heritage and community, was held at the recently opened Aliso Viejo Ranch. Aliso Viejo Ranch located at 100 Park Ave. in Aliso Viejo has an ongoing exhibit of photos, ranch tools, and stagecoach that is well worth the trip for any Nellie Gail Ranch resident who wants to learn more about the heritage of the land this community was founded on.

In his brief remarks to attendees, Jared Mathis indicated the items on display at Aliso Viejo Ranch are just the start of what will be on display at the Moulton Museum scheduled to open in the Spring of 2022. The museum will honor achievement, preserve history, tell stories and highlight the contributions of the working people of Moulton Ranch who may have been overlooked by history.

Please visit the museum website at https://moultonmuseum.org/ to view some amazing photos and stories. The real Nellie Gail of Nellie Gail Ranch is well worth knowing!!
Learn More

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | August 20, 2021

Parking Lot Concrete Repairs

Monday, August 23, 2021

AMS Paving will perform concrete repairs to a 4ft X 50ft section of the Association Parking Lot on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Temporary no parking and detour signage will be posted in the section outlined in the attached parking lot aerial photo.
View Parking Lot Aerial Photo

Address of Record for Budget Mailing

The 2021-22 budget year starts October 1st. We will be e-mailing the new budget to all homeowners who have signed up for electronic distribution of documents by the end of next week. If you have not previously signed up, please click the button below and complete the form that opens.
Electronic Consent Form

For homeowners who for any reason prefer to receive a hard copy via mail, please review and verify the accuracy of the information we have on file for mailing. Your July 2021 quarterly assessment statement has the information we reflect as your preferred mailing address. Each issue of The Pony Express also includes the address of record. You may e-mail any revisions to admin@nelliegailranch.org or send by mail to 25211 Empty Saddle Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Summer Concert Series

Next Friday, August 27 at 7:00 PM

THE MIGHTY UNTOUCHABLES is an award winning band guaranteed to please audiences of all taste with their extensive and diverse collection of material. Offering everything from Top 40 hits, Motown, Classic Rock, Jazz, Country, current Pop hits and more!

Grab your chairs, blankets and ice chest and come sing while watching THE MIGHTY UNTOUCHABLES perform LIVE at Gallup Park on Friday, August 27th at 7:00 pm!

Contributing sponsor

TENNIS CENTER

BALLERS NEEDING BALLERS

For those of you who might be new to the Tennis Center or just haven’t used your membership as much as you might like, we are creating a new way for you to match up with players of like ability skill levels.

Just call the front desk at (949) 831-6660 and ask the staff member to put you on the “Baller” list. We will ask for your name, email address and cell phone number to share with other Tennis Club members.

It is also very important to give them as accurate an evaluation of your level as possible. Please click on the following link to view or download a copy of the Tennis Skill Level Guidelines.
Tennis Skill Level Guidelines

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | August 13, 2021

From the week ending on August 13, 2021

Summer Concert Series: Jumping Jack Flash

TONIGHT, August 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM @ Gallup Park

Jumping Jack Flash is a live retrospective presentation of 50 years of the Rolling Stones’ famous (and infamous!) career. Didn’t see The Stones in the 60’s from the front row? Here’s your second chance!

There will be no dance floor tonight in response to CDC recommendations for activities with close proximity gatherings

COME HUNGRY! We’ve got some yummy food trucks waiting for you.

Italian Burger & Grill

Offering hearty gourmet burgers (beef, chicken, veggie), grilled ribeye steak or grilled chicken plates, grilled vegetables, chicken Caesar salad, loaded fries, and more delicious choices. Let’s eat!
View the Menu

Tres Compas Mexican Grill

Serving up authentic and flavorful Mexican food: taco plates or a-la-carte (Carnitas, Fish, Steak, Chicken, Al Pastor or Veggie), burritos, tostada salad, quesadillas, meat fries, sopes, homemade corn tortillas, rice and beans. Don’t forget some warm, cream-filled churros for dessert!
View the Menu

Drizzle Funnel Cakes

Unique and delicious funnel cake shaped like a cone and filled to the brim with ice cream, fresh fruits, and other toppings. Or choose a cold coffee dessert, strawberry lemonade, or Thai tea float. Drizzle is all about details and quality.
View the Menu

Special thanks to contributing sponsor

HOME SECURITY

There has been an increase in residential burglaries in South Orange County. Please take extra precautions with your home and call the Sheriff’s Department if you see any suspicious activity or experience a break-in.

Emergency or Crime In Progress – Dial 9-1-1

Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Dispatch

(714) 647-7000 or (949) 770-6011

Below are some home safety tips to help keep your home protected.

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!

Board Meeting Tuesday, August 17, 2021

at 7:30 PM via Zoom

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:30 PM. View the Open Session Agenda below.
OPEN SESSION AGENDA

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86401154406?pwd=RVpMSDVhM1IrdThnQmVQcjlzMXA2QT09

Dial in#: 669 900 6833

Meeting ID: 864 0115 4406

Passcode: 123749

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | August 6, 2021

Nellie Gail Ranch Olympian: Anicka Delgado

Nellie Gail Ranch resident, Anicka Delgado, just returned from the Tokyo Olympics where she swam for Ecuador. Coached by her two-time Olympian father and owner of Evolution Racing Club, Felipe Delgado, Anicka swam in the Women’s 50m and 100m Freestyle. We are so proud of Anicka’s determination, dedication, and success!

More to come about Anicka’s Olympic journey next month in the September Issue of the Pony Express.

Special Board Meeting August 12, 2021 at 6 PM (Via Zoom)

A special budget workshop has been scheduled to review and adopt the 2021-22 budget and 2021-22 reserve study. The meeting will be held Thursday, August 12th at 6:00 PM via ZOOM (no in person meeting due to CDC guidance). An executive session meeting will also be held to review the staff budget and consider approval of a contractor for the restroom reserve project and bar/kitchen capital project.

OPEN SESSION AGENDA

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88210456762?pwd=Nyt4NzJrdWRSQUhaVE5vQmVKZHZWUT09

Dial in# 669 900 6833

Meeting ID: 882 1045 6762

Passcode: 742634

Graffiti Vandalism

We had extensive vandalism this past weekend at the Gallup Park gazebo, the trail behind Gallup Park, a homeowner wall on Flintlock, and the city La Paz tunnel. It appears the tagging was done by the same individual(s). We have reported the vandalism to the sheriff and the city.

Our mobile patrol security vehicle is keeping a watch but we need the watchful attention of our homeowners too.

  • If you see anything currently in progress please call 9-1-1.
  • If you see anything suspicious, please report to sheriff dispatch at 949-770-6011.
  • The City of Laguna Hills has a Graffiti Hotline you can call at 949-707-2656.
  • You may also call the the Owner’s Association Office directly at 949-425-1477. Please call the sheriff first, then the Association Office in order that the sheriff can respond to direct homeowner calls.

Be sure to note the exact location of the graffiti.

Cleanup is the responsibility of the owner of whatever was tagged. The city takes care of the streets, curbs, and sidewalks, Nellie Gail Ranch takes care of trail fencing and signs and each homeowner is responsible for their own walls or other improvements. Again, please be watchful and report anything suspicious.

Summer Concert Series: Jumping Jack Flash

Next Friday, August 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM @ Gallup Park

Jumping Jack Flash is a live retrospective presentation of 50 years of the Rolling Stones’ famous (and infamous!) career. Didn’t see The Stones in the 60’s from the front row? Here’s your second chance!

Grab your chairs or blankets and ice chest and come sing and dance with us while watching JUMPING JACK FLASH perform LIVE at Gallup Park NEXT FRIDAY, August 13 at 7:00 PM!

COME HUNGRY! We’ve got some yummy food trucks waiting for you.

Special thanks to contributing sponsor:Tate|LaMott|Group

Learn More

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | July 30, 2021

Read more

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | 7/2/21

Read more

Announcing the Tuesday, May 12th First Phase Re-Opening of the Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis and Swim Center

We are excited to announce the first phase of our re-opening of the Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis and Swim Centers with revised hours and temporary use rules.  Please review this entire message and all of the attachments prior to visiting for the first time.  The Temporary Recreation Center Use Rules are intended to make the Nellie Gail Ranch Recreation Center accessible to the membership while promoting good hygiene and proper physical distancing. 
 
Hours of Operation:

  • Swim Center – Open to homeowners only from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for lap swimming only.  
  • Tennis Center – 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Pickleball – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

The following link is to our Temporary Recreation Center Use Rules providing guidance on how the tennis, pickleball, and swim facilities may be used starting Tuesday, May 12th.

TEMPORARY RECREATION CENTER USE RULES

Due to construction in our parking lot and building exterior, access to the parking lot will be via one entry lane as noted by the red arrow and one exit lane also noted by a red arrow.  Access to enter the Swim and Tennis Centers are noted by the yellow arrow.

All homeowners and club members must check-in at the reception desk prior to the use of the facilities. The following waiver is required to be completed prior to the use of the recreation center. Please complete prior to arriving to streamline your check-in.

LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE

Reservations are required for use of the Tennis and Pickleball courts. You may reserve a court via the following link:

Kourts App

Swim lanes are first come first serve. Access to the swimming pool is restricted to lap swimming for homeowners only. With this first phase of re-opening no non-homeowner club members or swim team members may use the pool pending a revision to the state guidelines prohibiting public pool use. We are hopeful of welcoming the rest of you back soon!
 
Please be aware of the following:

  • No person may access the recreation center that is sick, that has a fever or a confirmed case of Covid-19. Any person visiting a facility should wash their hands regularly and/or use sanitizer.
  • Access to the Tennis and Pickleball courts is restricted to residents and Club members only. No guest use is permitted at this time.
  • All residents and Club members accessing the recreation center are required to bring either disposable sanitary wipes or similar cleaning materials for personal sanitary purposes. 

Restroom / Shower Facilities:

  • Restrooms access will be limited to one person at a time (or a parent and child as may be necessary).
  • Showers inside restrooms will be closed.
  • Additional janitorial hours have been approved to implement heightened sanitation of contact surfaces. Janitorial will be in place for all hours of operation.

Sunbathing Use

  • Not permitted at this time.

Spa Use

  • Not permitted at this time. 

Membership Fees:
We will begin invoicing our Tennis and Pickleball Club Members for membership fees again with a pro-rated May invoice. If you paid your March fees prior to our March 17th closing, you will receive a credit for that portion of the month we were closed. For our Club Members who may not be ready to integrate back into activity, you may request we suspend your dues through June 30th, or earlier depending upon your comfort level to return to activity.
 
For those who are anxious to start activities that remain restricted, we will continue to model the local authorities’ guidelines and phase in further openings.

Meanwhile, WELCOME BACK!! We have been looking forward to this first phase of re-opening for a long time and look forward to seeing you soon!

Special Meeting to Review Plan to Reopen Recreation Facilities

We have been monitoring the state and county press conferences regarding ongoing business closures and reopening discussions. We have also reviewed reports of local recreation facilities who are making moves to reopen their clubs. We are currently preparing our own plan for a phased reopening and are scheduling a Zoom video/conference call on Monday, May 11, 2020, at 6:00 pm to review a draft plan and schedule for reopening the recreation facilities. We want our homeowners, Tennis Members, Pickleball Members, and Swim Center Members to review our proposed plan for reopening and provide an opportunity for you to provide input. We know many people are ready to start participating in their sports of choice again, while others remain concerned about potential public exposure. We want to create a plan that addresses both perspectives and provides you with an opportunity to give input.

Please put the date of May 11, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. on your calendar. We will send a link to the meeting next week. Meanwhile, please safely enjoy our trails and open space and what looks to be a beautiful weekend.