General Announcements, Notices & Public Safety

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | October 22, 2021

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the week ending on October 22, 2021

SUMMER CONCERT THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, October 24 at 3:00 PM @ Gallup Park

Emergency Preparedness Training

The Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) hosted a training meeting Thursday evening with a focus on building an emergency kit. Forty-two members attended this meeting at the Association Clubhouse including a number of block captains and EPC members. Below are three links:

  1. A link to a list of recommended supplies to include in your disaster kit .
  2. A calendar to assist you in gradually building your disaster kit over a six month period.
  3. The PowerPoint presented at the training meeting providing tips and resources.

Finding Your Block Captain

Now that you have either committed to prepare your emergency kit, or you already have one, get to know your Block Captain.

You can find your Block Captain by scrolling down on the following link and entering your address:

https://nelliegailranch.org/emergency-preparedness-committee/

Hopefully, you already know your Block Captain as your neighbor, but if not, be sure to introduce yourself and get to know them. In a time of need, they may be able to assist you and your family address needs, or you may be able to offer help to other community members via the liaison efforts of your block captain. If your block captain link comes up “Vacant” please consider volunteering to be the Block Captain for your neighbors. The “Become A Block Captain” webpage link will put you in contact with the EPC who can more fully describe the duties and benefits of this volunteer activity.

Contact epc@nelliegailranch.org with questions.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Horse Show and Parade

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | October 15, 2021

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the week ending on October 15, 2021

Nellie Gail Ranch Board Meeting

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:30 PM. View the Open Session Agenda below.
View Open Session Agenda

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82194659464?pwd=cDFPQWRVL0J4bk1SWkhqcmZ1d1UrQT09

Dial in #: 669-900-6833

Meeting ID: 821 9465 9464

Passcode: 299525

SUMMER CONCERT – RESCHEDULED

Special Sunday Concert – October 24 at 3:00 PM

License Plate Recognition Cameras

Flock Safety technicians have completed installation of vehicle and license plate recognition cameras at a total of 8 locations this week. Cameras are being installed at the Association Clubhouse parking lot and ten (10) Nellie Gail Ranch community entries and exits. Cameras will cover both inbound and outbound directional vehicles and capture rear license plates. In total, there are 24 cameras that will be mounted on newly installed 12-foot poles along with signage indicating the system’s presence and will be powered by solar or direct power. Work is scheduled to be completed by October 20th subject to clear weather.

Home Emergency Kit Training

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!

Footing Available for Homeowner Arenas

The Equestrian Center is replacing sand footing in the lower arena the second week of November (weather permitting). The sand footing is two years old and not in condition for our competitive training needs at this arena. We will repurpose some of the sand by transporting it to the 100 foot arena above Lone Acres. Some of the sand will also be used to fill trail sandbags. We have about 75 tons to dispose of so we can also make it available to homeowners for private arenas. If you have the ability to haul the sand you may make arrangements with us to pick it up on the days we are removing the old sand to prepare for delivery of fresh footing. Please contact our Equestrian Manager Dave Jones at djones@nelliegailranch.org and we will keep you updated on the date it will be available for pick-up.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Horse Show and Parade

Sandbags on Trail

We will be preparing our trails for the winter season by placing sandbags on select trails. The sandbags are placed to slow the flow of water and catch debris for the purpose of trail preservation. Each homeowner still receives a natural flow of water from the slopes above their homes. For our homeowners who place sandbags, please do not divert water to neighboring homes. All properties are required to accept the natural flow of water from above their property. Any diversion of the natural flow of water should slow the flow, catch debris and direct water to your drainage system.

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | October 8, 2021

Trails Closed Due to Rain

Trails are currently closed through the weekend due to 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 clears and we have sun this Saturday and Sunday, many trails should be ready to re-open Monday afternoon with shaded and steep trails staying closed a few days 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.

SUMMER CONCERT – RESCHEDULED

Special Sunday Concert – October 24 at 3:00 PM

License Plate Recognition Cameras

Ready for Installation

Flock Safety technicians will be onsite beginning Wednesday, October 13, 2021 to begin installing the vehicle and license plate recognition cameras throughout the community. Cameras will be installed at the Association Clubhouse parking lot and all ten (10) Nellie Gail Ranch community entries and exits. Cameras will cover both inbound and outbound directional vehicles and capture rear license plates. In total, there are 24 cameras that will be mounted on newly installed 12-foot poles along with signage indicating the system’s presence and will be powered by solar or direct power. The cameras are equipped with infrared and low light capability for recognizing vehicles and license plates at night. The cameras capture still photos of both vehicles and pedestrians based on motion activation. Work is scheduled to be completed by October 20th subject to clear weather.

Home Emergency Kit Training

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!

Jacuzzi Closed for Maintenance

The Swim Club jacuzzi is closed this weekend for maintenance.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Horse Show and Parade

Association Painted Rock Garden

Nellie Gail Ranch artists continue to contribute creatively painted rocks to our Association Clubhouse Rock Garden. We enjoy coming to the clubhouse and seeing new additions, particularly when they are themed to the season.

Whether you want to donate a new painted rock creation or enjoy the work of our artists, we look forward to your visit!

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | October 1, 2021

Pets on Parade

JOIN US WITH YOUR PET TOMORROW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2nd @ GALLUP PARK!

The fun begins with contest REGISTRATION (10:30am). Show off your pet in the PARADE lap (11:15am), and/or enter the CONTEST (11:45am) for a chance to win prizes in four different categories (see attached flyer). Click here to download the contest Entry Registration Form. (Note: This event is open to residents and your non-resident guests, however, only residents can enter the contest for prizes.) Entertainment will include a BALLOON TWISTER making animal sculptures and other designs (no charge), a creative FACE PAINTER drawing animal images on smiling faces (no charge), and a talented CARICATURE ARTIST creating amazing keepsake renderings of pets and owners (only $10). Come hungry for lunch! FOOD TRUCKS will be waiting to serve you. Burning Buns will be grilling gourmet burgers and hot dogs, and Kona Ice will be serving their refreshing shaved ice on a warm day. Cash is recommended for various purchases from the vendors/exhibitors, opportunity drawing tickets, food trucks, and caricature drawings. Also, feel free to bring your own chair and ice chest.

It’s going to be a dog-gone, pawsitively puuuurfect day at Gallup Park this Saturday, and we look forward to seeing you and your precious pets there!
Registration Form

October Pony Express

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

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Horse Show and Parade

Rapid Falls Landscape Work

Those of you on the South side of Nellie Gail Ranch may have noticed a lot of landscape work going on at the Rapid Falls slope just down from Lost Trail. The Landscape Committee has had this slope on their radar and it was prioritized for clean-up this Fall. The slope primarily had acacia redolens planted which thrives in poor and alkaline soils and spreads to fifteen feet. Acacia is a very common and popular non-native ground cover used on slopes due to its hardiness, fast growth and dominant coverage. The challenge however, over its 15-20 year lifespan is its propensity to grow tall over the years leaving a woody understory with leafy top layer. Over time it becomes so dense that maintenance of trees and other plants on the slope is compromised.

After the clean-up phase of this slope is completed we will remove large stumps, trim trees and evaluate replanting.

Summer Concert CANCELLED TONIGHT | 9/24/21

Tonight’s summer concert has been cancelled due to inclement weather. We hope to reschedule at a later date. Stay tuned for more information.

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch | September 24, 2021

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the week ending on September 24, 2021

Summer Concert – CANCELLED TONIGHT

Tonight’s summer concert has been cancelled due to inclement weather. We hope to reschedule at a later date. Stay tuned for more information.

Pets on Parade
Registration Form

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Horse Show and Parade

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!

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