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.

Special Sunday Concert – October 24 at 3:00 PM

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.

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!

The Swim Club jacuzzi is closed this weekend for maintenance.

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!

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

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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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!

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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.

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Contributing sponsor

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!

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!!

From the week ending on August 13, 2021

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!

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!

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.

Special thanks to contributing sponsor

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!

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

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

Dial in#: 669 900 6833

Meeting ID: 864 0115 4406

Passcode: 123749