Water Runoff & Sandbags

Now that we have had our first Winter rains, please take the opportunity to evaluate your slopes and clear your v-ditches, swales and catch basins. Drainage systems full of leaf debris or eroded soil can overflow and cause serious flooding or damage to property.

Additionally, in areas where you have had previous flooding, it will be more effective to order sandbags from your landscaper and place them proactively while it is dry rather than trying to place a few limited sandbags in a downpour. Please do not divert water to your neighbor’s property as each home is responsible for accepting its own share of runoff.

The Association has received its annual delivery of sand and sandbags for time-sensitive flooding or erosion control concerns that may arise over the Fall and Winter. They are located in the corner of the Association Clubhouse parking lot adjacent to the storage sheds. It is self-service and self-fill, please take no more than 10 for quick emergencies that may arise.

Ron Larson Memorial Bench

The Ron Larson Memorial Bench has been installed at Gallup Park. The family of the longtime Nellie Gail Ranch resident received donations for a 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.

Veteran’s Day

We appreciate all of our country’s veterans but we offer this special note of gratitude to those of you in the Nellie Gail Ranch community who have served.  May we all take a moment to express gratitude to those whom we personally know who have served our country.

The Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis & Swim Club and Association office will be open regular hours on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

Save the Date – Winter Wonderland

Horse-O-Ween

Our Horse-O-Ween event was held last Saturday at the Equestrian Center.  We enjoyed our riders in costumes, rode through a fun obstacle course and played some fun games. Thank you to Lion’s Heart who provided us with some youth volunteers to set up and take down the decorations.  Thank you also to all who attended.  Lastly, we hope all of our Nellie Gail Ranch families enjoyed a safe and fun Halloween evening last night!

Street Lights

We recently conducted an inventory of street lights that were out and reported them to the City of Laguna Hills.  We confirmed this week that 32 lights that were reported are now operating again.  If you have a street light that is out, you may report it to jcomella@lagunahillsca.gov or submit an on-line request at the following link: https://www.lagunahillsca.gov/forms.aspx?fid=92.  Please provide them with the closest street address to the pole.  Copy us at admin@nelliegailranch.org and we will confirm they were repaired and follow up if necessary.

Horse-O-Ween – Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m.

This is a reminder to join us at the Equestrian Center this Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m. for our annual Horse-O-Ween event. The festivities will begin with a costume contest followed by fun Halloween activities. Please contact Charee Jones, Equestrian Center Manager, with any questions at 949-371-1595.

Equestrian Easement Trail Maintenance

Trail maintenance can take many forms. This week we found an active beehive along Saddleback View Trail. Despite the cooling weather, these bees were very active. To maintain a safe trail and to show respect for our natural Nellie Gail Ranch environment, we brought in Alberta the Beekeeper who provides honeybee rescue and relocation. Here is Alberta (949-646-2606) rescuing the queen and relocating the hive.

Clubhouse Refresh Update

We have had inquiries and want to update you regarding the projected completion date for our Clubhouse project. Frankly, we have been reluctant to provide updates recently since the prior projections we have provided have not been met. The Board has been very concerned with the extended time this project is taking. The Board negotiated a liquidated damages clause in late July that took effect September 15th so the contractor is motivated to finish. That being said, work has been progressing much more slowly than we would like. The current projected end date is December 6th.

We have implemented some additional processes to assist in coordinating the remaining work to be completed such as directly ordering the doors and windows. The contractor has given us assurances they intend to commit resources sufficient to complete the job and we are doing the best we can to escort them to the finish line. We have a ways to go but are committed to getting this project completed. And, just as importantly, completed in a way that you will be proud of the clubhouse as a homeowner and a member once it fully re-opens.

Thank you for your patience!

Home Security Tips

The Nellie Gail Ranch 24 hour security patrol reports an average of eight (8) homes per month with garage doors being left open overnight. Remember to check and secure all windows, doors and gates to your home and property at night and when you leave even if for only a few minutes. Side gates should be kept locked to deter entrance to the backyard. Also, check your car doors and windows, set the alarm if you have one and never leave a purse, wallet or valuables in plain sight.