Melissa Romero, Editor
March 1, 2025
"The Latest" | News In Review | Special Events | Activities
Reminders | Contacts | Recent eBlasts | Recent Newsletters
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The Latest News
Pool & Spa Renovations
Fence Repair & Painting
The project is nearing completion!
Fence Pros will continue to post notices 2 weeks before they reach your street. This is when Residents should start to take down any mesh wire fence that is attached to the iron fence, if any.
The next streets that will get repaired/painted are Corte Ladino, Corte De Vega, and finish at Corte Sagrada. (Streets are in the order that the vendor will complete the repairs/painting).
Homeowner Sections
(side fence between neighbors)
The portion of fence on the side that meets with your neighbor is the responsibility of the homeowner. If you would like this portion of the homeowner fence painted, our vendor will offer homeowners a special flat rate price of $100 plus the cost of any repairs, if needed. Each Homeowner has divider fences on both sides to separate the resident's backyard; the paint cost is $100 per side. Please contact Trevor for an estimate at (949) 885-6211
Paint Color: Muddy Tide from Dunn Edwards - Aristoshield product with a semi-gloss finish.
PLEASE SEE BELOW NOTICE FROM FENCE PROS:
Currently the mowing crew is on the winter schedule of mowing every two weeks on Thursday and Friday. This schedule will continue throughout the winter months.
Since shrubs are not growing much during the winter months and do not require the trimming that is needed in the summer months, the crew is focusing on cleaning under shrubs and detailing the areas as needed. In those areas where trimming is needed, the crew will continue to trim new growth. Mulch is being added to common areas and major focal points.
There have been a few issues with some of the grass and new seed turning brown so fertilizer was added to help the grass and new seed to grow during the winter months. While we attempt to keep the grass looking good, the winter dry weather will cause the browning of some of the grass.
In about two months the warm season turf will start growing again and turn green. More fertilizer will be applied in the spring to help this growth.
There are a few shrubs in some of the common areas that are looking a little brown and they are being watched by Harvest Landscaping to see if they will green up in the spring or will need to be replaced.
The smart controllers are on full automatic now with only a few stations on special programs where extra water has been needed. Special programming was required after dethatching and overseeding as well as after fertilizer was applied.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to improve our community's outdoor spaces!
******* February 2025 *******
Reports to the Board
- The pool will reopen on March 1st (with the understanding that it might have to close for a few days when the poolside landscaping is being done).
- There will be an official re-opening of the pool celebration when warmer weather permits.
- Fence painting is nearing completion and expected to be done —weather permitting — by the end of March.
- A Happy Hour is planned for St. Patrick’s Day.
- A few seats are still available for the June 10th Angel game.
Board Approvals
- Dave Belove was approved as a member of the Information Technology Committee.
- The board approved the spraying of the olive trees to inhibit fruit.
You will learn
How to Check the Strength of Your Current Passwords.
How to Create Strong Passwords that Can Be Memorized.
Click here to register
SEAGARDEN: WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING?
Please CLICK HERE to view the current expenses.
The Seagarden Advisory Committee meets the first Wednesday each month at 10AM at the Clubhouse. All homeowners are encouraged to attend.
Be Scam Smart
Scammers attempt to reach you by phone, by text, and by email.
NEVER give money or personal or financial information to an UNSOLICITED contact.
Don’t click unsolicited links
Every link should be treated as questionable, whether that’s on a website, on social media, in an email, or even a text message. If you never click on unsolicited links, you can drastically reduce your risk of malware.
For example, let’s say you get a text message about a package delivery failure and you need to click this link and provide personal information to make sure you get it. You don’t know whether it’s a scam or not—but you aren’t expecting a delivery, so you treat it as questionable. In most cases, you just successfully avoided being scammed.
The same goes for when you get a link that purports to come from Amazon, PayPal, or your credit card company. It may have an alarming angle to it, such as claiming your account has been banned. This is meant to induce panic and cause you to lower your guard. But if you have a general policy of not clicking unsolicited links, you’ll be okay.
When in doubt, avoid unsolicited links and go straight to the source. Got an alert email that claims to be from your bank? Don’t click it. Instead, manually navigate to the bank in your web browser. Got an urgent alert about a package from FedEx? Don’t click it. Go straight to the FedEx website yourself and confirm if it’s true.
Excerpted from PCWorld, Feb 18, 2025.
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Visit the Scam Webpage on the Gallery Website:
- Beef Up Your Password Security on Three Key Accounts (Wall Street Journal)
- Personal Actions to Protect Yourself
- Internet Safety Tips ( Gallery specific video)
- Spam Phone & Email Blocker Apps
- Other Resources
If the information is aggressive or makes you afraid, uncomfortable or evokes urgency....... then take a deep breath....investigate!
HOW TO FIND AND PRINT THE EMERGENCY DATA & MEDICATION LIST
The Emergency Data & Medication List is designed for the purpose of providing information to paramedics or other emergency services personnel who may be called to your home to assist. The form provides space for important health conditions as well as all your medications.
Once completed, it is suggested that the form be taped behind a cabinet door or other place where emergency personnel can easily locate it.
To open the document, go to Forms on the Gallery website, or click here.
A Walk in the Park
Although I have lived in South Orange County for more than 40 years, I never knew the Niguel Botanical Preserve existed. What a hidden gem it is! An 18-acre public demonstration garden, the preserve is located in Laguna Niguel, near the intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and Niguel Road. It is actually on the hillside behind the Laguna Niguel Community Center and the YMCA. One needs to walk around behind the children’s play area or the amphitheater to find it.
The preserve exhibits plants from five Mediterranean climates of the world: countries around the Mediterranean, California and Baja California, Central Chile, the West Cape of South Africa, and Southern and Southwestern Australia. In addition to these areas there is also a formal garden with a gazebo, a labyrinth, a high point panoramic view of Saddleback Mountain, a rose garden and a butterfly garden. The paths, both hard and soft surface trails and stairs, weave about the various areas creating a lovely strolling experience. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, we saw many, including families and folks with their leashed dogs, enjoying the scenery. Although the terrain is hilly, there are many benches and shaded areas to rest and appreciate the views and the interesting plants. I’ve included the map of the preserve to show just how comprehensive the area is.
The Preserve started in 1981 when volunteers created a community garden. Over the years it has grown to an incorporated nonprofit organization and developed into today’s park with the help of the City of Laguna Niguel. The Niguel Botanical Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission and parking are free. It is another special experience in South Orange County! For more information: www.NiguelBotanicalPreserve.org
Know of something interesting you would like to share with our Gallery community? Let me know: [email protected]
Special Events & Activities
Train Ride To Old Towne Orange Has Been
POSTPONED To April 5th
We have just been informed that the Train Line to Orange will not be running on March 8th.
_________________________________________
News In Review
How to Sample Paint Color
Paint can be very tricky! Especially on the outside of your home. And you’ll most likely be spending many thousands of dollars with your contractor. I always recommend that before signing off on your color scheme, TEST your paint colors on key areas of your home’s exterior.
Make sure to paint at least two coats of your color for good coverage and on more than one plane. Make your sample areas at least 2’ x 2’. The bigger the test area, the truer sense you’ll get of the outcome.
Try to paint near key elements of your home such as the stone façade or your roof for easy assessment and comparison. Then, live with these sample patches for a few days so you can view them in different light at different times of day.
Most paint companies have sample "pots" which are small quantities of their most popular colors. These are for testing purposes BUT are usually only offered in an eggshell finish which is somewhat shiny.
A flat finish for instance, will appear darker than an eggshell finish, because the light will reflect off the eggshell’s surface more than it will the flat. This is why it’s really best to “bite the bullet” and purchase a quart of your colors in the finish you intend to use.
For the stucco areas of your exterior, you’ll most likely be using a flat finish and for the wood trim areas or accent colors; a semi-gloss.
You may not get the result you want the first time you test your paint color. But by taking the time to test, you’ll be able to quickly gauge whether to exchange your scheme for another and save yourself time, money and aggravation in the long run.
Note-Some specifications you may see on the back of a paint deck swatch:
LRV- Light Reflective Value
Hide- How opaque or transparent paint is or how well it will cover.
Spontaneous Color- This occurs when an adjacent color casts its hue onto another surface. Be especially mindful of this when testing a color that is much lighter or darker than the existing color.
Prepared by Debbie Talianko, Interior Designer
CID #6393, ASID, Member NKBA
Watch Duty
Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time. Several Gallery residents strongly recommend the app.
Features include:
- Real-time Wildfire Map & Alerts
- Monitor Wildfires and Prescribed Burns
- Flight Tracker
- Track Active Fire Perimeters
- Evacuation Orders and Shelters
Click here for more information.
Brien Manning Appointed to the Board of Directors
Brien Manning has been appointed to fill the open position on your Board of Directors (BOD) recently vacated by Colleen Wilson, and will serve out her remaining term thru March 31, 2025. Brien is a long standing resident of the Gallery and has served for many years on the O&M Committee, contributing both as a member and past Chairman. Please join me in welcoming him to the Gallery BOD.
SEAGARDEN NEWS
WEEP SCREED (duty of homeowner to correct soil level)
The Association has notified homeowners in Seagarden in writing about ensuring that the weep screed is not covered by soil or debris and that there is at least 2-3 inches of stucco exposed below the weep screed to ensure no flooding can occur. All homeowners and tenants need to be vigilant in checking around the exterior of the house, especially during heavy rains. If rain water is not draining adequately or fast enough, measures should be taken to remediate the problem as soon as possible. If any interior damage is caused by weep screed issues, the homeowner is responsible for the financial consequences.
EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE
There currently is NO earthquake insurance on the Seagarden buildings
We would also like to remind each Seagarden owner that obtaining and maintaining additional earthquake and/or loss assessment coverage is to your benefit .
Loss Assessment coverage helps pay your share of certain additional assessments levied by the Gallery Association on Seagarden members for earthquake-damage repairs. Assessment coverage is offered by CEA and maximum coverage is currently $100,000.
The Gallery Tech Team
Gallery residents helping Gallery residents.
Comprised of volunteer Gallery residents, the purpose of the Gallery Tech Team is to:
- Offer help with:
- adapting to changes in information technology
- accessing and using Gallery related websites and emails,
- learning general / basic uses of technology (computers, tablets, mobile phones),
- accessing online BOD and Committee meetings.
- Address resident requests for help with technology.
The Gallery Tech Team will offer occasional workshops on selected focus topics. They will also be available to address individual requests for help in one of 3 ways:
- Appointments (in the clubhouse)
- Zoom
- FaceTime
Gallery residents may submit a request for help using the online form that takes only a few minutes to complete. If the online form is not accessible for any reason, the Office will complete a form for you.
For more Information about the Gallery Tech Team and its members, click here.
To view the online Tech Team Request form, click here.
If you would be willing to help Gallery residents as a member of the Gallery Tech Team, click here.
Thanks in advance to members of the Gallery Tech Team for volunteering their time and expertise.
Sports - Fitness - Games - Clubs - Classes
Book Club
The next regular meeting of the Gallery Book Club will be on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Clubhouse. The book that will be discussed at the meeting is, “By Any Other Name,” by Jodi Picoult.
Those who choose to can join the meeting via Zoom at:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89259844385?pwd=WkdmRWlBUVhWZzlhL09KcGp5N1ptdz09
Meeting ID: 892 5984 4385
Passcode: 885320
FUTURE BOOK SELECTIONS
Monday, April 7, 2025 - “The Color of Water,” by James McBride - Vinnie Sheftell will lead this discussion
Monday, May 5, 2025 - “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt - Adrienne Waibel will lead this discussion (Note: Consensus was that there was no problem meeting on Cinco de Mayo)
Monday, June 2, 2025 - “An Echo in Time,” by Boo Walker - Joan Whithorn will lead this discussion
Mary Carlson
Current E-mail Address:
Aerobics Plus
Co Ed Aerobics & Weight Training
CLUBHOUSE MPR - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
9:30-10:00 - Aerobics Exercise
10:00am - 10:30am use weights and do core and flexibility mat exercises.
(Bring own mat & weights or use those available) You can attend the entire class or come for either half.
Pickleball at TMC
The community has a good sized group of pickle ball players who live in the gallery. We are always interested in having new players join our group. We play at the sports court near the main Talega pool. If you are interested in learning to play, Dean Waldfogel is willing to give instruction to interested players. If you would like more information on pickleball, please email either Barbara Beaupre at [email protected] or Dean Waldfogel at [email protected].
Cribbage Players Needed!
Cribbage is a card game that can be played with two, three, or four players.
Gallery Residents are welcome to contact Mike Levin at [email protected]. He will be in charge of organizing and scheduling the games.
Billiards
Wanted: Women and Men Billiards Players.
Just for fun and non-competitive. We typically play Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:30. Please text Mike Levin at 925-525-1521 for more information.
Zumba
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
9:00 a.m.
Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Zumba routines incorporate interval training — alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness.
Monday Night Poker
Monday Night Poker is looking for new players.
6pm - 9pm in the MPR
Please email Mike Beaupre for more information.
Jazzercise
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
10:00 a.m.
Jazzercise is a combination of aerobic exercise, HIIT cardio, and dance fitness safe and effective for all ages and fitness levels.
Additional Classes
Water Aerobics - Daily at 9am Pool
Aerobics Plus - Tuesday, Thursday at 9:30 MPR
Dance Aerobics - Saturday at 9:30am MPR
Line Dancing - Thursday 10:30am MPR
Lap Swimming - Daily at 7am Pool
Yoga - Tuesday, Thursday at 8am MPR
Check the Gallery Calendar for updates.
If you would like more information, call the Clubhouse Office.
Reminders
REMINDERS:
2.18.4 Residents shall clean up after their animals. Disposing of pet waste over the rear or side yards fencing/walls is prohibited. Owners are responsible for disposing of pet waste per city, county, and/or state regulations.
2.18.5 Orange County Animal Control is the proper entity to contact for animals not being properly controlled or maintained by their owner. To report problems, call Animal Control at (714) 935-6848.
Gallery Tech Team Request
- Gallery residents may submit a web-based Tech Request form to the Gallery Tech Team. (Click below.)
- If unable to submit the form online, a resident may contact the Gallery Office. The office will provide a paper copy of Tech Request form and submit it for you.
- The Tech Team in most cases will respond within 24 to 36 hours.
BUY - SELL -DONATE
Click here to see current listings
Do you need to sell an item? Perhaps you are looking for an item?
Rather than trying your luck at Craigslist or other selling platforms, stay safe in your own neighborhood and help support your neighbors.
You can access the Gallery Online Swap Meet, upload a photo of your item, or post a description of what you are looking for. Items will only be posted for 90 days, if you have not sold your item, you will need to relist it for sale. If you have sold your item, please call the office and we can remove your listing so you don't continue to get calls. Click here to connect to the swap meet. View Video
E-Statements
Here is how you can help cut down on monthly costs to the Association.
Sign up for E-statements. By signing up for this you are saving the Association on printing and mailing costs monthly. Simply click on the link E-Statements to be directed to sign up. Your account ID is on your snail-mail statement, or call the Gallery Office for your account number to register today. (949) 361-4685
Automatic payments are different than receiving an E-Statement. If you are still receiving paper statements in the mail, follow the directions above to help reduce monthly printing and mailing costs for the Association.
Driving in the Gallery
Please be mindful of pedestrians while driving through the Gallery. Some pedestrians and dog walkers may not be moving as fast as you expect. Please drive slowly and keep an eye out for neighbors with pets crossing the streets.
Address Lights
If you notice the address light on your home is no longer lit, call the Clubhouse office and we will schedule our electrician to take care of it during their monthly visit.
Pool Rules
Reminder that no one under the age of 18 is allowed at the Clubhouse grounds, pool, or amenities. This includes walking through the parking lot surrounding the clubhouse. Anyone over 18 must be accompanied by the homeowner if visiting the clubhouse common grounds or amenities. Please click on Pool Rules above to review the Operating Rules on the website.
The Gallery Library
Read Any Good Books Lately?
Consider donating gently used, newer books you have enjoyed to the Gallery Library (located in the Billiard Room).
Due to limited space we cannot accept:
- Any books more than 10 years old
- Cookbooks
- Travel Guides
- Technical/Text Books
- "Coffee Table" Books
Meet Judy Hall, our librarian.
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Games and Puzzles
The following games and puzzles are available to borrow from The Gallery Library:
- A large variety of jigsaw puzzles
- Scrabble
- 3 sets of poker chips
- 4 sets of Dominos
- A Checker Board and Checkers
- 3 Chess Boards and 2 sets of Chess pieces
- Sudoku
Donations of additional gently used board games are appreciated..
For more information email Judy Hall
Financial Data All in One Place.
Accessing the Association's financial data just became more user-friendly. Links to budget, audit, insurance and budget reserve reports are now all clickable from the Financials webpage, for both The Gallery AND for Seagarden. The Financials webpage also provides access the most recent monthly Budget Dashboards.
The Annual Budget Report and Annual Policy Statements for The Gallery and for Seagarden are now accessible on the Governing Documents webpage.
All Board of Director Meetings are Hybrid Meetings
Board of Director Meetings are now held both in-person (in the MPR) and online.
To participate in the online version of the meeting, log into the Residents Portal or Board of Directors webpage, and simply click on the blue button. Of course, you are always welcome to attend the in-person meeting.
Vehicle Gate Codes
The new vehicle gate codes do not affect your transponder or gate clicker; this is only a change to the code entered at the gate telephone entry box.
Vendor Code
The new VENDOR CODE *9255 (*WALK) – only works between 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.
This change restricts access for vendors who have been provided with the new vendor code.
Homeowner Code
The HOMEOWNER GUEST CODE *8422 (*TGCA)
The Homeowner code works 24 hours 7 days a week. Additionally, each homeowner has an individual code assigned to the owner. If you would like to use that code, please contact the Gallery office for your individual code.
If you have a family member or care givers who might need access in an emergency, between 10PM and 6AM, we recommend that you share the Homeowner Code *8422 with them and only use the Vendor code for vendors and deliveries.
All Things Gallery
For “all things Gallery,” don’t forget to take advantage of our community website at www.talegagallery.org! You can safelist a vehicle, register for events, peruse the community calendar, or learn more about our Gallery committees. You can also conveniently find and submit a variety of community forms, including Landscape forms, with no hassle.
Looking for something in particular? Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page and enter key word or words in the Search box. Or click on the search icon . 
Name Badges
If you’re interested in purchasing a Talega Gallery gold magnet name badge for $10, please contact Awards ‘N More at [email protected].
Residents may also email namebadge.com for name badges with a black and white background and larger font. (resident referral)
Special Events
Click the graphic to see Upcoming Events & Meetings.
Click to view details or to sign up for upcoming Special Events or View the complete Gallery Calendar.
Meet Your Block Representatives!
Block Representatives and Alternates are an important link to the community. These volunteers communicate information to their neighbors about upcoming social events and provide important feedback about past events. They also participate in Recreation Committee meetings and serve as volunteers at events. You can find the list of Block Reps HERE!
Meet Your Neighbors
Please consider completing the Meet Your Neighbors form to let your neighbors know what you are interested in and previous experience so you may meet others with the same interest. You can answer all questions, or just answer the questions that are important to you. Just click on Meet Your Neighbors above to submit your answers today.
Can't Remember What That eMail Blast Said?
Previous eMail Blasts are easily accessible on the Gallery website. Login and mouseover News. Then click on Recent eBlasts.
Contact Information Update
Please make sure the office has the correct phone numbers and emails on file for you! We have observed a few emails bouncing back. If you change your email or phone number please remember to let the office know.
Also, we encourage all residents to be sure your Emergency Contact information is correct. if you don't remember, just fill out a new Emergency Contact Form.
You Can Make the Gallery Calendar Look Bigger
Option A: Click on Week or Day (instead of month)
Option B: On a computer, hit Ctrl - '+' or Cmd - '+'. On a tablet, do a reverse pinch.
Option C: Display fewer events. Under Select Category, check Meeting and Events, then click Go.
Gallery Floor Plans
All Gallery floor plans are accessible on the Gallery Website. Go to About Us > Prospective Resident.
It Just Became EASIER to Switch to E-Statements?
- Reduce risk of paper-based fraud and identity theft!
- 24 / 7 / 365 account access
- Get your statement faster
- Reduce carbon footprint
- View history of online statements
- Reduce HOA expenditures!
- Call The Gallery Office for your account number or if you need help setting up your account online.
Trash Cans
Please remember per the Gallery Rules:
Refuse, recyclables, and yard waste shall be kept from public view at all times. Trash shall be placed at the curb in containers provided by the trash collection agency, no earlier than dusk of the evening before the designated pickup day. Emptied containers shall be removed from public view as early as possible and no later than the evening following trash pick up.
You Can Print the Gallery Calendar on One Page
Under Calendars, select Gallery Calendar.
Print a monthly calendar of Meetings and Special Events only. Open the calendar, display the desired month, then click on the printer icon in the upper right-hand corner, or Ctrl-P or Cmd-P.
Resident Endorsed Contractors
You can add your recommendation and see your recommendation instantly appear on the list. AND, there is a now a place where you can update any data or leave a comment about the contractor. Find the list under Sharing > Resident Endorsed Contractors.
Safelisting Your Vehicle!
Each residence is assigned a unit-specific code that you must use to safelist a vehicle when you call into Patrol or safe list online. If you did are unable to locate your code, please contact the clubhouse office at (949) 361-4685
You may safelist a vehicle online by going to the Patrol One website, click here or you may contact them by phone by calling (714) 541-0999.
Summary of Vehicle Parking Rules
If it's BLUE, click it!
Important Contacts & Information
Board Of Directors & Committee Meetings
All agendas are clickable on the webpage of each group and are posted on the bulletin board between the office and the gym.
Please see individual agendas for location or Zoom information.
Monthly Committee Meetings
- Seagarden Advisory: 1st Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM
- Landscape: 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM.
- Operations & Maintenance: 1st Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM
- Recreation: 2nd Monday of each month at 9:00 AM
- Information Technology: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM
- Budget & Finance: 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:30 AM
Board of Directors
4th Tuesday of each month, 4:30PM
President: Russ Lines
Vice President: Sheila Forchtner
[email protected]
Secretary: Brien Manning
Treasurer: Mike Beaupre
[email protected]
Director at Large: Marianne Houston
General Manager:
Jennifer Parker
(949) 361-4685
Administrative Assistant /Lifestyle Coordinator:
Melissa Romero
(949) 361-4685
General Email Account
[email protected]
TGCA Website: www.talegagallery.org
Clubhouse Hours: Monday to Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Patrol One
(714) 541-0999
SafeList Website:
Talega Maintenance Corp. (TMC)
Slope Maintenance, Slope Irrigation
Issues, Streetlights, & Mailboxes
Phone: (949) 361-8466
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.talegatoday.com
After Hours Emergency
TMC: (800) 428-5588
Seabreeze: (800) 232-7517
(The After Hours Emergency number is not for safe listing your vehicle).
OC Sheriff Non-Emergency:
(949) 770-6011
If it's BLUE, click it!
The Talega Gallery Newsletter is a monthly publication for the Talega Gallery homeowners. The acceptance of an ad, business or classified, does not convey approval or endorsement by the Talega Gallery Association. The Association claims no liability for the content of business or classified ads. All ads (business or classified) are limited to the available space for placement. If you would like to place an ad, contact the General Manager for more details.
Contact the Gallery Office by Email or Phone: (949) 361-4685
