Jennifer Parker, Editor

January 1, 2023

Join me in welcoming our new Assistant to the General Manager - Lifestyle Coordinator, Oscar Hernandez to The Gallery! Oscar is a homeowner in Laguna Niguel and understands what living in an HOA is like. He grew up in San Clemente and graduated from San Clemente High School and was Captain of the soccer team. Oscar is a soccer fanatic and loves spending time outdoors and with his 8 siblings, one of which is his twin.
As an individual, Oscar is always eager to learn new skills, new software programs that will challenge him to grow and be successful in any company he works for. You will always see him smiling and willing to assist others, which has helped him be successful in his previous role as an assistant with Powerstone Property Management.
Oscar is truly excited to be starting this new role at The Gallery knowing his true potential to be of great help to all residents in this amazing community. He looks forward to meeting everyone in this new journey.
Please stop by and welcome Oscar at the front desk. Oscar will begin working January 3, 2023!
Jennifer Parker, GM
Gallery Events, Meetings, & Activities
The Gallery Holiday Dinner was a huge success. Champagne, great food and amazing company filled the night with the holiday spirit.
Click the flyer to see photos from the evening.
and the winner is.... Ann Small
The Gallery residents filled up several boxes of food for the Annual Food Drive at Thanksgiving. This year we donated to two facilities to reach as many people as possible. Several boxes of food were delivered to the Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente and the Orange County Rescue Mission.
This year the Gallery donated toys to two different organizations. Toys for Tots in partnership with the USMC and Sparks of Love in partnership with Orange County Fire Authority. With so many generous donations we filled an entire box for Toys for Tots for the first pick up and then two boxes were filled for Spark of Love and delivered to Station 59 as pictured below.
A special thank you to all the residents who participated in the food drive and toy drive. It is always an amazing experience to see how these donations make such a big difference for those in need.
THANK YOU!
Upcoming Events at the Gallery
Happy Hour Friday the 13th of January.
Committee Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are the Heartbeat of the Association
Landscape, Budget & Finance, Operations & Maintenance & Website still need volunteers.
"Neighborhood Dirt"
January Update
Harvest Landscape Enterprises
In case you missed the update:
At the Board of Directors Meeting on Nov. 22, 2022, the Board approved a new Landscape contract for Harvest Landscape Enterprise to start Dec. 9, 2022. We had been warned to expect a 50-100% increase for an annual contract, and that’s what we saw. The current Artistic contract is $11,669 a month; their bid, with no added services, was $19,800 a month. The six bids ranged from $15,276 a month to $30,112.
Harvest’s original bid was $22,500 a month. We negotiated a reduction to $20,600 and, ultimately, further reduced that to $18,600 a month. That is still a 63% increase in the annual Landscape contract expense. What that means for us as individual homeowners is an increased assessment, just for the landscape contract, of $27.00 a month.
It's important to stress that this is just for the maintenance contract. The cost of all other Landscape expenses has increased proportionately – labor, tree trimming, water, cost of plants, irrigation repairs and upgrades, grub treatment, mulch and on and on.
And, Landscape is not the only thing going up. All vendor bids are higher, utilities are higher, labor, salaries, everything is higher, so we can expect all that to significantly impact our monthly assessments for the next fiscal year.
The Budget & Finance Committee is currently working with the standing committees to craft the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget for presentation to the Board by the Jan. Board meeting. Look for more information in the Feb. Newsletter.
Click here to read more about Harvest and the process used to award the final contract.
Jennifer Parker, GM

Landscape Committee Opening
The landscape committee is looking for homeowners who are excited about landscaping. It is the goal of the committee to keep the community looking beautiful while being mindful of the budget.
If you have time and are interested in helping out with the neighborhood please reach out to Sheila Forchtner.
You do not need to be a landscape or irrigation expert to join the team and make a visible difference in your community. Click here to apply
Seagarden Reserve Budget Update
January Update: Seagarden, Where is Your Money Going?
The Seagarden Advisory Committee would like Corte Pinturas residents to know that your assessment money is hard at work as we start our new accounting year: April 1st
Year-to-date expenditures:
- $2,385 roof repairs from water damage
- $3,277 Five year fire suppression inspection and repairs (4 units have not been inspected, which has to be completed prior to compliance certificate issued)
- $3000 Building Inspection
- $1275 Termite Inspection (repairs pending)
Funded reserves at April 1, 2022 is 59% (as calculated by Advanced Reserve Solutions, Inc.); drops to 11% in 4 years. Reviewing various options to rebuild the reserve balance.
We have received proposals for these preventative repairs in the near future:
- $2,700 Replace a front door that continues to bubble after painting
Future possible expenses
- $9,000 Dry rot repairs and/or replace wood with foam or some other material
- $59,000 Weep screen repairs: investigating priority items
- $70,000 (est.) to replace a triplex roof
Monthly Seagarden assessment as of April 1, 2022 is $125.00. which equals the annual budget of $61,500.
EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE
There currently is NO earthquake insurance on the Seagarden buildings
We would also like to remind each Seagarden owner that it is to your benefit obtaining and maintaining earthquake loss assessment coverage.
Earthquake 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.
To determine the best way to protect your specific property interests, consider contacting your insurance provider, financial consultant and/or attorney for advice.
EXAMPLE: If a building or unit is damaged due to an earthquake, each Seagarden member is responsible for the repair cost. If the repair cost is $820,000 then each member has to pay a special Assessment of $20,000.
Talega Gallery Community Update
The New Year often moves us to try new experiences and expand our horizons. Now, a restaurant in the Talega Marketplace (Ralph’s shopping center) allows one to travel to India without leaving home! Basanti specializes in north Indian cuisine and has vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. The restaurant began in 2017 in San Juan Capistrano with a small, mostly take-out, location on Ortega Highway. The San Clemente location opened about two years ago with more seating and better ambiance. The owner, Roshan, wanted to open a neighborhood restaurant as a tribute to his father. He relates that his father would rush home to try new recipes for the family and then spend weekends treating extended family to his delicacies. A TV interview with the owner and his wife can be seen on the restaurant website: www.basantirestaurant.com.
We have enjoyed the food at Basanti on several occasions. It takes us a while to figure out what we want to try since we don’t have a lot of experience with Indian cuisine. So far, our favorites are Chicken Mehti, chicken cooked in yogurt with herbs and spices and Chicken Biryani, which is a rice dish again with yogurt, herbs and spices. The Garlic Naan, an Indian bread, is also a favorite. One can designate the level of spice in the dish. The service has been attentive and the staff is helpful in explaining the menu. The portions are generous, and we always end up bringing leftovers home. Basanti also does a robust take-out business if one prefers to eat at home.
Basanti provides a convenient and delicious alternative to traditional restaurant fare and an opportunity to support a local Talega family business. The saying on their posted artwork means “The guest is God.” Give it a try!
Know of something interesting you would like to share with our Gallery community? Let me know.
News In Review
Community Association Institute is the governing body that certifies Managers across the nation and helps keep Board members current and up to date on new legislation surrounding HOA's. The Gallery is proud to announce that Linda Ernst has been nominated for Board Member of the Year for 2022. Linda has provided unwavering dedication to the operation and well being of the Association over the last 7 years. Many of you know Linda and know how many hours she puts in at the clubhouse, committees, and Director meetings.
I am also proud to announce that this year in 2022 I have been named Co Chair of the Orange County Legislative Support Committee and nominated for a Chapter Appreciation Award from the Orange County Chapter. I have volunteered for the LSC since 2020 and love to encourage participation from fellow Managers. Industry events are more than just a social gathering, these events help keep Community Managers certified by providing continuing education credits at luncheons, & seminars while helping to foster relationships between vendors and managers in the industry.
Join me in congratulating Linda Ernst for her unwavering service to The Gallery in 2022.
Reminder
The pool will be not be heated between January 1st and February 28th. The pool heater will be turned back on March 1, 2023. The spa will continue to be heated and available during this time. The Saluda lap pool at TMC is heated year round and available to all Gallery residents with FOB access.
Happy Hour Hosts Needed!
Are you interested in getting involved in your community but don't know where to start or join in? If so, the Recreation Committee has space for helpers with social events, such as happy hour, and organized events and outings, etc.
No experience is needed and is usually a short commitment.
Hosts/Volunteers Needed
2 hour commitment
Minimal Time Commitment = Big Personal Reward
Please contact the Gallery office if you would like to host a happy hour or volunteer some time to an event.
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.
Vehicle Gate Code Reminder
The new vehicle gate codes will 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
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.
Budget & Finance Committee Opening
The Gallery is looking for a new member for the Budget & Finance Committee. Strong financial or accounting experience is required and prior HOA budgeting/finance knowledge is a plus. MS excel experience also a plus.
The committee meets monthly and is a crucial part of how the community develops its operating budget along with the long term planning for replacement of major components.
If you have questions, or would like more information please contact the Committee Chairperson, Phil Collins. Click here to apply.
Volunteers Needed
The continued success, attractiveness and reputation of The Gallery community depends on the active participation of our many volunteers.
The following committees are currently looking for new members to assist in the planning for the upcoming year.
Landscape - Contact Sheila Forchtner, Chairperson - Meets second Wednesday of the Month at 10 AM in the Conf. Room
Budget & Finance - Contact Phil Collins. Meets the third Thursday monthly at 9:30 AM.
Website - Contact Jimmy Hu, Chairperson - Meets second Wednesday of the Month at 2PM
Operations & Maintenance - Contact Brien Manning, Chairperson - Meets first Thursday of the Month at 9AM
Seagarden - Contact Frank Courtney, Chairperson - Meets first Wednesday of the Month at 10AM
If you are interested, please complete the Application for Committee Appointment form on The Gallery website. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact the clubhouse office or the committee chair.
Click to View a List of All Committee Members Serving The Gallery.
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 pickle ball, please email either Barbara Beaupre at [email protected] or Dean Waldfogel at [email protected].
Wrought Iron Fencing
We continue to see that there are many homes that still have mounded dirt covering the bottom of the perimeter wrought iron fencing.
All mounded dirt must be removed from the fencing immediately as it will corrode the fencing and void our warranty.
Also, please keep all irrigation in your backyard from hitting or pooling at the footings of the perimeter fencing. Should you notice the irrigation from the slope is hitting your fence, please contact TMC at 949-361-8466 to open place a work order.
All Things Gallery
For “all things Gallery,” don’t forget to check out 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 print a variety of community forms, including Landscape and TMC Property Improvement forms, with no hassle. (Check for those under “Documents” on the homepage.)
Join the crowd! Last month Gallery residents logged in nearly 1,500 times!
2023 Clubhouse Holiday Calendar

Clubs, Classes and Activities
Ongoing Events Registration begins Tuesday January 3rd through Friday January 13th. Please submit your request through the link on the website, or you can click here to access the online registration portal.
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.
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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.
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Additional Classes
Water Aerobics - Daily at 9am Pool
Aerobics - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 9am MPR
Line Dancing - Thursday 10:30am MPR
Lap Swimming - Daily at 7am Pool
Yoga - Tuesday, Thursday at 8am MPR
Tai Chi - Wednesday at 3:30pm MPR
Check the Gallery Calendar for updates.
If you would like more information, call the Clubhouse Office.
Book Club
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89259844385?pwd=WkdmRWlBUVhWZzlhL09KcGp5N1ptdz09
Meeting ID: 892 5984 4385Passcode: 885320
Monday, February 6, 2023, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie
Email Mary Carlson
Reminders
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 new librarian.
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
From Patio Parties, to Mahjong, Bridge, Poker, Jazzercise, Tai Chi, Canasta and MORE! Check the Gallery Calendar for dates and times of all the activities.
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 has a button that opens the most recent monthly Budget Dashboard.
By the way, 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 Board of Directors webpage, and simply click on the blue button:
When a regular monthly Board of Directors Meeting is in Progress, Click to Join.
Of course, you are always welcome to attend the in-person meeting.
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 the blue link 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 & Medical 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.
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
Under Calendars, select Gallery Calendar.
Option A: Print a weekly calendar that includes all events and activities. Click on Week, then click Print
Option B: Print a monthly calendar of Meetings and Special Events only. Under Select Category, check Meeting and Events, then click Go. Display the Month, then click Print.
Resident Endorsed Contractors Updated
The list of contractors recommended by Gallery residents has been updated. Vendors & contractors no longer in business have been removed from the list.
You have the opportunity to add your own 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 Contacts > 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: 1st Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM
- Landscape: 2nd Wednesday 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
- Website: 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: Roger Jolicoeur
Vice President: Linda Ernst
[email protected]
Secretary: Colleen Wilson
[email protected]
Treasurer: Robert Curtin
[email protected]
Member at Large: Russ Lines
General Manager:
Jennifer Parker
[email protected]
(949) 361-4685
Assistant to the General Manager:
Oscar Hernandez [email protected]
(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: www.patrol-one.com
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