Ranching Roots Celebrating our
at A Western Affair by Alyssa Rolen for the California Rangeland Trust
In October, friends of the California Rangeland Trust gathered at A Western Affair 2021 to celebrate our state’s ranching roots and the pivotal role ranching plays in the growth of healthy communities. Few know that some of California’s deepest ranching roots stem from Orange County, so it was a fitting return to where many of us began. Held in San Juan Capistrano, this year’s event was hosted by Rancho Mission Viejo, which is one of the last remaining working cattle ranches in the county. The weekend kicked off on Friday, October 1 with a special pre-party event at Rancho Mission Viejo’s Cow Camp – a private and secluded location known as the “spirit of the ranch.” Guests listened intently as seventh-generation Californian and Rancho Mission Viejo’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tony Moiso, shared stories from the family’s 140-year history on the land. Joining Moiso was close friend and Rancho Mission Viejo’s Executive Vice President of Ranch Operations, Gilbert Aguirre, who spoke about his 50+ years spent working on the ranch. After listening to Moiso and Aguirre recount stories from days gone by, guests took to the arena to watch a captivating performance by charro, Manny Gonzales. The following day, folks assembled for the main event at Rancho Mission Viejo’s Amantes Camp. As they entered the ranch, they drove down a dirt road through a canopy of Oak trees – it was as if they were transported through a portal to a place in Orange County untouched by time. Upon arrival, the excitement in the air was palpable, and it was immediately clear that the evening would be one to remember. Guests were greeted by friendly faces, both new and familiar, and all agreed how refreshing it was to be able to connect in person again out on the open range. Cocktail hour was spent mingling with
friends over glasses of superb wine donated by Ranchos De Ontiveros and supplied by Vintage Cowboy Winery, along with signature drinks served out of Rancho Mission Viejo’s “Good Times” bar trailer. Guests also enjoyed the lively music performed by the James Kelly Band, and who could forget the bit of friendly competition that ensued in the silent auction area which featured an array of carefully curated western specialty items. After catching up with one another, guests took their seats for a magnificent dinner under the stars. Rangeland Trust Chairwoman Valerie Gordon welcomed guests and thanked the Rancho Mission Viejo family for hosting such a wonderful weekend. Michael Delbar, Rangeland Trust Chief Executive Officer, then thanked the event’s generous sponsors including: Hollencrest Capital Management, Personal Ag Management, Farm Credit, Cuesta College, Cook CPA Group and Mitch Rohrer at Wells Fargo Advisors. As the meal of mouthwatering steaks provided by Certified Angus Beef© were served alongside scrumptious Mexican cuisine prepared by El Adobe de Capistrano, the recipients of the 2020 and 2021 conservation awards were announced. The Conservation Impact Award recognizes individuals who have excelled in environmental protection and made significant contributions to the advancement of
Board members and staff at the annual A Western Affair in San Juan Capistrano.
18 California Cattleman December 2021
