Roof Fire Safety in the Village

In light of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, some residents have asked about the fire safety of roofs in our community. While no roofing material is entirely fireproof, it’s important to know that all residential roofs in United and Third Mutuals—as well as those on GRF facilities—meet current building and fire code standards.

All Village roofs carry a Class A fire rating, the highest level of fire resistance, meaning they offer strong protection against severe fire exposure.

Additionally, all roof and attic vents are equipped with protective screens, and all fireplace chimneys include spark arrestors to help prevent ember intrusion.

If you notice a damaged screen or spark arrestor on your unit, please contact Resident Services (residentservices@vmsinc.org, 949-597-4600) to request an inspection and, if needed, a repair or replacement.

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CAL FIRE Releases New Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for Southern California, including Laguna Woods. These maps classify areas as “moderate,” “high” or “very high” fire hazard zones based on factors such as vegetation (fuel), slope, fire weather and wind patterns.

The maps help determine where defensible space standards (including upcoming Zone 0 regulations) and wildland-urban interface building codes apply.

By state law, cities must adopt these updated maps within 120 days and cannot reduce the designated hazard zones.

View the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Laguna Woods at cityoflagunawoods.org/projects and at Laguna Woods City Hall (24264 El Toro Road) during business hours.

Laguna Woods City Council will consider adopting the updated map at its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 21, at 2 p.m. at city hall.

Learn more about fire hazard severity zones here.

Direct questions and comments to the city’s Planning & Environmental Services Department at planning@cityoflagunawoods.org or 949-639-0561.

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Community Center Traffic and Parking Reminders

The Laguna Woods Village Community Center is a very busy place. Pedestrians and vehicles are constantly coming and going, focused on reaching this bustling hub that houses Resident Services, Recreation and Special Events, and other VMS departments, as well as the fitness center and third-floor amenities like table tennis, the computer labs and the multipurpose room.

With frequent activity surrounding the Community Center, please be extra vigilant of pedestrians and exercise caution when driving through or parking at the facility. The recommended speed limit in the Community Center parking lot is 5 to 10 mph.

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Don’t Let Scammers Fool You!

Scammers never sleep—they certainly never tire of looking for ways to liberate you from your identity and/or cash.

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s likely a scam. Scammers are recently pretending to be tolling agencies like FasTrak or The Toll Roads demanding that you owe money. Never click the links or interact with these texts. Report and delete the texts, then go straight to the source website to confirm whether or not you have unpaid balances!

Below are links that highlight more common scams. Be vigilant, stay safe and don’t let the criminals scam you!

Avoid Getting Scammed!

  • Protect your mail by enrolling in the United States Postal Service’s free Informed Delivery program, which lets you view images of incoming mail, track packages and more. Also make sure to remove mail and packages promptly from your mailboxes.
  • Don’t answer calls from phone numbers you don’t recognize or are not expecting. Do not give personal information to unknown callers and look up organizations that are supposedly calling you.
  • Be vigilant for fake emails and avoid clicking any suspicious links or attachments. Take note of the email address, spelling mistakes and signatures to verify the validity of the email.
  • Monitor your credit for free with AnnualCreditReport.com and protect your identity with identify theft protection services.

In a world where scammers are ever-evolving, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and informed. By staying alert and following these tips, you can safeguard yourself against potential threats and avoid falling victim to scams. Your security and peace of mind are paramount, so stay proactive and don’t let the criminals scam you.

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Always Carry Your Village ID

Please be sure to bring your Village ID card with you to any GRF event or facility, including the fitness centers and the table tennis room on the Community Center’s third floor, as well as for entry through Village gates if you do not have an RFID affixed to your vehicle. Please note that entry through Gate 12 requires residents to show Village ID.

Nonresident guests must be accompanied by a resident when visiting the Village or using amenities. Please do not give your ID to anyone else to use. If you see nonresidents taking advantage of Village amenities without a resident host, please notify Security Services personnel immediately at 949-580-1400.

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United Town Hall Apr. 11

The United Laguna Woods Mutual Board of Directors invites United residents to its next monthly town hall on Friday, April 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center/Clubhouse 3 (23822 Avenida Sevilla). Board members will discuss fire and safety.

Disclaimer: The majority of United Laguna Woods’ Board of Directors may be present at the town hall meeting to facilitate discussion and dialogue among the United Laguna Woods’ membership. The Board of Directors hereby provide notice of the town hall meeting as an open meeting of the Board of Directors under Civ. Code § 4920(a) given a majority or more of the directors may be present at the same time. No United Laguna Woods business will be acted on during the town hall meeting, and the purpose of the town hall meeting is to discuss items relating to United Laguna Woods raised by its members attending the town hall meeting. Therefore, the notice of the town hall meeting set forth will constitute the agenda for the open board meeting in compliance with Civ. Code § 4920(d).

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Equestrian Center Egg-stravaganza

Come to the Equestrian Center on Saturday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to noon for a morning of family fun. Grandkids can enjoy a lively horse parade, exciting egg hunts with a visit from the Easter Bunny, bounce house, storytime theater entertainment and more.

The egg hunt schedule is as follows: 0-3 years 10 a.m., 4-6 years 10:30 a.m. and 7-10 years 11 a.m. Don’t forget to bring Easter baskets; none are provided at the venue. Admission is free.

Capture the moment with airbrush (available at $5 per person) and face painting artists. Complimentary lemonade and coffee will be available while supplies last. Parking is available in the upper maintenance lot off Via Campo Verde, with complimentary shuttle service running from 9:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this delightful community event!

For more information call 949-597-4275 or email recreation@vmsinc.org.

For more Village news, click on the tag “Recreation” below.

 

 

Hoppin’ Delicious Easter Feast

Break bread with neighbors, friends and family at the Clubhouse 5 Easter buffet, Sunday, April 20, at 1 p.m. The menu features prime rib, Cornish game hen, cold poached salmon, fresh fruit, seafood salad, Greek salad, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, rolls and butter, and assorted desserts.

Tickets are on sale now at the Clubhouse 5 office and are $38 for adults, $19 for children ages 6 through 10, and no charge for children 5 and under. Please purchase tickets by credit card/check only; credit/debit card fees will apply.

For more information, call 949-597-4382 or email recreation@vmsinc.org.

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PC Club Offers Village Website Class

It’s always a good time to broaden your technology skills to more easily navigate communication tools and electronic devices. Helpful technology classes are available at the Bob Sellards PC Club Learning Center adjacent to the PC Club workshop on the third floor of the Community Center.

The Village Website & Technology Tools class scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, from 1-3 p.m. will cover the contents of the new Laguna Woods Village website (news, amenities, services, calendars, CodeRED and more) and use of the online technology tools used by Laguna Woods Village. These tools and apps include:

  • DwellingLIVE guest pass portal
  • Performing Arts Center ticket portal
  • Resident portal for work orders, HOA assessments and more
  • Recreation apps

Please make sure your email address is registered with Resident Services (949-597-4600) so the instructor can help you log in and take advantage of these services and that you can access your email on your phone or a computer in class to register for the portals and other systems that will be covered.

Registration is required prior to each class. Click here to register on the PC Club website or register at the PC Club workshop on the third floor of the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Open to Village residents and their guests, PC Club classes are free but donations are welcome at the door.

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