Yoga for Seniors Starting June 18

Led by Larry Waldman, Ph.D., ABPP, a certified instructor in Hatha-based yoga, this class emphasizes gentle stretching, balance training and brief meditation, which are ideal for improving stability and flexibility. Props are used to support safe movement, and poses are held for 5 to 10 seconds.

After overcoming major health challenges, Dr. Waldman now focuses on helping others build strength, balance and confidence through mindful movement.

  • Drop-in classes begin June 18
  • Wednesdays, 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Clubhouse 5 fitness room

For more information, call 949-597-4273 or email recreation@vmsinc.org.

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

Check In and Stay Safe

Have you heard stories of people living alone who weren’t able to call for help after a fall or medical emergency—left waiting hours, even days, before being discovered? Situations like these can be frightening, but technology is helping to change that.

One solution is Snug Safety, a free daily check-in app designed for individuals who live alone. Users simply choose a time each day to check in by tapping a green check mark. If a check-in is missed, the app alerts a designated emergency contact.

Snug offers peace of mind with a simple, easy-to-use interface and, best of all, it’s free.

For added protection, Snug also offers a Dispatch Plan. This upgraded option allows for multiple daily check-ins, follow-up phone calls if a check-in is missed and, if necessary, coordination of a wellness check through a dispatcher.

Whether you’re living alone or have a friend or neighbor who does, Snug is a smart, modern tool to help ensure no one goes unseen or unheard.

Learn more at snugsafe.com and download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

If you need assistance setting up or using the app, you can contact the Foundation of Laguna Woods Village at 949-268-2246 for help.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.

Coyotes and Our Community

The Village community is immediately adjacent to coyote country, making Canis latrans sightings quite common. Coyotes have little to no fear of humans and, while not normally a danger to humans, some residents are concerned for themselves and their pets. 

One of the best ways to combat fear is through education. To help residents understand their coyote cohabitants, “Discovering Laguna Woods Village” host Cyndee Whitney interviewed Laguna Beach animal services officer David Pietarila to help increase awareness. Officer Pietarila shares great information about coyotes in and around the Village, tips for walking with or without a dog, insight into coyote behavior and much more. 

Click here to watch this important “Discovering Laguna Woods Village” episode on the Village Television YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/VillageTelevision).

Resources

The City of Laguna Woods offers important information and safety tips in its Coyote Awareness Flyer.

This flyer is also available in Chinese, Korean and Spanish, at the links below or at https://www.cityoflagunawoods.org/animal-services/.

The May/June 2024 issue of the Village Breeze also covers how residents can stay informed on keeping themselves, their pets and their neighborhood safe from coyotes. Click here to read this content on page 20.

Who to Contact About Coyote Sightings, Nuisance

The Laguna Beach Police Department’s Animal Services Division—not VMS—responds to wildlife situations in the Village. To report encounters, call 949-497-0701 (Press 0) or email jtoguchi@lagunabeachcity.net or coyotes@lagunabeachcity.net

Take the following steps to protect your pets: 

  • Leave a comfortable distance between you and coyotes; they will display defensive behaviors if threatened or cornered 
  • Increase the distance between you and a coyote if you do encounter one that behaves aggressively (you’re probably too close to its prey or family)
  • Don’t ever feed coyotes (or any wild animal—it’s illegal in California and prohibited in the Village)
  • Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water
  • Feed pets indoors
  • Keep cats and dogs indoors or supervise closely when outdoors
  • Do not use retractable leashes for walking dogs
  • Store trash in covered heavy-duty containers
  • Keep yard areas and patios free from becoming potential shelter, such as thick brush and/or weeds

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.

 

Laguna Woods Named a Top Retirement Spot in California

Laguna Woods has been recognized as one of California’s top 10 places to retire—thanks to its strong sense of community, low crime rate and senior-focused amenities. With over 90% of residents aged 65 and older, the Village continues to stand out for its active lifestyle, safety and accessibility to healthcare. Whether it’s clubs, classes or community events, Laguna Woods remains a model for what retirement living can be.

View the full article from WorldAtlas here.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.

All Pools Open for Summer Session

Saturday, May 24, marks the end of the winter pool schedule and the beginning of the Village’s summer swim season. The most notable changes include:

  • All five pools are now open, including the seasonal reopening of Pool 6
  • Extended summer hours are in effect for Pools 1, 4 and 5
  • Children’s swim has moved to Pool 6 and is now scheduled daily from noon to 4 p.m.
  • The swim clinic returns to Pool 2, moving from Pool 5

Please note: This schedule is effective through June 1. Beginning June 2, only Emeritus class times will change. For full pool hours and the latest updates, visit the Village Aquatic Facilities page and subscribe to pool updates. Be sure to check back regularly, as the pool schedule is subject to change without notice.

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

Concrete Upgrades Underway

Concrete repair work has begun and is scheduled for Avenida Castilla, Calle Azul and Avenida Del Sol as well as cul-de-sacs (CDS) 29, 73 and 46.

Affected Streets

Some disruption is expected along Avenida Castilla, Calle Azul and Avenida Del Sol, but at least one traffic lane will remain open for through traffic and parking. The contractor, All American Asphalt, will post notifications and no parking signs prior to starting work in each area.

Cul-de-Sacs 29, 73 and 46

Concrete repairs are currently underway in CDS 73. Once completed, work will continue in CDS 46, followed by CDS 29, with each area taking approximately one week. Please watch for posted signs with specific dates, as access to and from each CDS will be restricted during these times.

For a detailed map of concrete work locations, click the Download PDF button below.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve Village infrastructure. If you have any questions about this program, please call 949-597-4625

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below. 

Organics Recycling Best Practices

Make the organics recycling process easier, reduce odors and help keep your community clean by following these simple tips:

  • Use compostable bags (preferred), paper bags or newspaper to dispose of organic waste. Plastic bags are not accepted. Compostable bags are designed to break down within 180 days when placed in a suitable composting environment. You can find them on Amazon or at Home Depot or Walmart.
  • Consider storing your organics in the freezer and disposing on Thursday, right before the Friday pickup, to minimize odors.
  • Close the lid to the organics carts completely after use to prevent rodent access.
  • Keep organic waste recycling carts in their assigned locations. Carts will not be serviced if moved. Report misplaced carts to LagunaWoods-Recycles@CRRMail.com. Locate your nearest cart at bit.ly/3NoVmrB.
  • Do not place garden clippings in the organic recycling bins. Instead, schedule a Friday pickup by contacting Resident Services 949-597-4600/residentservices@vmsinc.org and providing your address before noon on Thursday.
  • Click here to view/download a CR&R’s organics recycling guide.

Email CR&R at LagunaWoods-Recycles@CRRmail.com or call 949-625-6735 with trash, recycling and organics recycling questions, concerns or requests.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.

May/June Village Breeze

Resident Mark Rabinowitch’s camera lens captures in sharp focus a dew drop on a ladybug’s wings for the May/June 2025 Village Breeze cover. This stunning image of one of Laguna Woods Village’s tiniest residents shows us the beauty of nature comes in all shapes and sizes.

Inside This Issue

  • Unearth what fiber-to-the-home can mean for your life now and how it can impact generations to come.
  • Discover recent breakthroughs in medicine, especially impactful for adults age 55 and over.
  • Explore travel destinations “across the pond” that promise adventure for active travelers, fossil fanatics, food lovers, volcano viewers and history buffs.
  • Get the latest news and services from VMS departments.
  • Read updates from your boards of directors.

Where to Find the Village Breeze

The Village Breeze is delivered to every manor via the United States Postal Service’s Every Door Direct program. However, if delivery misses its mark at your door, copies are available throughout the Village:

  • Clubhouse 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 offices
  • Community Center: Resident Services, concierge desk, fitness center, recreation office
  • Equestrian Center office
  • Garden Center 2 office
  • Golf pro shop, par 3 office
  • Tennis clubhouse
  • Village Library

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

Ting Fiber Construction Begins June 9

Construction to bring Ting’s ultra-fast fiber internet to Laguna Woods Village begins Monday, June 9, starting in the southeast area near Gates 1 through 4. You’ll see Ting’s courteous crews working carefully near homes to install handhole boxes—underground access points for managing fiber connections.

Crews will also mark and identify utility lines to ensure safe installation. Temporary paint markings may appear on the ground; these are harmless and will fade naturally.

Ting is committed to keeping work areas clean, organized, and minimally disruptive. Disturbed areas will be restored, and construction materials removed once work is complete.

Signage will clearly mark active construction zones and will move as work progresses to keep residents informed.

Ting is proud to bring next-generation fiber to our community—and we thank you for your support and patience throughout this important upgrade.

Need Help With Ting? Start Here

Ting makes it easy to get answers, troubleshoot issues and learn more about your internet service through its Laguna Woods Village-specific support site: tinginternet.com/lagunawoodsvillage.

There, you can:

  • Learn how fiber internet works—and why it’s the fastest, most reliable option.
  • Understand what internet speed really means and how it impacts your online experience.
  • Explore tips on Wi-Fi frequencies, routers and maximizing performance.
  • Get support, browse FAQs and submit feedback about your construction experience.
  • Dive deeper into Ting’s services and how they’re tailored to our community.

From troubleshooting to tech basics, this site is your go-to resource for staying connected.

More Information

  • Request important information included in the white paper “The Next Generation of Technology” by emailing the Broadband Services General Manager paul.ortiz@vmsinc.org.
  • Visit Village Television’s YouTube Channel and search “the future of broadband,” and watch “Tech Talk” with Debbie Dotson and the PC Club show with Gary Russell.
  • View previous coverage of this topic in “What’s Up in the Village” here.

Comprehensive FAQs

For more complete details about the Ting fiber internet project, visit our comprehensive FAQ page.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.

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