Are you ready to help shape the future of Laguna Woods Village? Village Management Services (VMS) is seeking two engaged, thoughtful individuals to fill open seats on its board of directors. The Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) board will appoint candidates to fill these vacancies, with terms ending in 2025 and 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to serve on the board of the nonprofit corporation that manages the day-to-day operations of our one-of-a-kind community. Since 2016, VMS has provided vital services to support Village residents and amenities. The VMS board plays an essential role in overseeing operations and supporting employees who keep our community running smoothly.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates must be members of either United Mutual or Third Mutual.
How to Apply
Applications and instructions are available at the Community Center concierge (24351 El Toro Road). Once there, concierge staff will notify Corporate Secretary Makayla Schwietert (949-268-2295) or Assistant Corporate Secretary Paul Nguyen (949-268-2383) of your request.
Key Deadlines and Dates
Application deadline: Friday, May 23, by 5 p.m.
Interviews: Thursday, May 29, at 1:30 p.m., held in the Community Center board room and via Zoom.
Help shape the future of our Village—your voice and leadership matter.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
The ultimate “Legends” series is a series package featuring four outstanding concerts at the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Buying the four-show series will assure you the same seats for each show.
Tickets are on sale at the PAC and on the California Club website for the package of all four great tributes at $72, $108, $144. Single show tickets go on sale 90 days before the show. Single show tickets will be $20, $30, $40.
Enjoy an elegant evening of dinner, a show, and dancing, featuring Bill A. Jones and the A Players performing timeless standards in the style of Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett and more. Bill A. Jones is known for his role on the Fox TV show Glee and was named one of L.A.’s Best Male Cabaret/Concert Artists.
Doors open at Clubhouse 5 at 5:15 p.m., with a cash bar and music. A full-course dinner—including appetizers, dessert, and complimentary wine—is served at 6 p.m. After dinner, enjoy a special tribute to Frank Sinatra, followed by music for dancing.
Reservations are required. No waiting in line — your table will be ready for you. Dressy casual attire.
Legends of Rock and Soul October 4, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Performed by The Convertibles, enjoy and an energetic tribute to the legends of rock and soul. The show includes a large horn section as well as tributes to the Blues Brothers, Earth Wind & Fire, Smokey Robinson, Elvis, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison and many more of the celebrated artists of the 60s and 70s.
Prince Again November 1, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. A passionate tribute to the legendary artist, Prince. Enjoy the iconic songs of Prince, including “1999,” “Purple Rain,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Little Red Corvette,” “When Doves Cry,” “U Got the Look” and more. The Prince Again ensemble performs all of the top numbers, dance moves and stagecraft with perfection.
Doobie Doubles February 7, 2026 | Time TBD
Doobie Doubles performs the unforgettable songs of the Doobie Brothers, including “What a Fool Believes,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove” and more. Stick around until the end, when Pete Hopkins will perform his original music—brought to life with the full band and mesmerizing visuals.
The Three Queens of Motown March 6, 2026 | Time TBD
A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Tina Turner. Soulful female vocalists with an eight-piece band. Performing iconic songs like: Aretha Franklin – “Respect,” “Freeway of Love,” “Rock Steady” Diana Ross – “Baby Love,” “Upside Down,” “I’m Coming Out” Tina Turner – “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It” …and many more!
We’re thrilled to announce that construction to bring Ting’s ultra-fast fiber internet to Laguna Woods Village officially kicks off on Monday, June 9.
The first phase of work will begin in the southeast area of the community, specifically around Gates 1 through 4. You’ll notice Ting’s friendly construction crews in the area, working carefully and respectfully near homes.
As part of the process, crews will be digging to place handhole boxes—small underground access points that help manage fiber connections. They’ll also be identifying existing utility lines to ensure everything is installed safely. You may see temporary paint markings on the ground; these are just visual guides to mark existing utilities and will naturally fade over time.
We’re committed to keeping all work areas clean, organized and minimally disruptive. Any soil disturbances will be contained, the land restored to its original condition and all construction materials promptly removed once work is complete.
To keep you informed, Ting will place highly visible signage in active construction zones. These signs will move as work progresses, so you’ll always know what’s happening nearby.
Ting is proud to bring next-generation fiber internet to Laguna Woods Village, and we’re equally committed to making the construction process smooth, respectful and transparent. Thank you for your support and patience—we’re excited to connect you to the incredible power of Ting Internet.
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: internet.ting.com/ting-laguna-woods-village.
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.
Be sure to stay tuned for future updates, answers to additional FAQs and more.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
GRF and Ting Internet, a leading provider of fiber internet for homes and businesses, are proud to announce the contract for a new high-speed fiber network in Laguna Woods Village was officially signed on Wednesday, April 30. Construction will start next month. Once complete, the network will deliver speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second, allowing an entire household of Wi-Fi devices to connect seamlessly.
From left: GRF Board President Cush Bhada, GRF First Vice President Martin Roza, Ting CEO and President Elliot Noss, and GRF Second Vice President Alison Bok.
What to Expect
Ting’s state-of-the-art fiber internet will be built to support the needs of Laguna Woods Village today and in the years to come. More and more devices—like computers, smartphones, smart TVs and even video doorbells—depend on a strong internet connection. With Ting fiber internet, you can enjoy everything online without frustrating slowdowns or buffering. Whether you’re video chatting with family, using telehealth services or watching your favorite shows in crystal-clear quality, a fast and reliable internet connection makes all the difference.
“We are excited to announce our partnership with Ting to bring state-of-the-art fiber internet to Laguna Woods Village,” said Cush Bhada, board president, Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods. “Ting’s commitment to delivering symmetrical gigabit speeds, exceptional customer service and future-ready infrastructure aligns perfectly with our vision for a connected and resilient community. This collaboration ensures that our residents will enjoy reliable, high-speed internet that supports their work, education and entertainment needs today and for years to come.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Laguna Woods Village to bring ultra-fast fiber internet to the community,”said Neith Myrick, Senior Vice President, Ting Internet. “Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service and support, ensuring that residents can make the most of their online experiences—whether that’s staying in touch with people or the latest in technology.”
Together with DIRECTV
Ting Internet has partnered with DIRECTV Stream to bring Laguna Woods Village residents more ways to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies. With Ting’s high-speed and reliable internet, you can watch live, on-demand and recorded TV in the best picture quality—without needing a cable subscription. This partnership makes it easier than ever to stay connected and entertained, and get the most out of your internet connection.
Beyond Technology
Ting’s fiber internet will add lasting value to homes across Laguna Woods Village. With a fast and reliable connection, residents can feel confident that their homes are ready for the future. This new technology also makes it easier to use smart home devices, video security and other digital services—helping residents stay independent and giving them greater peace of mind.
“At Ting, we’re proud to build fiber networks that are designed for the future—carefully constructed and installed with our customers in mind. Our construction and installation process is straightforward and community-focused, ensuring a smooth transition to lightning-fast fiber internet,” said CJ Ehrenreich, Senior Vice President, Ting Internet.
Beyond providing top-quality internet, Ting is dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service and community support. Their friendly local team is available to help with installation, troubleshooting and any questions along the way. Ting also looks forward to hosting workshops and events to help residents learn more about their new fiber internet and how to use it to its fullest.
Welcome to a new era of connectivity in Laguna Woods Village!
Look to “What’s Up in the Village,” the Village Breeze, the Village Facebook page and more for FAQs, frequent updates, helpful tips and educational resources to guide and support you every step of the way.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
The City of Laguna Woods is getting ready to update its biological resources inventory as part of future planning efforts (the General Plan Conservation Element is a long-term blueprint or master plan for how the city will grow, develop and manage its resources over time).
To support this work, the city has hired a consultant, LSA, who will be conducting surveys throughout the community—including some areas within the Village.
Survey teams will be out during the week of May 5. In addition to field surveys, LSA will use drones to capture updated aerial photographs for city plans and reports.
You may notice surveyors and small drones around certain areas during this time. Please know this work is routine, focused on documenting environmental conditions, and is not expected to impact day-to-day activities.
For exact locations where drone activity will take place, click the Download PDF button below.
The recent earthquake near Julian, California, serves as an important reminder that being prepared can bring peace of mind and prevent injury. While earthquakes can be unsettling, knowing what to do—and where to get reliable information—can make all the difference. Here’s what Laguna Woods Village residents need to know.
What to Do During an Earthquake
The most important thing is to act quickly and protect yourself. Follow these three simple steps:
Drop to your hands and knees. This position keeps you from falling and allows you to move safely if needed.
Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is nearby, stay low next to an interior wall, away from windows.
Hold on to your shelter with one hand until the shaking stops. Be ready to move with it.
If You Use a Cane, Walker or Wheelchair
You can still stay safe during an earthquake by adjusting your approach:
Cane users: Sit on a sturdy chair or bed and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane within reach.
Wheelchair or walker users: Lock your wheels, bend over as safely as possible and cover your head and neck with your arms, a pillow or a book. Stay in place until the shaking ends.
In bed or recliner: Stay put and use a pillow or your arms to protect your head and neck.
These simple actions reduce your risk of serious injury. Practicing them ahead of time can help you feel more confident.
Stay Informed With Trusted Alerts
Timely information saves lives. Consider using the following tools to receive alerts before and during emergencies:
MyShake: This free app, developed by UC Berkeley and sponsored by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, provides early warnings before shaking begins.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department: After a large earthquake, OCSD would immediately activate its emergency response protocols, focusing on public safety and resource coordination. OCSD uses sirens and public address systems to alert residents to evacuation orders or other important information.
CodeRED Emergency Alerts From VMS
Laguna Woods Village uses the CodeRED system to deliver emergency messages to residents via phone, text or email. Signing up is easy. If you haven’t already enrolled:
Click “Sign up today” under the red and black CodeRED icon at the bottom right of any page
Fill out the short form or log into the resident portal to register
Please note: CodeRED is used in the event of emergencies only. Residents should not expect notifications following an earthquake if there are no observable damages to structures and facilities.
Understanding Evacuation Procedures
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) decides when evacuations are necessary during disasters or fires. OCSD carries out those orders, including making announcements and ensuring safety. If needed, the VMS Security Services team helps OCSD with access, announcements and managing gate traffic. OCFA has authority unless the issue involves a criminal matter, in which case OCSD takes the lead.
Evacuation sites will be selected depending on the type of disaster, how many people need shelter, and which areas are safe. These sites may include schools, churches or large parking areas—chosen in real time to ensure your safety.
Want to Help?
Residents who are interested in emergency planning or assisting others during disasters are encouraged to join the Village’s Disaster Preparedness Task Force. To learn more, email chief@vmsinc.org or click here.
Recently, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy visited the Security Watch Commanders’ office to request surveillance footage related to a fraud investigation. According to the deputy, a Village resident may have been targeted by a pop-up computer scam. The deputy noted that he has taken four to five similar reports in the past three weeks and believes there may be additional cases—reported and unreported—in the area.
In these scams, a pop-up message appears on the victim’s computer, often impersonating a “Chase Fraud” alert or similar. If the victim clicks the message, they are connected to a scammer who persuades them to withdraw cash or purchase gift cards. In some cases, scammers tell victims to lie to bank personnel, claiming the bank staff are part of the fraud.
In this resident’s case, video footage shows him meeting briefly with an unknown male and handing the man an off-white envelope.
This incident remains under investigation.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
Never click on suspicious pop-ups. Close the browser immediately and restart your computer.
Do not trust anyone asking for cash or gift cards over the phone or online.
Always call your bank directly using a number you know is real.
If it feels suspicious, it probably is. Stay alert, and help keep each other safe. For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
The Landscaping Services Department has been busy—not just tending to thousands of acres of beautiful community green space, but also improving the way it serves residents.
In partnership with Resident Services, the Landscaping Services team has introduced a new 30-day ticket policy designed to simplify service requests, reduce duplicated efforts and keep residents better informed.
How It Works
If a resident requests landscaping service for an area that the team is already scheduled to visit within the next 30 days, a new ticket will no longer be opened. The work will be completed as the team arrives, as it is part of routine shrub bed maintenance.
Even more streamlined: If a request is already in the system and the team is scheduled to arrive within two weeks, that ticket will be closed proactively. Residents will receive a notification email letting them know that landscaping work is imminent—along with contact information for a landscaping coordinator, just in case there are questions or special considerations.
This new approach allows crews to better manage their workload while reducing wait times and confusion for residents.
Why It Matters
Before this update, multiple tickets could be created for the same area—even if a visit was already planned. Now, that extra step is eliminated. The result? Fewer delays, fewer duplicated efforts and a more focused team delivering service when and where it’s needed most.
This is just one of many behind-the-scenes improvements the Landscaping Services Department is making to better serve the community.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
Tree maintenance for 2025 is well underway, supporting the health and longevity of the community’s 37,400 trees through a comprehensive, species-based six-year trimming cycle. All work is scheduled and tracked using Arbor Pro GPS software to ensure efficient, data-driven management.
To date, Bartlett Tree Experts has trimmed 1,134 trees, with an additional 6,800 scheduled over the next six to eight weeks. Laguna Woods Village continues to work closely with Bartlett to follow best practices outlined in the Urban Forest Management Plan and recommendations from certified arborists.
This year’s proactive, front-loaded approach exceeds previous trimming totals to help reduce storm-related damage, minimize individual service requests and reduce liability. To stay on schedule and minimize weekday disruptions, tree trimming will also take place on Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m. for the next few months.
This expanded schedule underscores our commitment to timely, professional tree care and community safety.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
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 to 3 p.m. will cover the contents of the new Laguna Woods Village website (news, amenities, services, calendars, CodeRED and more) and technology tools used by the Village, including:
DwellingLIVE guest pass portal
Performing Arts Center ticket portal
Resident portal for work orders, HOA assessments and more
Recreation apps
Please ensure your email address is registered with Resident Services (residentservices@vmsinc.org or 949-597-4600) and that you can access your email on a phone or computer during class. This will allow the instructor to assist you with logging in and registering for the portals and systems covered in the session.
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.
PC Club classes are free but donations are welcome at the door.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
