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!

• Read the IRS’ “Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025”
• Experian shares “The Latest Scams You Need to Be Aware of in 2025”
• AARP offers “Five of the Biggest Scams to Watch for in 2025”
• The Federal Trade Commission shares scam alerts, common scams and reporting scams online.

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.

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

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.

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

Be sure to read the latest news and updates from the El Toro Water District’s (ETWD) spring 2025 newsletter. This edition dives into ETWD’s emergency preparedness, water rebates and savings programs, community events and more.

Click the orange Download PDF button below to download and/or read the latest ETWD newsletter.

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

Did you know that Laguna Woods Village news, announcements, updates and events are shared directly to the community’s official Facebook page? That means one more way to stay informed at home on your desktop, laptop or from any mobile device.

By following us on Facebook, you’ll:

• Get updates on important community announcements
• Stay in the loop on upcoming activities, events and classes
• Enjoy photos and highlights from around the Village
• Connect with fellow residents and be part of the conversation

Follow today and stay engaged, informed and connected. Find us at facebook.com/LagunaWoodsVillage.

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

Emergencies like wildfires are stressful for us—but even more so for our pets, who don’t understand what’s happening. By preparing a “go” bag, we can act quickly and evacuate if necessary. But have we packed for our pets, too?

Here’s a suggested emergency kit for your pet:

• Food – One-week supply, plus a manual can opener and non-spill food dishes
• Water – One-week supply for drinking and cleaning, plus a non-spill water dish
• Medications – One-week supply with dosage instructions
• Carriers – Sturdy and portable, with bedding, blankets, and towels
• Veterinary information – Copies of vet records, including vaccinations and microchip details
• Current pet photo – Include owner contact information, pet name and ID tag
• Emergency contacts – Trusted individuals who can help if needed
• Pet poison hotline – ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435
• Grooming supplies – Brushes, combs, flea comb and clippers
• Cleaning supplies – Paper towels, plastic bags and disinfectant
• Comfort items – Favorite toys to reduce stress
• Harness and leash – Essential for safe transport
• Muzzle – If required for safety
• Disposable litter box – For cats

Wildfires can ignite and spread rapidly, leaving little time to react. By planning ahead, you ensure the safety of both you and your pet when every second counts.

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

During a one-month period, Village residents voted for their single favorite artwork in the 2025 Laguna Woods Art Association exhibition, showcased along the first- and third-floor hallways of the Laguna Woods Village Community Center at 24351 El Toro Road.

Resident voters have spoken: Painting No. 37, “Keith Richards,” a 25-by-22-inch mixed media piece created by Linda Ewing, takes the prize. Many hearty congratulations to Ms. Ewing!

New for This Year: Special Judging

A new feature of the 2025 exhibition included judging by art professionals not residing or instructing in Laguna Woods Village. Ribbons were awarded for Best in Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and Honorable Mentions. Judging criteria was based on concept, composition, use of media and presentation, and pieces were judged anonymously.

Thank you to the judges:

• Pat Sparkuhl – Festival of Arts
• Hilary McCarthy – Adjunct Professor at Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)
• Christian Olid-Ramirez – Faculty member at Irvine Valley College, LCAD and Fullerton College

Congratulations to the winners:

• Best in Show: “Capistrano,” Jim Brech
• 1st Place: “Papa’s Comfort Zone,” Jim Gibson
• 2nd Place: “Sunlit Pond,” Rosanne Snyder
• 3rd Place: “RBG,” Renuka Pillai

Judge-selected honorable mentions:

• Judge Pat Sparkuhl: “Angel and the Violinist,” Patricia Waterman
• Judge Hilary McCarthy: “Ellen,” Jim Gibson
• Christian Olid-Ramirez: “Pathways,” Roselie Rentz

If you haven’t yet had an opportunity to check out the exhibit at the Community Center, please visit and enjoy this fabulous exhibit soon!

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

Wildfires are a constant threat in California, making a “go” bag essential for quick evacuations. But what if the emergency requires staying put instead of fleeing?

An earthquake, for example, could cut off power, water or other critical services. It might cause structural damage that makes roads impassable, preventing evacuation. In some cases, it may simply be safer to stay home than to leave. That’s why it’s just as important to have a well-stocked “stay” kit, which can be stored in a large plastic bin or container.

While we can’t predict every need in an emergency, a three-day supply of essentials is a good starting point. Be prepared with:

• Water – One gallon per person per day
• Food – At least three days’ worth of non-perishable items (canned goods, packaged foods, food bars), along with eating utensils and a manual can opener
• Medications – Prescription and over-the-counter medications for at least three days
• Eyeglasses – An extra pair, if needed
• Battery packs and chargers – Portable chargers for phones, flashlights and other devices
• Lights – Flashlights with extra batteries, plus a power failure light
• Whistle – To signal for help
• First aid kit – Essential for minor injuries
• Clothing – Weather-appropriate change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Personal hygiene items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloths, towel, toilet paper, tissues, sanitizing wipes, gloves, comb and brush
• Tools – A pocketknife or multi-tool
• Cash – Small bills ($1, $5, $10 and $20) in case ATMs or card readers are down
• Battery-powered radio – To stay informed when other communication is unavailable
• Dust masks – In case of poor air quality

And don’t forget something to pass the time—perhaps that book you’ve been meaning to read. Being prepared can make all the difference when disaster strikes!

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

Last Thursday’s contractor town hall at Clubhouse 5, cohosted by the Manor Alterations Division and the City of Laguna Woods Building Department, aimed to raise awareness about ours HOA’s mutual consent process and the city’s permitting process. Attendees included contractors, the real-estate community, board members and residents.

The presentation was followed up by a Q&A session, which produced valuable feedback and networking opportunities. A copy of the presentation and associated links are available here: Manor Alterations Quick Reference.

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