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. 

Village residents and their guests are cordially invited to visit the Laguna Woods Village Community Center to experience the newly installed 2025 Laguna Woods Art Association exhibit—a highly anticipated and well-regarded showcase of artistic talent.

This special exhibition features art association members who bring their creative visions to life in the Clubhouse 4 art studio, sharing their talents, passions and artistic joys with the community.

Whether expressed in acrylic, mixed media, oil, watercolor or another medium, the works on display span a diverse range of themes—from spectacular natural landscapes and evocative still life to bold statements, intriguing curiosities and deeply introspective portraits. Each piece is sure to inspire, captivate, charm, amuse or provoke thought in its own unique way.

Where to Find the Exhibit

More than 140 works of art adorn the first- and third-floor hallways and alcoves of the Community Center. Each piece is accompanied by a placard listing:

• The artist’s name and contact information
• The artwork title, medium and dimensions
• Price (if available for sale; otherwise marked NFS)

Vote for Your Favorite Artwork Now!

Until Monday, March 3, residents and guests are invited to vote for their single favorite piece in the exhibit.

• Find the artwork number in the bottom left corner of the placard.
• On an official ballot (available in the lobby), write the number of the one piece that speaks most to you.
• Drop your completed ballot into the ballot box in the lobby.

Winning Selection

The winning artwork will be announced in “What’s Up in the Village” on Friday, March 7.

We invite you to take your time and immerse yourself in this inspiring exhibition during Community Center hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Enjoy the incredible talents of our local artists!

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

Your smartphone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Here are some simple but crucial steps to enhance your preparedness:

1. Receive emergency alerts. Sign up for CodeRED (Village) and AlertOC (Orange County) to get critical updates on wildfires and other emergencies. Enable Government Alerts in your phone’s settings (under Notifications on iPhone; Wireless Emergency Alerts [WEA] on Android).
2. Set an ICE contact. Add an “in case of emergency” (ICE) contact to your phone—someone local who knows your health history and can respond quickly.
3. Save essential contacts. Store key contacts, including family, doctors, pharmacy, police, fire and local hospitals.
4. Keep your smartphone charged. Always charge your phone and consider a backup power pack for emergencies.

Your Smartphone Can Protect Important Documents

Wildfires can destroy irreplaceable records and photos, but your smartphone can safeguard them. Scan and store copies of:

• Driver’s license, passport and Social Security card
• Medication list and health insurance cards
• Insurance policies and other essential documents
• Family and pet photos for identification

Need help? Watch YouTube tutorials or visit the Village computer clubs (Mac Club for iPhones, PC Club for Androids) on the third floor of the Community Center (24351 El Toro Road). Volunteers and scanning equipment are available to assist you.

This simple step ensures your most important information stays secure—no tech expertise required!

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

The Laguna Woods Free Tax Program has been serving the Village community for more than 25 years. This program, operated under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance initiative, is managed and supported by the IRS. Through this partnership, the IRS provides oversight and certification for Laguna Woods Village resident volunteers, enabling them to offer free tax preparation services to the community.

Last year, 1,200 residents benefited from this valuable program.

Free tax preparation services are available by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on the third floor of the Community Center (24351 El Toro Road).

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit thepcclub.org, email taxes@thepcclub.org, or call 949-391-9718 and leave a message.

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

Stay informed about local disasters, emergencies or events by utilizing the following resources.

CodeRED Emergency Alerts

Village Management Services (VMS) relays county messaging to keep residents informed of potential dangers. In emergencies or situations requiring urgent communication, the CodeRED system delivers brief, critical alerts via phone, text or email to Village residents.

To enroll in CodeRED, visit lagunawoodsvillage.com, click “Sign up today” under the red and black CodeRED icon located at the bottom right corner of any page, and complete the form. Residents can also register through the resident portal.

AlertOC

Residents can also enroll in the county’s mass notification system, AlertOC, at ocgov.com/about-county/emergency. This service delivers time-sensitive messages directly to your home, mobile or business phone, with options for text and email notifications.

Orange County Fire Authority

Stay informed about local fires by visiting OCFA.org or following the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) on social media at x.com/OCFireAuthority for timely updates and information.

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