Laguna Woods Village spends a significantly lower percentage of revenue on IT (1.87%) than the national average of all industries (7.62%), underscoring the need to investigate IT initiatives to improve organizational results.

Detailed information on Information Services Department – Information Technology benchmarking comparisons can be found on pages 27 to 28 of the full VMS Benchmarking Report, available online.

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Starting January 1, California drivers will face enforcement of a new parking restriction under the “Daylighting Law” (AB 413). Designed to enhance pedestrian safety, the law prohibits stopping or parking:

• Within 20 feet before any crosswalk (marked or unmarked)
• Within 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions, which are features that reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians

The regulation applies to both sides of one-way streets, a departure from the rules for two-way streets, where only the approach on the right side is restricted.

This measure aims to keep areas near crosswalks free of parked cars, improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Daylighting, already mandated in over 40 states, has been shown to reduce crashes at intersections by up to 30%.

For more information, visit the full bill text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

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The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) designates November through February as check-before-you-burn season in an effort to limit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. PM2.5 is a combination of dust, soot, aerosols, vehicle emissions, wood burning smoke and other hazardous matter that can travel into the lungs when inhaled and cause heart and lung diseases. Children and infants are especially vulnerable to its effects.

When AQMD forecasters expect PM2.5 to reach levels that cause unhealthy air quality, the agency calls for a 24-hour ban on burning wood in fireplaces, stoves and outdoor fire pits. Gas fireplaces are exempt from AQMD’s no-burn day alerts.

The AQMD offers alert notifications and resources for no-burn days, including:

• An interactive map
• Email notifications
• Toll-free daily updates at 866-966-3293
• A mobile app
• Social media accounts Facebook, X and Instagram

Keep in mind that VMS, GRF and the mutuals do not enforce AQMD rules and are exempt from the AQMD requirements that prohibit the sale of wood-burning devices. The exemption applies to all indoor and outdoor wood-burning devices that are permanently installed and included in the sale or transfer of any existing development. Although the mutual is responsible for the infrastructure of existing wood-burning fireplaces, the use and compliance related to the AQMD rules is the responsibility of the member and occupant.

Remember to be mindful of the fire risk associated with wood-burning fireplace use and follow best practices for safe operation. Keep flammable items, such as curtains, furniture, newspaper and books, away from your fire-burning devices, and keep a fire extinguisher handy.

For more information, visit the AQMD website’s Check Before You Burn webpage.

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