Wildfire is scary—particularly when it’s close to home, like the Airport Fire. The best way for OC residents to stay up to date on local fire events is to visit the Orange County Fire Authority at OCFA.org or follow them at x.com/OCFireAuthority. Find additional information about all California wildfires at fire.ca.gov/incidents.

Be sure to enroll in the county’s mass notification system, Alert OC, to receive updates at ocgov.com/about-county/emergency. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive messages may be sent to your home, mobile or business phone. Text messages may also be sent to mobile phones and email accounts.

OC Smoke-Related Health Advisory

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued a health advisory due to smoke drift from local wildfires. The health advisory follows a wildfire smoke advisory for parts of Southern California from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which indicates unhealthy air quality for parts of Orange County. The HCA urges individuals in smoke-impacted areas to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
“Individuals with heart and respiratory diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women are among those who can be most directly affected by smoke exposure,” said County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so we especially recommend that individuals in these higher-risk groups limit outdoor activity and physical exertion until the situation is over.”

Other recommendations include:

• Keep home windows and doors closed, and use your air conditioner on recirculate mode, if available, to limit the intake of outdoor air and keep your home comfortable.
• Keep your mouth and nasal passageways moist by drinking lots of water to help your body filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.
• Contact your health provider if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. Those who have not been previously diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions.  
• Those with asthma should follow an asthma management plan, making sure to have at least a five-day supply of asthma medication on hand.

For more information on the smoke advisory visit the AQMD website. 

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

As part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness and spreading hope, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) announces the return of the “Light Up Hope OC” campaign during the month of September for Suicide Prevention Month. The campaign aligns with the statewide “Strive for Zero” initiative, an effort to prevent suicides. The County of Orange will light up county administration buildings in teal and purple, the official colors of suicide prevention.
“Light Up Hope OC shows the county’s commitment to suicide prevention for all and especially for at-risk populations hardest hit by suicide deaths, historically, like veterans, older adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant populations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District, who emphasized that help is available. “If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 9-8-8, or visit lightuphopeoc.com for resources.”
“Even one suicide is one too many,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director. “Through the ‘Light Up Hope OC’ campaign, as well as the ongoing efforts of the HCA’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention, we are striving for zero suicides in Orange County. We all play a role in preventing suicide. I encourage our OC community to support one another in prioritizing mental wellness and not be afraid to talk about suicide prevention with loved ones who may be struggling.” 

For More Information and Resources

Learn more about the warning signs of suicide or the “Light Up Hope OC” campaign at lightuphopeoc.com.

For immediate assistance or support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8. For additional resources visit ocnavigator.org or call 855-OC-LINKS.

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

On Thursday, September 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Center board room, the United Architectural Control and Standards Committee (ACSC) will discuss potential changes to the mutual’s exterior paint color palette. This is an opportunity to help shape the look and feel of your community, and attendance, participation and feedback are encouraged. 

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

This Monday, September 9, at Clubhouse 2, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., celebrate the Village at 60 with entertainment by the Woods Combo, giveaways and the many volunteers and partners who help make our community the special diamond jewel you love. In the Clubhouse 2 ballroom area, enjoy displays and meet representatives from:

• Laguna Woods History Center, Foundation of Laguna Woods, Village Community Fund, Thrive
• GRF, United Mutual, Third Mutual and Mutual No. Fifty (The Towers) boards
• VMS Recreation, Security (with the Disaster Preparedness Task Force), Social Services, Transportation, Landscaping, Media and Communications
• City of Laguna Woods, El Toro Water District, CR&R
• Moulton Museum and Saddleback Emeritus and the Age Well Florence Sylvester Senior Center

MemorialCare, celebrating its 50^th anniversary and longstanding relationship with the Village, will join as party sponsor with free swag and healthy treats, displays, free ice cream, free chair yoga (at 5:15, 5:40 and 6:05 p.m.—and free yoga mats while supplies last) a health insurance/Medicare expert to answer questions and more!

Great Food and Beverage Options

Hot dogs, burgers, chicken wraps, chips and sodas will be available for purchase from 19 Restaurant at the back patio grill, and Killer Tacos food truck will also be on site for additional food purchases (with vegetarian options). The GRF no-host bar will be on site with a signature cocktail and other beverages. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Front and back patio seating at Clubhouse 2 will be limited, so attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

Free Shuttle Service

Transportation will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Clubhouse 7, the Community Center and the employee parking (off Campo Verde) to accommodate Clubhouse 2 parking overflow. Buses will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Village Merch Available for Sale

Recreation will be selling Village merch at its table near the Clubhouse 2 office.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

For more information, email recreation@vmsinc.org.

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

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through 8 p.m. on Monday, September 9, for Orange County areas, with forecast temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to 106 degrees.

Where and How to Cool Down

If you need a break from the heat, visit a Village facility to enjoy cooler temps. Click here to view/download facility hours and telephone numbers. Contact each clubhouse office for extended hours, as facilities may be open later due to scheduled events, with the exception of the Clubhouse 4 lounge. 

Click here for a list of cooling centers throughout Orange County. Scroll to Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.

Avoid Heat-Related Illness

• Remain hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Keep outdoor activity short. Try to stay covered and cool in a shaded area if you can.
• Avoid using your oven or stovetop. Eat cold dishes, salads, sandwiches, fruit, etc.
• Check the forecast. Always know what to expect from the weather so you can dress appropriately and plan your day accordingly. Plans should allow for an easy escape from the outdoors when heat becomes extreme.
• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing.
• Don’t forget pet care. Provide plentiful water at home and on the go during drives and walks Never leave pets in your car.
• Do not rely exclusively on indoor fans. If you do not have air conditioning, seek activities inside air-conditioned buildings or at cooling centers.
• Call 9-1-1 if you experience throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness; lack of sweating; red, hot and dry skin; muscle weakness or cramps; nausea and vomiting; rapid heartbeat; rapid or shallow breathing; confusion, disorientation or staggering; or seizures.
• For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about avoiding heat-related illness, visit cdc.gov/extreme-heat/prevention.

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

At Laguna Woods Village, VMS Inc. is constantly seeking ways to improve our services and support sustainability. With the recent surge in clippings pickup requests, Landscaping Services Department staff have been exploring new methods to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The department’s latest initiative focuses on transitioning to eco-friendly solutions for clippings pickup collection, aligning with California SB 1383, which mandates comprehensive organic waste services for all communities.

The Challenge

Since the implementation of SB 1383, the Village has seen a significant increase in clippings pickup requests. In 2023 alone, Landscaping Services processed nearly 2,000 requests from 661 units. This high volume of service requests, particularly during the growing season, has led to increased operational costs and logistical challenges. Our current system, which involves manually collecting and disposing of clippings piles, has become increasingly costly and time-consuming.

Exploring New Options

To address these challenges, the Landscaping Department has proposed a pilot program to test an innovative solution: 25-gallon non-woven buckets. These eco-friendly buckets are an alternative to traditional plastic bins and offer several advantages:

• Enhanced efficiency: Reducing pickup time and costs, and allows staff to allocate resources more effectively.
• Environmental impact: By using non-woven buckets, the Village contributes to reducing plastic waste and supports eco-friendly practices.
• Resident satisfaction: Providing residents with a convenient and functional solution for clippings aligns with VMS Inc.’s commitment to service excellence.

Pilot Program Details

The pilot program will focus on 300 units that request clippings pickups most frequently. Each of these units will receive a non-woven bucket to use for their clippings. Staff will monitor effectiveness of this new approach, evaluating improvements in efficiency and cost savings. Prior to receiving the bucket, each unit selected for the pilot will receive a letter outlining the program.

Benefits of the Pilot Program

The pilot program is set to roll out soon, and we’ll keep you updated on its progress and results. VMS believes this initiative not only addresses current challenges but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices within our community.

Stay tuned for updates and be part of our green waste revolution!

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

To help ensure community safety, maintain availability of resident parking spaces and prevent overcrowding, residents must register all vehicles by bringing a current registration to Resident Services.

Residents who wish to purchase an RFID for $25 must drive their vehicle to the Community Center at 24351 El Toro Road. Click here for more information about RFID decals and how they simplify Village gate entry.

For those residents who plan to be away for more than one week, they must contact the Security Services Department at 949-580-1400 to add their vehicles to the “Safelist” or “Do not cite” list. 

Please note that non-resident vehicles are ineligible for extended parking privileges. Unregistered vehicles may be cited. 

For questions or assistance with vehicle registration, call Resident Services at 949-597-4600. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community secure.

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

Many retailers offer survival tools and ready-made disaster kits. Although earthquake kits are no longer for sale from the Department of Security Services, this list, which is neither exhaustive nor an endorsement, can help you prepare for an emergency.

Online Retailers

• Amazon.com: Survival tools, emergency supplies, portable charger power banks
• BlueCanSales.com: Emergency drinking water with a 50-year shelf life
• EmergencyKits.com: Emergency supplies and kits
• Kidde.com: Home safety, fire extinguishers, escape ladders
• MaydaySupplies.com: Emergency supplies and kits
• MorePrepared.com: Survival kits and emergency supplies
• 4Patriots.com: Survival food and products (foods may need a cooking source), solar panels and generators
• PreparedHero.com: Emergency fire protection and safety products

Local Retailers

• Big 5 Sporting Goods: 24314 Swartz Drive, Lake Forest, 949-951-6311, big5sportinggoods.com
• The Home Depot: 24332 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills, 949-598-9171; 23651 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, 949-206-0113; homedepot.com
• REI: 24271 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, 949-741-7838, rei.com
• Turner’s Outdoorsman: 23762 Mercury Road, Lake Forest, 949-523- 6370, turners.com

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