AlertOC is Orange County’s official emergency alert system, providing timely messages by phone, email or text during events that may affect public safety, health or daily life. While many landlines are included automatically, residents who rely on mobile phones or internet-based phone services are encouraged to register to ensure they receive alerts wherever they are.

Residents can now enroll in the county’s AlertOC system directly through the Laguna Woods Village website. Scroll to the footer of any page at lagunawoodsvillage.com and click the “Sign up today” button beneath the AlertOC and Everbridge logos.

Or, sign up online by visiting the AlertOC homepage. Click the FAQs link at the top right-hand menu at alertoc.org to learn more. If you have additional questions, call 714-628-7054 or email alertoc@ocsheriff.gov.

Enroll in Laguna Woods Village Everbridge Alerts

Laguna Woods Village also uses its own Everbridge system to send community-specific updates, including gate access issues, closures, traffic impacts and other notices affecting the Village. During major emergencies, county alerts issued through AlertOC are shared through the Village, along with any local instructions.

Enrolling in both AlertOC and the Village Everbridge system provides the most comprehensive coverage, combining countywide emergency information with timely community updates.

Together, they offer an important layer of reassurance for you and your household.

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Residents are encouraged to remain alert for mail scams involving glue traps and other misleading solicitations. In this scam, criminals place glue traps or sticky devices inside public mailboxes to steal letters and envelopes before they are officially collected.

How the Scam Works

Criminals insert a glue mouse trap or adhesive device into a mailbox slot. A sticky strap or tool is then lowered into the box to snag mail as it drops in, particularly checks or items containing sensitive information. The stolen mail may be used to alter checks or harvest personal or financial data. Similar “mailbox fishing” techniques have been reported in other communities.

How to Protect Your Mail

• Deposit mail inside a post office and hand it directly to a clerk.
• Avoid using street collection boxes for checks or important documents.
• Before mailing, check the slot for any sticky residue or foreign objects. If something appears unusual, do not use the box and report it to local law enforcement or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• Monitor bank accounts and credit reports regularly for unauthorized activity.

Other Common Mail Scams

• Imposters posing as government agencies, financial institutions or utilities
• Prize or lottery notices requesting payment or personal information
• Unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true
• Fake charity solicitations that closely resemble legitimate organizations
• Urgent notices demanding immediate action or threatening penalties

General Safety Tips

• Be cautious of mail that creates a sense of urgency or fear.
• Do not send money, checks or personal information to unfamiliar senders.
• Verify claims by contacting companies directly using known phone numbers or websites.
• Shred suspicious mail and report concerns to appropriate authorities.

Report Mail Fraud

Mail fraud is a federal crime. For questions or to report suspected mail scams or theft, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service hotline at 877-876-2455, option 2, or submit an online report.

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Residents are encouraged to highlight the dedication of staff members whose work has made a positive difference for them or their neighbors. Recognition can be shared by submitting a written “kudos card” or by completing the online recognition form.

Kudos cards provide an easy way to acknowledge VMS employees who deliver excellent customer service or go above and beyond. Residents may share details about positive interactions or exceptional service, which is shared with management and featured in the company’s employee newsletter.

Kudos cards are available at clubhouse offices or the concierge desk in the Community Center (24351 El Toro Road) and may be returned to the same locations. An online recognition form is also available at lagunawoodsvillage.com > Contact us > We want to hear from you! > Recognize a VMS employee.

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Commit to simple, waterway-safe actions that help keep Orange County’s creeks, rivers and ocean clean and healthy. Small steps can make a big difference.

• Be a responsible pet owner by picking up and properly disposing of animal waste.
• Place trash in designated containers and keep lids securely closed.
• Dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) properly. Call WM Curbside at 800-449-7587 to schedule free door-to-door HHW collection, or drop items off at a county HHW collection center. Visit oclandfills.com/hhw for more details.
• Maintain your vehicle to prevent oil and fluid leaks from entering storm drains. Clean spills using absorbent materials from auto or home supply stores. Used motor oil can be collected for free by WM Curbside at 800-449-7587 or dropped off at a county HHW collection center.

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Residents can give feedback year-round through the Village’s ongoing resident survey.

The survey is anonymous, requires no login or resident ID, is mobile friendly and available in English and other languages through Google Translate.

Use it to rate recent service experiences, share overall impressions, note communication preferences and suggest improvements.

To participate, click the purple “Contact us” button in the top menu bar and select “Resident survey” under “We want to hear from you!” or click here.

Responses are reviewed regularly, and trends are reported to executive leadership to help guide service improvements.

Please note: This survey is for general feedback only. Do not use it to report emergencies, injuries, hazards or urgent issues.

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The Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods (GRF) Board of Directors invites residents to attend its first monthly town hall on Wednesday, January 21, at 1 p.m. in the Clubhouse 1 Main Lounge. GRF town halls will be held monthly on the third Wednesday, excluding August and November.

Residents are encouraged to attend to share comments and ask questions related to community amenities and shared spaces directly with board members.

Third, United Town Halls

Residents who wish to share comments with their mutual board members are invited to attend the following mutual-specific town halls. Third and United town halls are publicized approximately one week in advance in “What’s Up in the Village,” including the discussion topic(s) when available.

• Third Mutual: Fourth Wednesday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse 2 Sequoia Ballroom
• United Mutual: Second Friday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center/Clubhouse 3

Disclaimer: A majority of the board of directors may be present at town hall meetings. Town halls are intended to provide an opportunity for member discussion and questions. No board business will be conducted or actions taken.

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