Most Village turf is a blend of Kikuyu grass that is native to the highland regions of East Africa, home to the Kikuyu people. This warm-season grass, which spreads quickly and thrives in areas with moderate temperatures, is seldom intentionally established as a residential turfgrass due to its highly invasive nature. Often referred to as a “super weed,” Kikuyu invaded the Village many years ago and has a strong foothold in the turf areas.

Landscaping Services staff asks residents for patience regarding the numerous requests made to reseed turf areas. Kikuyu goes dormant in cooler weather, often appearing dead in its dormant state. Once seasons change and weather warms, it takes several weeks for Kikuyu to emerge from dormancy and begin an extremely vigorous growth pattern. Kikuyu grass spreads quickly via its extensive underground root structure, or rhizomes, and vigorous horizontal surface stems, or stolons. Under ideal growing conditions, Kikuyu can grow up to 1 inch per day in the summer months.

Landscaping staff will review reseeding requests and over-seed where appropriate. Once the weather heats up, new seed is impractical, as it requires too much water. Water costs are at an all-time high, precluding any hot weather over-seeding.

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Celebrate Earth Day 2024 in the Village with an electric car show, giveaways, guest speakers and more on Thursday, April 18, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 5. Sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Laguna Woods Village Environment Committee, this annual event is for Village residents and their guests.

For more information as well as a list of exhibitors and guest speakers, click the orange Download PDF button below, email cclagunawoodsvillage@gmail.com or visit the club website. Please note Earth Day is observed on Monday, April 22.

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Renovations to Clubhouse 1 began on March 4 and are expected to continue on schedule for the duration of the six-month project. This is the first substantial renovation of the 41,000-square-foot, 60-year-old community landmark that hosts a wide range of recreation and social activities since its construction in 1964. The project includes interior updates to flooring, wall coverings, lighting and fixtures in various locations within most of the clubhouse buildings, as well as door and window replacement, and painting of all exterior stucco.

Construction

The project is currently in the fifth week of the 24-week project timeline. Progress includes ongoing exterior painting and the installation of new windows, with anticipated completion dates set for April and May, respectively. The removal of restroom and shower fixtures has been successfully completed, with restoration efforts slated for completion by June. We remain on track to achieve project completion by mid-September as scheduled.

Restrictions, Updates, and Reminders

In order to safely and effectively utilize the open recreation facilities, please pay attention to the following below:

• For your safety, do not enter the gated area around Clubhouse 1. The gates remain open to allow access to contractors, but the area is closed to residents. Security will be notified if residents enter the construction zone.
• For the duration of the project, residents are only allowed one guest at a time for the pickleball courts and the Community Fitness Center, to accommodate higher foot traffic at the facilities. Time limits will be imposed on exercise equipment when the facility is at capacity.
• Parking availability will be limited at the Community Center, and wait times for amenities may be longer than normal. Residents are encouraged to use facilities/amenities during non-peak hours.
• Badminton and Light Volleyball games are being held on one of the tennis courts at the Tennis Center. We extend our gratitude to the Tennis Club and its members for graciously accommodating these additional activities.

Aquatics Alternatives

Pool 2 is still closed for annual maintenance until approximately mid-April. We encourage all to check the pool schedule prior to visiting.  

Bocce and Pétanque

Bocce and pétanque will remain open for the duration of construction. Bocce players are able to park in front of the bocce courts, per usual.

Community Fitness Center, Clubhouse 5 Fitness Center Hours

The Community Fitness Center at 24351 El Toro Road (949-268-2275) offers the following expanded hours:

• Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Peak times for the Community Fitness Center are Monday through Friday in the mornings. If you’re looking for a less crowded time to work out, visit Monday through Friday between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Weekends are also less crowded, especially Sundays.

The Clubhouse 5 fitness center will be open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Additionally, Recreation and Special Events staff can provide fitness center users with information on how to use free gym memberships in the area through their insurance (depending upon eligibility).

Transportation Hub

The transportation hub is temporarily relocated to the parking lot on the east side of the Village Library at 24266 Calle Aragon. For more information, visit lagunawoodsvillage.com/amenities/transportation or call 949-597-4659.

Library, History Center Open

The Village Library and Laguna Woods History Center, located at 24266 Calle Aragon, will remain open, with parking access near the entrance and in the lot behind the library building. 

We appreciate your patience while we beautify one of our treasured clubhouses.

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Join members of the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center team at Clubhouse 2 on Monday, April 8, for an event focused on highlighting health services offered at the new Women’s Health Pavilion. A special physician panel will present on topics related to breast, pelvic and sexual health as well as menopause management.

Event Timeline

• 5 – 5:30 p.m.: Reception with light refreshments
• 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.: Physician lectures
• 6:15 – 7 p.m.: Q&A and meet the physicians

Visit memorialcare.org/lwwomenshealth or call 877-696-3622 to register.

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Small blazes aren’t that uncommon in the modern household. Fortunately, fire extinguishers can help fires from escalating, if you have the right kind, at the right place, at the right time.

Keep at least one fire extinguisher near your kitchen, where most common house fires start. Another near the exit of your home can ensure a safer getaway if flames are close to your house’s entry points. 

According to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), multipurpose, or ABC, extinguishers are recommended for home use. The “A” signifies the device can extinguish fires from wood, cotton and cloth; the “B” means the extinguisher fights fires from flammable liquids like cooking sprays; and the “C” indicates it will put out fires resulting from live electricity.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers aren’t difficult to use. OCFA offers helpful information and urges homeowners to remember the PASS technique for using one:

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever slowly
• Sweep from side-to-side

Click here to watch an instructional video from OCFA on how to use a fire extinguisher.

Click here to view OCFA flyers on fire safety, available in Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Last but not least, always call 9-1-1 and make sure you have a clear exit route before using an extinguisher.

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