Grass roots need air, water and nutrients to grow thick, deep and strong. When soil becomes compacted, even slightly, it inhibits the flow of the essentials that support thicker, healthier turf growth. Compacted soil can make a significant difference in the health and beauty of turf.

When soil is compacted, turf tends to grow shallow roots because the water does not penetrate beyond the upper layer of soil. In this condition, turf struggles in stressful situations, such as heat and low rainfall, and requires more irrigation. The aeration process vents soil to alleviate compaction so that air, water and nutrients can reach grass roots. These vents allow water to penetrate farther into the soil, encouraging deeper roots and reducing irrigation runoff.

Third Mutual will begin aerating turf beginning the week of October 30, 2023, in Gate 7 and working through the mutual’s 165 acres of turf, a process that is expected to take four months. Irrigation crews will work ahead of the aeration contractor, marking irrigation heads with blue flags to avoid damage from the aeration machine. The machine will leave behind small brown “plugs” that are harmless cores of soils and grass. These plugs will be broken up by the VMS mowers on the next mow cycles.

No chemicals are involved in this work and the plugs on the turf are no danger to pets. 

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Download the updated street sweeping schedule here. All times are approximate and subject to change.

When visiting Resident Services Department in the Laguna Woods Village Community Center (24351 El Toro Road), residents will notice a new, easier-to-use kiosk for check-in. The system, developed by a VMS Information Services Department staff member, is expected to save the community $7,000 per year on software subscription fees and support and maintenance costs. The new system features larger font, an easier-to-use touch screen and predictive text that expedites the check-in process. The system will also help management identify peak traffic periods to better allocate staff resources, reduce wait times and maximize efficiency. If you have concerns about using the new kiosk, don’t worry. Concierge staff in the front lobby will be standing by to show you the ropes. 

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As work on Interstate (I-5) in Orange County continues, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced a new closure. The northbound 1-5 straight on-ramp from westbound El Toro Road will be closed from 10 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023, to approximately 5 a.m. Wednesday, November 1. Detours are listed below:

• First detour: Northbound Muirlands to northbound straight on-ramp from Lake Forest Drive
  
• Second detour: Northbound Rockfield to northbound straight on-ramp from Lake Forest Drive

Caltrans will erect electronic message signs to notify drivers of the closure. The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues.

For more information and updates, email Caltrans’ District 12 public information office at D12PIO@dot.ca.gov.

For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Nathan Abler at 657-650-5146 or TTY 711. 

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Applications are now being accepted to fill one vacant term on the United Mutual board that concludes at the mutual’s 2025 annual election. 

Qualified candidates may secure an application and instructions from Corporate Secretary Makayla Schwietert (949-268-2383) or Assistant Corporate Secretary Paul Nguyen (949-268-2295) in the Office of the CEO in the Laguna Woods Village Community Center (24351 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637).

Completed applications must be received at the Community Center no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, October 20.

The election to fill this vacancy will be held during a United special open vacancy selection meeting on Monday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Center board room.

Contact Assistant Corporate Secretary Paul Nguyen at 949-268-2295 for more information. 

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The Landscaping Services Department continues to offer a weekly service to pick up your garden clippings. However, please place clippings or garden waste close to the curb, in a single pile; staff cannot go into the back of units or pick up multiple piles. All requests must be made through Resident Services (residentservices@vmsinc.org; 949-597-4600) by Thursday at noon for prompt pickup the following day. If you submit your request after the deadline, your request will be honored as soon as possible the following week. As a reminder, clippings are not permitted to be disposed of in the regular trash or organics recycling bins throughout the Village.

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