Invasive mosquitoes are in Orange County! The Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) are not native to California and can transmit zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. 

Follow these tips to prevent mosquito bites and breeding:

• Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended
• Wear repellent clothing containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing
• Dump and drain outdoor containers filled with water at least weekly—potted plant saucers are a main culprit
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; get broken or damaged screens repaired or replaced
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly 

Visit ocvector.org for more information from the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) on how you can help reduce mosquito breeding in our community, as well as to learn more about OCMVCD services, programs, educational resources and more.

Identifying Mosquito Impostors

Aliso Creek features a great deal of insect life, some of which may resemble mosquitoes. While there’s no denying that crane flies, midge flies and fungus gnats are very annoying, they’re not mosquitoes. Here’s how to tell them apart.

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

Subscribing to a YouTube channel is a convenient way to receive instant updates from and keep track of the activities of your favorite YouTubers. It’s a useful way to stay informed and connected online, and it provides entertainment and valuable information for hours on end. 

There’s definitely one channel that may interest you—Village Television’s YouTube channel.

Visit youtube.com/c/VillageTelevision and browse the thousands of videos from Laguna Woods Village clubs, entertainment events, board meetings, “This Day” programming six days a week and more. The work of Village Television’s production team is highlighted in videos such as “Tales in the Woods,” “Good Day OC” and “Español in Laguna Woods.” More videos are added each day. Read on to learn how you can subscribe and receive notifications of new content. 

How to Watch, Subscribe to Village Television YouTube

To subscribe to any YouTube channel and receive notifications every time new content is added, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the YouTube app via your home screen, in the app list or by searching.
2. Sign in to your Google account. You have to be signed in to a Google account to subscribe to YouTube channels. If you’re using an Android, you’ll automatically be logged in to the Google account linked to your smartphone or tablet. To sign in with a different account, click your profile photo at the top, select Switch Account, and either choose an account from the list or tap + to add another account. If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, tap the profile icon at the top-right corner of YouTube—if you’re signed in, you’ll see your own account info. If not, you’ll see a blue SIGN IN button—tap it to sign in.
3. Locate the Village YouTube channel. To search, tap the magnifying glass at the top of YouTube, enter Laguna Woods Village Television, and then tap the search key. Click a video to open it, or click the channel name to view its homepage. If you’re watching a video and want to subscribe to its channel, tap the down arrow at the top-left corner of the video to minimize it, and then scroll down until you see the SUBSCRIBE link.
4. Tap SUBSCRIBE. If subscribing from a video, it will be a red link below the video player. If you’re on the channel’s home page, the red link will be near the top-right corner of the screen. When you subscribe to a channel, the text on the SUBSCRIBE button will change to SUBSCRIBED. You can unsubscribe at any time by tapping this button on any of the channel’s videos or on its home page.
5. Tap the SUBSCRIPTIONS tab to manage your channel subscriptions. It’s located at the bottom of YouTube. The channels you’re subscribed to appear in the left column or along the top, depending on your phone or tablet. You can scroll down to see all of the latest updates from your subscriptions. Tap a channel icon to view recent videos; tap a video to start watching.

Get Notified of New Village Content

When you subscribe to a YouTube channel, you can check a box in the subscription form so you get emails directly to your inbox when you opt in. This allows YouTube to send you email updates each time a new video is added, a weekly summary of your subscribed channels and other options, depending on the preference(s) you ticked. 

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

Join the fun Wednesday, July 12, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Clubhouse 7 to learn about the Thrive Group and MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center resources and support available to you. Special guests from Saddleback’s Emergency Department will also share information about the hospital’s unique services. You will have a chance to participate in games and giveaway opportunities. Sugar-free options will be available.

Space is limited—first come, first served! Please RSVP by calling Senior Advocate Jessica at 949-452-3791.

Each resident may bring one Laguna Woods Village neighbor.

For more information, click the Download PDF button below.

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

Within the boundaries of Laguna Woods Village, there are 651 irrigated acres of landscaping, excluding the golf courses. The irrigation system, controlled by a computerized central control system that is GRF’s responsibility, consists of 407 remote irrigation controllers and more than 500,000 sprinkler heads. All downstream piping, valves, sprinklers, etc., belong to the individual housing mutuals. 

As you may have heard, GRF is installing a new irrigation master control system. This project is 80% complete and irrigation technicians are testing the new system in real time during the day.

The majority of landscaping irrigation is done at night; however, during the next few months, you may see irrigation being done during the day. Technicians will be running the systems through their full-time cycles, adjusting spray heads and run times to increase efficiency and reduce run-off. Due to the complexity and age of the irrigation systems, completely eliminating runoff is impossible, but our goal is to reduce overspray and get the length of the watering cycles correct to reduce water waste and the costs associated with it. 

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

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. In its prescription form, it is prescribed for pain, but fentanyl is also made illegally.

Illicit fentanyl is being used to make fake prescription pills. Fake pills are easy to purchase, often contain fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, and can be deadly. The only safe medications are those prescribed by licensed and accredited medical professionals. 

Learn how to buy prescription drugs safely over the internet by visiting fda.gov/besaferx.

Discover how aging and health can impact driving, top collision factors, safe driving strategies, self-assessment tools, vehicle comfort and safety tips, DMV licensing procedures and services, and more at the Optimal Aging Lecture Series class Thursday, July 6, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 7. No registration is required.

For more information, call Social Services at 949-597-4267.

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

Be sure to read El Toro Water District (ETWD) news and updates, including “Keeping Pace with Rising Costs” as part of the district’s summer newsletter. ETWD is proposing adopting a new rate schedule, taking effect on August 1, 2023, with future adjustments made on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The ETWD board of directors invites you to attend one of the Community Informational Meetings and/or the Public Hearing at which the board will consider adopting the proposed water, sewer and recycled water rate/charge increases. Please see the newsletter for meeting dates, times and more.

Please click the orange Download PDF button below to read the ETWD summer 2023 newsletter.

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

Last week, VMS wished a very fond farewell to Lisa Hart, who served as Village Television’s on-air talent for five years. Broadband Services General Manager Paul Ortiz recruited two new hosts who will share hosting duties, Bobbi Higgins and Michael Taylor.

Bobbi has 30 years of broadcast experience both in front of and behind the camera, and has hosted a variety of television programs, including talk shows, corporate videos and sports shows, and has done voiceover work on countless commercials, billboards and corporate videos. Bobbi holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Southern California.

Michael also has over 30 years of broadcasting experience in front of and behind the camera. Michael was with PBS SoCal KOCE for more than 14 years, where he was the news director, and has performed producer and reporter duties for PBS’ daily, live news program. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Cal State Fullerton.

Both have lived in the Saddleback Valley for over 25 years and have a vast knowledge of the area—especially Laguna Woods Village.

Let’s bid them both a warm welcome! Be sure to watch “This Day,” the Village news program broadcast live from 9 to 9:30 a.m. and rerun at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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

Walking offers great physical, mental and emotional benefits. Most roadways in and around the Village have designated sidewalks, but there are other areas, such as culs-de-sac, driveways and intersections, where pedestrians must remain alert for approaching motorists and/or bicyclists.

Pedestrians and active walkers should take the following precautions when venturing out into the community—particularly at night, when visibility is low and motorists may struggle to see you. 

• Mind lighting conditions, especially during dawn, dusk and times of high glare or low light. Decreased daylight, shadows and nightfall make it harder for motorists to see pedestrians. 
• Dress to be seen. Wear light, bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially if you walk at night. If you do walk when it’s dark, carry a flashlight.
• Walk on sidewalks and not the road. Stepping in front of oncoming cars can cause a serious accident for all involved. If you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.
• Plan walking routes to avoid dangerous intersections or high-traffic areas. Look for safe, alternative routes with adequate sidewalks or footpaths.
• Take extra care when walking through parking lots. These locations create unique hazards because drivers may be turning quickly or backing out of a parking space. Be sure to look for backup lights, and listen for engine noise.
• Walk with a friend. An exercise companion can add to the pleasure of your outing—and increase the safety factor. Enjoy your conversation as you walk, but don’t let it distract you from monitoring road and traffic hazards. 
• Be watchful of motorists making turns at intersections. Drivers are concentrating on their maneuvers and avoiding oncoming traffic, so they might not see you. Always look for vehicles making right turns at red lights and for vehicles making left turns. 
• Wait for a “fresh green” when crossing at traffic signals to allow yourself ample time to cross safely.
• Walk within designated crosswalks, and allow plenty of time to cross the street.
• Stay attentive to your surroundings. Be a defensive walker who is ready for the unexpected. 

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