Although the wet winter has kept our irrigation costs low, it has taken a toll on the general appearance of the landscaping. Weeds love rain! The turf grasses in the Village thrive in warm seasons and, because cold conditions accompanied the rain, the grass has remained dormant while the weeds have thrived. With such frequent rain, the soil has remained too soft to mow without the lawn mowers causing permanent damage to the turf. To make matters worse, crews need at least three days without precipitation to apply weed killers to the turf or shrub beds.

The Landscaping Department is aware of these issues and is taking steps to catch up on all the work necessary to make the Village look beautiful again. The department has acquired additional mowers and, with a relatively clear forecast for next week, will mow the entire Village beginning this Monday. Following the mowing, staff will vigorously attack the weeds in both the turf and shrub beds. The department has contracted additional workers to help staff crews cover more area at a quicker pace.

The past summer’s watering restrictions halted turf repair, because new seeds need additional water to germinate. Staff will take advantage of the damp environment to begin reseeding some of the turf that needs help before the hot summer months roll in again.

Please keep in mind, even with additional crews, staff has over 650 acres to cover. It will take time to catch up. Please be patient and thank the crews as they work extra hard to make the Village landscaping beautiful again.

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Due to recent storms, a high number of rain leaks have been reported to Resident Services. If you have called previously, your service request has been recorded and a member of our maintenance team will contact you as soon as possible. If you are reporting a rain leak for the first time, call Resident Services at 949-597-4600 and press #1 when prompted. 

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Running a stop sign can cause a collision and threaten the safety of walkers, bicyclists, other vehicle passengers, pets and anyone else in harm’s way. To prevent drivers from running stop signs and reduce the number of collisions, the GRF board approved the installation of 21 solar-powered red flashing LED stop signs—12 for Third Mutual neighborhoods and nine for United neighborhoods. Flashing stop signs capture drivers’ attention and alert them of upcoming intersections so they are less likely to run the stop signs. 

The approved flashing stop signs have been received and will be installed in a phased approach as coordinated by the General Services Department. Installation began last week and will continue at the rate of approximately four per week (weather permitting) until all 21 signs have been installed.

Per the current plan, the following 12 locations in Third Mutual neighborhoods will have flashing stop signs: 

• Bahia Blanca West and Algarrobo, northbound (one sign)
• Avenida Sosiega and San Amadeo, westbound (one sign)
• Avenida Sosiega and Monte Hermosa, northbound and southbound (two signs)
• Avenida Sosiega and Via Carrizo, westbound (one sign)
• Cabildo and Avenida Sosiega, northbound and southbound (two signs)
• Calle Corta and Avenida Sosiega, westbound (one sign)
• Calle Sonora Este and Calle Sonora Oeste, northbound (one sign)
• Calle Sonora and Via Vista, westbound (one sign)
• Via Vista and Via Serena, northbound (one sign)
• Via Puerta and Via Mariposa East, westbound (one sign)

Per the current plan, the following nine locations in United Mutual neighborhoods will have flashing stop signs: 

• Avenida Sevilla and Calle Aragon (near Gate 1), southbound (one sign)
• Avenida Sevilla and Calle Aragon (Gate 3 side), eastbound (one sign)
• Avenida Sevilla and Avenida Majorca, all four directions (four signs)
• Avenida Sevilla and Via Mariposa, northbound (one sign)
• Via Estrada and Calle Aragon, westbound (one sign)
• Avenida Majorca and Calle Aragon, northbound (one sign)

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Nowruz is the national New Year festivity celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and throughout Central Asia. The first day of the Iranian calendar falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring, which this year was March 20. It is a springtime celebration whose activities symbolize rebirth and the link between humans and nature. The Iranian poet Saadi (1210-1291) wrote “Awaken, the morning Nowruz breeze is showering the garden with flowers.” 

Nowruz itself, which is Farsi for “new day,” is steeped in ancient myths and fiction, as well as traditions and symbolism. Preparations begin weeks before the start of spring, including housecleaning and growing sabzeh (wheat, barley, mung bean or lentils) in a dish. The dish is placed on the Haft-seen table, which is the focus of Nowruz observance. It is joined by six other symbolic items that start with the Persian letter “seen” or S. They include:

• Seeb (apples) – Symbol of health and beauty
• Senjed (dried oleaster berries) – Wisdom and rebirth
• Samanu (wheat pudding) – Strength/justice
• Somaq (sumac) – Patience
• Serkeh (vinegar) – Age/patience
• Seer (garlic) – Cleansing of body and environment

The Haft-seen spread also includes other items such as a Persian poetry book by Hafez, a mirror symbolizing reflection, colored eggs for fertility and goldfish in a bowl to represent life.

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Clubhouse 5 will be closed for emergency repairs Tuesday and Wednesday, March 21-22, and possibly Thursday, March 23. We apologize for any convenience and thank you for your patience. 

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Driving a golf cart offers fun and convenience, especially on scenic Village grounds, but it’s important to be mindful of walkers, joggers and others who use the paths, which narrow in places. Slow down and be especially careful when visibility is limited, such as when the sun is in your eyes. Remember to share the road and give the right of way to those on foot. 

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As many who take advantage of Recreation and Special Events Department programs know, the internet-based ActiveNet application has been a staple used by residents to pay for facility reservations, classes, events and more where required.

Currently, GRF absorbs all ActiveNet-associated transaction and credit card fees for in-person purchases—but not online purchases.

On February 7, GRF approved Resolution 90-23-06, which states that residents will be responsible for transaction fees for online and in-person ActiveNet business when paying for certain Village amenities. Residents who prefer the convenience of paying via credit card will now pay the credit card fee. 

This action will result in an annual savings of approximately $35,000 per year for GRF.

The current online processing fee for combined transaction and credit card fees is 6.4392%. The current in-person transaction fee is 2.93%; when a credit card is used for payment, an additional 3.5093% fee applies.

Transaction fees apply only when registering for recreation programs that require payment; no fees apply when registering for free programs.

In addition, transaction fees do not apply to funds transferred from one activity to another or to check refunds. However, a flat $0.10 fee applies to credit card refunds.

Also, only check or credit card payment will be accepted for reservations, classes or events with fees—cash will no longer be accepted.

The new fee and payment procedure will become effective Saturday, April 1.

Please note that this will not apply to Performing Arts Center box office ticket purchases or golf fees, as both programs use other software programs.

The effects of this resolution will apply to any department or division that uses ActiveNet for in-person or online payment. 

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