The Fairview fire, burning south of Hemet, California, is actively producing smoke and impacting regional air quality. 

Check the resources below for air quality updates and forecasts as well as how you can subscribe to air quality alerts.

• Find South Coast AQMD advisory updates at aqmd.gov/advisory.
• Subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by email at airalerts.org.
• View current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map at aqmd.gov/aqimap.
• Get real-time air quality information, maps, notifications and health alerts in our area by downloading the South Coast AQMD app at aqmd.gov/mobileapp.
• Find air quality forecasts at aqmd.gov/forecast.
• Find a map of South Coast AQMD forecast areas at aqmd.gov/ForecastAreas.

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

Broadband Services offers cable, internet and more to Village residents, as well as equipment, troubleshooting tips and other helpful information. 

To download/print the information below, click the orange download button below. 

Is an appointment necessary to receive basic cable channels? 

No. Most manors in Laguna Woods Village are basic cable ready. As long as you have a working cable outlet, you can connect your coaxial cable directly to any digital TV, run a channel scan and receive more than 100 channels included in your HOA dues. No activation or cable box is required. 

Visit lagunawoodsvillage.com/amenities/media-services/cable#channel-guides to view all of the available channels and Broadband Services offers.

How can I troubleshoot my remote control?

A common sign that remote control batteries need to be changed is when the remote control has trouble switching to three-digit channels. Here’s what you can do:

• Replace the batteries, ensuring they are installed properly.
• Make sure your television or set-top box is turned on.
• Change channels by pressing the buttons on your television.
• Remove objects (e.g., furniture, books, plants, etc.) from around your television or set-top box.
• Position your receiver at a different angle to help it detect your remote.
• Make sure you’re using the remote designated for the correct television if you have more than one.
• Reboot your television or set-top box by unplugging it and plugging it back in (allow at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in).

Still having issues? Broadband Services will replace your remote if it’s not working properly. Bring your old remote to the Laguna Woods Community Center at 24351 El Toro Road for a replacement.

How can I troubleshoot my picture?

If you’re experiencing poor image quality or have no picture while using Broadband Services, follow the steps below:

• Confirm your television and set-top box have power and are turned on.
• Verify that the television is on the correct input (Video 1, HDMI, etc.) by pressing Input, Source or TV/Video on your remote control.
• If you think your television is turning off on its own, check the television’s power settings. This feature automatically powers off your receiver after four hours of idle time.
• Check the connections for loose or damaged cables or fittings.
• Unplug and re-plug your HDMI or component cables.
• Press the channel up/down button to determine if the issue is channel specific.
• Try to reboot your television or set-top box by unplugging the power cord and waiting at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Confirm there are no outages in your area by calling Broadband Services Support at 949-837-2670.

How can I return Broadband Services equipment?

All equipment issued by Broadband Services remains the property of the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods. If you’re moving out of the community or planning on downgrading services, visit us at the Laguna Woods Community Center at 24351 El Toro Road to return your equipment, or call Broadband Services at 949-837-2670 and one of our technicians will pick up your equipment. 

You are responsible for returning set-top boxes, DTAs and any auxiliary equipment provided by Broadband Services. If you fail to return all rented or leased equipment to Broadband Services after you cancel or downgrade services, an unreturned equipment fee may be charged to your account. This fee will be included in your total account balance.

Why is my clock not displaying on my set-top box?

• If you have a silver Polaris remote, on the left side beneath the TV button, press the MENU button twice. 
• Listing by time should be highlighted. Using the down arrow on the remote, go down through the menu to the second page until you see SETUP. Press OK.
• On the right side, second entry down, you will see an option for cable box setup. Press OK once it is highlighted.
• The first option will be Front LED display: current channel. Press the right arrow on the remote, and it will change to the current time. 
• Press exit.

What is the CALM Act (loud commercials)?

While watching television, you may notice an increase in volume between programs and commercial advertisements. At times, commercials or advertisements inserted into standard programming spots may feature a volume level greater than that of the programming. Now, thanks to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules require commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany.

What is Broadband Services doing about loud commercials?

While we can’t alter the volume of national commercials or cable network advertisements, we proactively monitor the programmers and take steps to ensure CALM act requirements are met. If you experience loud commercials on a regular basis, call 949-268-2041 to make a report. Note the commercials and the channel on which they appeared.

What can I do to alleviate loud commercials?

Many new HDTVs can eliminate volume variances between programs and commercials through the television’s audio settings. Some home theater systems also offer audio control options to help control volume differences. Refer to your TV and audio equipment manuals to learn how to update the audio settings.

How do I sign up for high-speed internet service?

West Coast Internet provides high-speed internet services to the Laguna Woods Village community. Visit lagunawoodsvillage.com/amenities/media-services/internet to learn more.

• For new service call 949-487-3302
• For billing service call 949-487-3303
• For tech support call 949-487-3307

Broadband Services is here for you!

Call Broadband Services at 949-837-2670 for all of your broadband needs or stop by the Laguna Woods Community Center at 24351 El Toro Road, and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.

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

During extremely hot weather that strains power supplies, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) issues statewide Flex Alerts, or calls for voluntary electricity conservation. 

Shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours and conserving as much energy as possible during the late afternoon and evening hours can help lower demand and avoid further actions including outages, and lessen the duration of an outage.

The ISO urges consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for Flex Alerts by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• “Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.

For information on Flex Alerts, more electricity conservation tips and to sign up for alerts, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website at flexalert.org.

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

The Recreation and Special Events Department is pleased to announce extended hours at Clubhouse 7.

• As of August 28, hours on Sundays are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Starting September 6, hours Monday through Friday will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 5).

For more Village news, click on the tag “News” below.

United Mutual members pay property tax; new members also may pay supplemental property tax. 

Property tax is assessed by the Orange County Assessor’s office. Assessed value is equal to the most recent purchase price, less adjustments, plus the allowed annual increase. United Mutual is billed directly by the OC Assessor per parcel, or groups of buildings. Financial Services Department staff break down the parcel charge by manor and bill the property tax as part of members’ monthly assessments. 

Supplemental property tax is levied when a new owner purchases property for an amount that is higher than the previous owner’s assessed value. 

Upon purchasing a manor, the new owner will continue paying the same monthly assessment amount as the previous owner for the remainder of the first year of ownership. During this first year, the OC Assessor will bill United Mutual directly, and United Mutual will pay to the assessor’s office a higher property tax amount due to the updated assessed value for the manor. The increased amount paid by United Mutual in year one is then billed to the new owner in year two of ownership, spread evenly over 12 months. This increased amount is billed as part of the monthly assessment as a supplemental property tax in year two and is in addition to the property tax.

Exceptions to the supplemental property tax process may apply to manors purchased in the second half of the year. Monthly assessment amounts are finalized in October and November. If the new assessed value is not received from the OC Assessor prior to the assessment amount being prepared, the supplemental property taxes will be included in year three of monthly assessments.

For assistance with property tax and supplemental property tax, contact VMS Accounting Specialist Julie Liang at 949-597-4208/Julie.Liang@vmsinc.org, or contact VMS Controller Pam Jensen at 949-597-4388/Pam.Jensen@vmsinc.org.

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

Tomorrow night, come join the dance party and boogie down to music by Disco Diva at Clubhouse 5. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the band performs at 6:30. A GRF no-host bar will be available from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Call 949-597-4382 or email recreation@vmsinc.org for more information.

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

The VMS Landscaping Services Department and Great Scott Tree Care, the contractor who trims large trees throughout Laguna Woods Village, collaborated with Village Television to bring to you an educational video about how the Village’s 39,000 trees are professionally and carefully trimmed.

The first half of the video, introduced by Landscaping Services Department Director Kurt Wiemann and led by Landscaping Services Department Manager Bob Merget, introduces the certified VMS tree crew and offers an in-depth look at how the team keeps the community’s trees healthy and looking good, all while focusing on safety. 

The second half of the video highlights Great Scott Tree Care and its Arbor Pro spider lift, which reaches a height of 95 feet but retracts to enter a gate just 36 inches wide, operated by one of Great Scott’s highly trained staff. It also highlights how Great Scott promotes safety, keeps the community’s turf and sidewalks damage free and works with the Landscaping Field Operations team and Resident Services to notify residents of upcoming work. 

Watch the VMS tree trimming crew and the spider lift in action here!

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

The Recreation and Special Events Department is pleased to announce extended hours at Clubhouse 7 starting Sunday.

• Starting August 28, hours on Sundays will be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Starting September 6, hours Monday through Friday will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 5)

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