Rainy season is just around the corner, meaning now is the time to prepare. When it rains, water flows directly into our creeks, rivers and ocean without being treated. This means anything on the ground, including dog waste, litter, pesticides or debris can be carried into the storm drain system and pollute our waterways.

Take simple steps now to help keep rainwater clean:

1. Pick up dog waste with a bag, tie the bag and place it in a closed bin.
2. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
3. Keep all trash and recyclables in closed bins.
4. Use pesticides sparingly, follow label directions and apply only on calm, dry days at least 48 hours before rain is expected.

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Recently, residents enrolled in Everbridge alerts received a weather advisory alert and were concerned it might be a scam. We want to assure residents that these alerts are legitimate and are automatically sent through our new Everbridge alert system in coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS).

These weather alerts are designed to keep our community informed and safe during changing weather conditions. You may receive notifications about advisories, watches or warnings, each sent automatically when issued by the NWS.

If you receive one of these alerts, there’s no need to be alarmed. It’s part of our standard emergency notification process. For more information on Everbridge or to update your alert preferences, click here.

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CalFresh food benefits may be delayed in November due to the government shutdown. While benefits are expected to be retroactively issued once the shutdown ends, many individuals could experience disruptions in food assistance.

What You Need to Know

• Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card access: Individuals with existing funds on their EBT cards will still be able to use them.
• Recertifications and applications: Individuals are encouraged to submit their recertifications and SAR 7 reports if they are due. New CalFresh applications will continue to be accepted during this time.
• Food resources: The State of California is directing individuals to call 211 or visit cafoodbanks.org for immediate food assistance.

The Foundation of Laguna Woods is working with Social Services to support residents during this time. If you are experiencing hardship due to the CalFresh delay, contact Social Services at 949-597-4267. The Foundation can help qualifying residents with grocery cards. Resident identities are kept confidential. Visit the CalFresh Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

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Village Management Services has upgraded from CodeRED to Everbridge, a more advanced and widely used emergency notification platform that keeps residents informed during critical events.

About Everbridge

Everbridge is a trusted system used by cities and large communities nationwide to deliver emergency alerts during wildfires, power outages and other urgent situations. Messages can be sent quickly by text, email, phone and mobile push notification.

What You Need to Know

• Already enrolled in CodeRED? Your contact information has been transferred. No action is required to keep receiving alerts.
• Need to verify your details? Visit the resident portal at lagunawoodsvillage.com > Resident login or contact Resident Services at residentservices@vmsinc.org or 949-597-4600.
• New to the system? Enroll through the resident portal, fill out this form or complete a paper form available in the Community Center literature racks.

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At 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, millions of people across California and around the world will practice earthquake safety as part of International ShakeOut Day.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the statewide drill by practicing the “drop, cover and hold on” response. While the official time is 10:16 a.m., you may register for a ShakeOut drill for any day of the year and choose a time that works best for you. Participants in different locations can also join together through video conferencing.

For added preparedness, follow the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety available at earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps.

Prepare Now

Before the next big earthquake, these four steps will better prepare you and your family to survive and recover quickly:

1. Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
2. Plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate.
3. Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations.
4. Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property and considering insurance coverage.

Survive and Recover

During and immediately following the next big earthquake is when your preparedness will make the greatest difference in how you and others survive and respond:

• Drop, cover and hold on or other recommended actions such as lock (wheels), cover and hold on if you feel shaking or get an alert.
• Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured and preventing further injuries or damage.

After the immediate threat of the earthquake has passed, your preparedness will determine your quality of life in the weeks and months that follow:

• Reconnect and restore daily life by reuniting with others, repairing damage and rebuilding community.

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Register your bike with Security Services on Friday, October 24, at Clubhouse 3 from 10 a.m. to noon and take a simple step to protect your bike from theft.

Just bring your bicycle to the event, where staff will take a photo, record the serial number and add the information to the department’s secure database. It’s quick, easy and can make all the difference in recovering a lost or stolen bike.

Or, register your bike on your own by completing the bicycle registration form and emailing it to chief@vmsinc.org or by returning it in person to the Security Services Department (24361 El Toro Road, Suite 205).

For more information, call Security Services at 949-580-1400. 

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The Foundation of Laguna Woods Village has received a $50,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation’s Breakaway Fund to help residents with the cost of hearing aids. This support furthers the foundation’s mission of neighbors helping neighbors and makes it possible for more residents to stay connected and enjoy Village life.

Residents who may qualify can call Laguna Woods Social Services at 949-597-4267 to schedule a confidential appointment to review eligibility and insurance. Financial assistance may be provided with or to supplement insurance.

For more information, contact Social Services at 949-597-4267 or the foundation at 949-268-2246 or foundationlwv@gmail.com.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression and a higher risk of dementia. Hearing well means living well.

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A resident recently asked if it is safe to cancel West Coast Internet service after Ting installs fiber internet in their manor. While Ting technicians are actively installing fiber connections throughout Laguna Woods Village, residents must not cancel their West Coast Internet service at this time.

Although many manors are beginning to connect to the new fiber network, Ting is still in the process of building, testing and validating the system communitywide. This includes performing outage simulations and other technical procedures to ensure the network meets performance and reliability standards. During these periods, residents may need to rely on their existing West Coast Internet service to maintain connectivity.

Only after the entire network is verified and approved to meet all specifications will residents be notified that it is safe to discontinue West Coast Internet service. Based on current projections, this approval process is expected to take approximately one year.

Until then, residents are advised to maintain their West Coast Internet accounts to avoid service interruptions. Updates will be provided as the network rollout continues.

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Did you know that Laguna Woods is home to three of Orange County’s major watersheds? Aliso Creek, Laguna Coastal Streams and Newport Bay all play a vital role in channeling rainwater through local creeks and parks before it flows into the Pacific Ocean.

As water flows through these natural channels, it can carry pollutants such as trash, pet waste and pesticides that can harm wildlife, drinking water and coastal ecosystems. What we do here in the Village creates ripple effects that reach far beyond our community.

Here’s how you can help protect our watersheds:

• Always dispose of pet waste in covered bins, especially before it rains.
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash to prevent runoff into storm drains.
• Use pesticides sparingly and never before a forecasted rain event.
• Keep trash secured in covered containers. Need a replacement? Call CR&R at 949-625-6735.

Visit h2oc.org to explore watershed maps, videos and local conservation tips. By taking small steps, we can make a big difference right here at home.

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