Sustainability Services will be offering lithium ion battery recycling as a separate recycling event beginning in July.  Villagers have been requesting this service for several months.  Batteries that are used to power cordless power tools, cordless appliances, laptops, tablets, smart phones. alarms, and the like will be accepted for recycling.  NO charging units,  car batteries, golf cart batteries, e-bike batteries and scooter batteries.  Please bring each battery in a plastic bag.  The monthly household battery collection will continue to accept the button lithium ion batteries and the  household  A, AA, AAA, C, D,  and 9 volt lithium batteries.  Please direct questions to Sustainability Services at 408 754-1334.

When: Fridays June 13 and June 27   (6/27  with light bulbs)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (No early drop-offs, please)

Where: Tennis court parking lot near the air station
What: Household batteries only (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and button batteries)

• Corroded batteries must be bagged in plastic
• Residents are encouraged to bring their batteries directly to the collection events
• No e-waste or general rubbish

What: Light Bulbs

Recycling Limits:

• Fluorescent Tubes:

  • Up to 4 feet long
  • Must be unbroken and taped together
  • Limit: 2 per household

• CFL Bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs):

  • Must be unbroken, sealed in paper with tape or in a sealed bag
  • Limit: 4 per household

• LED Bulbs:

  • Must be unbroken, sealed in paper with tape or in a sealed bag
  • Limit: 4 per household

• Light bulbs must be sorted by type and  sealed in paper or in a plastic bag

Important Update for DACs in 2025:

• No appointment needed!
• A 25-pound limit per collection date applies.
• DACs handling large quantities should take them to the County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Site(appointment required).

Need an alternative drop-off time?
If the scheduled dates don’t work for you, contact the Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Siteat 408-299-7300 to make an appointment.

For questions, reach out to Sustainability Services at 408-754-1334 or email mtatum@the-villages.com.

In an emergency, whether it’s a medical situation or a need to evacuate quickly, every second counts. A clear walkway to your front door makes sure that first responders can reach you without delay and that you can exit safely. 

Why It Matters for Everyone 

In our 55+ community, many of us rely on accessible, obstacle-free routes, especially if mobility is a concern. In an emergency, every second counts: 

• For Residents: A cluttered entryway can trip slippers and walkers, slow you down, or make it hard to exit your home safely. 

• For Public Safety: Firefighters, paramedics, and patrol officers need a clear path to your front door so they can administer aid without delay. 

Whether it’s a medical response, a small fire, or simply an urgent need to evacuate, keeping that front walkway and doorway free of obstacles ensures help can arrive and you can leave quickly and safely. 

Common Blockers and Simple Fixes 

Potted plants and large flowerpots are lovely but can narrow your entrance. Move them to the side of your porch or against a wall, leaving at least 36 inches of clear space. Outdoor chairs, small tables or seasonal décor often creep into walkways, store foldable furniture in your garage or carport when not in use. Thick welcome mats can curl and become tripping hazards; choose a low-profile, slip-resistant mat that lies flat. Packages, recycling bins, and mail deliveries left close to the door can also block the path; ask a neighbor to bring them inside or place bins to the side once they’re emptied. 

By spending just one minute each day clearing your doorstep, you help ensure both your safe exit and prompt entry for emergency responders. Thank you for keeping our community accessible and secure for everyone. 

Cribari Pool Closure Update

The necessary city permit to begin work has been approved. An electrician is scheduled to be on-site Wednesday, June 4, to complete work on the electrical panel. This part of the project is expected to be completed within one to two days.

Following the electrical work, the panel must be inspected by the City of San Jose. We do not have a confirmed timeline for the city’s final inspection and pool reopening.

We’ll provide more updates as information becomes available.

Annual Ant Spraying

The annual ant treatment at the exterior perimeters of Association homes and Club buildings is set for the following days. Parking and street frontage may be used for vehicle, material and equipment staging. The following schedule is subject to change and weather permitting:

• Monday, June 2 – Sonata, Del Lago and Fairways
• Tuesday, June 3 – Cribari
• Wednesday, June 4 – Hermosa and Montgomery
• Thursday, June 5– Olivas and Estates
• Monday, June 9 – Highland and Verano
• Wednesday, June 11 – Valle Vista, Glen Arden and The Heights.
• Thursday, June 12 – Foothill Center, Vineyard Center, Montgomery Center, Cribari Center, Clubhouse, Public Safety Plaza and Business offices.

For pesticide information used by the pest control vendor or the landscape vendor, please contact Public Works at (408) 223-4670 or visit the Chemical Management​ page on the Member Portal.

RV Lot Solar Panel Cleaning

Our contractor will be performing solar panel cleaning at The Villages RV Lot June 11-12.

• Move vehicles out of the RV Lot work zones June 9-10
• Work is scheduled June 11-12, and working hours are 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. All RV lot access is restricted during this work.
• Return vehicles starting June 13.

Temporary parking will be coordinated for those affected by this project. The contractor asked for the RV lot to be cleared to keep dirt and debris from landing on the RVs. Spaces along the outside perimeter are less likely to be affected, but all access to the lot will be restricted during the working hours.

Prepare for the project

• Please move your vehicle to the lower Clubhouse parking lot (IN ORANGE on map—located next to the Driving Range) or along The Villages Fairway Drive June 9 or 10.
• Please do not drive in or out of the work areas while the project is underway as it is both dangerous and disruptive to the work progress.
• Work will start in the back row of solar panels (IN RED), work on second day will be in the middle and first row (IN YELLOW). The top of the lot will be completed as time allows on either day (IN BLUE).
• Signs will be posted with matching dates and timeframe as an additional reminder.
• The Villages WILL NOT be responsible for any dirt and debris on any vehicles left in the parking spaces following this notice.

Golf Fountain by Holes 16 and 17

The lake fountain between the fairways on Holes 16 and 17 has been removed for repairs.

• The south fountain requires a new power control unit and wiring.
• Delays to material delivery have postponed the installation. An updated installation date will be provided next week.

Olivas Deck Repair

Village Olivas Deck repair and coating project starts June 9

• There will be three notices sent out. 
• The first general notice was distributed in mail tubes May 19 to every resident in Olivas that has a front and/or rear wooden deck included in this project. This notice contains general information and instructions regarding the project.
• The second notice is a one-week notice with the exact date that the contractor will start work at your unit. 
• The third notice is a 48-hour notice before the start date. 
• The entire project will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete. 
• The project will start at the lowest addresses and proceed throughout the district in numerical order.

Hello! It’s great to be connecting with you all again. As I mentioned previously, my role is all about upholding The Villages’ standards and creating a positive atmosphere for all residents. This includes everything from ensuring common areas are being maintained, to addressing any concerns that might arise.

The Power of a Supportive Approach

I understand that resolving certain issues can take time, and I want to reassure you that I’m here to help. My approach is meant to be collaborative and supportive, and I’m committed to working with you to ensure any concerns are addressed in a way that upholds our community standards. If additional time is needed, I’m willing to discuss an extension so everyone has a fair opportunity to take the necessary steps.

Community Inspections: A Glimpse into the Future of Oversight

The inspection process will be thorough while remaining respectful of each property. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure that all areas are properly maintained and to address any concerns that may impact the overall safety, appearance, and functionality of our community spaces. If any issues are identified during the inspection, residents will be notified and given a reasonable amount of time to make corrections before a follow-up inspection is conducted.

Also as mentioned, I will be communicating to the districts of upcoming inspections. Upcoming in the next few weeks, I will be conducting inspections in the Heights, focusing on safety and fire hazards, overgrown plants and trees, and clearance of entryways.

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to maintain the values and standards that make our community special. By supporting one another, we help ensure that The Villages remains not only a wonderful place to live, but a community where everyone contributes to making it the best it can be.

If this article sparked any thoughts or questions, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me at communitystandards@the-villages.com or 408-754-1350.

It happens every day: a car eases through a stop sign, or a golf cart edges past 25 mph. You might think it’s just a moment’s slip, but in The Villages, those “little” violations can be dangerous. Here’s a friendly reminder of why we take full stops and speed limits seriously, and how you can help keep our community safe and harmonious.

A shared roadway, a shared responsibility

Unlike most neighborhoods, our streets welcome cars, golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians (often without a sidewalk in sight). Every intersection and curve demands your full attention because someone else’s safety may depend on your actions.

• Stop signs are nonnegotiable
  Per Rule 1.02.I, every vehicle—including golf carts and bicycles—must come to a complete stop at every stop sign. Rolling stops reduce reaction time and increase the chance of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Speed limits protect everyone
  The standard 25 mph limit under Rule 1.02.B isn’t arbitrary; it gives you the breathing room to spot a bicyclist, a neighbor stepping off the curb, or a golf cart rounding a blind corner.

Why enforcement matters

• Reduces accidents: Every full stop and each mile per hour you shave off your speed lowers the chance of a crash.
• Protects pedestrians and cyclists: Slower vehicles mean safer crossings and less severe impacts if an accident occurs.
• Supports our community spirit: Courtesy on the road reflects the respect we share off the road, making The Villages a welcoming place for everyone.

Tips for safe driving

1. Approach every stop sign slowly: Pause for a full two-second count before you move forward.
2. Stay attentive: Put down the phone, adjust your mirrors, and scan ahead for the unexpected.
3. Be courteous: Yield to pedestrians, wave “thank you” to courteous drivers, and remember that patience goes a long way.

By sticking to the full stop and speed limit rules, you’re not just avoiding citations, you’re protecting friends, neighbors and visitors.

Let’s all do our part to keep The Villages safe.

Reduce Recycling Contamination this summer

The City of San Jose  has some top contamination contenders that are thought to be recyclable but are not. Snack wrappers are among the top contaminators in recycling bins,  

Why? – The shiny lining is often a coating of aluminum or mixed plastic.  Since recycling plants cannot separate the layers, these mixed -material  bags are not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Good news for Montgomery pool users! The Villages received approval for a temporary fence at Montgomery Pool. After installation and inspection, the County of Santa Clara authorized the pool to reopen for the season.

This chain link fence is a temporary solution until we can complete the permanent fence replacement this coming winter.

Association applications for Owner Alteration Requests for the month of June are due to the Architectural Committee on or before Friday, May 23. 

Call Elissa at the Corporation Yard office to obtain an application. The meeting date is scheduled for 9 a.m., Thursday, June 5, in Montgomery Center.