RSVP Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SpringVEE2025

Start collecting your old monitors, computers, small appliances and other broken or out of date  electronic waste. The Villages will host a community e-waste event on Saturday, May 31. Details will be published closer to the date.

We have heard from many Villagers about the desire to have The Villages recycle beer and wine bottles. At this time, The Villages is unable to offer this service, however there are resources nearby. Due to changes in recycling laws, beverage containers without a CRV label are now recyclable. This includes glass, aluminum and plastic beverage containers. Villagers can now take their wine and beer bottles, cans, juice containers and water bottles to Re-Use Recycling on 2930 Aborn Square Road to get paid for these recyclables. They are located in the shopping center parking lot on the corner of Aborn Road and Capitol Expressway. Please see the specifics below.

Recycling Center Details for Re-Use Recycling 

2930 Aborn Square Rd
San Jose, CA 95121
(510) 674-5206

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

For Your Safety: Villa Key Submissions 

Emergencies can happen when we least expect—whether it’s a medical emergency, maintenance issue, or urgent safety concern. Quick access to your home can make all the difference in getting the assistance you need. That’s why residents of condos and single-family homes are reminded to provide a copy of their villa key to Public Safety, now located at Building B. 

Why Should You Submit a Key?

Condo owners are required to submit their villa key to Public Safety, according to The Villages Association Rules: 2.15. This is a proactive measure that enhances both safety and convenience.

Similarly, Homeowners’ Rules although not mandatory, encourage homeowners to provide a key to Public Safety to prevent delays in accessing the home in case of an emergency. Having quick access can minimize the risk of property damage.

How Are Keys Stored & Used?

Keys are securely stored and accessed only by authorized Public Safety personnel when necessary. If entry is required, an Entry Notice will be left behind, and whenever possible, a witness will be present to ensure transparency.

Lost & Found Hasn’t Moved!

Although departments have moved within the Administration Buildings (A-D) Lost & Found hasn’t. Lost & Found remains in Building B. If you or a guest misplace an item, be sure to check there for assistance. Or, if you find something left behind, we ask that you be a good neighbor and bring the lost item to us.

Business Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.)

Don’t delay! Lost items will be safely kept for 30 days. On day 31, the item will be discarded. 

After nearly two years, our dedicated resident volunteers, on January 7, received the Firewise USA certificate of recognition. The Villages is the first Firewise community in the City of San Jose and the largest in Santa Clara County. Since November 2024, the committee has been conducting home ignition zone inspections, utilizing Fire Aside software and iPads to assess key exterior building and landscaping components. A Wildfire Preparation Workshop event is planned for May 3 as part of the National Wildfire Preparation Day in conjunction with Firewise program sponsor, the National Fire Prevention Association.

For more coverage
https://sccfiresafe.org/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGTWLpnP4Hm/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Ever been startled by that annoying chirping sound in the middle of the night, only to realize it’s coming from your home’s smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) detector? While the instinct might be to remove the battery and go back to sleep, that sound is a crucial warning—your detector may be reaching the end of its lifespan.

Smoke & CO Detectors Expire – Here’s Why It Matters

Many homeowners don’t realize that smoke and CO detectors have a limited lifespan. Most models need to be replaced every 10 years to ensure they remain effective in detecting fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Over time, dust, dirt, and environmental factors can affect their sensors, making them unreliable.

Association Rule 2.26: Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements

In accordance with California Health and Safety Code and California Building Code, all homes must be equipped with properly installed smoke and CO alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 720 specifies that:
✔ CO detectors must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of a dwelling.
✔ Smoke alarms must comply with state and local installation codes to ensure proper placement and function.

Additionally, the Villages Association Rules require the following:

• Annual Testing: Homeowners or renters must test alarms (or have them tested by a third party) every year to ensure functionality.
• Required Replacements: Any alarm older than 10 years should be replaced with a model featuring a permanently installed 10-year battery.
• Compliance Statement: Homeowners must submit a Statement of Compliance confirming that all alarms in their unit are in working order.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Detectors

• Not sure if your detectors are due for replacement? Here are a few signs to check:
  ✅ Chirping or beeping – A consistent sound (not caused by a low battery) could indicate that the unit has expired.
  ✅ Yellowing plastic – Many detectors discolor with age, signaling they are past their prime.
  ✅ No response to testing – If pressing the test button doesn’t trigger a loud alarm, it’s time for a replacement.
  ✅ Manufacture date older than 10 years – Check the back of the detector for a date. If it’s more than a decade old, replace it immediately.

A Simple Step for a Safer Home

• Taking a few minutes to check and replace expired detectors can be a lifesaving decision. Fires and CO leaks are silent dangers, but a working alarm can give you and your loved ones the critical seconds needed to escape safely.
• So, if you haven’t checked your detectors in a while, now’s the time! Stay safe and stay protected.

In a continued effort to enhance safety and convenience for residents and visitors, the Public Safety Department is pleased to announce the installation of new Public Safety Courtesy Lines throughout the property. These strategically placed call boxes provide direct communication with the Public Safety team at the front gate, ensuring assistance is always within reach.

Instant Access to Assistance

Whether you’ve forgotten your phone at home or find yourself in need of immediate assistance, these call boxes offer a simple, direct, and reliable way to contact Public Safety. With just the push of a button, users will be connected to a Public Safety Officer who can provide guidance, dispatch assistance, or answer questions.

Reliable Even in Emergencies

Understanding the importance of communication during power outages and emergencies, all call boxes are off the grid, powered by solar energy with backup battery support. This ensures that they remain fully operational even during storms, blackouts, or other unexpected disruptions.

Designed for Your Safety and Peace of Mind

• Easy to use – Press a button for direct communication with Public Safety.
• Solar-powered with backup battery – Operational 24/7, even in power outages.
• Strategic placement – Located in key areas for quick and easy access.

Your Safety, Our Priority

The addition of these call boxes is part of a broader initiative to enhance safety, accessibility, and peace of mind for everyone on the property. Whether you need directions, assistance, or emergency support, help is now just a button away.

*Hover over image to zoom in (Desktop/Laptop)
*Pinch outwards on the screen with two fingers to zoom in (Phones/Tablets)
*Click on image to enlarge

Deisy Gomez, The Villages Comcast/Xfinity Account Manager, is available for virtual appointments every Friday by appointment from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Please use https://calendly.com/deisygomez1326/the-villages to make an appointment

As a friendly reminder, residents can continue to enjoy the convenience of GateAccess.net to manage guest access with ease. Whether you prefer the quick online option or a simple phone call, this system ensures your visitors are cleared efficiently and securely.

Option 1: Manage Guest Access Online with GateAccess.net

For those who like the ease of managing tasks online, GateAccess.net remains a reliable tool for handling guest access. Here’s how you can continue to use it:

1. Log In with Ease
Visit www.gateaccess.net. Select VGCC from the Community Code drop-down menu. By default, your primary phone number is your username (enter it without dashes or brackets, e.g., 4081234567). Enter the password provided during your initial registration, then click Login.

2. Add Guests in a Few Simple Steps
Click on the Guest List tab and select Add a New Guest. Fill in your guest’s last name, first name, and the start and end dates of their visit. Once complete, click Update to finalize the process.

This option is perfect for residents who enjoy managing their guest lists from the comfort of their own home, or even on the go.

Option 2: Clear Guests by Phone

For those who prefer a personal touch or need to clear guests quickly, you can still call the Public Safety Plaza at 408-223-4665. Simply provide your name, house number, and your guest’s name(s), and they’ll handle the rest.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions or need help, the Public Safety Administrative Office is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m at 408-239-5246. For after-hours or weekend support, you can contact the Main Gate at 408-223-4665.

Keep Your Guests’ Visits Hassle-Free

GateAccess.net continues to offer a hassle-free way to ensure your guests can access the community smoothly and securely. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or service providers, this system keeps the process simple and efficient.

Additionally, please remind your guests to provide the front gate with the house number they are visiting, followed by their full name, when checking in. This helps expedite the process and ensures a seamless entry experience for everyone involved.

Take advantage of this convenient feature to manage your guest access with ease!

Proper Lightbulb Disposal Guidelines
Disposing of household lightbulbs correctly depends on the type of bulb. Here’s what you need to know:

Incandescent Bulbs
Old-fashioned incandescent bulbs can be disposed of in the regular trash. However, to ensure safety, wrap them in newspaper and tape or place them in a sealed bag to contain the glass. Note: These bulbs are not recyclable.

Fluorescent Tubes, CFL Bulbs, and LED Bulbs
These types of bulbs are considered hazardous waste and cannot be placed in the bins at The Villages. They must be recycled at a hazardous waste facility.

Monthly Recycling at The Villages (Trial Basis)
The Villages will host a trial program to collect a limited number of fluorescent tubes, CFLs, and LED bulbs for recycling. This service will take place once per month, beginning on Friday, February 28, alongside the household battery collection event.  Watch for details