Good news, Villagers! We are pleased to announce that several important forms are now available online, making it more convenient than ever to manage your requests from home. No more printing, scanning, or dropping off paperwork — just a few clicks, and you’re all set! 

Here’s a quick overview of the forms now available and why you might need them: 

🚗 Vehicle Registration Form 

Need a resident or guest vehicle barcode for community access? This form makes it easy to register your vehicle and activate barcodes. Each household can have up to five guest barcodes. 

🏌️‍♂️Golf Cart Registration Form 

Register your gas or electric golf cart to keep your account up to date. There’s a $8 decal fee for registration. If you have an electric cart, there’s a $15 fee — plus another $5 if you need a designated storage/charging spot. Planning to use it on the golf course? A $21 trail fee applies. Note: We send out decal orders at the end of each month for that month’s submissions, so you can expect to receive your decal by the following month. 

🏡 Garage/Estate Sale Permit 

Hosting a sale? Sales are allowed only once per year per household and must be held between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This form helps Public Safety manage sale activity so that neighbors are informed and prepared for any extra activity. 

🚙 Extended Parking Permit 

Leaving your vehicle in a common area while you’re away? Use this form to avoid receiving a citation or being towed for unauthorized parking. Unauthorized vehicles can only be parked in a common area for 48 hours. Be sure to include your vehicle details and the dates it will be parked. 

📦 Temporary Exception Form (Porta Potty, PODS, Dumpsters) 

If you need to place a dumpster, POD, or porta potty for home improvements or clean-outs, this form ensures proper placement and approval from Public Safety. 

How to Access the Forms 

All forms are available on the Member Portal under the Public Safety tab. Once submitted, they’ll be reviewed and processed promptly. If you have questions, stop by Building B or contact Public Safety at (408) 239-5246 or email publicsafety@the-villages.com. 

The Public Safety Department would like to remind all residents of the simple process for guests and vendors entering The Villages. Our goal is to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all, while ensuring proper access protocols are followed.

Entry Process for Guests & Vendors

When arriving at The Villages, all guests and vendors must provide:
✅ The house number of the resident they are visiting (each address is unique, making it easy to verify).
✅ Their full name to confirm entry.

This quick and straightforward process helps maintain security while allowing approved visitors to enter promptly.

Resident Responsibility

To ensure your guests experience a smooth entry:
✔ Check your guest list on GateAccess.net or via the GateAccess app to confirm that all expected visitors are listed correctly.
✔ Inform your guests to have your house number ready when they arrive to prevent delays at the gate.
✔ If any updates are needed or you require assistance with your GateAccess account, please contact Public Safety Administration at publicsafety@the-villags.com.  We’re happy to help!

Thank you for your attention to this important reminder!

📞 Public Safety Administration Contact: 408-239-5246 Building B

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==

Beware! Watch out for scams

It would be nearly impossible to list all of the telephone and computer scams perpetrated against seniors. Many of the techniques employ very similar methods. The ones listed below are of a particular variety that have been reported by Villages residents over the years. Always be on the lookout for new scams as well as the “old favorites.” These two old favorites rely on the very powerful emotion of fear and the ensuing panic:

Your friend in trouble abroad. You get an email that appears to be from someone you know—a relative, friend or neighbor—in a predicament, desperately asking for help, usually in the form of money to be wired overseas. Being the compassionate person you are, you immediately send them the money so they can get out of their unfortunate situation—after all, you know they will pay you back. If you wire the money, you have just donated your mad money to criminals. This scam is simple to defeat. Just stop and think. Call the supposed “victims” at their home number, and they’ll most likely answer the phone and tell you that they are not trapped in a holding cell somewhere overseas. Of course, to foil the criminals, they’ll have to change their e-mail address because someone has hacked their email address book.

The grandchild in trouble. Similar to the previous scam, you get a panicked call from someone with a young voice saying, “Grandma I’m in jail! I need bail money or they’re going to…” You panic and send the money to the place the voice tells you. Oops! You forgot to ask that poor “victim” a few questions in order to prove the scammer was really a family member. Hint: Have a family code word to verify identity. Don’t panic, call the parents and most likely you will find that your grandchild is on the couch watching television.

Sadly, just last week a Bay Area news broadcast featured just such a story about a grandmother who was seen at a local supermarket feeding hundred-dollar bills into a cash-for-coins/Bitcoin machine. After several people approached her and tried to convince her she was being scammed, she came to the realization that the call from a distraught young voice was fake when she called her grandson to find out he was not in police custody in need of bail—the damage was done, however, because she had converted $90,000 into Bitcoin and lost that money forever. The criminal callers had upped the amount to $160,000 by that time.
And recently, some of the scumbags came up with a new wrinkle—hire an Uber or Lyft driver to come and pick up a box of cash or gift cards, etc. that has been placed on your porch to be picked up.

A Good Thing to Remember

Remember, it is easy for criminals to pose as agents or representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, companies or organizations in order to trick you. Most often they’ll use the powerful motivators of fear or greed to entice you into their traps. As they pull you in, they’ll urge you to “hurry” because of enhanced consequences or a potential missed opportunity. Once they have you in a state of panic or in a “feeding frenzy,” you’ll be easily manipulated because you’ve been misdirected.

Agencies In Place to Help Us

Depending upon the type of fraud, there are numerous agencies you can contact to report criminal activity. You may call the San Jose Police Department’s 311 number to report credit card fraud or attempts to steal your identity. The FBI and Federal Trade Commission also have fraud departments. Furthermore, these attacks fall under the category of elder abuse. The county district attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit can be reached at the toll-free number 1-855-DAELDER or 1-855-323-5337.

Summary

You can keep from being scammed!

Stop and pause

Don’t panic

Think about the situation

Report illegal activity

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.

For general Xfinity support, please call 855-307-4896.

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!