Jules Labador

June 21, 2020 by Jules Labador

When Social Distancing Restrictions Are Lifted — A Look at University Park Center in Irvine

Shoppers fill up the Wholesome Choice parking lo

Over the past few weeks, Orange County has slowly been opening back up again after closing down non-essential businesses to slow down the spread of COVID-19. As it enters Phase 2 of the reopening plan more and more people are beginning to head out once again and enjoy the summer sun. Just a little over a month ago, you’d see shopping centers and plazas almost barren of people wandering about. But now there’s a different picture being painted. While these places are starting to be filled back up with life, businesses are handling it with caution. Grocery stores like Albertsons are wiping down carts before an employee hand them to shoppers, and small plazas like University Park Center in the image above have designated persons regularly wiping down tables and seats.

A family enjoys their lunch sitting outside a Class 302

Since Summer is upon us and outdoor spaces are starting to allow guests, you can see many families and friends taking advantage of the wonderful Orange County weather and eating outside. Here in this image of Class 302 Cafe, there were people to its left and right enjoying the Summer breeze under the shade of a tree. But it wasn’t like this just a couple weeks ago. Before, you’d see the occasional person walk in and out of a store, with no one hanging around these areas. But now, they’re starting to fill up with people.

Just 3 days ago, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Californians are now required to wear face coverings in high risk areas to slow the growing spread of Coronavirus cases. To find more on the official statement from the California Department of Public Health, you can read up on it here. This news comes just after Orange County announced that residents are not required to wear face masks (although highly recommended). Despite these conflicting orders, the majority of people are continuing to wear masks. There are only a few here and there that refuse to wear them.

As businesses continue to open and the number of COVID-19 cases start to rise again, it will be interesting to see how Orange County residents and officials will handle the county’s slow reopening.

An employee pushes carts left out by shoppers

Modern Residences in Irvine: Avenue One, Central Park West, The Plaza, Marquee, and Watermarke

June 16, 2020 by Jules Labador

Great and affordable place to live in Irvine – Park West Apartments

Irvine offers a wide range of places to live in, so it can be quite difficult finding a great but affordable location. If you’re looking to move, then you’ve come to the right place. Park West Apartment Homes is just off the 405 Freeway, sits right across University Park Center and is perfect for current students that attend University of California, Irvine or for new grads! It’s a short 5 minute drive to the UC Irvine campus, 15 minutes to the Irvine Spectrum Center, and 10 minutes to South Coast Plaza — centrally located between them thus making it an easy access point.

Street view from the 3900 block. Street parking is available from 6pm – 7am.

According to their website, each unit includes Internet, heating and air conditioning, full range of kitchen appliances, and more! The community also has a total of 5 different swimming pools, gas barbecues, an indoor fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, and more. A full list can be found here. Unlike many other communities in Irvine, Park West also offers free overnight street parking for both guests and residents to use — which is a rare but golden find in Irvine! 1 bed / 1 bath apartments average at around $1,800 a month, 2 bed / 1 bath average around $2,000 a month, and 2 bed / 2 bath are around $2,150 a month, and 3 bed / 2 bath are around $2,600 a month. Each come with a 12-month lease, with the exception of a few offering 13-month leases.

May 20, 2020 by Jules Labador

Culver Plaza – May 2020

All That Barbecue is closed for dine-in customers.

Just half a mile away from the 5 freeway, Culver Plaza is home to numerous stores and restaurants. It’s not as popular to UCI students compared to other plazas in Irvine since it’s a bit of a drive to get there from campus and transportation is a struggle for most students, but it’s still nonetheless a great place to shop, eat, and hang out with friends. All That Barbecue is a Korean barbecue spot my friends and I enjoy going to from time-to-time because they have a great selection of meats and a pretty good lunch special if you can get there on time.

Customers line up outside of 99 Ranch Market, waiting their turn to go in

Just next door is a great place to shop for groceries and Asian foods — 99 Ranch Market. In the image above, you can see customers lining up outside of the store waiting to enter while maintaining a 6-foot space between themselves and the next person over. The wait didn’t appear to be that long since everyone in the photo was able to make it in by the time I left, but it’s still good to see social distancing rules are still being enforced.

In the same plaza you can find a McDonald’s, which is the perfect spot to satisfy the late night cravings. And if you’re not in the mood for that there’s a Panda Express, KFC, Pokéworks, and more! There’s a wide variety for you to choose from so you’re guaranteed to be satisfied!

Modern Residences in Irvine: Avenue One, Central Park West, The Plaza, Marquee, and Watermarke

April 28, 2020 by Jules Labador

Stadium Lofts Anaheim Remodel Progress

A view from the East side of the building. The exterior is getting a complete makeover to a new gray color scheme from the original yellow/beige-dominant stadium colors of when it was first constructed in 2006.

Located in the Platinum Triangle in Anaheim right along Katella Ave., the Stadium Lofts is a condo complex with beautiful and resort-style amenities. It’s a short 10-minute drive to Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney, making it the perfect place for those who want the ability to enjoy it all-year long. Right now it’s going under a re-modeling process where both the pool and the building’s exterior will be renovated. Here are some photos of the pool’s progress taken by one of the residents.

Photo of the construction going on in the pool area. Photo taken by resident Paul A.

Photo taken by Stadium Lofts Resident Paul A — shows Day 2 laying down the base for the pavers.

Modern residences located in Anaheim: Colony Park Anaheim, The Domain, Harbor Lofts, Lewis + Mason Anaheim

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