California Palms Apartments

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at California Palms

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:02:21 GMT

At California Palms Apartments , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us.

1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App

The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs:

Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card.
Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow.
Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime.

2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata

Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata.

How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.)

3. More Ways the App Helps You

Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Santa Ana community. You can:

Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs.
Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details.
Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents.

At California Palms Apartments , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.

How to Celebrate the Holidays in Santa Ana, CA!

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:53:06 GMT

The holidays are here, and it’s time to spread some cheer! Soak up the holiday spirit by participating in the various holiday festivities in and near Santa Ana, California. From a snow slide and a holiday-themed aquarium to Christmas performances and volunteer opportunities, there are so many ways to celebrate and share laughter, joy, and love.

The best part of celebrating the holidays in Santa Ana, California, is that the nice weather provides more opportunities to get outside and be with others. Whether you are looking for an excuse to spend time with your friends, roommates, or family members, here are a few ideas to celebrate the holiday season this year near our lovely town of Santa Ana!

Activities

There are so many fall and holiday activities near Santa Ana to keep you busy this season! Here are some of our favorite holiday activities happening near Santa Ana, California.

Winter Village

You won’t find much wintry weather in Southern California. In Santa Ana, however, there will be a winter wonderland through the whole month of December. Head over to the Santa Ana Civic Center Plaza to enjoy a host of wintry activities, including ice skating, food trucks, and vendors at the Santa Ana Winter Village . Kids will also enjoy meeting Santa Claus and reading with Mrs. Claus.

Winter in the Grove

Kickstart your holiday festivities with Winter in the Grove in nearby Garden Grove on December 2. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at Village Green Park and will have free refreshments and lots of activities for kids and adults alike. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, check out the craft boutique, and enjoy the snow slide and tree lighting.

Aquarium Holidays

From December 2 to 23, don’t forget to attend Aquarium Holidays at the Santa Ana aquarium. Enjoy festive decor, holiday shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, appearances by Santa Diver, and Hanukkah storytelling. Whether you’re looking for a family- or kid-friendly activity or simply are an animal lover, the aquarium will surely warm your heart and bring a smile to your face! Advanced reservations are required, so we recommend signing up early while there are still plenty of spots left.

Shows and Performances

For those who enjoy theater or live performances, this section is for you! Embrace the holidays by attending one (or all) of the three shows below.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

It’s just not Christmas without an appearance by the Grinch. At the Segerstrom Center for the Arts , your heart can grow three sizes as you enjoy a production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical from December 19 through December 24. Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy the performance and leave with souls full of the Christmas spirit.

The Nutcracker

Is it really the holiday season without The Nutcracker ? Don’t miss this spectacular production by the American Ballet Theatre starting on Friday, December 8. Follow Clara as she befriends a nutcracker and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. The stunning costumes, music, choreography, and winter wonderland props will leave you and the entire audience in awe.

Shopping

Shopping during the holiday season can be stressful and intimidating. The good news is that there are so many places other than the mall to buy gifts for your loved ones. From small boutiques to holiday festivals, you’ll have multiple opportunities near Santa Ana to find the perfect presents.

Vintage Market

If you’ve never been to a Sugar Plum festival, now is your chance to go. The Sugar Plum Festival will be held multiple times throughout the holiday season. Browse beautiful antiques and collectibles, recycled items, and other unique treasures. Do your Hannukah, Christmas, and New Year’s shopping at the festival from November 29 through December 2, and check out the all-new Christmas Store from December 6 through December 17.

M.Lovewell

Located in Downtown Santa Ana on 4th street, M.Lovewell is a boutique shop that sells stationery goods, gifts, plants, and decor. The next time you need a thoughtful gift or a special holiday card, consider making a stop here and supporting this small local business.

Acts of Service

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by serving others. Thankfully, our Santa Ana community and nearby cities offer a variety of service opportunities. Pick a day in the upcoming weeks and make a plan to get out and serve! Here are two of our favorite service opportunities near Santa Ana, California, that you can choose from.

Someone Care’s Soup Kitchen

Someone Care’s Soup Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 300 guests daily. On certain holidays, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, the soup kitchen creates an incredible dining experience for its guests by serving exceptional holiday food to the homeless, which, on average, is about 500 individuals each holiday. The soup kitchen is always looking for volunteers all year long. Visit their website, email info@someonecareskitchen.org, or call (949) 548-8861 for more information.

Senior Santa & Friends

Senior Santa & Friends provides gifts and everyday household items to low-income and/or disabled elderly adults. Each holiday season, the staff at Orange County Health Care Agency chooses elderly individuals who could benefit from an extra boost of love and service. Last year alone, the organization donated almost 2,721 gifts to seniors. To donate clothing, medical equipment, nutritional supplements, or other items, please call (714) 825-3111 or email Senior.Santa@ssa.ocgov.com.

Safe Celebration

When enjoying the holiday season, it’s essential to follow safety protocols. Up to 7,400 fires are started because of household candles, and although we love smelling cinnamon and cedar fir scents throughout our community, we care that all our residents are safe! With that being said, we ask that all residents safely light candles in their homes and never leave a candle unattended.

Another safety protocol to follow is to take special care of your live Christmas tree. Water your tree continually to prevent it from drying out, keep all open flames away from the branches, and make sure to turn off all decorative holiday lights when you leave home. Following these steps will ensure you have an enjoyable and safe holiday season!

Refer to this holiday guide if you’re looking for ways near Santa Ana to help you embrace the festive season. From activities and shopping to performances and service, you’ll be in the holiday spirit in no time! Happy holidays from our friendly staff here at California Palms .

The 5 Best Taco Shops in Santa Ana, California

Tue, 02 May 2023 18:59:00 GMT

Breaking down the types of tacos these establishments offer, relevant customer reviews from the locations, and the perfect place to go to enjoy your tacos, here are the top five taco shops in Santa Ana, CA.

Why Your Pet Will Love Our Pet-Friendly Apartment in Santa Ana

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:24:00 GMT

“A dog is a man’s best friend” is a famous saying that we’re sure you’re familiar with, and if you are a dog, cat, or animal lover, you probably agree with the sentiment. Pets bring so much joy and comfort to our lives and are believed to have emotional and physical healing powers . It’s no wonder why 11.3 million Americans have purchased a new pet during the pandemic.

Whether or not you are new to the pet ownership game, finding a home that allows pets and enables you and your pet to enjoy life is crucial to both you and your furry companion’s happiness. At California Palms Apartments in Santa Ana, we love pets and are proud to be pet-friendly! Our focus is to create the best living environment possible for you and your fluffy friends. Here are three reasons why your pet will love our pet-friendly community, paired with a few tips for pet owners.

Plenty of Space

Our pet-friendly apartment community offers plenty of exercise space for pets and their owners. Our property includes a dog run with agility equipment for dogs to play and exercise. Visit our outdoor courtyard to soak up the California sunshine or take a walk around the property for some much-needed exercise. Our courtyards are lined with covered tables to help you escape from the heat as well as plush grass that will be cool on your pet’s paws. Our property is safe to walk around––we have speed bumps throughout the parking lots to prevent speeding and paved paths leading to and from the leasing office.

As you strive to provide your pet with plenty of space, follow these tips:

Lots of Socializing

We couldn’t call ourselves a pet-friendly apartment if we didn’t offer pet amenities. At California Palms, we have an onsite gated dog run, making it easy and safe to play fetch with your pet. Our dog run is quite popular, so you’ll have the privilege of making new friends with your fellow residents while your dog plays. We even have a pet wash station to clean up after playing!

If you want to meet up with more furry friends, you aren’t far from some great dog parks. A 15-minute drive will take you to Garden Grove Dog Park, where Fido can frolic to his heart’s content. If your pup is a fan of the waves, you can head to Dog Beach in under 30 minutes for some pet-friendly sand adventures.

When taking your pet to socialize with other animals, follow these tips:

Monitored Noise Control

At California Palms , we want our pet VIPs to enjoy our community by playing and socializing; however, we also need to be considerate to our fellow neighbors. In the evenings, we ask our residents to keep their noise level low, and we expect this from their pets, too.

When monitoring the noise levels of your pets while living in an apartment, here are a few tips:

Finding the right pet-friendly apartment is so important for you and your pet! At California Palms, we offer plenty of space, encourage pet socialization, and monitor noise levels so that our property can be the best it can be. Wherever you live, always be considerate of your pet’s needs and your fellow neighbors by following our helpful tips above. And of course, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment, we know you will love ours! Call us today for more information.

Santa Ana Spotlight: Orange County Museum of Art

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 20:37:00 GMT

Do we have any art lovers out there? Well, whether you are an art fanatic or just someone looking for a new activity, going to an art museum is definitely something that you should consider doing. Did you know that going to an art museum can actually lead to a decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone ? That’s right. Not only are they beautiful, educational, and exciting, but they reduce stress as well!

Here in Santa Ana, the Orange County Museum of Art is the perfect place to see some incredible masterpieces. Here are three things to know before you enjoy it for yourself.

About OCMA

The Orange County Museum of Art holds over 4,500 works of art , focusing on art produced during the 20th and 21st centuries by artists based in California and countries around the Pacific Rim. The art includes a variety of traditional paintings, sculptures, photography, video, digital, and installation art . The OCMA is so popular that it attracts more than 40,000 visitors annually from around the globe. This museum is truly as impressive as it sounds and definitely worth the visit.

The Building

Although the OCMA is temporarily located in Santa Ana’s South Coast Village , the new museum—currently in the works—is going to be breathtaking. Doubling in size, the new 53,000-square-foot building will be a “work of art inside and out,” with an incredible gallery space along with other large gathering spaces, including a rooftop terrace. Although the museum is amazing as it currently is, look out for the new, incredible location opening in late 2022. It is going to be worth the wait!

Current Exhibit

If you are heading to the Orange County Museum of Art soon, get excited about the current exhibit, here till April 15, 2022. “Infinite Money” by Sarah Cain features an artistic variation of one-dollar bills, and it encourages the guests to make a wish. It is happy, vibrant, and inviting! Seeing this exhibit is going to brighten your day, so make sure to check it out!

We hope you take the time to stop by the Orange County Museum of Art in Santa Ana and enjoy all the beautiful art that it displays! And when the time comes, we know the new location will be even more incredible! It’s just one of many features making Santa Ana a wonderful place to live! If you are planning on sticking around, take a look at California Palms Apartments in Santa Ana, CA. We can’t wait to meet you!

Image Credit: Orange County Museum of Art

Best Places for the Best Views in Santa Ana

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:28:00 GMT

Santa Ana, California, is a beautiful place. There are so many ways to interact with that beauty directly, from museums to zoos, parks to shops, and more.

While we love getting close and personal with the sites, there’s just something special about viewing that beauty from above. Here are three places with the best views in Santa Ana. Check them out!

Peters Canyon

Peters Canyon Loop Trail leads to one of the best views in Santa Ana. Just 25 minutes away from us at California Palms Apartments , the trail is 5.9 miles long with a 623-foot elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll see wildflowers, a lake, and lots of greenery. Just follow I-5 S and Tustin Ranch Road to Pioneer Way in Tustin. That will lead to Peters Canyon Road and the trail head.

San Juan Loop Trail

The San Juan Loop Trail is an easy-to-moderate 2.5-mile hike that takes about an hour and a half. Once you make it up to the highest point, there is a great view of the basin below! Along the way, you’ll see seasonal waterfalls and a beautiful old-growth oak forest. If you want more of a challenge, you can branch off onto Chiquito Trail and follow San Juan Creek to Ortega Falls. Hop on I-5 S and CA-74/Ortega Hwy. to Riverside County. That’ll take you to the Trail Head Parking Lot in Lake Elsinore .

Quail Hill Trail

Quail Hill Trail is an easy two-mile hike with a total ascent of 164 feet, offering expansive views of the valley and Saddleback Mountain in the distance. It’s a great one for families, with bathrooms and a cell phone audio guide for the wildlife you’ll encounter—like roadrunners and quail. The trail is dirt packed, so you can use a jogging stroller if needed. To get there, head onto I-405 N and take exit 3 onto Sand Canyon Ave. and then onto Shady Canyon Drive.

There you have it—some of the best views in Santa Ana. Hike up Peters Canyon, San Juan Loop Trail, or Quail Hill Trail for some beautiful sights you won’t forget! Once you experience these gorgeous hikes, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Santa Ana! When you do, consider moving to California Palms Apartments .

California Palms Apartments offers studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent in Santa Ana, California.

Check Out How to Increase Your Credit Score with Online Rent

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 23:07:00 GMT

Why is it important to increase your credit score? According to Experian , a good credit score can help you access the best credit cards, get the lowest interest on loans, get insurance discounts, and get approved for housing rentals.

One of the best ways you can increase your credit score is through your online rent payments. To make sure your monthly rent is counted toward your credit score, make sure you pay it online, pay with your credit card, and get your rent payments reported to credit bureaus.

Paying Rent Online

Paying rent online is the first step to make sure it can get recognized and factored into your credit score.

At California Palms Apartments , we make this easy for you through our online resident portal . No need to write a check or come to our office; simply log into the portal each month to make your payment!

Paying with Your Credit Card

Next, paying with your credit card helps ensure your credit score gets the full benefit from your online payments. LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance , advises, “Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month. The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Paying with a credit card isn’t required, but it can be a nice little boost to your credit score in combination with the benefits of paying your rent online.

Reporting to Credit Bureaus

Once you have paid your rent online, you need to make sure your payments are recognized by the credit bureaus and calculated into your report. According to RentTrack , “[reporting] won’t happen automatically. . . . You need a certified data furnisher who can report your rent to the credit bureaus.” Using a reporting agency such as RentTrack will make sure your payment is seen by credit bureaus.

As you pay rent online with a credit card and make sure the rent gets reported to credit bureaus, you will see your credit score soar!

At California Palms, We Are All About Living Green

Tue, 25 May 2021 17:25:00 GMT

A household leak on average loses about 10 gallons of water per day. Imagine how much that can add up to if leaks are left unfixed. If every American household had a leak, that would lead to a loss of 928 million gallons of water a day! Now, there might not be a leak in every single house, but this just goes to show how much the little things at home can make a big difference in our resources and environment.

Here at California Palms Apartments , we are all about living green—not just with water, but also with other resources. Some of the ways we have committed to living green include watching our water usage, cutting back on plastic and paper, and recycling.

Watch the Water Usage

Since Santa Ana, California, can experience droughts, we aim to use water sparingly. To make sure of this, our property has drought-tolerant landscaping. This means we use plants, such as succulents, that don’t require much water. We have also installed a drip irrigation system and replaced some grass and mulch areas with beautiful stone. This allows us to save gallons of water!

Indoors, we save on water with our plumbing system. Most toilets use about 3.5 gallons of water every time they flush, but not ours! We have low-flow toilets , which use about 20 percent less water than regular toilets. Each low-flow toilet can surprisingly save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.

Cut Back on Plastic and Paper

At California Palms, we have a water bottle refill station onsite, significantly reducing the waste from plastic water bottles. In addition to this, we go paperless by doing all of our rent payments, maintenance requests, resident applications, and communications online. Not only is this convenient for our residents, but it eliminates the need for unnecessary paper waste.

In our community, we strive to provide quality services to help make your life as a resident a little easier. Visit our new resident portal to pay your rent online, enter a maintenance service request, browse our calendar for upcoming activities, and much more!

Recycle

Another important step to living green is to recycle. Here is a general list of things you can and can’t recycle :

Near Santa Ana, you can drop your recycling off at Good Earth Recycling Center . This simple effort to recycle can make a positive impact on our planet.

We’re Excited to Announce Organic Waste Recycling!

Organic waste recycling will be coming soon to our local community, and we can’t wait to participate! This initiative will help keep millions of pounds of food waste out of landfills and turn them into compost and renewable natural gas. We’ll keep you up to date as this program expands throughout the state.

At California Palms, living green is one of our priorities. We will always do our best to help our environment, and we encourage all of our residents to do the same. Contact us today to book a tour and learn more!

AMC Holds Memorial Tree Planting to Honor the Lives of Three Outstanding Employees

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:13:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 22, three AMC properties held memorial tree planting services to celebrate the lives of three beloved and outstanding employees: Salvador Saenz (Serena Vista Apartments in Fountain Valley), Efren Diaz (Countrywood Apartments in Redlands), and Tuesday Beard (Lakewood Manor Apartments in Lakewood).

Salvador was an incredible individual. For 12 years, he came to work with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. From carrying our residents’ groceries to assisting them with their needs, Salvador lived a life of excellence and kindness.

Efren graced our company with his friendly personality, contagious smile, and strong values. His dedication to our residents shone through his actions and words. He was considered the heart and soul of every job because he had no enemies—only brothers, sisters, and friends—and he was an example to us all.

Tuesday Beard was a talented, kind, and dedicated woman loved by every member of her team at Lakewood. After she was hired as a leasing consultant in December of 2017, she quickly gained the recognition she deserved for her hard work and dedication to the community when she won Leasing Consultant of the Year for 2018.

These individuals have positively impacted the lives of so many VIPs across several AMC properties. We are honored to have known and worked alongside them. The beautiful trees we planted are reminders of the amazing legacy they left with us. May we cherish their memory always. Thank you, Salvador, Efren, and Tuesday, for your wonderful examples and kind spirits.

Looking for Apartments in Santa Ana? Here’s Why You Should Choose California Palms

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:57:00 GMT

While Santa Ana is known for being the most populous city in Orange County, California, it’s also home to an artsy downtown, which features a unique combination of art galleries, coffee shops, theaters, and boutiques. There is so much to love about Santa Ana—from its bustling streets to its beautiful view of the river—that it’s no surprise if you’re interested in moving here.

If you’re searching for apartments in Santa Ana, California Palms Apartments could be exactly what you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out why.

Purrrfect Amenities for You and Your Furry Friends

California Palms features a wide range of amenities that are sure to please both you and your favorite pets. As a pet-friendly community, we prioritize your happiness as well as the well-being of your furry friends. Here is a list of a few of our most popular amenities:

Our fitness center is officially open to all of our residents, and we recently renovated it to better suit your needs. Everything you need to live a happy and healthy life is only steps away from your front door.

Cozy and Spacious Floor Plans

When you and your pets don’t feel like leaving your apartment, you won’t need to worry about feeling cramped. Our one-bedroom floor plan options will leave you with more than enough room to stretch out on the sofa and watch movies while snuggled up with your pup. With a newly renovated space featuring custom cabinets, granite countertops, and wood-style flooring, you will fall in love with your new home.

Convenient Location

Beyond the grounds of our community, there are so many fun things to do throughout the city! Santa Ana is home to the Santa Ana Zoo and Bowers Museum , as well as so many delicious restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, and shopping centers with all the stores you may need. You will never run out of new places to explore or new things to try.

California Palms is within walking distance of dozens of local restaurants, cafés, and shopping. It is also near the 22 and 405 freeways, which means you’ll have easy access to anything that Santa Ana—and Orange County—has to offer.

If you’ve been searching for apartments in Santa Ana, California Palms offers three things that are perfect for a new home: great amenities, spacious living, and a convenient location. Schedule a tour today to learn more about why our apartments could be the best new home for you!

Give Goal Setting Another Go with These Three Tips

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:37:00 GMT

It’s February, and for many of us, that may mean that we’ve sort of dropped the ball on our new year’s resolutions. No judgment here! It’s difficult to stick with a goal while also taking care of all of our other responsibilities.

But accomplishing a great goal can do so much to help us be the happiest, best version of ourselves. So we wanted to take a look at how to restart the goal-setting process when it’s fallen by the wayside. Here are three steps to take:

Step 1: Determine Why Your Original Goal Didn’t Work Out

This article dives deep into why goal setting sometimes doesn’t work out. Check it out if you’d like more details, but in the meantime, here’s a summary:

Let’s say David’s original goal was to learn 1,000 new Mandarin Chinese words by the end of the year. He figured that would break down to about 20 words a week, which seemed doable at first. But by the end of January, the 80 words he hoped to learn were all jumbled in his mind, and he honestly only really knew about 30 of them.

What went wrong? Maybe the goal was a little too hard, especially since he only started learning Chinese recently. Maybe he didn’t find specific methods for how best to do it. Either way, it just wasn’t quite the right goal for him.

Evaluate why your goal didn’t work out. Then reset the goal with that element fixed. For example, if you chose a goal that you didn’t really care about, choose one that you do care about. Or if you set too many goals and got burned out, narrow down your goals to just one that you would really love to accomplish.

Step 2: Make a Realistic Plan

Once you figure out what went wrong with your original goal, it’s time to make a realistic goal setting plan that will help you to reach your new goal.

If you want to work out regularly, for example, “Commit to your workouts by scheduling them and prioritize those ‘appointments’ with yourself,” suggests Mercy Fitness Center . And “Set smaller goals that will help get you to your big goal while helping you develop better habits along the way. Remember that good health is a lifelong commitment.”

The same goes for any goal—if you want to become a better sketch artist, set appointments with yourself to work on it, and remember that creativity is a lifelong commitment! Or if you want to be better about calling your loved ones regularly, prioritize the time to call them, and set small goals that will help you along the way.

Step 3: Find Your “Why”

Why do you want to achieve the goal? Let’s say you want to get up earlier because it will give you more free time after work, a more peaceful start to each day, and better self-discipline. You want to keep these benefits top of mind, so put them on paper!

“Write down all of the reasons you committed to that goal in the first place,” says Kaylee Rupp at Lifehack . “It also helps to write down what benefits you’ve already seen; this motivates you to keep going so you can see more.”

No matter what you want to achieve, you can do it, even if goal setting has been challenging so far. By figuring out why you struggled with your original goal, making a realistic plan, and finding your “why,” you can achieve your goal and feel all the satisfaction that comes with it. We believe in you!

Three Small Local Restaurants You May Not Know Of

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:39:00 GMT

There’s nothing like finding a go-to restaurant for your cravings. At California Palms, we are lucky to have some amazing local restaurants that you can’t find anywhere else. Here are three of our favorites!

For Sushi

If you’re craving sushi, check out Sushi 21 Express on Harbor Boulevard. They’ve got classic sushi rolls, plus fun rolls like their Santa Ana Roll (crab and tomato on a California roll) and Jose’s Roll (crab, albacore, and spicy tuna with avocado on top). Delicious!

They also serve options like poke bowls, bulgogi, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and noodles. And if your roommates or family aren’t feeling any of those options, there are chicken or pork cutlets with soup, salad, and rice to fill them up. You can order online here .

For Tacos

Another one of our favorite local restaurants is Broadway Taco ! Also on Harbor Boulevard, this restaurant opened pretty recently in March 2020.

Their menu offers everything you could want. You have your choice of meat—from chicken to pork belly to tongue! And then you can put that meat on tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and more. It’s a super affordable and delicious spot that’s great for a quick bite!

For Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? Okay, some people don’t love it, but Pizza D’Z on Slater Avenue in Fountain Valley has both delicious pizza and other options to satisfy any belly!

They’ve got their pizza specials, like Vegetarian, Meat Eater, and Z’s Special (with olives, onions, pepperoni, green peppers, sausage, and mushrooms). And they also have their build-you-own-pizza option, with all the topping choices you could imagine. Shrimp scampi, anyone?

If you don’t want to buy a whole pizza, you can get a giant slice! And if you’re gluten intolerant, you can get yourself a gluten-free pizza.

If you’re not feeling pizza, there’s also pasta, roasted veggies, calzones, and sandwiches. And their weekly specials include lasagna, wings, spaghetti, chicken or eggplant parmigiana, ravioli manicotti and cannelloni, and seafood. Truly something for everyone!

Aren’t we lucky to have such delicious food nearby? Whether you’re a lover of sushi, tacos, pizza, or just food in all its forms, there are a ton of great options for you near California Palms Apartment Homes. Satisfy your cravings at one of our three favorites and support local restaurants while you’re at it!

All You Need to Know about Our Pet Policies at California Palms

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:08:00 GMT

There’s nothing quite like coming home to your dog wagging its tail in a frenzy to greet you, or to your cat giving you an aloof glance to acknowledge your presence. Owning a pet can change your life, both emotionally and physically. Pets can improve an owner’s physical fitness , lower stress, and even give cardiovascular health a boost.

With all that a pet can offer, it’s no surprise that people love their furry, feathery, and scaly friends. When you are looking for a new apartment, finding a place that works for you and your pet is a high priority. At California Palms Apartments , we’ll make sure you and your pet feel like part of the family. Here’s what you should know about living here with a pet.

Pets Are Welcome Here

We know that pets take up a special place in a person’s heart: They have a place in your home here at California Palms as well. Bring home your furry friends of the feline and canine variety, but keep the pups under the 25-pound weight limit, and we have breed restrictions due to size and behavior traits. If smaller pets are more your speed, no problem! You can also have hamsters, reptiles, birds, and other small pets in cages.

Let Your Pet Stretch Its Legs

Your four-legged friend has twice as many legs as you, which is probably why it seems to have so much energy. In addition to our gated dog run onsite, there is lots of green space around California Palms to go for a stroll and get some wiggles out. You can even give it a scrub down afterward at our pet washing station.

If you want to meet up with more furry friends, you aren’t far from some great dog parks. A 15-minute drive will take you to Garden Grove Dog Park , where Fido can frolic to his heart’s content. If your pup is a fan of the waves, you can head to Dog Beach in under 30 minutes for some pet-friendly sand adventures.

Be a Good Citizen

We are excited to have you and your pets as part of our family at California Palms. As any family knows, it’s easiest to get along when we all do our part. Be sure to pick up after your pets if they do their business. Sometimes Fido takes you by surprise and needs to go when you least expect it. No worries, though: We have waste stations around the property to help take care of your pet’s needs whenever they arise. Your friendly pooch should also be on a leash on the grounds and in the parking structure, as well as when you enter and leave your apartment.

We know finding a welcoming place to live for your family and pets is a high priority for you. You’ll feel right at home at the California Palms, where we value your pets as much as you do.

Follow These Appliance Maintenance Tips This Holiday Season

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:16:00 GMT

The holidays are upon us, and it’s hard not to get excited about everything the season entails. It’s time to pull out fluffy blankets, prepare holiday menus, and put up the decorations. From the folks who are world-class chefs and decorating pros to those whose best attempt at creating a festive space is making paper snowflakes, it’s fun to make preparations for the holidays.

With all the work you are doing to get ready, there is one important element you will want to be sure not to neglect: your appliances. It can be easy to overlook your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances, and you certainly don’t want to discover a problem just as you are getting ready to cook a big meal. Here are a few appliance maintenance tips to ensure your holidays live up to your dreams.

Try Your Dishes Out ahead of Time

Does your microwave get more use than your oven? There’s no shame in that, but you might want to get to know your oven a little better before your big day of baking arrives. In a survey of more than 381,000 appliances, Consumer Reports calculated that 6 percent of respondents reported problems with cooking elements not lighting or heating up on ranges, while 5 percent of people reported refrigerators that didn’t cool properly. An even larger 11 percent of people said their dishwashers stopped properly cleaning.

Even if you do know your way around the stove, it doesn’t hurt to do a test run. This is one appliance maintenance tip you will enjoy putting into action. You can make sure you know how quickly your oven gets to temperature, whether it runs a little hot, and whether you need more chocolate chips in your cookies. While you’re at it, keep an eye on your fridge and dishwasher to make sure they are working properly.

If there are any problems with these major appliances, you’ll know well in advance and can schedule a time for repairs before the day of your small event.

Give Your Appliances a Deep Cleaning

This is a great time to embrace your inner neat freak and give your appliances a deep cleaning. It might seem counterintuitive to give them a scrub down before they get dirty again with a big cooking day, but cleaning appliances can help keep them working right.

Give your appliances some tender loving care in the weeks before the holidays arrive. A deep cleaning can give you an up-close look at what is working and what needs to be addressed. Pull out the fridge and clean out the dust from the mechanical coils . Deep clean your oven and stove top, making sure all heating elements or gas burners heat and ignite fully. And make sure to clean your dishwasher by setting a single dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack and running a full cycle. These extra steps will help ensure a happier holiday season.

Call Our Maintenance Crews

At California Palms Apartments , we want your holiday celebrations to be as magical and memory-filled as you envision. To help ensure you have that seasonal magic, our on-site management and maintenance teams are ready to help if you are having problems with your appliances.

When one of your appliances starts acting up, it can put a big damper on the holidays. Luckily, you have help in your corner to make sure everything goes smoothly. Just head to the California Palms Resident Portal and submit a work order. Our team will schedule a time for the repair, getting you back on track to holiday happiness.

Use these appliance maintenance tips to avoid any hiccups this holiday season. A little work beforehand will help keep your appliances in tip-top shape and give you the time to get any necessary repairs done well in advance. Let the staff at California Palms give you a hand this year to ensure your holidays are a success.

Rent vs. Buy: Why Renting Is the Way to Go

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 21:54:00 GMT

Did you know that 34 percent of people in America are renters? That means over 100 million people around the country chose to rent vs. buy property long term. And that number continues to grow year after year.

Not everyone chooses to rent for the same reasons, but in increasing amounts, people are recognizing the benefits of renting, and some don’t ever want to switch to owning! Not only is renting less expensive than buying, but it comes with fewer responsibilities and more freedom. Read on to learn more.

Fewer Short- and Long-Term Expenses

There are always surprise expenses lurking when you own a home. On top of usual costs—like regular upkeep, insurance, mortgages, and taxes, you never know when you are going to need to shell out on emergencies. Renting, on the other hand, has a reliable, constant rate! It’s no surprise then that 82 percent of renters in 2019 said renting is more affordable than owning property.

Right off the bat, your upfront costs are lower. When buying a home with a mortgage, you must supply around 20 percent of the total purchase price as a down payment. When renting, though, you only need to pay a security deposit, usually equal to one month’s rent, which will be returned to you when you move out (so long as you haven’t damaged the property).

Over time, fewer costs build up as well. There are no property taxes to pay, and your insurance costs are much lower for renting. On average, according to a 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute , renters only pay $180 per year for insurance compared to the $1,211 that homeowners must keep up with.

Fewer Responsibilities

Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. But when surprises involve damage to your home, it is a comfort to know you don’t have to worry about them on your own— that there is someone there to help you out . At California Palms , for example, our team is trained to help you make repairs. When your apartment needs fixing, we are there to help!

More Freedom

Maybe the most well-known benefit of renting is the flexibility to move wherever you need to go. When you rent vs. buy, you don’t have a mortgage tying you down; leases are relatively short. “Regardless of age, mobility is one of the top reasons people decide to rent,” writes Robert Pinnegar at The Washington Post . “For millennials just entering the workforce or in the process of building their careers, the ability to relocate is a major factor. Even if they are in a financial position to purchase a home, millennials may choose to rent to have the flexibility to take advantage of new job opportunities as they arise.”

While we aren’t eager to say goodbye, we do want to be sure that you are taken care of wherever you go. That’s why we instated our loyalty bonus: If you move from California Palms to another AMC property or vice versa, we’ll give you $250 to help you hit the ground running.

With more manageable expenses, less responsibility, and more freedom, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to rent. At California Palms , coming home should be the best part of your day; give us a visit to see why renting is the way to go for you!

Our Top 3 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:23:00 GMT

At California Palms, we’re fortunate to have so many delicious ice cream options within walking distance of our community. But for those who are looking to step up their frozen treat game, it may be time to give homemade ice cream a try. Here are just a few of our favorites recipes from around the web.

1. Classic Vanilla

Don’t despair if you don’t own an ice cream maker—this first recipe from the Food Network won’t require one. All you need is two resealable plastic bags and the following ingredients:

Not only is this recipe simple, but it’s easy for kids who want to be involved in the kitchen, making it the perfect family night activity. Not only that, but it’s easy to customize this recipe with extra ingredients and flavors. You can follow the Food Network’s instructions to turn this recipe into mint chocolate chip, strawberry, or chocolate, or go your own way by adding crumbled Oreo cookies, cookie dough, or anything else you choose.

2. Cake Batter Ice Cream

This recipe from Like Mother Like Daughter combines the two staples of any birthday party into one delicious treat. Cake batter ice cream works much the same way as the previous recipe, with one significant extra ingredient: yellow cake mix. And for those who love the flair of confetti cake, simply add sprinkles.

3. Ve ry Chocolate Ice Cream

We love Allrecipes for simple, easy-to-follow recipes, and their Very Chocolate Ice Cream recipe is a sure win. Not only is it perfect for chocolate lovers as is, but it’s a cinch to spruce up with marshmallows and pecans for an instant trip down a rocky road. No wonder one reviewer called it “one of the best things I have ever tasted. So perfectly creamy and smooth and chocolatey.”

Ice cream is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and when it’s homemade, it becomes a point of pride. Whether you choose to make a classic vanilla ice cream, a cake batter concoction, or a chocolate indulgence, you won’t be disappointed.

Wondering How to Build Credit? Pay Rent Online

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 22:45:00 GMT

Maintaining a high credit score is important for your financial health, and paying your rent online can give your credit score the boost it needs. A 2017 TransUnion study of 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to credit bureaus found that those who did were able to improve their credit score by an average of 16 points within six months. Those with credit scores below 620 benefited the most from doing so.

Want to see similar results? Pay rent online and ensure that your payment is reported to credit bureaus accurately and consistently, showing credit companies the kind of payment history they like to see. When done in tandem with credit card payments, your credit score could be better than ever. Here’s how it works.

Ensures Your Payments Are Reported

According to Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet , “Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit, but reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

Paying your rent is easy to remember, but taking the extra step to report your rent payment is easy to forget. Luckily, at California Palms, we offer a rental payment system that reports information to credit bureaus for you. That way, you have a convenient way to make payments, and credit bureaus receive a record of your on-time rental payments, which raises your credit score.

Shows Credit Bureaus What They Are Looking For

The key to improving your credit score is knowing what credit bureaus look for. Experian, for example, determines credit scores through the following elements :

Pay rent online to make sure your rent payments become part of your payment history. When you pay on time and in full, your payment history becomes all the more impressive.

Combines with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

Have you ever considered using a credit card specifically to pay rent? Taking advantage of online payments to use a credit card means you get to make two timely payments each month.

“Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,” says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.” Of course, you do not need a credit card to pay rent online, but it’s an easy way for you to improve your credit score by making a payment that you already make on a monthly basis anyways.

So next time you need to pay rent, consider doing it online through our resident portal . If you’re feeling adventurous, use a credit card to watch your credit score go from good to great. Good luck using your rent to improve your credit score!

Five Fun and Free Activities to Do with Your Friends this Weekend

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:22:00 GMT

The only thing better than having fun with your friends is having fun with your friends for free . We’ve rounded up five fun, free activities to do with your friends this weekend. Check them out!

Bake Overnight Artisan Bread

Baking bread can sound like a lot, but this artisan loaf uses three ingredients that you probably already have on hand, doesn’t require kneading, and raises in the fridge overnight! You can all make your own loaves together on Saturday night and wake up a little early on Sunday morning to bake them before it’s too hot outside. Keep one loaf to enjoy for yourselves, and drop off the rest to friends!

Create a Lip Sync Music Video

Find a fun song, choose outfits, scout out locations, and get filming! Not only will you learn a little about production and editing, but you’ll also create a lasting memory that will be fun to look back on in a few years. A few free video editing apps are listed here .

Hold a Paper Airplane Competition

Try to find out which paper airplane design works best! Start with a few designs each, and then battle it out until you find the winner. And try out this guy’s award-winning method. (Shh! Don’t tell your roommates!)

Watch the Sunset

Nothing like simply watching the sunset to relax at the end of a long week. Head to Inspiration Point in Newport Beach. It’s known for its great sunset views and is only 20 minutes away from Santa Ana. To enhance the relaxation factor, consider popping in your earbuds and listening to a meditation to help you calm your breathing and your thoughts.

Rearrange Your Furniture

It’s amazing how much a difference it can make to the way your home feels after you rearrange furniture! The apartment can feel fresh and new just by switching a chair and couch or moving your bed to the opposite wall. Here are some great tips for rearranging in a way that works and will really make your space feel good.

This weekend, try out some of these fun, free activities! Whether you bake bread, create a lip sync video, make paper airplanes, watch the sunset, or rearrange your furniture, you’re sure to have a great time with your roommates at a price that will make your wallet happy.

Come to Our Virtual Beach Cleanup this July 25

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 19:56:00 GMT

Do you know about the beach cleanups that the Ocean Conservancy does every year? Every September, many, many volunteers make a big effort to clean their local beaches. And after 30 years, this event has picked up over 300 million pounds of garbage.

Every summer, people who work with AMC get together with their families to gather trash and work to keep local beaches fresh and clean. While we are sad we can not get together this year, we would still love for you to join us with our cleanup!

We’re hosting a cleanup event this July 25. While we can’t get together physically thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, we can all make an individual effort to clean our wonderful parks and beaches. Here’s why these cleanups are important, how to plan your cleanup, and how to stay safe while doing so.

Benefiting Parks and Beaches

Cleaning up parks and beaches is satisfying; it helps the economy and wildlife and is a great activity for a healthy, active lifestyle.

In addition to protecting the wildlife around us, “clean beaches provide economic benefit to local communities in the form of tourism dollars,” says Laura Parker from National Geographic . “In southern California, researchers calculated that in Orange County alone that potential could translate into $46 million in just one summer.”

Whether you focus your efforts on Memorial Park or Huntington Beach, you are making the world a much more beautiful place. And if you want to burn some of those pesky calories, picking up garbage can be a great workout.

Planning Your Cleanup

Once you have July 25 on your calendar in big, bold lettering, it’s time to get supplies together for the cleanup. Add these to your list:

Keeping It Safe

As you know, COVID-19 guidelines are still very much in place, so your crew might not be as big as you’d like it to be this year. If you’re inviting extended family or friends to join, consider this CDC advice: “When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.”

Cleaning up parks and beaches really does make a difference. It also makes for a memorable activity. So wherever you find yourself this July 25, join us for our park and beach cleanup. Tag California Palms in your photos with the hashtags #livehappy and #AMCcleanup. We’re looking forward to seeing all the magic happen!

Happy National Smoothie Day! 3 Ways to Celebrate

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 02:04:00 GMT

Who doesn’t love a smoothie when the weather is warm? Coming the day after the first day of summer, National Smoothie Day on June 21 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cool, refreshing blend of fruit and ice. But rather than keeping it simple, here are three ways you can celebrate.

Get to Know Your Veggies

Sure, when you think of smoothies, you’re more likely to think of fruit than vegetables. However, there are plenty of vegetables that make for incredible smoothie ingredients, including cauliflower, summer squash, and sweet potato.

That doesn’t mean your smoothie needs to be all veggie, though. The trick is to balance fruits with veggies . Instead of a green smoothie, start with one that’s pink, orange, or purple. For example, combining bananas, peaches, summer squash, and flaxseed looks and taste amazing. (You can always move on to green smoothies when you’re more comfortable.) If you’re raising picky eaters, this can be the perfect way to slip some greens into their diet unnoticed .

Have a “Fine” Smoothie Tasting

Tastings aren’t limited to vineyards and chocolateries. Get your family or roommates together and put everyone in charge of creating a different smoothie. Then, take turns tasting one another’s smoothies, seeing if you can guess what went into it. For extra points, try using unusual ingredients , like tahini, rose petals, or basil seeds. For example, this smoothie recipe calls for common tastes like bananas, cinnamon, and almond milk, but shakes it up with Medjool dates and tahini. It’s a great way to see who has the most refined palate.

Visit a Local Smoothie Shop

Probably the easiest way to celebrate National Smoothie Day is to visit a local smoothie shop. But rather than hit up a huge chain like Jamba, why not support a smaller, locally owned business? Savy Donuts & Smoothie is right across the street from us at California Palms, and Fruitthies is only a 14-minute drive away.

With the current state of the world, we could all use more excuses to celebrate. This June 21, try experimenting with veggies, doing a smoothie taste test, or visiting a nearby smoothie shop. From all of us at California pines, have a happy—and delicious—National Smoothie Day!

How to Celebrate the Fourth of July Indoors with Crafts

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 03:11:00 GMT

With so much currently up in the air, and with every state implementing different regulations and rules, it’s so hard to make any plans—especially for the major holidays. With the Fourth of July coming up, now’s a great time to get some craft projects prepped in case you need to celebrate the Fourth of July indoors—especially if you have kids. Here are just a couple of great ones:

Confetti Poppers

It’s no secret that kids love noise—and they adore making noise. For a safe, smoke-free option you can enjoy inside your home, why not consider making your own confetti poppers ? The body is simple enough; you’ll just need nine-inch balloons, empty toilet paper tubes, and packing tape. From there, it’s just a matter of decoration and filling your poppers with confetti. Hop over to happinessishomemade.net for the full tutorial.

Patriotic Ice Cubes

How about we spice up our drinks with a little Uncle Sam flair? When making colored ice cubes, you have some options. For option one, pick out three different drinks, one for each patriotic color (red, white, and blue). Cranberry juice is a great idea for the red, water for the white, and then Powerade or Gatorade for the blue. For the second option, check out this tutorial for Jell-O ice cubes. These will cool your drink, but instead of melting in your drink, they’ll thaw and turn soft—perfect for nibbling!

Patriotic Striped Wreaths

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. For a seasonal wreath, snip 35 strips of white and red tulle anywhere from six inches to 15 inches each. While alternating the different colors, wrap and knot the tulles around a 14-inch circular wireframe. Align the knots so that they are all even, then make sure to fluff all the ends. Snip off about 10 feet of decorative blue garland, preferably the kind with stars. Then wind it around the wireframe and through the tufts. In the end, you’ll have a masterpiece, perfect for hanging.

With so much uncertainty this year, it’s nice to be able to do something fun at home, especially with the kids. We hope these small but fun crafts help warm your Independence Day. From all of us at California Palms, we wish you a happy Fourth!

A Brief History Lesson on Memorial Day

Fri, 22 May 2020 23:06:00 GMT

Memorial Day may bring images of barbecues, outdoor activities, or a day off work to your mind. While Memorial Day does often include those elements, it’s much, much more! This holiday deserves our attention, as it honors the soldiers we lost during their service in the US Armed Forces. Read on to learn more about Memorial Day and how it transformed from its early history to Decoration Day and finally to its present form:

Early History

The tradition of formally remembering loved ones annually dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans . They would adorn graves with flowers and host feasts and festivals to honor those they had lost.

Fast forward to the Civil War, our nation’s most costly conflict in terms of loss of human life. In 1865, the war ended, and “by the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers,” according to History.com .

Decoration Day

These tributes were the inspiration for what became Decoration Day, first observed on May 30, 1868 . By 1890, all the northern states had adopted May 30 as Decoration Day as official state holidays. The southern states opted to observe commemorative holidays for their fallen soldiers on differing days until after WWI.

Memorial Day

Over time, Decoration Day was renamed “Memorial Day,” and in 1971, Congress declared it as a national holiday . Memorial Day has also come to commemorate more than just our Civil War heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice; it now honors all American military personnel who have lost their lives in any US military conflict. In addition, the holiday is now observed every year on the last Monday in May instead of the original designation of May 30.

This Memorial Day, when you are enjoying your celebrations and day off of work, take some time to remember those who made it possible to enjoy our freedoms. May we never forget those who have sacrificed everything to make our lives what they are today.

Why You Should Set Aside One Day Each Month to Bike Instead of Drive

Thu, 14 May 2020 06:14:00 GMT

Did you know that cyclists may actually experience the least exposure to air pollution compared with those who drive or ride the bus on their commute? A study from the University of Leeds found that cyclists got to their destination faster and were less likely to have to sit in clouds of pollution, breathing in cleaner air instead.

That is just one reason you should start riding your bike to work. Start with just one day a month, and work from there! You’ll find it’s good for your body, good for your mental health, and good for the environment.

It’s Good for Your Body

Riding a bike to work is a great use of your time. A study from the University of Copenhagen found that riding a bike can be just as effective for burning calories as working out in your free time. It’s a great solution if your busy schedule makes it hard to exercise but you have to go to work anyway.

While you’re burning those calories on your bike, you’ll receive a few more physical benefits , too. Cycling improves your cardiovascular health, lowers the risk of cancer, and lowers the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Overall, your entire body benefits from this switch to your commute.

It’s Good for Your Mental Health

Exercise can be great for mental health , helping your body release endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling and reduce your perception of pain. One study found that cycling, specifically, was associated with a 21.6 percent lower mental health burden. So if you’re looking for a way to clear your head, try cycling!

It’s Good for the Environment

The fuel required to keep a bike running is the fuel required to keep you running—no petroleum to see here! The US Environmental Protection Agency reported that transportation is the primary source of greenhouse gas emission, accounting for 28.2 percent. Try cycling to help reduce that number and keep the air clean.

Cycling may make it more likely that you’ll benefit from cleaner air on your daily commute. But the benefits don’t stop there! When you start cycling one day a month and increase your frequency from there, you’ll find it’s good for your body, good for your mental health, and good for the environment. Overall, it’s a good way to live happy !

Most Surprising Benefits of Volunteering

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 22:49:00 GMT

Life gets crazy, and it can be exhausting to squeeze everything on our to-do list or want-to-do list into just 24 hours each day. According to an H&R Block survey, the typical American has fourteen things on their to-do list that they’re putting off! If that sounds like you, we have a surprising solution for you: start volunteering.

Volunteering probably doesn’t sound like the answer to your problems. However, the benefits of volunteering are plentiful. For starters, volunteering can help you progress in your career, raise awareness of causes you care about, gain confidence, and alleviate loneliness. Here’s how.

Progress in Your Career

Try volunteering in a field you’d like to go into. You’ll gain valuable career-specific skills or at least become more comfortable in the field. Maybe you want to go into senior care, for instance. You could volunteer in geriatric care in a convalescent hospital and learn insider information about what skills employers are looking for and what the work environment is like. Plus, you’ll meet people who can give you a recommendation once you’re seeking a new job or promotion.

Campaign for Causes You Care About

Is there a cause you deeply care about? Perhaps animals, education, or voting? Volunteering lets you support a cause you care about and also gives you an opportunity to spread the word. You’ll be able to tell your friends, “I volunteer at the homeless shelter. It’s so rewarding, and here’s why!” Your volunteer work will add an additional level of conviction to your passion, which will help you be a stronger advocate for the cause.

Gain Confidence as You Break out of Your Routine

Serving others boosts your confidence in a way that few things can. Perhaps it’s simply the satisfaction of doing a good deed, whether it’s helping new immigrants learn to read, delivering meals to the homebound, or maintaining a dog park. Regardless of the reason, volunteering gives you a boost in confidence as you break out of your routine, learn new skills, and get out of your comfort zone.

Alleviate Loneliness

Volunteering gets you out of the house and introduces you to others, which by themselves are great benefits. However, it goes beyond that. It causes you to look outside yourself to something bigger. That sense of purpose can give you a feeling of belonging and dispel loneliness that we often feel in this digital age.

The benefits of volunteering transcend what you normally expect. Volunteering can help you progress in your career, raise awareness of causes you care about, gain confidence, and alleviate loneliness. Check out these virtual volunteer opportunities to get started.

Why Trees Are Important to Our Community

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 20:57:00 GMT

Have you hiked through Angeles National Forest? In Santa Ana, we’re fortunate to be only a 45-minute drive away from this striking treasure trove of Douglas firs, Coulter pines, and California black walnut trees. At California Palms Apartments , we’re also lucky to have a beautiful array of trees right here. Everyone loves these tall green symbols of nature, but why do we need them in our community? Here are a few reasons why trees are important.

Lessen Noise Pollution

With an average of 12,257 people living in every square mile of Bellflower, it can get noisy here! But did you know that trees muffle urban noise ? When planted in strategic places around a property, trees can help muffle noise from traffic, planes, and the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lower Your Power Bill

Trees obviously have a cooling effect, but do you know how it works? First, they reduce the amount of sunlight that touches buildings. They also use transpiration cooling to cool the air; according to eXtension , “As trees release water into the atmosphere from their leaves via transpiration, the surrounding air is cooled as water goes from liquid to a vapor.” As your surroundings are cooler, you won’t need to use as much power to lower the temperature in your apartment.

Increase Urban Biodiversity

Urbanization leads to losses in native plant and animal life. But trees can provide a habitat for some of this wildlife. Birds can rear their young; flowers, fruits, and trees can provide food for birds and butterflies; and larger animals might feel comfortable darting through the cover of several trees planted close together.

Absorb Carbon Dioxide

As you know, trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. But the amount is amazing: in 40 years, a typical hardwood tree will have sequestered approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide. In other words, trees help keep our city air clean.

Beyond the fact that they add so much beauty to our environment, there are tons of reasons why trees are important. They lessen noise pollution, can help lower power bills, increase urban biodiversity, and help keep the air clean.

Looking for the Recipe to Healthy and Happy Living? Try Being More Kind.

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:01:00 GMT

Kindness. We just can’t get enough of it. Millions of us click on viral posts of random acts online: people proudly post images of the exorbitant tip left to an unsuspecting waitress or videos of a rescue team saving a horse from drowning. Even today’s workplaces are exploring the emotional effects of kind acts among coworkers.

“Office culture can be cutthroat and competitive, leading to hurtful criticism, lack of collaboration, and miscommunication,” says Dr. Pragya Agarwal . “However, now we are increasingly talking about wellbeing in the workplace, and bringing an authentic quality to our work, being gentle with ourselves, and with others around us.”

Research shows kindness and well-being are closely linked. Although the benefits to the recipients of kind acts are evident, science is uncovering connections between kindness and one’s health and overall happiness.

If you need an incentive to take the high road when you interact with people, here are four healthy and happy rewards for choosing kindness.

1. Improves Heart Health

There’s a reason why kind people are known for having big hearts—literally. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , the emotional reaction to acts of kindness release the hormone oxytocin.

“Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels,” explains Hamilton. “This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure).” So it seems science proves that having a heart is actually good for it, too.

How can you reap these heart-health benefits? Plenty of studies have shown that social support is associated with better health, including cardiovascular health. So get out there in the community, make friends with your neighbors, and see how it benefits your heart—emotionally and physically.

2. Reduces the Risk of Depression

A study headed by Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we share our time, resources, and other selfless acts, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced, and wellbeing and good fortune are increased.

At Cedars-Sinai , scientists are studying the links between kindness and increased dopamine levels. As dopamine is known for elevating feelings of euphoria, research is focused on the effects dopamine has on mental health.

“Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions,” say doctors at Cedars-Sinai. “The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”

Essentially, practicing kindness increases your dopamine levels, which ultimately helps improve your overall happiness and health.

3. Reduces Anxiety

In a study published by the University of British Columbia Study , a test group comprised of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction, as well as a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. The act itself didn’t need to be big to be effective. Kind acts took larger forms like donating to a favorite charity and small gestures such as putting a quarter in a stranger’s parking meter that was about to expire.

“We found that any kind act appeared to have the same benefit, even small gestures like opening a door for someone or saying ‘thanks’ to the bus driver,” says Dr. Lynn Alden, who led the study. “Kindness didn’t need to involve money or time-consuming efforts, although some of our participants did do such things. Kindness didn’t even need to be ‘face to face.’”

In other words, it isn’t the size of the act that promotes happy feelings but the act itself. When anxiety creeps in, try being more kind. Doing so can help reduce your anxious feelings and replace them with positive ones.

4. May Extend Your Lifespan

Some experts believe one of the keys to a long life is our social network. “What we call loneliness—the feeling that you have no one to turn to, that no one understands you—is a form of stress,” explains Health.com writer Ray Hainer . “And if it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on your blood vessels and heart.” With heart disease being the number one killer among Americans, the connection between improved heart health and avoiding stress contributes to a longer life.

Socializing with purpose also has healthy effects. “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains,” writes Christine Carter in her book Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. “People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

Looking for a new strategy for better health and happiness? Try kindness. Studies show that performing kind acts have a positive effect on everything from reducing depression and anxiety to longevity. “We all seek a path to happiness,” says Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai . “Practicing kindness toward others is one we know works.”

The surprisingly wonderful benefits of rental living

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:14:00 GMT

If you are considering moving into an apartment, you are not alone. Experts estimate there are just over 43 million renter-occupied housing units in the US. And while renters are renting for a variety of reasons, there are some common perks that renters enjoy.

Here are four of the most common benefits of rental living.

1. Location, location, location

Sometimes, the easiest way to live close to the communities you frequent isn’t to buy property, but to rent. “Renters can live virtually anywhere—a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village or a townhouse in Queens,” says professor of economics Teresa Ghilarducci . “Homeowners are more restricted to neighborhoods they can afford.”

There are certainly times when paying rent over is more expensive than paying a mortgage. For example, many renters will see their lease increase the moment their contract is up for renewal. But in some cases, experts say there are financial advantages to renting in desired locations rather than trying to buy property. “If you live in a market where you can rent an apartment for substantially less per month than you could own a home, you can invest the difference,” explains David Weliver , founder of Money Under 30. “The difference doesn’t have to be huge.”

Weliver presented an example like this: If you compare $1,000 rent per month versus a $1,300 mortgage payment on a comparable home, that generates $3,600 each year that you can save or invest. “And, unlike home equity, those savings are liquid,” added Weliver. “You can use them to build an emergency fund, pay down student loan debt, or fund a retirement account. None of which you can do with home equity.”

2. Awesome amenities

Most of us haven’t included installing an in-ground pool on our to-do list. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t enjoy having access to recreational amenities like a swimming pool, a fitness center, or tennis courts. And today’s rental properties are offering even more options to entice would-be renters.

Some of the more popular features include onsite laundry facilities or a washer and dryer within the unit. Many offer cable or satellite television and free Wi-Fi. Others offer fully-furnished units. And as a person just starting out on their own, having options for these types of services can help the transition to apartment living.

3. Flexible career options

The workplace model is changing, with more employees at varying job levels working from their homes. Experts estimate that almost half of the US workforce works remotely. But that also means employees are more mobile. And that is where the convenience of renting a home or apartment works well. Renting gives workers the freedom to move more frequently than they could otherwise. Additionally, some apartment communities offer amenities for workers. In some of our communities, for example, we offer dedicated workspaces, perfect for individuals who work remotely.

Have job, will travel. That’s an effective way to set the pace for job promotion or move to a better job opportunity should the need arise. “You need to be able to credibly leave a job to be well treated by employers,” says Ghilarducci . “Mobile workers can move for a pay raise or to make a career move.”

4. A sense of community

There are varying degrees of socializing among renters. You can be as social or reclusive as you choose; the fact remains that you are sharing common space with other people. Whether it’s the parking lot, the pool area, or the fitness center, apartment living offers a unique opportunity to befriend your neighbors.

“Apartment buildings draw an array of residents and visitors. Your neighbors, their families, their friends, their delivery people, and anyone offering an at-home service will pass through your shared entryway. Your children will learn to share a space with these people—and perhaps even open the door for them,” says Natalie Saaris , writing for Zillow. “While living in an apartment may deprive you of the privacy of a standalone home, the feeling of community may more than compensate for the loss.”

Whether your apartment is a temporary arrangement or a permanent decision, the benefits of apartment living offer pleasant and financially strategic opportunities for you.

Reasons why setting goals is a good thing

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 02:19:00 GMT

Don’t let New Year’s resolution failure fool you. Setting goals is a good thing.

Let’s talk about goals.

Wait! Not New Year’s resolutions. I mean regular, everyday goal setting; those goals that you can (and should) start at any time. Although around 80 percent of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions, setting a goal—a SMART goal—will make you feel better. And in some cases, literally.

A SMART goal is a task based on something Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. And while resolutions may bite the dust two months after we set them in place, the truth is that almost half of us (40 to 45 percent) continue to make goals for ourselves each year.

We, as humans, struggle with following through on New Year’s resolutions. But the practice of continually setting goals is a good thing. Here are six reasons why.

Do you know how it feels to merely coast through life, where you find yourself simply reacting to things? When you target your energies into achieving a specific goal, you are forcing action.

“ Goal setting helps you align focus with behavior because you get feedback on your progress,” says Forbes contributor Jeff Boss . “The actions you take—or avoid—offer clues about your values, beliefs, challenges, strengths and weaknesses which allow you to course correct as necessary and reset your goal achievement strategy (and subsequently, your focus).”

Goals that truly make an impact are those that are specific and follow a timeline toward completion. For example, instead of making a goal to be thinner, a well-thought-out goal will include a series of smaller goals that encourage weight loss and are arranged over a month, a year, or two even years.

“ Think of your goal as the destination. Now think of each step you take toward that goal as a smaller yet attainable step to get you there,” explains Dave Richards , a performance and leadership coach. “If your goal is to launch a business someday, your smaller steps would include defining your products or services or getting funds to start up.”

There is no better feeling than one of accomplishment. And when you set attainable goals, your success at achieving those goals is an incredible boost to your self-esteem. Keep in mind the operative word here is “attainable.”

“By setting goals and achieving them, you send a signal to your brain that you are successful which builds confidence and pride in yourself and that helps build your self-esteem,” says Jennifer Silvershein . “We all love to feel accomplished and meeting or exceeding your goals does just that.”

By setting up a primary goal, which is your main objective, and secondary goals, which are the stepping stones that move you toward your primary goal, Silvershein believes “you can set yourself up for success with the right mindset and the right tools.”

This process of identifying a primary goal that’s supported by secondary goals boosts your self-image. But it can also stave off mild forms of depression. “ Setting goals and targets can sometimes help when a person is feeling demotivated,” reports Jayne Leonard . “However, it is important to make sure that goals are achievable, specific, and realistic.”

For instance, a goal to no longer be depressed may not be all that successful as a stand-alone goal. But setting a goal that is proven to help treat minor forms of depression, such as to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables every day or exercise daily, makes reducing or eliminating depression an added benefit to your primary goal, which may be losing twenty pounds. This brings us to the next benefit: your health.

Of Inc.com’s ten top New Year’s resolutions of 2019, five dealt with improving our health. So while we may not always follow through on those resolutions, they are certainly on our minds. In fact, out of the 2,000 people surveyed, 71 percent of them wanted to eat healthier in the coming year. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed planned to exercise more, and over half (54 percent) hoped to lose weight. Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, making conscious goals about lifestyle changes will have a positive impact on your overall health.

“Staying engaged in life as you age is essential for your health,” say experts at Harvard Health . “Goals should revolve around a purpose in your life: What matters to you now? What is important?” Once again, setting up a SMART goal will help connect your goals with a meaningful outcome within a specified amount of time. And when it comes to goals about your health, the end result feels great.

Let’s consider for a moment what the process of setting goals is doing. According to research by goal-setting theorists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, goals not only affect behavior and work performance, but they also ignite a desire to put forth a higher and more persistent effort. And because with every action there’s a reaction, people around you are impacted by your efforts.

For example, if your goals are to be more productive and efficient at work and to manage your time better, you’ll likely return home sooner. Depending on what goals you’ve made regarding your habits at home, your family will benefit from the time you are able to spend with them. Perhaps you’ve made a goal to be more patient or a better listener. Those efforts impact others.

You will likely see similar positive effects if you have a goal to volunteer in your child’s school every month or plant a vegetable garden and share your harvest with neighbors. And as the cycle of goal-setting continues, you’ll be motivated to set more goals because of the positive feedback you receive from those who’ve benefited from your efforts. See? Win-win.

Don’t let the bad publicity surrounding resolutions fool you. Setting goals is a good thing. Nothing else is more effective and empowering than setting goals that improve your health, quality of life, focus, and contributions to the things you care about most. So let’s hear it for the new year and make it a goal to ensure it’s the best one ever.