There's Too Many People In Irvine

The title. I said it. I have lived here for thirty years. The last decade has seen an explosion of people and I honestly hate it. There's way too many cars, there's way too many people. You can get stuck at a traffic light for three reds. There's no parking anymore. The rent is so expensive that good places have to shutter.

I miss Irvine of the early 90s. I miss the quiet town, I miss the strawberry fields, I miss the orange trees. I miss those super tall trees with the thick trunks in the center divider. I miss Sizzler, I miss Denny's, I miss Bullwinkle's. I miss how much humbler everyone was. Irvine was never poor, but back then there were so many more average income households. People were so much less entitled.

Not exactly Irvine, but I miss the old South Coast Plaza too. It wasn't nearly as rich, and it was someplace we actually went to (window) shop. There were no security guards at every door to prevent you from going in. I am sad my kids will never get that experience.

I know there's no putting the toothpaste back in the tube, but I wish I could have that place back.