Story by Megan Garcia
Staff Writer
WEST COVINA – The bell rings at 12:40 releasing students to go home two hours earlier than usual. Some students stay on campus buying greasy food from The Lancer Cafe waiting for their pick-ups. The student-athletes who are waiting for their practices to begin at 3 p.m. walk up the street to Jack-in-the-Box to eat something different than what Bishop Amat has to offer.
But those who have transportation take advantage and travel the short two-and-a-half mile drive to the Westfield West Covina, the local mall, or the stores across West Covina Parkway.
Bishop Amat uniforms can be spotted at Panera Bread, Yogurtland or Five Guys after every half-day.
But the mall is the perfect meet-up spot, students say, especially with renovations that have given it a much more social atmosphere.
In mid-2009 renovations began at the Lakes, on the other side of Vincent Avenue. Best Buy moved from its location near the Edwards Theater to its location attached to the mall. Shortly after the Best Buy relocation, Forever 21 moved from the center first-floor spot in the mall to a larger and visible area of the building.
H&M opened up across Forever 21 creating friendly competition between the two stores along with a tattoo parlor called All-In-Ink. Nordstorm Rack is creating competition as well on the above floor space where Sports Authority once occupied.
The only local bookstore, a Barnes & Noble at the Lakes closed two years ago. And with all Borders stores, including those in malls closing, Dollar Book Fair, which is located near Sears has made book shopping closer and easier.
Sophomore Amy Aceves said in order to buy book she has to drive long distances or read them on her Kindle. But for those who like to hold the book and feel the pages, the Dollar Book Fair may be the place to buy their books since there is no place else to buy them.
“I have no trouble getting books, I still can’t seem to find a store that had the same energy to it as Borders,” said Aceves “Maybe Dollar Book Fair could be it.”
As many people like to drink coffee when reading a new book, The Lazy Dog Cafe may not be the best option to do that because of the popularity. The cafe is always filled with customers at every time of the day.
Along with The Lazy Dog Cafe, many restaurants are making their appearances on the mall’s freeway side.
Lee’s Sandwiches, a mix of Italian and Chinese sandwiches, and Chronic Tacos, have opened on the left and right sides of the newly opened and hugely popular Five Guys Burgers & Fries.
Five Guys has won several best burgers in Los Angeles awards.
On its opening day the line to order reached an estimated 20 feet outside the doors passing Lee’s Sandwiches.
“I heard of Five Guys through a friend. She said it was better than In-N-Out,” said sophomore Marisa Aguirre “I went to it on the week it opened.”
Since that day Aguirre has gone back to have one of their filling burgers with free toppings.
“I actually went back last Wednesday. I feel so full afterward, but I still love it,” Aguirre said laughing.
Not only are restaurants and retail stores making an appearance, Gold’s Gym is occupying a large space of the mall.
“I got good reviews from it, so I wanted to join,” said junior Jose Ramos.
The gym has a variety of classes to attend during the week from spin to yoga. The upper level of the gym includes treadmills, stair-climbers, smith machines and cross trainers along with a pool on the lower level.
