Could have been a large shrub, I believe their was a block wall in front of it but it was probably 12 ft tall so I thought tree rather than shrub. I've never heard of Cordia...Thanks

It could be star magnolia but really hard to say without a closeup and knowing your garden zone. Google "USDA plant hardiness zone" and you can find a map that will show you the zones.

That never occurred to me. But now that you pointed it out it seems obvious. I know of one oak growing about a block away. They are very uncommon here. Thank you.

When the flowers open it will be easy to tell for sure. Otherwise it looks quite like 'Montic' to me. Also this plant is one likely to be encountered at garden centers near the Pacific. I've seen some quite nice ones in shopping center landscaping in Orange County, a situation where I doubt anyone was spraying them.