Vibrant Celebrations of AAPI Heritage Month at Segerstrom Center

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May with a series of free, vibrant events on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Featuring an exciting mix of AAPI artists, the month includes dynamic dance classes, live music, film screenings, and family-friendly activities, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Admission is complimentary with a Plaza Pass, available for digital download.

All activities take place outdoors, with limited seating available, though guests are welcome to bring folding chairs. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but personal refreshments are allowed with certain restrictions. Warm clothing is advised due to possible chilly breezes.

The Center's commitment to cultural diversity shines through this programming, alongside special Broadway and Family series events, including a captivating production of "Aladdin" and the Hawaiian culture-celebrating "The Pa'akai We Bring." For a detailed schedule, including movie nights featuring "Past Lives" and "Funny Money," and unique events like the Anime Night and Concert, visit scfta.org.

Event highlights include:

• Movie Night: Past Lives (May 3): A screening event with music, food, and art activities.
• Disney’s Aladdin (May 7-12): The magical Broadway musical.
• Movie Night: Funny Money (May 10): A comedy film screening with additional entertainment.
• The Pa’akai We Bring (May 11 & 12): A show on Hawaiian salt farming traditions.
• Family Movie Night: Disney’s Moana (May 24): A family-oriented movie night.
• Anime Night and Concert: South Side Symphony and Kids on the Slope (May 31): A fusion of anime and music celebrating cultural exchanges.
• Tuesday Night Dance: Polynesian (Tuesdays in May): Polynesian dance classes open to all.

For more details on these and other events, as well as ticket information for select shows, visit the Segerstrom Center for the Arts website or contact the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Peel Craftbar & Kitchen’s Cinco de Mayo Specials: Sophisticated Culinary Cocktails

To infuse the lively spirit of Cinco de Mayo with the sophistication and innovation found in The Peel Craftbar & Kitchen's cocktails, the restaurant within Hotel Fera Anaheim presents a special drink menu on Sunday, May 5th. Celebrating the occasion, the following Cinco de Mayo-inspired libations will steal the spotlight:

• Picante De La Casa – Crafted with Espolon Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime, jalapenos, micro cilantro, agave nectar, and chia seeds.
• Mezcal con Jamaica – Featuring Lost Explore Espadin Mezcal, lime, lemon, house-made hibiscus-infused syrup, and Tajin.
• Mezcal Flight – An exploration of The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin, Tobala, and Salmiana with three one-ounce pours.
• El Tri Margarita Flight – Showcasing three variations:

La Sandia – Tequila, watermelon, schnapps, lime juice, lemon juice, and agave nectar.

Coco Loco – Coconut-washed tequila, pineapple juice, lime, lemon, coconut cream, and black lava salt.

Melon Verde – Tequila, Midori, lime, lemon, and honeydew syrup.

Echoing The Peel's signature cocktails, these Cinco de Mayo concoctions emphasize house-made ingredients like hibiscus and honeydew syrups, along with freshly squeezed lemon, lime, watermelon, and pineapple juices. Traditional Mexican flavors are invigorated with bold elements such as jalapeno peppers, micro-cilantro, agave nectar, Tajin, and coconut cream. Notably, the culinary flair extends to the Coco Loco, enriched with coconut-washed tequila.

Patrons delving into these vibrant cocktail specials can complement their Cinco de Mayo experience with renowned dishes from the restaurant. Noteworthy mentions include the Peel Fish Tacos, featuring mahi-mahi, sour orange adobo, coleslaw, fire-roasted tomato salsa, guacamole, lime, chipotle aioli, and cilantro on fresh corn tortillas. Additionally, Executive Chef Luis Martinez's Mexican heritage shines through in the Coastline Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche, a tantalizing ensemble of tomato, cucumber, avocado, yuzu, lime, crushed cilantro, and serrano peppers, served with tortilla chips.

Reservations are not required for Cinco de Mayo dining at The Peel. The restaurant’s food and cocktail menus change throughout the year as ingredients reach their peak flavor for consumption, allowing guests to taste the seasons as they enjoy a quick bite after work or a relaxing family dinner.

 Current offerings can be found online at peelcraftbar.com/.

Hotel Fera Anaheim, a Doubletree By Hilton is at 100 The City Drive S, Orange. 

Discover Summer Bliss at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Greater Palm Springs

Situated in the heart of Greater Palm Springs between Palm Desert and La Quinta, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa unveils three value-priced summer vacation packages tailored for destination travelers. 

The Memorial Day Weekend Celebration package features a $100 daily resort credit and early check-in, ideal for kicking off the summer season. Designed to show appreciation and offer relaxation, rejuvenation, and fun, the Classroom to Cabana package offers discounted rates for hardworking educators. Additionally, the Double The Fun package provides a buy one, get one free perk for resort dining, treatments at The Spa, and resort experiences.

Beyond the packages, this expansive desert retreat spanning 23 acres offers all the amenities families, friends, and couples desire for summer getaways. Guests can enjoy the largest swimming pool in the desert, complete with the only sandy beach in the area, along with attentive poolside service and luxurious cabanas. Indulge in light fare and refreshing cocktails at the poolside H20 Bar. The modern guest rooms and suites, designed with California style in mind, boast fabulous views and amenities catering to all.

Explore nearby tennis courts and two championship golf courses, against the backdrop of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains. Discover the vibrant Coachella Valley and Palm Springs boutiques, engage in family-friendly activities at Camp Esmeralda, or immerse yourself in Desert Glow Entertainment. Bike rentals, pet-friendly accommodations, lawn games, and morning yoga sessions add to the leisure options. Unwind at Spa Esmeralda or work up a sweat at the fully-equipped fitness center.

With an array of dining options, nearby attractions, and the Acrisure Arena hosting world-class live entertainment, a stay at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa promises a memorable summer excursion for all.

Details for the three new summer packages being offered by Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa follow:

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration Package

Available May 22 to May 28 (two-night stay minimum)

This package offers a $100 daily resort credit and 10 a.m. check-in so families and friends can get an early start on their Memorial Weekend desert oasis vacation. There’s also a guaranteed connecting room offer to add the connecting room for up to 50% off with waived daily resort fee at $40 when guests book connecting room option ($100 credit for connecting rooms is per reservation). The fun begins when guests luxuriate at the largest swimming pool and at the only sandy beach in the desert – having fun with their gifted branded beach ball and two pool tube floaties.

Starting rate is $364 per night. A two-night stay minimum is required. Reservations available online or by calling 1-760-773-4444 and asking for Promotional Code YX1.

Classroom to Cabana Package

Available June 2 to September 5

Renaissance Esmeralda recognizes the incredible dedication and hard work of teachers far and near. To express the resort’s gratitude to the invaluable contributions that educators make to shape future generations, the Classroom to Cabana Package is available to anyone who works in the field of education. The package includes: 50% off daily self-parking, 50% off daily resort fee, 50% off pool cabana day rentals (Monday through Thursday) and one resort branded pool tube floatie. The connecting room offer adds a guaranteed connecting second room for $99 per night (Sunday through Thursday) and $150 per night (Friday and Saturday) with waived daily resort fee of $40.

Rates from $194 per night (exclusive of taxes and fees) and are available to anyone who works in education. Valid work ID must be presented at check-in and at pool cabana to receive offers. Reservations available online or by calling 1-760-773-4444 and asking for Promotional Code D3Q. After making reservations, guests go to https://reniw.ipoolside.com/ to book pool cabana with code D3Q.

Double The Fun Package

Available May 9 through October 30 (two-night stay minimum)

This package is a wallet-friendly, special way to Double The Fun when luxuriating at Renaissance Esmeralda. Delighted guests enjoy twice the value on pampering treatments at the Spa, delicious meals in the hotel’s restaurants and exclusive resort Bookable Experiences. Guests stay two nights or longer to receive the following buy one, get one free offers:  

• Dining – Guest buys one item, gets one free at any of the resort restaurants (excludes alcohol).
• Spa Esmeralda – Guest buys one 50-minute treatment, gets a free 50-minute treatment for the other guest. Valid on a 50-minute massage or a 50-minute facial and must book appointments at least 72 hours in advance by calling 760-836-1265. 
• Resort Bookable Experiences – Guest pays for one person and the second person is complimentary for the same Bookable Experience. Choices include a seven-course sushi and sake experience or a lavish fireside charcuterie board and wine pairing experience.