🎨 Money moves and murals: What’s changing at AUHSD

Late spring in Anaheim always feels like a warm up lap for summer. The nights stretch a little longer, events start stacking up, and suddenly your calendar looks a lot more fun.

We’ve got a little bit of everything: some meaningful news out of AUHSD, a few great spots to grab food or gifts, and plenty of ways to get out of the house.

Also, you’re going to want to meet Hercules.

The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior

Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.

Country, pop, hip-hop, ballads. You pick the style. They handle everything else.

Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.

Starting at $79. Graduation season only.

Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏

🎨 New Graduation Perks: financial savvy and school murals

The Gist: The Anaheim Union High School District board met on April 9 to discuss two big changes for local students. They’re looking to make a one-semester Personal Finance course a graduation requirement for the Class of 2031 to help kids prep for the real world. Meanwhile, artist Alejandro Sanchez is set to lead a $30,100 project to paint six student-designed murals across the Orangeview Western 7-12 campus.

Why It Matters: Learning the ropes of taxes and credit is a huge win for the 22,000 students in our district who often feel tossed into the deep end after graduation. Plus, those murals will turn cold hallways into vibrant landmarks, giving our kids a sense of pride and ownership in the halls where they spend their days.

🤝 A helping hand for Recovery Road

The Gist: The Woman’s Club of Fullerton recently donated $2,300 worth of new t-shirts and sweatpants to Recovery Road, a volunteer-run nonprofit in Anaheim. Executive Director Robin Rush accepted the clothing, which provides immediate essentials to neighbors navigating addiction recovery. This generous gift stems from Recovery Road being named the club’s 2024 Charity of the Year.

Why It Matters: Recovery is a long journey, and having basic necessities like clean clothes provides a sense of dignity and care to those in the program. By supporting this local resource center, our community ensures that people seeking a fresh start have the physical comfort and hygiene they need to focus on their health.

🌮 Clean ingredients and spirited community gatherings

Right on Harbor Boulevard, Calaca Mamas Cantina balances a polished aesthetic with a deep commitment to organic, sustainable sourcing.

Founded by sisters Angela and Mariam, the space is a local hub for intentional celebrations, from their signature anniversary fiestas to Mother’s Day brunch boards and Cinco de Mayo tequila pairings.

The quesabirria tacos and housemade horchata are consistent standouts, too!

🌸 Petals that look even better in person

Carol and her team at Anaheim Hills Florist treat every bouquet like a custom commission. Instead of choosing from a generic price list, you can expect garden-inspired designs featuring blush peonies, orchids, and lush eucalyptus.

With Teacher Appreciation and Nurses Week arriving before Mother’s Day on May 10th, the shop is currently buzzing. Ordering this week ensures local delivery across Yorba Linda and Anaheim, as these arrangements tend to be high in demand.

🐾 Hercules is a one year old Pit Bull mix weighing about 47 pounds.

True to his name, he has a strong presence, but his heart is all softness and gray and white velvet. This Anaheim resident is known for his calm nature and would thrive in a home that appreciates a steady companion for walks and quiet afternoons.

He is friendly and playful, showing great potential for families with children and other dogs. The adoption fee is 150 dollars.

To learn more about this handsome guy,

💃 Cinco de Mayo Celebration | Center Greens Park | Anaheim | 05/02 | More Vibrant festival featuring Ballet Folklórico, local food trucks, and youth games.

🌿 May Day | Founders' Park | Anaheim | 05/02 | More 
Traditional maypole dances, crafts, and gardening projects to celebrate the spring.

📸 Star Wars Nite Starcruiser Meetup | Millennium Falcon | Anaheim | 05/04 | More 
Group photo op for Halcyon fans at 7:00 PM during the official Star Wars Nite event.

🔥 Lag B’Omer at the Park | Yorba Regional Park | Anaheim | 05/05 | More 
A barbecue dinner, entertainment, and holiday festivities.

🛍️ Mother's Day Celebration Market | Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center | Anaheim | 05/08–05/10 | More 
Local artisans, boutique vendors, handcrafted gifts, floral arrangements, and more.

👟 Vans Origins Exhibit | Muzeo Museum | Anaheim | Now through summer | More
An exhibit that's part local history, part cultural document. Open Wed–Sun.

🍻 May TAPPY Hour | Brewery X | Anaheim | 05/01 | More 
Young professionals within the Taiwanese American network enjoying craft brews.

🎸 BOYS LIKE GIRLS | House of Blues | Anaheim | 05/01 & 05/03 | More 
The Soundtrack of Your Life Tour featuring pop-punk and early 2000s anthems!

🤺 Fortune Fencing SYC/RJCC | Convention Center | Anaheim | 05/01-05/03 | More
Premier regional fencing competition featuring over three thousand elite athletes.

🎹 Cinco de Mayo: Feather Flowers | Packing House | Anaheim | 05/02 | More
Whimsical and lighthearted live music featuring piano and cinematic arrangements.

🏰 Bats Day in the Fun Park | Disneyland Park | Anaheim | 05/02-05/03 | More 
The legendary "Goth Day" community gathering for fans in dark attire.

🧠 Epic Pub Quiz | Unsung Brewing Company | Anaheim | 05/05 | More 
Competitive trivia night: superhero-themed craft brews and clever camaraderie.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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