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Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Opinion/Editorial

• I apologize that your favorite newspaper is a day late due to the loss of electricity. More fire coverage in Dec. 20 issue. Go to Ventura City website for current information: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1254/Thomas-Fire

•When we heard that a fire started near Steckel Park in Santa Paula, we certainly wouldn’t have imagined that it was going to decimate so many structures across Ventura. With winds over 50 mph, fire moves too fast to manage. How sad for all the folks who lost their homes and those in the apartments who lost their belongings. I was at the fire lines where firefighters – whose job it is to fight fires – had to standby in many cases and watch as structures burned to the ground. And, it is heartbreaking to see the Botanical Gardens, with so much love, money and energy poured in, now gone.

• The City Council is still dealing with how to determine the boundaries for council members that will need be elected by districts, and not at-large.

Currently, there are 7 members of the Ventura City Council. Each member must be a registered voter in the City and is elected at-large. Each member represents the interests of the City as a whole.

Many district boundaries have been submitted by Venturans for consideration. The more I think about it, I am opposed to election by districts.

If only one person runs in their district they would be automatically elected to the council even if they only received one vote.

If there are several highly qualified folks running for the council living in the same district, only one could be elected.

I think at-large council members has worked just fine for Ventura and has not favored one area over another.

• The Museum of Ventura County has named Elena Brokaw as its permanent Executive Director. She has been the interim executive director since 2016.

The museum has faced large financial issues. It recently receive $125,000 from both Ventura and from the Ventura County. The Museum has also obtained larger financing from corporate and individual gifts. I hope that it can be used to make the museum more interactive and fun for the whole family.

Elena has been my guest on KPPQFM104.1. If you would like to hear her interview, visit www.venturabreeze.com Face OF Ventura and select her show. You might find other shows to be of interest as well (or perhaps not). If you have a recommendation of who I should have on my show please let me know.

• LA County saw an increase in reported hate crimes last year linked to white supremists, with a wave of incidents targeting Jews, African Americans and Muslims. I wonder why that is?

• Every day another well-known male is being fired because of sexual harassment accusations. Some even admit to it and apologize. Minnesota Public Radio said that it was severing all business ties with Garrison Keillor, the creator and retired host of “A Prairie Home Companion,” after allegations of “inappropriate behavior” with an individual who worked with him. Good grief, no one is more all-American then him.

Pretend for a second that there is a TV show called the Apprentice and that one of the male judges made this statement – “You know,” said (you fill in the name), “I’m automatically attracted to beautiful women-I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ‘em by the xxxxxxxx. You can do anything.”

This judge would be immediately fired, or become President of the United Sates.

• I received an email from a reader (glad that he does read the paper even if to just get mad at me). In part he said, “that’s why I always grab your paper to make a large carbon footprint with my chimney bbq starter.” So now I know that there is yet another reason to read the Breeze besides lining the bottom of your bird and rabbit cages with it. We may need to print more copies.

• Amigos Restaurant in downtown has been shut down by the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission). The notice doesn’t say why but the space is for lease, so Amigos is gone. Will yet another Mexican restaurant open there?

•In a previous issue, I questioned why the national anthem is played at sporting events (does this make me un-American or just curious?).

Here’s a timeline of how the national anthem became a sports tradition in the first place:

1814: Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner.

1889: Secretary of the Navy Benjamin F. Tracy called for the song to be played whenever the American flag was raised.

1916: President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order declaring the “Star Spangled Banner” the American national anthem.

1918: The song was played spontaneously during the seventh-inning stretch on September 5, 1918, during Game 1 of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. After this, other baseball parks began to play the song on holidays and special occasions, and Red Sox owner Harry Frazee made it a regular part of Boston home games.

1931: Congress passed an act officially confirming the “Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem, and President Hebert Hoover signed it into law.

1941-42: Playing the national anthem before the start of regular season baseball games became the standard. And with the U.S. in World War II now, the National Football League also included the playing of the anthem before games.

1945: NFL commissioner Elmer Layden said, “The playing of the national anthem should be as much a part of every game as the kickoff. We must not drop it simply because the war is over. We should never forget what it stands for.”

2009: NFL players began standing on the field for the national anthem before the start of primetime games. Before this, players would stay in their locker rooms except during the Super Bowl and after 9/11.

Dozens of veterans received goods from more than 12 boxes

Two Men and a Truck collected donations for Turning Point Foundation.

In honor of Veteran’s Day on November 11, the Simi Valley & Ventura Two Men and a Truck locations partnered with Ventura County businesses in Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura and Simi Valley – First Bank, Yolanda’s Mexican Grills, Sharkey’s, American Legion Post #741 in Camarillo, and Montecito Bank, to collect donations from the community to deliver to local veterans as a way to show appreciation for their service.

Donation stations were placed at these businesses throughout Ventura County to gather personal care, household goods and other items for the Turning Point Foundation, a local nonprofit offering transitional housing and support programs for our veterans.

Two Men and a Truck brought all items collected to Turning Point Foundation’s Veterans Transitional Housing Program on Thursday, November 16 to hand deliver the items to local veterans. Dozens of veterans received goods from more than 12 boxes filled with a variety of toiletries, clothing items, blankets and other generous gifts. The Movers for Military Campaign served to help Turning Point make the greater Ventura County area a more veteran friendly community.

For more information on Turning Point’s programs [email protected] or go to www.turningpointfoundation.org.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream official ribbon cutting

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream , located at 607 E. Main St., have held their official ribbon cutting. Attending the ribbon cutting was City Councilmember Matt LaVere with his lovely daughter and Breeze Senior Account Executive Breezy Gledhill.

The new ice cream store which is located in the former Trufflehound’s Fine Chocolates space, allows guests to choose from classic premium custard, low-fat custard or yogurt, as well as lactose free, vegan and sugar free options for their product base.

Make a difference in our community

This is an invitation to come out and make a difference and have fun. Every 3 or 4 months, the Ventura Act of Kindness team gets together to go out and do good deeds in the Ventura area and neighboring cities. On Saturday, Dec.16 they will go out and make a difference in our community. Meet at Trinity Lutheran Church on 196 N. Ashwood Ave at 11am and get your assignments. Spend on the average 3-4 hours helping others. Children are encouraged to participate. Please invite a friend.

Acts of kindness will include:

1. Visiting with the homeless (a group will visit with the homeless who congregate down at Mission park across from the Ventura mission.) It’s a simple but powerful act by just spending some time talking to a person, asking their name, and listening to them. Makes a huge difference in their day.

2. Assist elderly person in Ventura getting home cleaned and organized.

3. Assist Ventura Tender Life organization (www.tenderlife.org) with yard work and maintenance tasks.

In addition, there is an opportunity/need to provide supplies and gift cards to The City Center transitional living facility (www.thecitycenter.org). You can bring supplies and gift cards at 11:00 or you can deliver them straight to The City Center.

Supplies needed: Dressers Small Fridges Cleaning Supplies (sponges, gloves, cleaning detergents,/liquids) Diapers (All sizes) (4) a bagless upright vacuum (4) Carpet Steam Cleaners (10) Brooms and dust pans Bathroom tissue Paper towels Napkins Plastic utensils Paper plates Feminine hygiene products Food – prepared or canned foods

Please reply to Jim O’Neill ([email protected]) if you can come out and support this event or 218-4563.

Answer In A Breeze

In March 2007, City Council launched a new Downtown Specific Plan that included future upgrades to the bridge.

Question. What ever happened to the fancy lights proposed on the new C-Street pedestrian overpass?

I take the overpass every day and have to laugh remembering that it was delayed because the barrier color was not “right”. It’s design (small holes acting as a filter) capture so much dirt you can’t tell what color it is. 🙂

Ed Melinn

Answer by Burris DeBenning:

Good question Ed! A lot of residents have been wondering when the bridge will be finished.

The Breeze got ahold of the City’s Public Works Engineering Division to find out the latest. City officials are eager to wrap up the work, but say that there have been some unforeseen delays, like the one Ed mentioned about the color scheme. First, we should refresh our readers as to why the City believes the construction is important.

Since it’s cutting the City’s oceanfront off from the downtown core, the 101 has deprived City of a vital economic corridor. For decades, the only link between the Promenade and downtown was the hazardous and narrow sidewalks on the California Street overpass. There was no easy access for cyclists, and pedestrians had to walk next to low railings, over which anyone could easily have fallen to the busy freeway below. Most would agree the bridge was a bit of an eye sore, certainly not inducing to the drivers that whizzed by the California Street exit in daily estimated 91,000 vehicles per day, according to Caltrans.

In March 2007, City Council launched a new Downtown Specific Plan that included future upgrades to the bridge to make it more pedestrian and cyclist friendly, link downtown and the waterfront, and improve the bridge’s aesthetics to conform with the City’s seaside ambiance. New bridge enhancements would include widening of the sidewalks to accommodate walkers and bikers, higher decorative barriers to replace the low railings and new lighting fixtures for safer and more eye-pleasing illumination. Unfortunately, the national economic downturn and the City’s belt tightening over several years caused the project to be deferred. In early 2016, construction got underway.

Mayor Erik Nasarenko said of the endeavor, “This project connects two of Ventura’s greatest assets and economic drivers, our historic downtown and the Pacific Ocean. Creating a more walkable environment encourages pedestrians to explore downtown and patronize businesses.”

The original construction timeline forecasted completion by August 2016, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans. In the summer and fall of 2016, the project was delayed because the fabricator of the sidewalk barriers used improper measurements in the manufacturing process, forcing total re-dos. At the same time, the design artist changed the barrier color causing a further two-week delay. With these changes, City Public Works moved the completion date to November 2017. However, “the ongoing delays are due to unforeseen issues such as the lights. They are required to be built at a Caltrans approved audited facility which took a significant amount of time to complete this process,” said City Construction Manager, Loree Pryce. This requirement is necessary to ensure that the manufacturer will conform to strict Caltrans design standards during fabrication of the light pole structure.

The City states it is doing everything possible to expedite the completion by having regular weekly contact with Caltrans and the contractors. The latest estimate is Summer 2018, when both sides will have tall barriers and new lights. Presently, only the west side of the bridge has barrier panels. The City’s objective is that the $2.7 million upgrade, which is funded almost entirely by outside funding and grants, will create and optimize economic development by drawing the public to support surrounding businesses through this corridor connecting historic downtown with California Street Plaza, the pier and promenade.

“In addition,” said Pryce, “the raised height of the new railing will provide safety to pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge.” Pedestrians and cyclists should notice a safer environment with significantly improved lighting and attractive “kelp” railing panels designed by Southern California artist Michael Davis.

If you have a question you would like answered send it to [email protected] and we will try to get an answer for you.

New board members bring higher education experience to EDC-VC

Dr. Greg Gillespie, chancellor, Ventura County Community College District and Ysabel Trinidad, vice president for finance and administration at California State University Channel Islands are the newest Economic Development Collaborative–Ventura County board members.

“Greg and Ysabel each have more than 25 years’ experience in higher education leadership. Their insight into university-level administration will be beneficial to our board’s efforts to continue to develop partnerships, programs and services for clients we serve throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties,” said Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC’s president and CEO.

Prior to serving as chancellor, Gillespie spent four years as president of Ventura College. Gillespie has worked for more than 24 years in the community college system and has served in faculty, director, dean, vice president, and president positions at four different community colleges in Arizona, California and Washington. Gillespie is focused on supporting the colleges in providing student-centered access to quality and relevant educational programs and support services.  He works with employer, education and governmental partners to address shared educational and community priorities.  He also serves on several local, state and national organizations and boards.

Trinidad became vice president for finance and administration at CSU Channel Islands in 2011. She has more than 30 years of leadership experience in finance and operations in the field of higher education. Prior to CSUCI, she served as vice chancellor for administrative services at the University of Washington, Tacoma, where she oversaw finance and budget, capital planning, institutional planning and research, facilities, human resources, campus safety and risk management for the growing, urban campus of 3,500 students. Trinidad holds an MBA from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno.

Mayor for A Moment honors VUSD 5th graders

Aaron Cortez films Allison Cabeza from Citrus Glen Elementary with assistance from Principal Susan Martinez.

The City’s Mayor for A Moment series continues with 5th graders Vivian Ryan, from Will Rogers (November) and Allison Cabeza, from Citrus Glen (December). The Mayor for A Moment program is a collaboration with the City, Ventura Unified School District and CAPS Media. Each month teachers and faculty identify an outstanding 5th grader to represent the school. CAPS Media produces an on site profile of the student which includes the young mayor directing a tour of the school. Each Mayor for A Moment presents an original essay at a City council meeting on a topic of importance (caring, kindness, integrity, etc.) and receives recognition from the council including a key to the City. The program continues with a second, more extensive video presented at a VUSD board meeting during the “Good News” segment, and additional recognition of the young mayor and school by the district.

Pacific High School’s AIM project (Ancestry, Immigration and Memories) is in full production at the CAPS Media Center. Working in teams, Pacific students conduct interviews with family members to record and document personal stories and memories. The studio production crews are all Pacific students, operating cameras, audio and lighting gear, and the control room equipment. Coordinated by Pacific High teacher Jesse Barnett, and mentored by CAPS Media educator/instructor Phil Taggart, more than 30 Pacific high students are engaged in the immersive experience of broadcast journalism and media production. The AIM program, similar to the El Camino High School Digital Media Education program at CAPS Media, enables students to receive hands-on instruction in all aspects of studio production and post production, as well develop communication skills including research, storyboarding, writing and interviewing.

2018 is almost here. Consider closing out 2017 or starting the new year by becoming a Member/Producer at CAPS Media. If you are interested or just curious, orientation meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. HD videography/camera classes are on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing classes are on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) holds classes on the 4th week. In every training session Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. Once trained, member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their story and then book postproduction editing suites to craft the story they want to tell. Details of training and signups are on the website at capsmedia.org/events.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Go to capsmedia.org to see programming schedules, search the archives for past programs, get general info and sign up for classes. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura may become a Member/Producer. Annual membership fees are only $25 for an individual and $75 for a non-profit organization. CAPS Radio DJs require an additional annual fee of $50. For complete information go to capsmedia.org.

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Ojai News & Events

CI Professor of Biology Dr. Nitika Parmar will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 9 to deliver a presentation titled “The Spiritual Basis of Life: The Link between Body and Soul.” Dr. Parmar comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI), and is the final speaker in this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

Does the soul exist? Is it distinct from the body? Our bodies are highly complex machines, but what provides the consciousness to the body? Understanding the difference between body and soul is the beginning of spiritual life. This talk will compare the nature of the body and the soul and discuss how understanding both can help us achieve a better quality of life. Topics will include features of the soul, evidence of its presence, and its association with the body.

CSU Channel Islands hosts dozens of free public lectures at libraries throughout Ventura County as part of this program. The lecturers are experts from numerous departments at CI, including Biology, History, English, Computer Science, Political Science, Performing Arts, and Sociology to name a few.

This event is free and open to the public. The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45pm. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 415-8842 for more information.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play. Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun. There is a game every day of the week. Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org Life is Better with Bridge.

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke and hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics and brighten. Steve at 642-1359

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Mended Hearts of Ventura meet the first Tuesday each month at the Community Memorial Hospital – 8th floor. Speakers Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians, etc. from our area. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Bill Garner 320-1601

DBSA Ventura County support group for depression and bipolar disorder meets Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. A free weekly peer-led support group meeting at the Encounter Bible Fellowship Church campus, upstairs, Room 426/428, 6950 Ralston St. 633-0736 for recorded information or visit www.DBSAlliance.org.

Nancy R. Brandt Auxiliary of Ventura County Assistance League® is composed of working adults who give back to the community by volunteering service and fundraising activities to its philanthropic programs. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. For more information call Carol Hughes 509-2150.

Conversational Spanish in a small group setting. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Foster Library. Registration not required. Louise Vien 643-7064, [email protected]

Dec. 8: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution December luncheon meeting is their annual Christmas program and a presentation by Mr. Robert Taylor. 11:30 AM, in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join. If you choose lunch, cost is $20. Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, http://pattonpatriots.org.

Dec. 8: Think church is boring? You won’t with Messy Church. A fun evening for every age of crafts, games, music, celebration and dinner. Make new friends, build great community, connect and enrich your life with God in the center of it all. Fun starts at 5:45 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. Free, at Ventura First, 1338 E. Santa Clara, more fumcventura.org or 643-862

Dec. 8, 9: Gold Coast Concert Chorus presents Cheers! A Holiday Celebration. Celebrate the holidays and their 30th anniversary year with a look back to the holiday songs we loved, and a look forward to wonderful new holiday favorites.

Friday December 8, at 8 p.m. and Saturday December 9, at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church 1500 North C St., Oxnard. Adults $18, seniors and students $15, child under 12 $5.

Call 616-7269 or [email protected]

Dec. 8,9,10. The 24th year of the Dudley House Holiday Boutique on weekends from 10 – 6 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays. Celebrate the spirit of holidays past where you will find quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles and a tearoom with refreshments, silent auction and bargain items. 197 N. Ashwood Ave. Admission is free.

Call 642-3345 for information.

Dec. 8-14, 17-31:-California Sleigh Rides in Ventura Harbor. See beautiful holiday lights on boats and homes in Ventura harbor and in the Ventura Keys while cruising on the calm waters.

Public 1.25 Hour California Sleigh Ride Cruises depart nightly 5:45-7 p.m. and 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Adults (13-64) $25, seniors (65+) $23, children (2-12) $15, Infants under 2 are $7.

Parade of Lights Cruises departures on Friday 15th and Saturday 16^th 5:30-7p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m., $35 Per Person all ages. Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies on all Cruises plus a

Full bar available on board including “Reindeer Milk”. Credit card reservations required, no cancellations. Visit www.CaliforniaSleighRides.com. For reservations call 642-7753

Dec. 10: South Seaward Reindeer Games and Holiday Block Party 12- 2 p.m. South Seaward Avenue

Free Admission. Bring your friends and family and celebrate the season. The South Seaward Merchants Association and local businesses are hosting the first holiday block party featuring live reindeer, Santa Claus, carnival games, an ugly sweater contest, and more.

Dec. 10: Celebrate the Season! Special Christmas show featuring three Ventura County a cappella choruses: Pacific Sound, Channel Island Harmony Chorus, and Channel Aire Chorus.

Sunday, 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church 1338 E. Santa Clara St.

Tickets available through: 1-800-353-1632 or pacificsoundchorus.org/tickets

Dec. 12: Ventura Audubon Society December program 7:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Program focuses on the restoration of habitat throughout Ventura County. Some of these projects include wetland restoration, creek and woodland revegetation. Speaker Samantha Lantz is a Biologist and GIS Specialist for Resource Conservation Partners.

Dec 13: Walk It Off Wednesday – Comedy Showcase. Comedians Abby Roberge (Sirius XM, Buzzfeed) and Ari Mannis (Gabriel Iglesias stand up revolution, Comedy time, Forbes magazine) are co-headlining one night only at Ventura Harbor Comedy Club! They will also be bringing a special guest from television with them! $15 per person, show starts at 8pm. Ventura Harbor Comedy Club in the Ventura Harbor.

Dec. 16: German Saturday School via GASA German American School Association).

German Weihnachtsfeier holiday party at 9:30 a.m. Students will perform songs, poems, and skits followed by a visit from the German Nikolaus ( Santa Claus). It’s a fun event for families with children interested in another culture. German speaking “Round table” ( Stammtisch) every 3rd Thursday of the month at a different location in Ventura County. Native speakers from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and advanced language learners get together. Unitarian Universalist Church , 5654 Ralston.

[email protected] for more information.

Dec. 16, 17: Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters Present: A Clockwork Christmas.

Saturday and Sunday from 11 – 3 p.m. Olivas Adobe’s Small Adobe 4200 Olivas Park Dr.

A Christmas musical tour from a collection of late 19th century and early 20th century mechanical wonders, antique music boxes and vintage phonographs covering the period from 1870-1912. Experience the genius of these music makers from the past. Bring your kids and be prepared for a rare and joyous Christmas experience. Also, the Olivas Adobe will be open for special tours with an accent on Christmas, circa 1855. For more information call 658-4728. Coffee and tea provided. Donations appreciated.

Restaurant Review – Casa Bella

Porterhouse Porkchop with sautéed apple and parmesan spinach.

by Jennifer Tipton

Located on the corner of Oak and Main (where American Apparel used to be), Casa Bella opened her doors in June 2017.

I first visited the new establishment on July 4th when friends wanted to meet for cocktails, I was very impressed with the beautiful and spacious interior, a large open bar, and tall backed booths (for privacy) set elegantly! The Bloody Mary I ordered presented as a meal, garnished with a large prawn, olives and cocktail onions along with the usual celery stalk.

Interested to return and sample the fare, we dined with friends one Saturday evening and although it is not uncommon to have a server bring the entrée with the warning, “be careful, the plate is hot”, in this case it wasn’t just the plate, the food was so hot it scalded the tongue and we had to wait for it to cool before we could eat…

Recently, my husband persuaded me to “give them another chance”. Seated in the separate dining area that sets behind the bar, the tables were so close together for the size of the room that I wondered how the servers could get in and out and back and forth without knocking anything or anyone over.

Our server’s name was “Chelsea” and she was outstanding, Casa Bella always appears to be well staffed.

Appetizers include Chorizo Mussels with Tequila Crème, Spanish Deviled Eggs and Shrimp Avocado Rolls (these were so good, I should’ve skipped the entrée!). Prices range $8 to $13.

Entrées sound impressive with selections such as the Chef’s Chateau, a prime center cut chateau with lump crab cake, a cilantro aioli, parmesan risotto and a tequila gorgonzola cream. Several steaks are offered, each with a unique and enticing description, but going for that “Mexico City” flavor are other choices such as Mexican Shrimp and Lobster Pasta or Mexican Chicken Cordon Bleu. Prices range $22 to $42 with the average price per plate at $39.

All entrées come with one side, choices include the Jalapeno Creamed Spinach and the Cheesy Sweet Corn and Rice. Ordered separately, prices range $8 to $12 or a large “Specialty Lobster Garlic Mashed” for $25.

I had the Porterhouse Bone-In Porkchop with sautéed apple and parmesan spinach and was allowed to substitute a salad for one of the side dish selections, I ordered the chopped salad but was brought the Bella Romaine salad which consisted of fennel, shaved parmesan, red onion, walnuts and a gorgonzola dressing … not a winning combination.

Overall; beautiful ambience, great service and although the food sounds impressive, it was just “okay”, certainly not price worthy. Our bill for one appetizer, two entrées and a couple of cocktails was $150 (with tip).

There is no outdoor seating, so Casa Bella is not dog friendly and because of the location, parking is limited. There’s live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays and sometimes during the week, this we enjoyed very much as I sipped my $15 chocolate martini (a new way of doing dessert), the server forgot to charge me until I reminded her.

Total bill = $168

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