“This year there is a little more participation from area businesses, they’re together more this year…I’m expecting that next year we’ll have even more,” taking part in staging the holiday celebration.So far Ortiz has a pretty impressive lineup of businesses supporting the effort, ranging from other eateries to retail stores to tire shops to insurance agents and markets.“I appreciate all the new businesses that are taking part this year as well as those who helped the first year” and are again giving a hand for Thursday’s event.Ortiz, whose El Pescador just underwent remodeling, plans and stages the event with the help of his two sons, Carlos Jr. and Victor: “It’s a family thing” to reach out at the holidays and make sure that the joy of the season is shared by all, he noted.El Pescador will be open Thursday, although the kitchen will be the scene of the food preparation that starts Wednesday.“Do I enjoy the celebration as much as those who attend? Yes, a lot,” noted Ortiz. “I’m not afraid to have 2,000 people there, I’m happy to do it, to serve the people” as they celebrate the Christmas season of giving.And giving – even on such a grand scale - is good for Ortiz: “People have remarked how happy I seem, it’s not stressful at all but makes me very, very happy.”
El Pescador, other SP businesses again hosting Christmas celebration
December 20, 2006
Santa Paula News
Carlos Ortiz, the owner of Santa Paula’s El Pescador Restaurant, is used to feeding people but he’s again planning a Christmas holiday feast for many, many celebrants on Thursday at Casa del Mexicano from 3 to 7 p.m.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesCarlos Ortiz, the owner of Santa Paula’s El Pescador Restaurant, is used to feeding people but he’s again planning a Christmas holiday feast for many, many celebrants on Thursday at Casa del Mexicano from 3 to 7 p.m.“I expect 2,000 people this year,” when Ortiz and others stage the 2nd Annual Businesses of Santa Paula’s Sharing Christmas for Our People, to which the whole community is invited. “It’s going to be a big party,” Ortiz promised.He should know: last year Ortiz and other businesses attracted about 1,300 people to the South 11th Street Casa where a delicious meal and entertainment – as well as a visit from Santa Claus – were the main attractions of the free event.Ortiz said that this year’s menu will include chile verde, chile colorado, carnitas, rice, beans and bread.DJ La Bomba will be spinning tunes and there will be Karaoke for those who would like to sing along with top tunes.And, promised Ortiz, “We’ll have toys for the kids…” a favorite portion of the event for all who like to see a child’s eyes light up with happiness.Overall, the success of last year’s event made an impression on those who attended or heard about the free party.
