Brazilian market, Sabi, marks opening on Campbell Ave.

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 5, 2021 — (Pictured): Sabi Meat Market owner Sergio Dos Anjos is joined by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi on Tuesday to celebrate the Brazilian market’s grand opening at 391 Campbell Ave.

Sabi, housed in a building of small businesses on Campbell Avenue between Brown and Court streets, features a butcher shop and specializes in food items from Brazil, said Dos Anjos, a native of Sabinópolis, Brazil, who has lived in West Haven for the past 18 years.

The new market offers such tender Brazilian meats as picanha — a savory prime cut of top sirloin cooked with the fat for juiciness and flavor — as well as pork and chicken sausages and flank, skirt and tenderloin steaks.

Rossi said Sabi is “the go-to place” for home-style and hard-to-find Brazilian foods and snacks.

The market also offers prepackaged and convenience food products from Brazil.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Public hearing on raising of Beach St. set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 5, 2021 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi will hold a public hearing on the raising of Beach Street at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Harriet C. North Community Room on the second floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

Face masks are required in City Hall.

Read the agenda, which includes public comment information, at Special Meeting.

Community input sought for American Rescue Plan funds

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 4, 2021 — The city has received funding from the U.S. Treasury Department’s American Rescue Plan Act and is seeking input from residents.

West Haven residents are asked to provide suggestions and recommendations regarding project proposals for consideration. Projects must fit the federal criteria.

Read Mayor Nancy R. Rossi's full announcement letter and take the online survey at Letter and Survey.

Dr. Ralph L. Padilla, the owner of the West Haven Animal Clinic at 959 Campbell Ave., holds Gizmo, a Persian cat, with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, center, and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi during their tour of Hispanic-owned businesses in West Haven on Friday. Bysiewicz and Rossi also visited Budget Transmission Center at 950 Boston Post Road and La Catrina Restaurant and Cantina at 240 Captain Thomas Blvd. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Bysiewicz, Rossi tour Hispanic-owned businesses in city

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 4, 2021 — In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi toured three Hispanic-owned businesses in West Haven on Friday.

Bysiewicz and Rossi, who was joined by Executive Assistant Louis P. Esposito Jr. and City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath, visited the West Haven Animal Clinic at 959 Campbell Ave., Budget Transmission Center at 950 Boston Post Road and La Catrina Restaurant and Cantina at 240 Captain Thomas Blvd.

With the small businesses in full swing, the state and city leaders talked shop with Animal Clinic owner Dr. Ralph L. Padilla, Budget Transmission owner Sammy Rivera, who also owns Budget Car Wash at 936 Boston Post Road, and La Catrina co-owners Nicolas Altamirano Escobedo and Karen Sanchez Benitez.

Bysiewicz and Rossi received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of each business and chatted with the owners about surviving the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of small businesses in Connecticut, and how they are driving economic growth statewide, including in West Haven.

Padilla, who has practiced veterinary medicine since 1981 and owned the clinic since 1985, said he takes pride in his Puerto Rican heritage and profession by giving back as much as he has received.

With his Puerto Rican flag-draped office door in view, Padilla paused with Eleanor, a Rottweiler dog; Gizmo, a Persian cat; and Buddy, a cockatoo parrot.

Rossi said Padilla’s pro bono services at the West Haven Animal Shelter include dealing with the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries in animals, both domestic and wild.

The New York City-born Padilla, who traces his paternal lineage to Naranjito, Puerto Rico, was the first recipient of West Haven’s Hispanic American of the Year award at the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration in 2018.

Rossi and the West Haven Hispanic Heritage Committee bestow the award annually on a Hispanic resident who personifies service in the city’s thriving Hispanic American community.

Rivera, the 2021 Hispanic American of the Year, became the award’s third recipient on Sept. 24. Last year’s ceremony was postponed because of COVID-19.

On Route 1 in Allingtown, Rivera showed Bysiewicz and Rossi his bustling automotive repair shop, established in 2005. As they greeted each of his nine full-time employees, Rivera pointed out that his burgeoning business enterprise includes his 4-year-old touchless car wash next door, a 24-hour operation with four employees.

Rivera was born in Cayey, a mountain town and municipality in central Puerto Rico, and moved to New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood with his mother and brother in 1981 at age 4. He moved to West Haven when he purchased Budget Transmission in 2005.

The public-spirited Rivera, who grew up “very poor,” said he appreciates those who helped his business career and believes in paying it forward.

“The American dream is having a lot of employees and taking care of them — and them taking care of me and taking care of my customers,” Rivera said.

Rossi said Rivera’s good works include donating toys amid the pandemic to the Three Kings Day celebration in January and supporting the hurricane relief effort in Puerto Rico.

Bysiewicz and Rossi made their last stop at La Catrina, where the owners opened the visit by thanking Rossi for cutting the ribbon at the Mexican restaurant’s grand opening on Feb. 24.

Altamirano Escobedo said La Catrina serves the taste of Mexico, specializing in such authentic dishes as tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas and enchiladas made from his mother’s time-honored recipes, along with savory fish, chicken, steak and pork entrees. The fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine is complemented by creative concoctions of citrusy-flavored margaritas and other zesty cocktails.

Altamirano Escobedo and Sanchez Benitez, who hail from Puebla, Mexico, and now live together in Hamden, chose the West Haven location, housed in the Savin Rock Plaza near the beach, because they “love the city.”

Accentuated by bright hues of the owners’ native Mexico, the remodeled restaurant and bar, open for lunch and dinner daily, is decorated with Spanish furnishings, knickknacks and murals.

The striking theme of La Catrina is “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead,” the popular Mexican holiday that commemorates loved ones who have died.

“La Catrina,” a female skeleton donning a dress hat with feathers, is the referential image of death in Mexico and the symbol of Dia de los Muertos, observed Nov. 1-2.

As a tribute to the culture and people of Mexico, the restaurant’s festive and spacious dining room and barroom are enlivened by vivid pink and yellow stucco walls that showcase Day of the Dead-themed murals with skeleton faces painted by West Haven artist Cruz Manuel.

Like Padilla and Rivera, the owners of La Catrina are committed to supporting their vibrant community and carrying on the proud traditions of Mexico.

West Haven’s diversity is its strength, said Rossi, adding that the owners of all four businesses are a testament to the promise and greatness of America.

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, West Haven recognizes the important legacy of Hispanic Americans and the inspiring contributions they have made to the culture and history of the United States.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on the civic and cultural life of America, enhancing and shaping the national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which traces its roots to 1968, begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days during that period.

Bysiewicz and Rossi pose with Buddy, a cockatoo, at the West Haven Animal Clinic. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Rossi presents Bysiewicz with a West Haven centennial-emblazoned tote bag containing the new centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” along with a centennial coin, lapel pin and decal. Looking on are City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath and mayoral Executive Assistant Louis P. Esposito Jr. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Budget Transmission Center owner Sammy Rivera, center, is joined outside his automotive repair shop at 950 Boston Post Road by, from left, City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and mayoral Executive Assistant Louis P. Esposito Jr. Rivera also owns Budget Car Wash at 936 Boston Post Road. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Rossi laughs as Bysiewicz jokes with Rivera in his office. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Rivera is joined by his 23-year-old son, Nicholas Rivera, and sBysiewicz, Rossi and Esposito. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

La Catrina Restaurant and Cantina co-owners Nicolas Altamirano Escobedo and Karen Sanchez Benitez, center, are joined outside their Mexican restaurant at 240 Captain Thomas Blvd. by, from left, mayoral Executive Assistant Louis P. Esposito Jr., Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Altamirano Escobedo pauses with Rossi and Bysiewicz in La Catrina’s barroom. The barroom and dining room feature “Day of the Dead”-themed murals with skeleton faces painted by West Haven artist Cruz Manuel. The popular Mexican holiday celebrates loved ones who have died. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Energy assistance offered

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 29, 2021 — The city will begin accepting applications for the federally funded Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

Starting Oct. 4, appointments for all heating sources can be made by calling 203-937-3572.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, applications will be processed via phone by appointment Monday through Thursday. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to have a translator.

Eligibility for assistance is based on the income of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension checks, for all household members 18 and older.

Applicants must also provide SNAP benefits, a current utility bill, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and author Dan Shine reveal West Haven’s newly published centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” at City Hall on Sept. 24. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Centennial book signing set for Oct. 20 at City Hall

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 29, 2021 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and author Dan Shine will sign copies of West Haven’s newly published centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” on Oct. 20.

The book signing will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. in the first-floor foyer of City Hall, 355 Main St.

The $20 historical book, printed in partnership with GHP Media of West Haven and released on Sept. 24, chronicles the stories and photos that shaped West Haven’s past 100 years.

“It is the city’s, the committee’s and Mr. Shine’s hope that the reader will find the following stories to be enlightening, entertaining and moving, in accordance with the content of each,” said Rossi, the honorary chairwoman of the City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee.

The 116-page book was commissioned by the committee to commemorate West Haven’s 1921 birth and its incorporation by the General Assembly as Connecticut’s youngest town.

Rossi and Shine will sign more books from 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the city’s Main Library, 300 Elm St.

The book is also available for purchase in the Department of Human Resources at City Hall or by calling Commissioner Beth A. Sabo at 203-937-3558.

Rossi praised Sabo, the committee’s chairwoman, for overseeing the book and West Haven Public Library Assistant Director Catherine Bushman for laying out the contents, including the black-and-white and full-color photos.

The information was sourced from the “Historian’s Corner” series written by Shine, one of the foremost authorities on West Haven history. The cover was photographed by James Holt and designed by Toni Perry, who also provided the finished layout.

The book’s articles are dedicated to Shine’s father, Daniel R. “Bob” Shine, who died in 2004.

Members of the 8th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A fire their Springfield muskets during the finale of the West Haven centennial exhibit, “Hubbard Farms,” in Hubbard Farms Park on Sept. 25. The regiment is a Union Civil War living history and reenacting organization that helped celebrate the legacy of the Hubbard family and farm with a Civil War encampment. The exhibit also included children’s activities, food and live music. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Hubbard family, farm celebrated with centennial exhibit

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 28, 2021 — Hubbard Farms Park on Sept. 25 was transformed into a Civil War encampment and a venue for children’s activities, food and live music to celebrate the legacy of the Hubbard family and farm at the West Haven centennial exhibit, “Hubbard Farms.”

The five-hour exhibit, presented by Hubbard family member Steven Johnstone, was part of the West Haven Centennial Celebration, a six-month series of free events commemorating the community’s 1921 birth and its incorporation by the General Assembly as Connecticut’s youngest municipality, said Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, the honorary chairwoman of the City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee.

Local cover band The Navels kicked off the late-morning festivities, performing a two-hour-plus set of classic rock anthems on a flatbed truck provided by Bruneau’s Garage of West Haven outside the park’s main entrance on Hubbard Road. The group was followed by guitarist John Ciambriello, who played acoustic renditions of Top 40 hits.

Read the full story, see the photos and watch the video at Hubbard Farms.

UI sets next phase of tree care program in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 21, 2021 — United Illuminating will begin the next phase of its tree care program to reduce the amount of vegetation that UI says threatens power lines during storms.

UI’s tree service contractor will increase the distance between vegetation and power lines by targeting trees and limbs in and around the center of West Haven along Campbell Avenue and Main and Center streets, said city Tree Warden Leo Kelly, who reviewed and approved the project.

Kelly said the circuit area provides electrical power to downtown businesses and City Hall.

The contractor, Lewis Tree Service Inc., will focus work on UI’s “Utility Protection Zone,” which extends 15 feet above, 8 feet below and 10 feet to the side of power lines, he said.

According to UI, the Orange-based utility will designate trees for pruning or removal if they pose a threat to power lines or risk falling into or encroaching on the Utility Protection Zone, causing damage to the electrical system or outages due to their height and growth pattern.

People can direct questions to Kelly at lkelly@westhaven-ct.gov.

#FunFactFriday coming to West Haven centennial Facebook page

Every Friday is #FunFactFriday on W. Haven centennial Facebook page

WEST HAVEN, July 29, 2021 — The City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee has launched a new series called #FunFactFriday to promote the community’s 100th anniversary this year.

Every Friday, the committee will post tidbits celebrating historical events, people and places in West Haven from the past 100 years on its official Facebook page, City of West Haven Centennial Celebration - 1921-2021.

The page is administered by the city and edited by Dan Shine, one of the foremost authorities on West Haven history. Like the page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CityofWestHavenCentennialCelebrationCommittee.

The historical facts are compiled from various West Haven Library references by staff members Taylor Cordova and Kiana Arevalo under the supervision of Executive Director Colleen Bailie.

The committee is planning a number of commemorative events, starting this month, to observe the 1921 birth of Connecticut’s youngest town.