Originally from Minnesota, Bella da Ball, aka Brian Wanzek, moved out to southern California years ago on a job transfer. While living in southern California, Brian vacationed in Palm Springs several times over the years and decided that it was the place to be. First, he purchased a home to enjoy on weekends and then finally deciding to move there to live full time. Now Bella is known as the area's social ambassador and host/hostess with the mostest entertaining visitors at a weekly cabaret variety revue and emceeing at a variety of charity events.
PS, I love you, I really do. My absolutely favorite thing about you is your diversity. Not only are you a beautiful combination of small-town and big-city, but you are so open, colorful, unique and you embrace a collection of people from so many walks of life. I have found my home here and I absolutely love you.
From quaint neighborhoods and scenic walkways and streets, to museums, country clubs, 125+ golf courses, theaters and casinos, there is so much to love about you. One of my favorite things to do is to take a walk through downtown Palm Springs, have a little lunch at one of the open air cafes, do some shopping and enjoy the unique mix of people enjoying the gorgeous weather.
Another reason I love you so much is because everyone needs a little glitter and glam in their life and you provide more than just a little. The black tie awards gala for the Palm Springs International Film Festival at the Palm Springs Convention Center and all the film screenings, receptions and events connected with the January feature fest and the June ShortFest provide the opportunity for just the right amount of sparkle. And speaking of sparkle, the Evening Under The Stars annual gala for AIDS Assistance Program is another favorite event allowing for the opportunity to give back to the community.
The area is a fabulous blend and mix of unique, quaint bed and breakfast, boutique hotels and internationally known resorts like Hard Rock Hotel, Renaissance, Hilton, Hyatt, Westin and more. Many have a specific flavor or attraction, such as those catering to the LGBT community or those favored by the metro hip crowd flocking to Ace Hotel, Saguaro, and Riviera. And let's not forget about those catering to visitors desiring the au' natural look and feel of the clothing optional resorts.
You offer so many wonderful places to eat throughout the Coachella Valley, from casual to elegant it's hard to choose a favorite. Since we have a dog, we prefer restaurants that have outdoor seating and are dog friendly. A few of my favorites include Don and Sweet Sue's in Cathedral City; Azul in downtown Palm Springs and Acqua Pazza at The River in Rancho Mirage.
Aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the World's Largest Rotating Tramcar, you provide us with an opportunity to experience a breathtaking journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. When I look outside and see your gorgeous collection of mountains which are often covered with snow on the very top or when I take in the fabulous desert landscape with the incredible display of cactus and succulents or when I look up to view the beautiful starry-skied evenings, I feel completely inspired and am in such awe of your grandeur and beauty. The 10 minute ride beginning at the Valley Station at an elevation of 2,643 ft. and ending at the Mountain Station at an elevation of 8,516 ft. is a chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. My love for you truly has no limit.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this letter, you are the perfect blend of small town atmosphere with a sophisticated big metro pizazz. A great example of this is the annual Modernism Week, the annual 10-day design extravaganza offering a dizzying array of events, lectures, films, shopping experiences and architectural tours highlighting the amazing architectural gems that can be found here.
All of this and yet you are so close in proximity to Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix and Las Vegas - making for such a convenient week or weekend visit.
Palm Springs, you have provided me with so much joy over the years. I have found a passion that has no limits. You have afforded me the opportunity to live my life in an area of the world rich with spirit and the appreciation of our natural surroundings. You have allowed me to follow my own path in life and find a home.
You are a shimmering jewel that everyone should be fortunate enough to find. Since I have lived here, I have been involved in a community that has impacted my life in a profound and immeasurable way. For that, I thank you. PS, I love you.