#avia-menu li > a {
    background: red;
}

The above code changes the background color of the menu blocks whereas

#header_main_alternate {
background-color: red;}

Changes the background color behind the blocks, the full-width div area.

Hope this helps.

Unfortunately that did not work. your code does however work with the !important added to the color, but the color only affects the menu box, not the full width div. Does this make sense?
Thanks Again

nm, had some custom CSS, changed section color theme and fixed that. Still need help with first question..