Loading

City Manager's Report February 24, 2023

Compost Giveaway

Republic Services hosted a composting event this past Saturday, February 18, which resulted in more than 250 recipients, of which around 200 were Brea residents. Households received up to 60 gallons of free compost, with a total of 45 cubic yards being distributed. The event was scheduled from 8:00 - 10:30 a.m. but due to the popularity of the event, supplies only lasting until approximately 10:00 a.m.

Brea’s Valuable Customer Service

Esteban Rubiano recently joined the Community Development Department’s Planning Division as an Assistant Planner. He is excited and eager to learn about Brea’s specific needs and provide exceptional service to the community. Since his introduction to the study of Planning and Urban Development at Cal Poly Pomona, Esteban developed a motivating interest in cultivating authentic and prosperous communities. Esteban looks forward to his professional investment in Brea and serving the community with excellent customer service.

The Brea Gallery’s New Exhibit Now Open

The Brea Gallery is pleased to announce its newest exhibit Domestic Detritus, currently on display. The public and featured artists attended the opening reception, followed by music, food, and drinks.

Artist Matthew Brabant’s mother dedicated two hours of performance art during the opening reception, laying on a bed and crocheting. Being inside during quarantine sometimes felt like a never-ending loop, and many picked up hobbies to pass the time. Seeing Brabant’s mother knit for such a long time, to now only seeing the unfinished blanket left behind, reminds us of that ‘past’ life we lived.

With the isolation and hardships of the last three years of the global pandemic, Domestic Detritus seeks to investigate the personal and universal transformations experienced. The Gallery has resumed regular business hours, Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Brea’s 23rd Annual Wedding Show

Brea’s 23rd Annual Wedding Show returned for the first time since the pandemic on Saturday, January 28, at the Brea Community Center. Approximately 1,100 guests attended this popular event, with 354 brides or grooms attending. All engaged attendees were entered into a raffle with more than 40 door prizes from participating vendors. Of the 63 vendors participating in Saturday’s event, some local exhibitors included Coyote Hills Golf Course, Blooming Hills Florist, Friar Tux, Simply Nail Bar, Embassy Suites Brea, and David’s Bridal. This regional event attracted many engaged couples from the Orange County area, attracting as far away as Los Angeles, Big Bear, Loma Linda, and even one from Arizona.

Brea Seniors Center Special Guest

The Brea Senior Center Veterans Group was honored to host a special guest speaker, Charlotte Van Steenbergen, a WWII Japanese concentration camp survivor. Charlotte shared her harrowing experiences in the concentration camp, her family's devastation, her parents' strength, and their fantastic reunion after being liberated by American troops.

She also shared her absolute and wholehearted gratitude to all the military veterans for their service and many who sacrificed their lives for her freedom. It was a beautiful moment that left the room in tears and applauding in agreement.

Charlotte also shared a poem she wrote encompassing her undying love and appreciation for America and all that this country has blessed her family with.

In closing, Charlotte answered the audience’s questions and shared the related experiences with the rest of the group. In addition, she happily took photos and autographed her book, I Met God in Hell, for all in attendance. Brea is fortunate to have Charlotte and an incredible group of veterans who make up a special part of our community.

Brea Canyon Road Street Improvement

On January 24, the crack fill and slurry seal project was completed on the City-owned portion of Brea Canyon Road, between the Orange County-owned portions of the roadway. The City of Brea portion of Brea Canyon Road is represented in the highlighted green portion of the map. The project spanned over days, consisting of crack filling and slurry sealing the southbound and northbound lanes. The project was completed on January 31, with the finishing touches of restriping the edge of the pavement and center lines.

The community’s patience and cooperation are appreciated as City improvements are made.