Award Received for Financial Reporting
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Brea for our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. I am very proud of the work done by our team in the Administrative Services Department.
Tree Preservation Added to Zoning Code
On August 8, 2023, the City Council adopted a Zoning Code update that added a new Tree Preservation Chapter to the City’s Zoning Code. These new standards are intended to encourage preservation of certain native trees on private properties, and established a permit process for the removal of such trees. A Tree Permit is an administrative permit that is processed by the Community Development Department. The process allows for thoughtful consideration of a proposal for identified native tree removal with a goal of preservation, or appropriate relocation or replacement options, if the request demonstrates that there is a ground for removal of such specified trees.
A few key points of the new requirements are highlighted below. Full details of the required standards can be found in Chapter 20.74 of the Brea Zoning Code.
Which properties need to comply with the new tree preservation standard?
• Any property that contains a commercial use; has a commercial zoning designation; and/or equal to or greater than 20,000 sq. ft. in size.
What types of trees are protected?
• The following trees are protected, if they have a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) measurement of 6 inches or more for single-trunk trees, or 12 inches or more for multi-trunk trees: Oak, Willow, Sycamore, Tecate Cypress (no minimum required), Southern California Black Walnut, Black Cottonwood, Fremont Cottonwood, and White Alder.
What is the permit requirement to remove or relocate the projected trees?
• Property owner must apply and secure an approval of a Tree Permit to remove/relocate protected tree.
Do protected trees need to be replaced?
• Yes, the replacement ratio varies from 2:1 to 7:1, depending on the size of the protected tree being removed.
Is there monitoring required after replacement trees are planted?
• Yes, the replaced/relocated protected tree is required to be continually monitored for five years.
Inner Coastal Cleanup Day
The Public Works Department held its 20th Annual Inner Coastal & Watershed Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23. There were 136 volunteers that removed 1,150 pounds of debris from the Brea Creek Channel, west of the Downtown area. This annual event is a great way to support a healthier watershed. Thank you to all the volunteers who spent their time making Brea beautiful.
Delicious New Businesses in Brea
The City would like to welcome two new restaurants that recently went through the City’s Planning Commission approval process.
Popping Yolk Café, located at 311 S. State College Blvd., is now open. Looking for a new brunch spot in Brea? Popping Yolk Café boasts a fusion of flavors in their featured egg benedicts, omelets, sandwiches, and burgers. Pair your meal with one of Popping Yolk Cafe’s handcrafted coffee selections or fresh juices. Visitors can also enjoy sipping on mimosas while spending time in the café’s fun, modern atmosphere.
The Boiling Crab’s newest location is coming soon to Downtown Brea, along Brea Blvd. This California-born, global chain features a variety of fresh seafood with a Cajun flair. The Boiling Crab also offers specialty beers, margaritas, and micheladas. With their other restaurant locations spanning as far as China and Australia, Brea looks forward to welcoming The Boiling Crab to the City.
Weed Abatement
The Public Works Department has completed weed abatement work on a portion of Open Space Land. The project focused on removal of dry brush behind the Somerset Condominium community. The City contractor spent two days and removed 40 yards of dry brush, dead tree branches, and leaves in the area. Working alongside the Brea Fire Department, Public Works was able to give the contractor clear and specific guidance on boundaries to meet code compliance. We appreciate the efforts of both the Fire and Public Works departments by working together to help reduce the spread of fire in the chance that there is a wildfire in our area.
Welcoming Community Development Employees
The Community Development Department would like to welcome two new employees in the Planning Division.
Bradley Armstrong recently joined the department as a Junior Plans Checker. Bradley has worked in local government for about four years, and has experience with a nearby jurisdiction as a Permit Technician issuing permits, conducting plan reviews, and performing minor inspections. Outside of work, Bradley enjoys spending time with his wife and 4-month-old daughter, going camping, golfing, and playing basketball. He graduated from the Grand Canyon University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management. He also has certifications from the International Code Council in Residential Inspection, as well as Building Plans Examination.
Graham Bultema recently joined the department as an Assistant Planner. He is excited to work for the City of Brea and continue to gain experience working in local government and grow in the planning profession. Graham and his wife recently relocated to Orange County from San Luis Obispo, where he worked as an Assistant Planner for the past two years. Graham graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in City & Regional Planning. In his spare time, Graham enjoys running and biking, as well as going to local museums and art galleries with his wife.
We are happy to have both Bradley and Graham join the City of Brea.