Tree Lighting Ceremony
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony was held earlier this month at the Civic & Cultural Center. The community was treated to performances from Christ Lutheran Church and Children’s Choir, Ballet Project OC, Stage Light Production Company, Arovista Elementary School Choir. ‘Snow’ fell from the sky and Santa Claus rode in on a Brea Fire Truck as the community counted down to light the tree.
After the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to visit craft vendors, take selfies with Santa Claus, pet reindeer, and enjoy hot cocoa. The annual Brea Christmas tree ornament along with City of Brea merchandise was also available for purchase. It was a festive evening and a great way to kick off the holiday season.
CSUF Students Learn About Local Government
On December 3, City of Brea staff facilitated an informative tour for a group of transfer students studying Public Administration and Political Science at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). The tour was part of a field trip for students that are currently enrolled in a Transfer Cohort class. The goal of the tour was to provide the students with valuable insights into working in local government at the City of Brea.
The tour, which began at the Brea Community Center, allowed students to meet the City’s leadership team. The students then had the opportunity to board the Brea Trolley to view the Brea Mall Redevelopment Project, currently in construction. From there, the group toured the Brea Civic & Cultural Center campus, including City Administrative Offices, meeting various staff along the way. The tour concluded in the City Council Chambers that was prepared for the City Council Meeting being held later that evening.
City staff value the partnership with CSUF, along with the opportunity to provide information on careers in Public Administration to the next generation.
Call for Art at the Brea Gallery
The annual Made in California juried exhibit hosted by the Brea Gallery every spring, will be celebrating its 40th year in 2025! Submissions are being accepted now for the next iteration of this beloved exhibition. Featuring artwork from all over the Golden State, local and regional artists highlight contemporary art movements happening in California. Opening night boasts record-breaking attendance annually, putting Brea arts at the forefront of the creative scene.
All residents of California (age 18 +) working in any medium, are eligible to participate in this opportunity including a chance to win cash prizes. Brea residents get a free solo show entry to the call for art and are encouraged to submit early. To be considered, apply before the submission deadline on February 7, 2025.
Not a working artist but want to show support? Mark your calendar now; Made in California 2025 opens April 26 and will run until June 29.
Introducing Brea’s New Community Services Manager
The Community Services Department recently promoted Jenn Colacion to the position of Community Services Manager, overseeing Cultural Arts, Human Services and Special Events. Jenn has spent the past 11 years working for the City of Brea, primarily in the Community Services Department. She brings her robust skills in budget management, project management, Commission relations and program development with her into this role, and is a proven and committed public servant. Congratulations, Jenn!
Community Comes Together for Thanksgiving Fitness
Last month, the Brea Fitness Center hosted Feast Mode which brought together gym goers for an energizing Thanksgiving morning workout. Zumba, TRX, cycling and volleyball was available there for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to Providence St. Jude Medical Center for sponsoring the event with t-shirts, Communitea Coffee, and Aetna for providing snacks. This event brought the community together to celebrate health, wellness, and the spirit of the holidays.
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Business Spotlight - Smart Parke
Smart Parke, a modern daycare and overnight boarding facility for pets, is now open at the Brea Marketplace Shopping Center. Their all-inclusive services feature over 117 suites, day camp sessions, house cuisine, web camera access, daily report cards, and a complimentary bath—all with 24/7, on-site care. With over 20,000 square feet of interior space, Smart Parke offers spacious indoor play yards tailored for large and small dogs, along with palm-shaded lounging spots and cozy cots for napping. Smart Parke also offers retail sale of pet products and overnight boarding services for cats. Tours are available for new clients, along with special introductory offers.
Fit, Festive, and Fun
The Brea Fitness hosted a SilverSneakers holiday party where participants were encouraged to dress in holiday colors or attire, for a special workout class. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, followed by desserts, a raffle and ended with decorating custom ornaments that read "Brea Fitness 2024." Thank you to Cogir of Brea for sponsoring the event and to Medicare Insurance Broker David Smith for his generous donation to help make this holiday celebration one to remember.
If you or a senior you know is interested in joining Brea Fitness and getting access to SilverSneakers classes and special events like this, Brea Fitness is proud to be the hosting facility for OPTUM, TIVITY, ASHlink, and FitOnHealth.
Giving Back
This holiday season, the Management Services Department contributed to Fired Up for Giving, the Brea Fire Department’s annual holiday toy drive. The department focused on donating self-care items to create gift bags that cater to teens. Typically, the Fire Department receives a large amount of donations geared toward younger children, and teens do not have a wide variety of options to choose from.
A total of 22 bags were created for teen boys and girls that featured nail polish, heatless curlers, hair clips, sunglasses, footballs and soaps. Dr. Squatch, a local Brea business, donated 12 special edition gifts sets that included a variety of soaps. I am happy to see City staff coming together in the spirit of giving.
California Municipal Treasurers Association Investment Policy Certification
The City of Brea has successfully completed the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA) Investment Policy Certification Program. The City’s last Investment Policy Certification was completed over 10 years ago. This accomplishment certifies that the City’s Investment Policy complies with the current statues governing the investment practices for local government for the State of California.
The City’s Investment Policy was reviewed by three independent reviewers and received an average score of 98 and scored 100 with two of the three raters. As we strive to improve, the City will review the comments provided by the raters and make the necessary adjustments to the 2025 Investment Policy.