Welcome to the November City Manager's Report. I am sharing with you highlights of events and projects that staff has worked on this month. I sincerely appreciate everyone's continued hard work to benefit the Brea community.
Fire Department Promotional Ceremony
The Fire Department invited family and friends to witness their annual Fire Promotional Ceremony to officially pin the badges of those individuals being celebrated. Guest enjoyed a beautiful pinning ceremony and light refreshments. This ceremony highlights the hard work these individuals put in and hours of training they spent, which are valuable to the Brea community. I would like to congratulate those who were promoted and welcome the newest members to the department. Thank you for doing your part in keeping Brea the great community that it is. I look forward to working with you and seeing you all continue to grow our Brea Fire Department.
After School Program Partners with Brea Library
The After-School Program partnered with the Brea Library for a special Storytime and Craft activity. Staff walked the After-School Program participants to the library, where they enjoyed an engaging story led by library staff, asked thoughtful questions, and then created a fun craft related to the day’s reading. Students also had the opportunity to explore the library and even check out books to take home. It was a nice experience that encouraged creativity, curiosity, and a love of reading—while strengthening the connection between our After-School Program and the Brea Library.
Brea Municipal Plunge Plastering Project
Last month, the Brea Municipal Plunge received a much-needed upgrade. The large plastering project began on September 15 and was officially finished on October 22. The process included draining the entire pool, removing of the old plaster, installing new plaster on the floor and walls, installing new tile on the pool floor, then refilling the pool. This much needed project will ensure the pool is in tip-top shape for summer 2026. This project was paid out of the Park Development Fund (Fund 250). Thank you to Public Works Manager Eric Aulls, and the entire Public Works team, for making this project a priority and organizing its success.
Tiny Tots Celebrate Halloween
The Tiny Tots preschool program celebrated Halloween at the Brea Community Center with classmates and their family members. Patrons of the Brea Community Center were able to watch the tiny tot students parade in their costumes. The children recited poems and songs they have been practicing with their teachers and captured everyone’s hearts as they were on display in their costumes. Tiny Tots went trick-or-treating with Community Services staff using bags they had created in class. The festivities concluded with a pizza party in their classrooms.
Halloween with the Best Buddies
This year, we welcomed more than 120 Best Buddies students from the Brea Olinda Unified School District to the Brea Civic & Cultural Center for a fun and inclusive morning of trick-or-treating. Students enjoyed visiting decorated booths from City departments and community partners. The annual Best Buddies Halloween event continues to be a collaboration with the Brea Olinda Unified School District that focuses on building confidence, social skills, and a sense of community for students who need support with learning. We would like to thank Trader Joe’s, Popcorn Jim, and SoCal Gas Company for their generous donations and support, which made this event a memorable one.
Yo Gabba Gabba!: The Super Art Friends Show Opening Reception
On October 18, the Brea Gallery celebrated the opening of Yo Gabba Gabba!: The Super Art Friends Show. Over 700 guests enjoyed the artwork of 90 exhibiting artists with refreshments, live music, a craft project, and the opportunity to meet Yo Gabba Gabba! characters Foofa, Plex, Toodee, Muno, and Brobee. The Super Art Friends Show is on view through December 12, 2025 as the Brea Gallery celebrates 20 years of the iconic, ground-breaking children’s television series that got its start in the City of Brea. To learn more about the exhibit and Yo Gabba Gabba's! connection to Brea, watch or listen to the Brea Talks podcast episode. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
City of Brea Represented at Adobe GovMAX2025
Last month, Media Services Specialists Ruben Segura and Andrea Carvajal represented the City of Brea at the Adobe GovMAX conference in Los Angeles. The gathering took place alongside the well-attended Adobe MAX Creativity Conference. GovMAX is built specifically for government professionals who are looking for smarter ways to communicate, collaborate, and deliver better service to their communities. Ruben and Andrea presented how the City uses Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly to build stronger brand consistency, speed up production timelines, and ultimately improve how information gets to residents. Their talk walked through examples which included social content, campaign assets, and templates that help maintain the City’s branding. Sharing Brea’s approach sparked conversations with other cities and agencies from across the country. I would like to thank Adobe for inviting the Communications & Marketing Division to highlight our successes while using their Adobe products.
Welcome to the Brea Team
I am excited to welcome and introduce a new member to the City of Brea team. Read along and get to know the new addition. Joseph Diaz is the newest Water Distribution Operator I in the Public Works Department. He attended Mt. San Jacinto Community College to obtain his Water Technology Certificate to prepare for this role. He has obtained the D2 and T2 certifications as well. He is most excited to gain field experience, expand his technical knowledge, while continuing to grow within this profession. Joseph will be assisting with system maintenance, water quality checks, and ensuring safe portable water for the community of Brea. In his free time, Joseph likes to play video games, go to the gym and hang out with his Cane Corso dog named Stitch. He is looking forward to learning from experienced operators, serving the community, and getting to explore Brea.
Spooktacular 6th Grade Dance
Teen Programs kicked off the school year with their first 6th Grade Dance of the year. Over 250 Brea 6th graders came out for a night full of music, laughter, and ghoulishly good fun. The theme was a “Spooktacular 6th Grade Night” which featured a live DJ that kept everyone dancing, festive face painting, and a photo booth to capture lasting memories. It was a great way to start the school year. We are looking forward to the rest of the year and the festivities to come.
Birch Street & Waterline Improvements
Public Works recently delivered two significant Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects aimed to maintain and improve the City's infrastructure. Construction is complete for the street improvements along Birch St., from Kraemer Blvd. to Valencia Ave. The project consisted of the removal and replacement of asphalt pavement, traffic loops, curb access ramps, median curbs, and striping. The waterline improvements at the intersection of Birch St. and Kraemer Blvd. is also complete. The project consisted of the installation of approximately 300 linear feet of steel pipe, fittings, valves, appurtenances, and the removal and replacement of a pressure regulating station. I would like to thank those in Public Works who were involved in every process of these projects. Thank you for maintaining Brea's infrastructure.
Student Advisory Board Partner with Senior Center
The Brea Student Advisory Board (SAB) kicked off the holiday season by joining the Brea Senior Center for a fun-filled Fall Pumpkin Painting activity. SAB teens had a wonderful time connecting with Brea’s senior community while assisting Senior Center staff with setting up, participating in the fun, and cleaning up after the event. This collaboration has become an annual tradition that the Student Advisory Board look forward to each year. The pumpkin painting activity not only spreads holiday cheer but also strengthens the bond between generations in our Brea community. It’s a wonderful example of how our youth continues to give back and make a positive impact.