Welcome to the October 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.
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill
On Thursday, October 16 at 10:16 a.m., the City of Brea joined millions of people across California in the annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This statewide event encourages everyone to practice the simple but critical steps of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”— the safest actions to take during an earthquake. The drill was followed by a full Civic and Cultural Center evacuation drill. By participating, the City reinforced its commitment to community preparedness and safety. Thank you to our partners at the Brea Olinda Unified School District Office and the O.C. Library for joining us for the Shakeout and evacuation drill.
Retirement Housing Choices Workshop & Resource Fair
The City participated in the Retirement Housing Choices Workshop & Resource Fair hosted by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State Fullerton earlier this month. Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director, Jason Killebrew, was a guest speaker leading discussions on Accessory Dwelling Units and general housing options. Staff representatives from Community Development, Public Works, and Community Services – Senior Center were in attendance during the Resource Fair to have meaningful, one-on-one conversations with those in attendance and provide them with useful information on the City’s various programs.
Zumba Pink Party & Breast Cancer Awareness
Brea Fitness hosted its annual Zumba Pink Party in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Instructors Anna, Lauren, and Elena led the high-energy event, bringing participants together on stage and in the room to dance, sweat, and support breast cancer research. Many participants were survivors themselves or have been personally affected by breast cancer, which added a meaningful and powerful energy to the celebration. The event was filled with lots of pink, music, and raffle prizes. Donations continued throughout October during Anna’s Zumba classes at Brea Fitness, giving the community additional opportunities to contribute toward this important cause.
SilverSneakers at the Community Center
SilverSneakers is a nationally recognized fitness program that helps older adults improve strength, balance, and flexibility while staying socially connected. The program at the Brea Community Center recently welcomed 109 seniors to the class, the largest group yet. On average, 70 to 90 participants attend and the numbers continue to grow. To accommodate this, classes are held in the gymnasium and a second instructor was added, along with spotters to keep everyone safe and supported.
Classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. SilverSneakers is open to all seniors. If you know a senior who would enjoy staying active and meeting new friends, encourage them to join the SilverSneakers.
Brea Flu Shot Clinic
In collaboration with Albertsons Pharmacy, the Senior Center held its second Flu Shot Clinic in early September. Due to the parking lot construction, the event had to be scaled down with no health screenings or vendor booths present. Instead, vaccines like Flu, RSV, Pneumonia, COVID, and Shingles were successfully offered to seniors from Brea and neighboring cities. Additionally, each attendee received a Wellness Bag filled with valuable health resources and information made possible by our generous community sponsors. I am grateful for everyone's patience and understanding during these temporary adjustments and look forward to returning the event to its full capacity next year.
Business Spotlight
The City of Brea continues to welcome businesses to the community to help with the economic development and future of Brea. Here are two of our newest businesses.
Barnes & Noble, opening in November at the Brea Plaza, is the #1 book retailer in the United States. Serving over 600 communities across all 50 states, the company offers a diverse range of products from captivating books and magazines, to unique gifts. Barnes & Noble is well known for their thoughtfully-curated book displays and inviting cafe, making it an ideal location for enjoying a good book or meeting with friends.
Bushfire Kitchen is an elevated, fast-casual restaurant, bringing healthy comfort food with international flare to Brea this November. Their dishes are made from scratch using high-quality ingredients, including fresh, local produce, and premium grade proteins. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, this family-owned restaurant provides a menu of choices for everyone.
Dine Brea
Celebrate Brea’s vibrant culinary scene during Dine Brea, the City’s first, weeklong celebration of food, flavor, and community! Visit participating restaurants, the week of November 3-9, to redeem an offer at eligible locations, by simply informing restaurant staff that you would like to use the “Dine Brea” promotional offer.
Welcoming New Employees
I am excited to welcome and introduce a few new employees to the City of Brea team. Read along and get to know the new additions.
Sunny Fu is a forensic practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Crime Scene Investigation and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Forensics. Prior to joining the City of Brea, she served as a forensic professional in Washington, D.C. and in Santa Monica, CA. Presently, she is a Crime Scene Investigator for the Brea Police Department. In addition to fieldwork, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security. Through the International Association for Identification, she is a Certified Crime Scene Analyst. In her free time, Sunny enjoys spending time with her husband and three Australian Shepherds. She is looking forward to contributing her expertise to a team that values integrity and community, while continuing to grow and learn from other experienced colleagues.
Miguel Araiza is the new Water Distribution Operator in the Public Works Department. He previously worked with Golden State water and prior to that he was with Lowes Home Improvement for 18 years. Currently, Miguel holds a D2 and T2 Certificate and has passed his D3 exam. He also has a water treatment and transmission technology certificate. With the Water Division, Miguel will be assisting in maintaining and repairing everything associated with the Brea water distribution system. In his free time, he loves coaching his sons in youth sports and spending time with his family. Miguel is also a huge Dodger and Raiders fan. He looks forward to learning and developing his water skills with the City of Brea.
Erika Espinoza is the new Administrative Clerk II in the Community Development Department. She has a couple of AA degrees in Behavioral Science and Sociology from Fullerton College as well as a BA in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She also has a strong background in guest services, organization, and communication from her previous leadership role at the Disneyland Resort. However, it has always been a goal of hers to work in the public sector, and now she feels she’s on the right track to achieve her goals. Erika has a French bulldog who is her best friend that she absolutely adores. When she is not hanging around with her pup, she’s off to an outdoor off-roading adventure over some trails in her Bronco.
Darrell Martinez is beginning his water career with the City of Brea as the Water Distribution Operator I. Darrell has his Water Treatment Certificate #2 and Water Distribution #2 Certificate. He will be installing, repairing, and/or replacing water meters, water main lines, and service lines. Darrell is excited to learn everything the water industry has to offer with the City. He enjoys going to the gym, gardening, and riding his bicycle. He also loves spending time with his family, he likes taking his dogs on long walks and playing with his four cats. He is looking forward to being part of a good team of people and being part of a good City.
Brea Talks, Yo Gabba Gabba!
This past month, the Communications and Marketing Division filmed their very first Brea Talks podcast episode in the Brea Gallery. Hosted by Management Analyst Aimeé Matsumoto and Brea Gallery Director Katie Chidester, they discussed National Arts & Humanities Month, as well as the current exhibition now in the Brea Gallery, the Super Art Friends Show, a collaboration between the City of Brea and Yo Gabba Gabba! Then, Aimeé and Katie welcome two special guests, Yo Gabba Gabba! creators, Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. Tune into the episode to hear about the origins of the hit show, its ties to the City of Brea, what role Southern California plays in its inspiration, and what this Brea Gallery exhibition means to its creators.
City of Brea Mentorship Program
In September, we celebrated the graduation of five mentees from the City of Brea Mentorship Program. The City’s Mentorship Program began in 2023 and each year, City of Brea employees have an opportunity to participate in this 16-week program. The purpose of the program is to support the retention, development, and engagement of City staff and create a foundation of knowledge sharing through professional relationships. Objectives of the program include aiding in the retention of team members, helping bridge the gap between leaders and team members, empowering individuals to take ownership of their career paths, expanding visibility and exposure within the organization, and building communication and leadership skills. Congratulations to the 2025 graduates!
After-School Program & Teen Zone
The After-School Program (ASP) and Teen Zone are off to a fantastic start this school year. Combined, the programs are currently welcoming approximately 100 participants daily—and the number continues to grow. ASP students jump into new art projects and enjoy returning to team games in the gym. The ASP students were treated to a private tour of the Brea Gallery’s latest exhibit, which included a hands-on art project to deepen their experience.
Meanwhile, Teen Zone participants kicked off the year by painting and planting pots—each one representing growth for the year ahead. Our dedicated staff has worked hard to create a supportive environment and it’s already making a lasting impact. With such a compelling beginning, I am looking forward to an exciting and inspiring year ahead.
Brea Korea Sister City Celebrates "Chuseok"
On October 3, the Brea Korea Sister City Association joined the Senior Center for a special lunch celebrating “Chuseok,” the Korean autumn harvest festival. Seniors enjoyed an authentic Korean meal, complete with bulgogi beef and glass noodles, generously donated by the Brea Korea Sister City Association, and personally served to each senior by City Council Members and City staff. The sold-out crowd of seniors in attendance also received prizes for attending the celebration. The Brea Senior Center is grateful for the Brea Korea Sister City Association’s continued support and partnership over the years.
Brea Student Advisory Board
With the Brea Olinda Unified School District schools being back in session, the 7th to 12th grade Brea Student Advisory Board (SAB) has started making an impact within the Brea community. SAB members gain experience in team building, project and goal setting, accountability, service-learning projects, and most importantly, leadership. Oversight is provided by Community Services staff at the Brea Community Center.
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 45 members of the Student Advisory Board. They kicked off the fall session with volunteering at the City’s Teen Dance and Intercoastal Clean-Up Day. They look forward to more volunteer opportunities throughout the year at the Senior Center and other areas throughout Brea.
The Student Advisory Board presents monthly updates to the Parks, Recreation, and Human Services Commission and attended the September 24, 2025 Commission meeting to introduce themselves. Participation in the SAB also provides the opportunity to earn service hours toward the Mayor’s Youth Award—a great way to be recognized for dedication to community service. I look forward to the impact the group will make to the community over the next year.
Sister City Display Case
In September, the Community Services Special Events Division welcomed Elaine Ahn, as their fall intern. Elaine is a student at California State University Fullerton, who expressed interest in learning more about local government and Sister City relationships. Elaine helped sort and organize our collection of gifts and artifacts from our Sister Cities and worked to help update the display cases in the lobby on level 3 of the Civic & Cultural Center.
Commissions, Committees, and Volunteer Recognition
Last week, the Brea City Council held its annual Commissions and Committees Recognition dinner to thank the numerous individuals that volunteer their time to serve the City. Members of the Art in Public Places Advisory Committee, Chief’s Advisors on Public Safety, Country Fair Steering Committee, Cultural Arts Commission, Investment Advisory Committee, Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission, Planning Commission, Senior Leadership Council, Traffic Committee, and Volunteers in Police Services all gathered to be acknowledged for their service and annual accomplishments. By sharing their time, valuable insight, and unique perspectives, these volunteers help the City Council make decisions for our community.