City Manager's Report December 21, 2023

Holiday Tree Lighting

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony was held at the Civic and Cultural Center. The community was thrilled to see Santa, his reindeer, and all the community performances. Mayor Christine Marick had the honor of lighting the tree and the night was capped off with a little snow.

The City of Brea Special Events Division sold the annual Brea Christmas tree ornament which sold out. We look forward to next year’s Brea Christmas tree ornament to add to our collection. Refreshments were provided by the City of Brea, North Hills Church and Starbucks. Attendees had the opportunity to do some holiday shopping in the new vendor courtyard area. The community and staff look forward to this event every year.

Santa Claus riding in a Fire truck (L), Christmas tree in the plaza (R)

Winter Recycle Brea

The Recycle Brea team attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony to provide outreach and education to the Brea community. Attendees were given sustainability tips, education on how to properly dispose of and recycle materials relevant to the holiday season, and played a fun sorting game to test if they are a ��Master Recycler!” Be sure to check out Recycle Brea’s Winter Recycling Guide on the City of Brea website for tips on how to dispose of common holiday items such as wrapping paper, boxes, bubble wrap, ribbons and more.

Public Works Volunteering at the Senior Center

Public Works Engineering team serving lunch at the Brea Senior Center

The Public Works – Engineering team was in the holiday spirit and spent some time volunteering at the Brea Senior Center. The team was tasked to break down cardboard boxes and help set up and serve lunch to the seniors. The engineering team had a great time interacting with Brea community members and are looking forward to future volunteering opportunities at the Brea Senior Center. Lunch is served daily, please reach out to the Senior Center City staff and schedule some time to volunteer.

Public Works Engineering team

Crosswalk Modification

While students at Laurel Elementary were out on Thanksgiving break, our Public Works Streets Division had the intersection crosswalk at Birch Street & Flower Avenue restriped with the ladder style cross walk. The purpose of this method is to increase visibility of the crosswalk and bring awareness to drivers of pedestrian crossings, especially during Laurel Elementary school hours.

Before (left image), After (right image)

Feast Mode

This year's Feast Mode Thanksgiving Workout was a true testament to the power of community building through fitness. This community-driven event brought together neighbors and friends for a morning of fun, fitness, and gratitude. Participants of all ages and fitness levels enjoyed a dynamic warm-up, a challenging yet enjoyable workout, and a heart-pumping Zumba session.

We were thrilled to partner with two new local Brea businesses, Communitea Coffee and PrimeIV Hydration & Wellness, they provided refreshments to our members and connected with these exciting additions to our community. Thank you to all who participated in this year's Feast Mode Thanksgiving Workout.

Call for Art at the Brea Gallery

The Made in California exhibit, hosted by the Brea Gallery every spring, will open in 2024. 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 hosts record-breaking attendance with the featured artist and the Brea community.

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 one free entry to the call for art and are encouraged to submit early. To be considered, apply before the submission deadline on February 9, 2024.

Not a working artist but want to show support? Mark your calendar now; Made in California 2024 opens April 27 and will run until June 21.

Previous Made in California artwork

Seniors Holiday Sock Hop Party

Brea Fitness hosted a festive holiday sock hop party, bringing together over 60 active seniors for laughter, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and fun games. Swapping out their usual silver sneakers for festive socks, members had the opportunity to gather around and celebrate the holiday season.

Brea Fitness' SilverSneakers® program is more than just a fitness class; it's a vibrant community where seniors connect, socialize, and stay active. The program offers a variety of classes designed specifically for older adults, focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance.

The holiday party was a perfect example of Brea Fitness' commitment to providing its actively aging members with more than just a workout. It was a chance to celebrate the holidays, create lasting memories, and reinforce the importance of staying active and connected as we age.

Festive holiday sock hop party for over 60 active seniors