Maple Rapids
Michigan
City Of Brea
Nestled in the foothills on a plateau at the northern tip of Orange County, Brea was known as a place where tar seeped from the hills. The word "Brea" means tar in Spanish. In early history, Indians and pioneers used chunks of the oil-soaked earth for fuel and domestic purposes like heating their homes and waterproofing their roofs. Then came the big oil boom!
In 1894, the Union Oil Company purchased 1,200 acres of land to be used for oil development. They struck it rich in 1898 when the first oil well, Olinda Oil Well #1, came in - thus creating an oil boom in the hills of Brea and Olinda and paving the way for the thriving city that Brea is today.
An actual town did not develop until 1911 when businesses and small industries sprang up to serve the oil field workers and their families. The official founding date for the town of Brea is January 19, 1911, when the old map of the town of Randolph was refiled under a new name. The City of Brea became incorporated on February 23, 1917, with a population of 752.
Brea is a thriving city of 39,584 residents. More than 100,000 people visit the city daily to work, shop or play. Brea Mall, conveniently located just off the 57 freeway, has five major anchor stores: Nordstrom, Macy's, Robinson-May, Sears and JC Penney, with over 175 specialty stores and restaurants and Glen Ivy Day Spa. Located adjacent to Brea Mall, the full-service 299-room Embassy Suites Hotel attracts visitors, conferences and small conventions from domestic and foreign locales. Homestead Village, an extended stay hotel, opened in1998.
Brea is also very proud of its new, bustling downtown popularly known as "Birch Street," with over 50 acres of shopping and entertainment. This village-style pedestrian-oriented promenade features Taps Fish House & Brewery, Old Navy, Tower Books & Music, Market City Cafe, Pan e Vino Trattoria, the Improv Comedy Club and Edwards Stadium Cinema Complex, to name a few.
City Hall Park, located on Brea Boulevard, includes a large community plunge and hosts a popular summer Concerts in the Park series, as well as the annual July 4 Country Fair. The Brea Scout Center, housed in the renovated old City Hall at the park, is now open. The renovation project was a labor of love spearheaded by the Brea Lions Club to benefit many community service groups including the Brea Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Monetary donations are always welcomed to offset operating expenses.
The Brea Marketplace, Brea Gateway Shopping Center, Union Plaza and East Imperial Center offer residents extensive choices for specialty retail and services, and create more reasons to "Shop Brea" and keep tax dollars working in their own community. Brea Boulevard and Imperial Highway, both retail corridors, host a number of smaller neighborhood shopping centers, all conveniently located.
Brea's housing market is booming with new developments like Olinda Ranch (662 housing units) located at the corner of Lambert Road and Valencia; Walden Estates (54 single family homes) located on the north side of Lambert Road just east of Kraemer; and Tonner Hills (795 housing units) proposed for an unincorporated area of Orange County just north of Brea that is expected to be annexed into the City in the future.
Brea is committed to responsible growth, which includes protection of nearby open space. The City is bordered by a significant natural wildlife corridor that also serves as a rare scenic break within the area's urban sprawl. Working in conjunction with neighboring communities, Brea has attracted national interest from parks and environmental organizations that recognize the significance of its setting. Nearby hillsides may well represent the best legacy for the future.
Recent News
City Of Brea News - Brea Talks Returns
Brea Talks Returns Brea's podcast is back, with open conversations and an insider’s look into topics that affect your experiences in the City of Brea. Whether you live, work or play here, we’re bringing you the information you need…
Read More »City Of Brea - Compost Giveaway
Compost creates healthier soil by adding organic matter and improving soil structure. Healthy soil uses water more efficiently, allowing available water to flow toward your plants’ roots, storing water in the soil longer, and reducing runoff…
Read More »City Of Brea News: The Spring 2023 Brea Line is Now Available Online
The latest Brea Line newsletter is now ready to view online. Learn about the latest City news and find out what spring activities are being offered. This new interactive, digital issue makes registering for a class a breeze with direct links…
Read More »City Of Brea Newsletter - January 2023
Happy New Year! As a new year begins, we traditionally look back and appreciate the memories and accomplishments of the past year. The City of Brea would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their constant support and…
Read More »City Of Brea Line Newsletter - December 2022
The community is invited to the City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Brea Civic & Cultural Center. Join us and enjoy this holiday tradition as we light up the holiday tree and…
Read More »City Of Brea News: Brea Wedding Show - Vendors Wanted
Brea Wedding Show - Vendors Wanted Vendors wanted for our Brea Wedding Show on Saturday, January 28. This event attracts engaged couples, parents, and friends which helps them compare with a variety of vendors for their upcoming nuptials. For…
Read More »City Of Brea Line Newsletter - November 3, 2022
The community is invited to the City of Brea’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. Join us as we pay tribute to all military heroes, veterans, retired and active duty, and honor our Brea residents who have made…
Read More »City Of Brea News - Compost Giveaway at Olinda Alpha Landfill on Saturday,November 5th.
OC Waste & Recycling will be hosting a Compost Giveaway at Olinda Alpha Landfill, 1942 N. Valencia Ave., in Brea on Saturday, November 5. Orange County residents can pick up free compost between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., while supplies last.…
Read More »Community Emergency Situational Awareness Training
The Brea Fire Department presents a free community event, Community Emergency Situational Awareness Training (CESAT) on Friday, November 4th. This training consists of videos, lectures, and hands-on training. The two-hour course will cover hands…
Read More »City Of Brea News Pop-up Voting Center Friday, November 4, 2022
Election Day is right around the corner. Brea Ballot Drop Box Locations are available 24/7 starting October 10 until November 8 at 8:00 p.m. The Orange County Registrar of Voters takes pride in innovating new and accessible ways for voters to cast a…
Read More »City Of Brea News - Watering Schedule for Fall/Winter
Watering Schedule for Fall/Winter Due to drought conditions in the state, Brea has moved into Level 2 of our Water Shortage Contingency Response. Efforts to conserve remain important in order to protect supplies. Wasteful practices are always…
Read More »City Of Brea : Register To Vote
National Voter Registration Day is a civic holiday with heavy emphasis on the HOLIDAY on September 20, 2022. We celebrate our democracy and all that it stands for by approaching the task of voter registration with all the enthusiasm and unmitigated…
Read More »City Of Brea Line Newsletter - September 1, 2022
Skate Park Re-Opening Celebration After nearly a year of undergoing major renovations and upgrades, the Skate Park at Arovista is re-opening next week! The community is invited to attend the re-opening celebration on Saturday, September 10. The…
Read More »City Of Brea : Skate Park Re-Opening On Saturday, September 10
Last fall, the Skate Park, located at Arovista Park, closed to undergo major renovations and upgrades. The City is happy to announce that the park is set to re-open on Saturday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. There will be giveaways from Vans, Tillys,…
Read More »City Of Brea News - County of Orange Pavement Improvement Project - work schedule
The County of Orange is performing paving improvements to N. Brea Boulevard from Canyon Country Road to the Los Angeles County Limits (approximately ½ mile north past Tonner Canyon Road). The Project includes pavement rehabilitation and…
Read More »City Of Brea News - Skate Park Re-Opening on Saturday, September 10th at 9:00 a.m.
Last fall, the Skate Park, located at Arovista Park, closed to undergo major renovations and upgrades. The City is happy to announce that the park is set to re-open on Saturday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. The renovation impacted every element of the…
Read More »City Of Brea : August Brea Line - Brea Fest is Back
Brea Fest is Back! Brea Fest, the community’s favorite end of summer event, is the “tastiest” celebration of the year! Guests are invited to sample delicious food and beverages donated from local restaurants while listening to…
Read More »City Of Brea Line Newsletter - July 15, 2022
The Fall 2022 BreaLine newsletter is now ready to view online. Get a head start, before the issue arrives in mailboxes, and learn about the latest City news or find out what activities are being offered. This interactive, digital issue makes…
Read More »City Of Brea News : Tips To Deter Coyotes
Coyotes have become more visible and a concern in many neighborhoods. The City of Brea wants to help you to stay safe and provide a checklist to stay proactive in deterring coyotes in your neighborhood. For more information, a yard audit checklist,…
Read More »City Of Brea Line Newsletter - July 1, 2022
Celebrating Our Nation's Independence There are many ways to celebrate the upcoming 4th of July holiday. If you’re staying local, join the community at City Hall Park on Monday, July 4 for Brea’s 42nd Annual Country Fair. Activities…
Read More »City Of Brea News - The Brea Fire Department Has Restructured Their Service Model.
In an effort to enhance service to the community, the Brea Fire Department has restructured their service model. After an 11-year command staff sharing agreement with the city of Fullerton, the Brea Fire Department has fully transitioned back to a…
Read More »City Of Brea - Country Hills Water Line & Paving Construction Update
The City of Brea would like to provide you with a construction update on the Country Hills Water Line and Street Paving Project. Construction started on Monday, October 11, 2021, and is currently anticipated to be completed by August 31, 2022.…
Read More »City Of Brea Line Newsletter - June 2022
City Of Brea Line Newsletter - June 2022 Fun-Filled Summer in Brea Mark your calendars for a summer filled with fun and familiar community events and activities you look forward to each year! Family Films are back this month, on June 10, at a…
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