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…from Mayor Ron Garcia
538 days ago bybbonadmin in ( Uncategorized , Welcome to Brea )
Thirty-eight years ago, my wife Marcy and I moved to Brea from Whittier. Retired from the US Navy in 1969, Marcy and I both held jobs in Whittier and Brea was a young community just down the road. One weekend we took our daughter, who was two years old at the time, to see the Country Hills model homes. That day we found our home and became part of the Brea Bubble – a term that no one can define, but to say that we are a small, unique, safe community with pride. Our son was born soon after.
The City of Brea has double in size from around 22,000 when I moved in, to its current population of 40,000 people and 110,000 visitors a day. It is a Northern Orange County destination and is used as a model from companies such as Home Depot, in reproducing what they call the “Brea Style” facility for new stores across the nation.
To date, we have three grandchildren attending local elementary schools and many relatives who live in Brea. Some people say they're home when they arrive in their driveway; I am home when I get off the 57 freeway.
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Brea Wildcatters Park Dedication Ceremony
2 days ago by bbonadmin in ( Broadcast your Event , City Guide , Events , News , Old/New , Welcome to Brea , What's New! )
It's been a long wait anticipating the completion of our newest park in Brea, but well worth it! You are cordially invited to our beautiful Wildcatters Park ceremonial dedication on Monday, July 1. -
Brea police search for witnesses of child annoyance suspect
8 days ago by bbonadmin in ( News )
On Monday, June 10, 2013, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Brea Police Officers received a report of a child annoyance. The incident occurred on Birch Street west of North Associated Road, Brea at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The victims, two female students from Brea Olinda High School, a 17 year-old and a 15 year-old, were running together westbound on the north curb line of Birch Street just west of North Associated Road when they were approached by a male suspect who was walking eastbound on Birch Street. As the two female victims ran toward the suspect, he held out both of his arms and the 17 year-old ran around his outreached arms. As the 15-year old approached the suspect he told her to “stop,” he then made some comments to her and then grabbed her arm. The victim shoved the suspects arm away and kept running west on Birch Street. The suspect continued to walk eastbound Birch Street toward North Associated Road. The victims ran to the Brea Police Department where they reported the incident to officers.
The male suspect is described as a male, white, approximately thirty years old, 5’9” tall with an average build, having light brown hair, brown eyes, and wearing a white button down dress shirt and khaki pants. The victims did not see a suspect vehicle.
Brea Officers checked the area after the incident, but were unable to locate the suspect. Officers will increase their patrols in the area. The Brea Police Department contacted officials from the Brea Olinda Unified School District and advised them of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call the Brea Police Department at (714) 990-7624.
For additional information contact Sgt. Jim Griffin (714) 990-7620 or after hours, call the on-duty Watch Commander at (714) 990-7624. -
Official dedication of Brea’s Wildcatters Park set for July 1, 2013
8 days ago by bbonadmin in ( City Guide , Events , Hotspots , News , Welcome to Brea , What's New! )
Join the Brea City Council, city staff and the representatives from Shea Homes and Standard Pacific Development for the official dedication to Brea newest park - Wildcatters Park - on Monday July 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Below is a story about Wildcatters Park written by Local Opinion for the Register,Terri Daxon. Her assessment and details, published in April, make for an interesting read.
Wildcatters Park preps for opening
I recently previewed the new 16-acre Wildcatters public park on Santa Fe Road and Valencia Avenue, by the new Shea Homes' Blackstone homes and apartments. The park looks ready for people, but there are still a few finishing touches needed and landscaping that must be well established before it is people-proof by summer. Directly across the street is Wildcatters Dog Park, but it won't be welcoming pooches and people until sometime in the fall, said Chris Emeterio, Brea's community services director.
Wildcatters was constructed, landscaped and fully equipped with a top-quality football-baseball field, a basketball court and two covered playgrounds, including a tot lot with the area's first handicapped-accessible swing. Shade for the playgrounds was something many parents requested. The adjacent older children's playground has cool climbing and playing elements plus some parts that make music. Hardly the park playgrounds most of us grew up with.
A large grassy area with picnic shelters and barbecue grills also caught my attention.
"It is a passive park," Emeterio said of the area. That just means there are no playing fields or stationary play equipment in that area. But it looks like the perfect spot to sit back with a good book or toss a Frisbee until the burgers are ready.
Wildcatters Park is basically a gift to the city and its residents. It was constructed, landscaped and fully equipped by Shea Homes. Brea's Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission, however, had much input regarding the park design, site use and various amenities, including the playing field for Brea's youth sports leagues.
Community Services Manager Sean Matlock said park maintenance will be covered by community facility district funds from the Blackstone development.
Often developers create private parks for exclusive use of their residents, but not this one. We all will be welcome to enjoy it. Community benefit was the term used most often to describe the park by both Emeterio and Matlock.
Expect plenty of on-site and street parking for both parks, plus a 0.6-mile bike and walking path. In addition, both parks will have handicapped parking and ramps for safe entry and exit.
Emeterio and Matlock emphasized that the city conducted much community outreach with residents to determine just what people wanted in a city park and a dog park. From what I saw, I think they listened, and we will all be pleased with the results.
Former Mayor Don Schweitzer gave me some interesting history on the original park in that area, circa 1950s and 1960s, on what was then Union Oil property.
"There was a picnic ground in that area before; Union Oil built and maintained it," Schweitzer said. He said he didn't believe it was open to the public but was available to companies and others for parties and picnics. "I have fond memories of company and family picnics there," he said.
Schweitzer also recalled a shooting range in that area – something we won't find at the new Wildcatters Park. Emeterio also recalled memories of company picnics and fun times at the former park with his family while growing up in Brea.
It's nice that new generations of Brea families soon will enjoy good times at the new Wildcatters Park and its long-awaited dog park.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at daxoncomm@earthlink.net. -
SoCal Edison to close San Onofre nuclear power plant
12 days ago by bbonadmin in ( News , Welcome to Brea )Company Will Continue its Work with State Agencies on Electric GridReliability ROSEMEAD, Calif. (June 7, 2013) — Southern California Edison (SCE) has decided to permanently retire Units 2 and 3 of its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).
“SONGS has served this region for over 40 years,” said Ted Craver, Chairman and CEO of Edison International, parent company of SCE, “but we have concluded that the continuing uncertainty about when or if SONGS might return to service was not good for our customers, our investors, or the need to plan for our region’s long-term electricity needs.”
Both SONGS units have been shut down safely since January 2012. Unit 2 was taken out of service January 9, 2012, for a planned routine outage. Unit 3 was safely taken offline January 31, 2012, after station operators detected a small leak in a tube inside a steam generator manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Two steam generators manufactured by MHI were installed in Unit 2 in 2009 and two more were installed in Unit 3 in 2010, one of which developed the leak.
In connection with the decision, SCE estimates that it will record a charge in the second quarter of between $450 million and $650 million before taxes($300 million - $425 million after tax), in accordance with accounting requirements.
After months of analysis and tests, SCE submitted a restart plan to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in October 2012. SCE proposed to safely restart Unit 2 at a reduced power level (70%) for an initial period of approximately five months. That plan was based on work done by engineering groups from three independent firms with expertise in steam generator design and manufacturing.
The NRC has been reviewing SCE’s plans for restart of Unit 2 for the last eight months, during which several public meetings have been held. A recent ruling by an adjudicatory arm of the NRC, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, creates further uncertainty regarding when a final decision might be made on restarting Unit 2. Additional administrative processes and appeals could result in delay of more than a year. During this period, the costs of maintaining SONGS in a state of readiness to restart and the costs to replace the power SONGS previously provided would continue. Moreover, it is uneconomic for SCE and its customers to bear the long-term repair costs for returning SONGS to full power operation without restart of Unit 2. SCE has concluded that efforts are better focused on planning for the replacement generation and transmission resources which will be required for grid reliability.
“Looking ahead,” said Ron Litzinger, SCE’s President, “we think that our decision to retire the units will eliminate uncertainty and facilitate orderly planning for California’s energy future.” Litzinger noted that the company has worked with the California Independent >> System Operator, the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission in planning for Southern California’s energy needs and will continue to do so.
“The company is already well into a summer reliability program and has completed numerous transmission upgrades in addition to those completed last year,” Litzinger said. “Thanks to consumer conservation, energy efficiency programs and a moderate summer, the region was able to get through last summer without electricity shortages. We hope for the same positive result again this year,” Litzinger added, “although generation outages, soaring temperatures or wildfires impacting transmission lines would test the system.”
In connection with the retirement of Units 2 and 3, San Onofre anticipates reducing staff over the next year from approximately 1,500 to approximately 400 employees, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. The majority of such reductions are expected to occur in 2013.
“This situation is very unfortunate,” said Pete Dietrich, SCE’s Chief Nuclear Officer, noting that “this is an extraordinary team of men and women. We will treat them fairly.” SCE will work to ensure a fair process >> for this transition, and will work with the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) on transition plans for the employees they represent.
SCE also recognizes its continuing safety responsibilities as it moves toward decommissioning of the units. SCE’s top priority will be to ensure a safe, orderly, and compliant retirement of these units. Full retirement of the units prior to decommissioning will take some years in accordance with customary practices. Actual decommissioning will take many years until completion. Such activities will remain subject to the continued oversight of the NRC.
SCE intends to pursue recovery of damages from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the supplier of the replacement steam generators, as well as recovery of amounts under applicable insurance policies.
For updates, please visit www.SONGScommunity.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SCE_SONGS and on www.facebook.com/SCE.
San Onofre is jointly owned by SCE (78.21 percent), San Diego Gas & Electric (20 percent) and the city of Riverside (1.79 percent).
About Southern California Edison an Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.
Pat Buttress, Local Public Affairs Region Manager at Southern California Edison -
Brea Olinda prom queen and king reign for a nite
13 days ago by bbonadmin in ( Events , Schools , Welcome to Brea )Royalty: Prom Queen Rayne Meeks said Jake Flowers and I wished to be on the winning team at the Brea Olinda High School prom and they were. Jake was crowned king. Rayne has been active in Dance Production in high school. Reading, listening to music, and hiking are her hobbies. She plans to work at Au NatuRaw Restaurant and then later attend FJC.
Rayne Meeks was crowned Brea Olinda High School prom queen and Jake Flowers was crowned king (Courtesy South Coast Photographic)
Jake Flowers happy to be on stage with his good friend. Jake is the co-president of the Gay Straight Alliance Club at BOHS. He he is a performer and loves to sing and also make people laugh. He was the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz this year at school. Fashion and music are his hobbies.The newly crowned king also enjoys sleeping. He plans to study Cosmetology at Fullerton College. He said he will be famous some day. You never know James Hetfield of Metallica fame who is lead guitarist, songwriter, lead vocalist graduated from BOHS.
Any news? Give me a jingle (714)529-8561 or e-mail me suzgaede@aol.com -
SummerFest features Gale Webb for a fantastic, inspirational sports show
18 days ago by bbonadmin in ( Events , News , Welcome to Brea , Who's Who )
Gayle doing what she does with a deep passion - inspiring children.
Gayle introducing her performers at Brea SummerFest 2013
Gale is an amazing inspirational person whose personal story is tragic - yet through it all she came out on top and has been spreading positive messages for over 20 years across the country focused on our youth. Some of Gayle messages: “Believe in yourself,” “Never give up,” and “Say no to drugs!! -
Forever Friends for Free: Adopt an animal Saturday, June 15
19 days ago by bbonadmin in ( Events , Welcome to Brea )
Alan & Beignet at the Taste of Brea 2013
Dear Brea Downtown,
For your followers who met Beignet at Taste of Brea and would like to get a dog like him for free, here is their opportunity.
We have our Forever Friends for Free adoption event coming-up on June 15th. Thanks to the Angels Baseball Foundation and The Paws for A Cause Walk, animals are free that day.(There is a small cost for the micro chip and first year license, about $40 in total.)The animals come with all their shots and will be spayed/ neutered. This is a great event for people looking to expand their family with a furry member and for the animals. Please share the flyer with your followers. I will be working this event and will be glad to help anyone with their questions, you can have them contact me through Facebook or through my e-mail, (amillerphx@hotmail.com) or telephone.(949-630-7171.)
Best Regards, Beignet & Alan
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Award winning Brea Olinda Choir performing Spring Magic Concert
25 days ago by bbonadmin in ( Broadcast your Event , Culture/Arts , Events , Fundraisers , Schools , Welcome to Brea )Brea Olinda Choir Booster Club
Brea Olinda Choir Spring Magic concerts today! Tickets are on sale for only $10 at the box office 1 hour before each show.
Mary Wentsel Pipes, Brea Olinda Choir Booster Club Vice President -
Elsie Bergman turns 100 with six birthday celebrations
26 days ago by bbonadmin in ( News , Old/New , Welcome to Brea )
Elsie Bergman celebrated her 100th birthday with 6 parties.The eloquent lady will only drink tea out of a China cup. She is pictured at the the Brea Republican Women Club, Federated luncheon given in her honor (courtesy Susan Gaede)
Do you know a Brea 100 year old that is the author of two books says she has no aches and pains and was recently honored with 6 birthday parties? Elegant Elsie Bergman is so much fun and she enjoyed every single celebration. The Brea Republican Birthday Lunch at Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant included guests Jim and Don Schweitzer. At one time Elsie lived around the corner from the Schweitzer family and remembers changing their diapers while baby-sitting the brothers when they were young. The Mayor popped in to issue a proclamation. Another guest was Sue Hamilton who was a staunch Democrat until Elsie converted her. Now Sue is active in the state level of Republican Women.
Elsie worked at Placentia Linda Hospital from its opening in 1971 until retiring in 1985. Some of the ladies even worked with Elsie at Anaheim Memorial Hospital where she was secretary to the head nurse. Elsie worked there from 1958 to 1970. Two women she worked with during that time were also at the party.
For many years Elsie and her son, Bill Bergman (recently deceased) breakfasted at Coco's where she is known for always eating "the usual". She is also known for always carrying her own china cup in her purse because she only drinks coffee and tea out of a china cup and saucer…Coco’s also honored Elsie.
Evangelical Free Church Senior Bible study, a 200-person class presented Elsie with a big cake and Birthday wishes for her 100th big birthday.
The beauty parlor Elsie has gone to for at least 20 years, Hair Line, gave her a birthday brunch.
Elsie was thrilled to have her daughter, Marjorie Browning come all the way from Issaquah, Washington and was able to enjoy all of the parties with her. “She is a wonderful lady . I am so proud that she is my “Mommy.” Marjorie said.
Her last party was the Brea Historical Society Mother/Daughter Tea. “Elsie has been active in the Historical Society for many years. This party really wasn’t for Elsie but she had a part in the tea. Elsie loves fancy china teacups. She has over 100 China cups. Elsie and her daughter Marjorie loaned the Brea Museum 20 china cups to display for the tea. “The cups showed the development of porcelain and bone china from the early 1800s to the present.” said her daughter Marjorie.
Got local news to share, contact Susan Gaede at 714-529-8561 or email suzgaede@aol.com. -
Nixon Library hosts 40th reunion for Vietnam Pows today
27 days ago by bbonadmin in ( Broadcast your Event , Culture/Arts , News , Welcome to Brea )An All American Homecoming Parade to Nixon Library, Thursday, May 23, 12:30pm
A POW-MIA flag flies over the White House, Sept. 16, 2011
Approximately 200 Vietnam POWs and their families will arrive in our city via Yorba Linda Blvd. from the 57 Freeway on Thursday, May 23, 40 years to the night when they gathered for dinner at the White House with President and Mrs. Nixon.
The buses will arrive from Fullerton, heading east, and the parade will pass through Yorba Linda beginning about 12:30pm. The final destination will be the Nixon Library where a dedication and family BBQ will be held.
Given the age of the POWs, this could be their last gathering.
From Nancy Rikel, Former Council Woman and Mayor of Yorba Linda
