Census Deadline Approaching

The U.S. Census counts every person living in the United States every 10 years, and the results directly affect the Brea community. The Census affects Brea’s representation in government, our allocation of funding for public resources, and how we plan for the community’s future for the next 10 years. So far, nearly 78% of Brea residents have completed their questionnaire. If you have not already submitted your Census form, please do so, and help encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. We need everyone’s help to get Brea’s completion count to 100% by the September 30 deadline. For more information and to complete the Census, visit 2020census.gov.

Community Partners Come Together to For Feed Brea Pop-Up Pantry

Brea community leaders are partnering with “Farmers to Families” for a Pop-Up Pantry on Saturdays in September at Brea Olinda High School from 9-11 a.m. Families in need can drive-thru to receive a free pre-filled box of groceries, while supplies last. For more information, visit Feed Brea's Facebook page.

Take Part in the County’s Annual Regional Mass Notification Test on September 24

The City of Brea, along with other Orange County cities, will test its emergency mass notification system, AlertOC, on September 24 with a test emergency alert that will be sent to residents’ mobile devices. This is the 10th annual regional test of the system that enables the City to inform residents during emergency incidents. AlertOC allows residents to register multiple contact methods and addresses. Registration of cell phone and alternate numbers dramatically increase the ability to reach the greatest number of community members within minutes. Do your part to prepare for emergencies by registering landlines, cell phones and e-mail addresses at AlertOC.org.

Participate in Coastal Cleanup Month from Your Own Neighborhood

The City’s annual Inner Coastal Cleanup Day event has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, there is Coastal Cleanup Month! Join the world's largest volunteer cleanup event from your own neighborhood to protect our ocean and help preserve our beaches, creeks, parks, trails, and other happy places. Instead of the usual large, organized cleanup sites, cleanups will be self-guided and close to home on Saturdays in September, from 9 a.m. to noon. Grab your bag and gloves and help clean the coast by picking up trash in your neighborhood, parks, streets, trails, shores, and natural areas. Together, lets safely keep trash out of storm drains, creeks, and rivers, before it turns into beach and ocean pollution. For more information, visit the OC Coastal Cleanup Month 2020 Eventbrite page.

September is National Preparedness Month - Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this year. The 2020 NPM theme is: "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today." Use this month to make a plan, build a kit, prepare for disasters and teach kids about preparedness. Visit ready.gov or cityofbrea.net for tips on how to prepare for a disaster.

Voting Options for November 3, 2020 General Election

There will be several hassle-free voting options to enhance the voter experience.  Major changes include the addition of more than 200 Vote Centers throughout Orange County, secure ballot drop-off box locations, and a flexible voting schedule.
Every registered voter will receive an information packet and vote-by-mail ballot in the mail.  The packet will include detailed information on the election, candidates, choices of where and how to vote and more.  Multiple benefits will be outlined so voters can plan when to cast their ballot to avoid lines and time restraints.

As a registered voter, you’ll have more options that match your busy schedule:

• Visit: Vote at ANY Vote Center location countywide beginning 10 days before Election Day, including two weekends before Election Day. Unlike traditional polling locations, vote centers will allow voters to not only vote, but to solve voter registration issues, register to vote, get a replacement ballot, and get general assistance for up to 10 days prior to and on Election Day. Plus, electronic check-in is more secure and speeds up the process – saving voters valuable time.

• Drop: Drive through a ballot drop-off location or drop your ballot at any countywide Vote Center. Election drop-off boxes are open for vote-by-mail ballots, 29 days before Election Day. 

• Mail: Return your ballot via the US Post Office – No stamp required!
  

For more information, visit ocvote.com/voting.

Mosquito Samples Infected with West Nile Virus in Brea

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVD) has confirmed that mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus have been found in the City of Brea. Posters will be placed in the affected areas and OCMVD will continue to monitor.
Please take precautions when outdoors.

• Wear mosquito repellents when mosquitoes are most active, from dawn or dusk
• Check for standing water and tip out
• Toss out unneeded containers outdoors

More information on West Nile virus is available at, www.ocvector.org/west-nile-virus.

Annual Concrete Replacement Project Commences

The Annual Concrete Project to remove and replace displaced sidewalks, curbs and gutters began the last week of August. Public Works’ Street Division has put together a list of areas that are in need of repair throughout the City.  Areas that will see some activity will be the Catalpa neighborhood on the west side of town, Northwood neighborhood in the northwest part of town, Greenbriar neighborhood east of Associated Road, Valencia Mesa neighborhood in the southeast side of town, and the Olinda Ranch area north of Carbon Canyon Road.  The contractor, CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc., will complete the removal and replacement work.  The project is anticipated to be completed by the second week of November.

State of California Announces Orange County Moving to Red Tier

On September 8, the County of Orange moved from the Purple Tier to the lower Red Tier as a part of Governor Newsom’s "Blueprint for a Safer Economy."  This movement allows certain business sectors to re-open immediately and businesses to expand their operations with certain restrictions. Visit the State’s website to search which activities and businesses can now re-open.

Keep Yourself and Our Community Safe from the Spread of COVID-19

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage the community to continue complying with all State and County health orders, as well as using best health practices. Stay vigilant and follow the best practices listed below.

• Wash hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds.
• Wear a face covering in public.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, such as cell phones, door knobs, light switches, keys, etc.
• Physically distance and avoid mixing with those you do not live with.

• More COVID-related information is available at cityofbrea.net/covid19.