In spite of the recession that has hit so many cities very hard, Brea still managed to maintain a balanced budget and keep our city looking "great!".

Former Mayor/Councilman John Beauman
Brea, California, United States

John served on the Brea City Council from Nov. 2001 through Dec. 2010, choosing not to run for reelection. He served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2003 and 2008, and as Mayor in 2004 and 2009.

You can visit John's blog showing his time on the City Council at: www.johnbeauman2.blogspot.com    

The Spirit of Brea lives on.....

Brea's Art in Public Places: "Swinging a Child"

A Mayor's theme is an annual event with each incoming Mayor creating his own unique theme for the year. I believe the "2009 Spirit of Brea" theme will live on because the "Spirit of Brea" is perpetual and will not fade with time. Just as my prayer for our Nation is "God Bless America," my prayer for our City is "God Bless Brea."  The "Spirit" presented here represents "a community spirit," and will endure long after my term as mayor of this wonderful city.

To visit my blog as Mayor/Councilmember go to www.johnbeauman2.blogspot.com

Mayor's Theme 2009 -- February Postings

Community Viewpoints....


What does the Spirit of Brea mean to you?

Viewpoints and opinions defining what embodies the "Spirit of Brea," received in January were presented to the community at the February 3 Council meeting. To view the Council meeting and presentation, click on the link provided below: http://brea.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3

New Postings added on 2/17/09 at 4:00 P.M.
Don't forget to vote in the poll located to the right. You can "check" all the boxes that apply -- "uncheck" those that don't before you hit the VOTE button.

Contributions to the Spirit of Brea received in February will be presented and televised at the March 3 Council meeting.


Brea Sports Park's Grand Opening ... (Saturday, Feb. 14)
posted on 2/16/09

The Grand Opening was a great example of what makes Brea a wonderful place to live, work and, in this case, play; providing yet another example of what the Spirit of Brea is all about.

The Dedication ceremony (photo on right) was well attended by the community including a lot of sports-minded kids. Approximately 600 guest attended the grand opening celebration.
The weather cooperated, by giving us a near perfect day to celebrate this important community milestone.

Sports Park Plaque Unveiling...

Getting us into the spirit of the occasion, the Brea Olinda High School Chamber Choir Quartet led us in the National Anthem, being followed by introductions and presentations from State Assemblyman Mike Duval, Supervisor Bill Campbell, and representatives from Congressman Gary Miller's and State Senator Bob Huff's offices.

Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission Chair, Bill McMillan provided a park overview. Councilmember Don Schweitzer provided an historic perspective of the site.

Gathered around the Sports Park plaque, from left to right are Karalee Etheridge (Congressman Miller's office), Assemblyman Mike Duvall, Mayor Pro Tem Ron Garcia, Councilmember Roy Moore (background), Councilmember Marty Simonoff (background), Mayor John Beauman, Jody Roberto (State Senator Huff's office) (background), Councilmember Don Schweitzer and Supervisor Bill Campbell.

Amongst those celebrating with us was Yorba Linda Councilwoman Jan Horton, and Placentia Councilman Jeremy Yamaguchi. We truly appreciate them participating in this important community event. Also participating in the celebrations were former Mayors Bev Perry and Glenn Parker (current City Treasuer), along with members of the Olinda-Brea School Board, our City Commissioners and Committee members, as well as representatives for all of our Brea teams.

The ceremony concluded with the Brea Olinda High School Chamber Choir Quartet leading the crowd in "Take Me Out to the Ball Game;" followed by a hearty team cheer from the Brea Olinda High School Cheer team!

It wouldn't be the Spirit of Brea without our families....

(photo on right) Niko, Yo, Austin and Shawna Yamamoto.

"The park is gorgeous," Shawna Yamamoto said as she chased after her son Austin.

(photo on left) Brent, McKenzie, and Heather Westbrook enjoy the tot lot at the Sport Park.

(photo below) Jason, Sarah, Bonnie and Emily Diplock, Jenny and Lauren Morck, and Connor Diplock enjoyed being there.

Sports Park photos are compliments of LPA, Inc., Sports Park design team. For more photos taken at the Sports Park dedication go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31454067@N03/?saved=1

Valerie Murphy & family wrote: I'd just like to say "thank you" to all those who made the Sports Park possible. My family has lived in Brea for 16 years and, to us, it is one of the most exciting things we've seen done in our city. We don't like to shop a lot, but we sure do enjoy having places for our children to play and enjoy some open space!!!! Yayyy. Job well done. Fantastic.
We drove through it on Sunday and we were so excited. Open play places are good for all! I hope we put some more of our space to this kind of use as opportunities arise. (posted on 2/16/09)

While driving my son Andrew and a friend of his home from school, I listened to the conversation the 8 year olds were having. The discussion was about who they considered to be their best-friends. Andrew quickly stated, "I have a best friend that is an adult and his name is John Beauman". He further explained that his friend is on our City Council and is currently the Mayor. Andrew always looks forward to seeing his friend John in our neighborhood and at local events. This is truly a great part of "The Spirit of Brea". (posted on 2/17/09) Andrew is shown at the Sports Park ground breaking. He is the one with both hands on his hardhat. A great kid and friend!

The following was submitted by the Students of St. Angela Merici’s School, to the attention of the Mayor, thanking the Brea Civic Center (City Hall) for all the great things in our City. Last names are used if provided. (posted on 2/17/09).

The Spirit of Brea through the eyes of the 6th Grade Students at St. Angela Merici School....U make things possible! Thank you so much for all you do to make parks possible. … Thank you for roads, plays and the plunge. Love, Hannah

The "Spirit of Brea" as seen through the eyes of our children....

Ric Clough wrote regarding his son, Andrew:

You guys make a lot of things possible. Such as, parks, roads, community centers, city government, plunge, plays, and recreation areas. by Madeline H.

Thank you for all your hard work. I especially like the plunge. Your plays are also very good. Your streets are also very smooth. by Will M.

Thank you for making the plunge, plays and parks possible. by Madlien

Thank you for making the convenient community center, thrilling plunge, smooth streets and beautiful parks. Without you we wouldn’t have half of what we have in Brea. You are a great help to the community. by Alyssa Rifilan

You rock my polka dot socks! Thanks for making Brea so nice. I enjoy everything you do, it’s so beautify. by Madilyn (also submitted artwork shown above)

Thanks a lot for all the plays I used to do a lot of them. Also it’s so much fun to go to the plunge with my summer camp. I love to go to the summer camps at the civic center called Triple Threat. It’s a lot of fun to go to the parks and feed the ducks. Thank you for all the places in Brea. by Lauren Mollese

Thanks for all that you’ve done! Brea wouldn’t have all that it has if it wasn’t for you! The plunge, parks, plays, and recreation areas are all so cool! You help to shape our community and government into what it is. Without you, Brea wouldn’t be Brea! by Adam Pocheco

I thank you for the plunge, the parks, the government, and the plays. Please don’t stop doing it. I bet all of Brea will agree with me. by Max Marzola

The following Students expressed their appreciation for "the plunge, plays, parks, roads, and recreation areas": Michael Gonzales, Brianna, Savanna, Wyatt Sebourn, Ryan Nichols, Marissa, Mia, Tara Ribisi, Mark Chopman, Elizabeth W., Matthew M., Stephen Flores, Karissa, Olivia, Kaylie, Derek Lou, Austin, Sofia Minassian, Gabriel Z.

(PS: If you see a misspelled student-name, please let me know via email so I can correct it—at johnbeauman2@aol.com Thanks!)

To view the Mayor's Monthly Newsletter, click on the adjacent link: www.johnbeauman2.blogspot.com

Mayor's Theme for 2009 -- January Postings

Mayor's Theme for 2009

City of Brea

Each incoming Mayor establishes a theme and logo for his or her year as mayor. Serving as your Mayor in 2004, my theme was to recognize Brea as a "Community of Neighborhoods."

As your incoming Mayor for 2009, my theme for the year and its accompanying logo (shown above) is intended to reflect the Spirit of Brea which sets it apart as a special community and great place to live and work.

RESIDENT COMMENTS: When comments are received, they will be posted in color along with the date posted. Additions and/or revisions to this blog are shown with the date posted.
People Make Brea Special ...

Caring About the Safety of Neighbors...

The recent November wildfires provide numerous examples by which many Breans and local businesses stepped up to make a difference, truly reflecting that special Spirit that sets Brea apart. This brings to mind a Brea contractor that I know, Kent Forde, XL Construction, who, when the fires rapidly approached Brea homes, jumped into his truck and literally "Headed for the Hills!" to assist in any way he could, which included aiding fire fighters in fighting the flames. Thank you, Kent for demonstrating that Spirit of Brea that truly makes a difference.

Volunteers Make Brea Special ...

Salvation Army Bell Ringers...

Something else that makes Brea a special place are its volunteers. Shown in adjacent photo are Brea Lions Ron Taylor, Tom Rhine, and Andy Ronquillo, who have volunteered their time to ring the Salvation Army bell in front of J.C. Penny at the Brea Mall. It's that spirit of caring that makes Brea special.

If you know of other stories or community events that set Brea apart that help make it special for you and your family, please let me know so I can publish it on this blog and share it with others. When doing so, please give me permission to use your name ... and include photos, if available. Take this opportunity to share with others what Brea means to you.

Events Make Brea Special ...

























Downtown Brea is Special...

One such event that sets Brea apart is the Pacific Symphony performing in Downtown Birch Street (photos). We had the pleasure and enjoyment of their Symphony in the Cities for a second year, in August 2008 and 2007. It was reported that over 1,000 people came out to enjoy the music. I am hoping and striving for a third year.

The evening’s finale concluded with a brilliant display of fireworks (photo).

My wife, Sharon, snapped this photo of me with Brea's Fire Chief, Al Nero. Al's wife Ricky was also in attendance.

Eagle Hills' Annual Holiday Lights...

Marcus and Cathie Gallo write: My wife, son and I currently reside in the Eagle Hills area and a prime example of "Spirit of Brea" was all the Eagle Hills residents who continue to decorate for the holidays for the thousands of cars and people that make the annual pilgrimage to see the lights and beautiful decorated houses. It does not come easy, all of the neighbors had to take the time sometimes days of work to complete their houses, some chipped in money to have their houses decorated. We all have electricity bills that are in some cases several hundred dollars on top of what we already pay. The fact that all these folks spent the time, money to make this another great “free” holiday event is nothing short of a great community act- “Spirit of Brea” by the people of Brea.

I talked to so many families who visited some for the first time and some who have been making the trip to visit for over 20+ consecutive years. Aside from all the thank you gestures and picture taking they ask one common question: Why do all the neighbors do this? some asking if we were obligated by an association. My response to them was that this neighborhood has tremendous holiday spirit and this one time of year we all come together one way or another to put smiles on peoples faces, make children/families happy and continue a holiday tradition.

This year was more special then ever. All of this was done, despite all the worries people had on their minds: the fires, the economy (jobs, can they afford to decorate and pay the electricity bill), falling home prices, investment losses etc. This neighborhood showed their “Spirit” and put forth an act that made people forget about difficult times for a little while and smile (a little difficult for many given the environment we are in).

This is a great example that you should highlight as the "Spirit of Brea". (Posted 1/27/09)

Places Make Brea Special...

Theatre and the Arts set Brea apart....

The Prim Family describes it this way: I sincerely hope that we will always have room for THEATRE and Brea's Stagelight Family Productions in our City. Our daughter loves performing in the Curtis Theatre. She has been in Joseph, Annie and Music Man. The Director Janice Krauss and Brea's Community Center have a great relationship and it is "ALL FOR THE KIDS!" It's such a gift to the children to be able to experience the stage and have opportunity to shine in their community. These memories are treasures for the future Brea generation! (posted 1/21/09)



Erin Johnnie states: ...the Curtis Theater is very important to many families in Brea and that the different shows and programs from the theater (Stagelight
.

Publicly Acclaimed "Art of Public Places" sets Brea apart... 

• For a list of Art pieces click on the adjacent link (once there, to return to this blog, hit the "return arrow" on our web browser: http://www.cityofbrea.net/images/default/citydocs/CommSvc/CulturalArts/APP_Tour_web_2011.pdf

Brea's Art in Public Places: "Mustangs"

What about you? What makes Brea special for you and yours?

Will the Economic Downturn Make A Difference?

The economic downturn facing our Nation & State means less revenue for cities to provide and maintain the services and programs we have come to enjoy and expect as Breans, thus making 2009 a year of budget cuts and challenges! This potential reduction in community programs and city services, makes it particularly important to define and preserve those things that embody the Spirit of Brea in 2009. Economic forces will shape Brea with or without us, and the Brea that emerges at the end of 2009 will be the Brea that we will all have to live with for years to come. That is why I am inviting you to submit your ideas and photos regarding what the Spirit of Brea means to you...

Budget Workshop... (rev. 1/26)

The City of Brea held a budget workshop at the Community Center on Saturday, January 24th from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The purpose of the workshop was to hear your budget ideas and priorities as a resident. About 60 people participated by sharing their ideas. The top values listed by almost all participants including 1. Public Safety; 2. Maintaining that Small Town feeling; 3. Maintaining programs and services to the extent possible. If you did not attend but have an idea or suggestion that you would like to submit, you can e-mail it to us: tellus@cityofbrea.net.


What Makes Brea Special for You?

There are many things that set Brea apart and capture the essence of the Spirit of Brea. It can be as simple as the level of services we have come to expect; the city employees that we interface with; the professionalism of our police and fire services. All these things make Brea what it is: a great place to live, work, play, and go to school. What does it mean to you as a resident?

Join me....

You are invited to submit your "Spirit of Brea" thoughts and ideas by email to me at: johnbeauman2@aol.com

PS: To view a copy of my monthly newsletter visit www.johnbeauman2.blogspot.com