Introduction to Brea, California
Brea, California, in Orange county, is 2 miles E of La Habra, California (center to center) and 6 miles N of Anaheim, California. The city is a prominent retail destination due to the popular Brea Mall and the redeveloped downtown. It has a large public arts program which features a vast number of artworks situated all over the city. The majority of the population is Hispanic. In 2007 Brea Olinda High School received the Blue Ribbon Award.
Brea History
The Village of Olinda was established in the beginning of the 19th century and numerous entrepreneurs arrived looking for oil. The Union Oil company acquired a large acreage for oil production. By 1898 a large number of oil drilling towers were situated in the hills. In 1911 while the economy was booming, Olinda and Randolf merged and became Brea.
Brea translates to tar in Spanish. Years later when the oil prodcution declined, lemon and orange groves were established. Over time, the citrus groves were converted to residential areas and industrial parks.
Brea Attractions
- Brea Art Gallery showcases museum quality exhibits.
- Concerts in the Park offers a variety of music.
- Brea Civic & Cultural Center.
- Family Films in the Park.
- The Curtis Theatre provides a variety of entertainment.
- Brea Community Center.
- Country Fair.
- Brea Museum and Heritage Center.
- Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series is a four week event that offers some of Southern California's top jazz musicians.
- Brea Trolley.
- Brea Fest is a popular family event.
Brea Activities
The Brea Creek Golf Course is a popular golf course located in the city. Carbon Canyon Regional Park features attractive coastal redwood trees and hiking and equestrian trails. The popular Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are nearby. Featherly Regional, Weir Canyon Wilderness, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness, Mason Regional and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness parks are all located in the region and are enjoyed by nature lovers. The Cleveland National Forest is popular for a variety of outdoor activities.
Brea Higher Education
The city is home to the Southern California College of Business and Law.