Brea Talks

Latest Episodes:

2026 State of the City Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Listen in as Mayor Cecilia Hupp and Brea’s Executive Staff present the 2026 State of the City. Administrative Services Director Monica Lo talks about the city’s financials (3:24). City Manager Kristin Webster lays out what we’re doing to advocate for Brea at the local, state and federal level (7:11). Fire Chief Dan Mielke and Chief of Police Adam Hawley discuss the proactive steps being taken in reducing wildfire risk (12:12) and impaired driving within our city (17:55). Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Jason Killebrew gives an update on progress at the Brea Mall (24:04), while Interim Community Services Director Sean Matlock shares about the continued success of the HOPE Center and progress on construction at Arovista Park (29:35). Lastly, Public Works Director Michael Ho gives an update on Brea’s Capital Improvement Program projects past, present and future (36:25).

This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!

The CIP Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Dan Fenstermaker sits down with Brea's City Engineer Ryan Chapman and gets into the particulars regarding the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Learn exactly what the CIP is (1:00), the similarities and differences between the CIP budget and the City's general operating budget (2:25), and how we pay for it (9:12).

Summer Fire Safety, Home Hardening & Fireworks Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Dan Fenstermaker chats with Fire Marshal Nicole Pesqueira of the Brea Fire Department and Aerial Support Officer Ryan Klug of the Brea Police Department. Hear about how fire season is now more year round than a specific period of time (1:42). Learn about best practices regarding barbecuing, campfires, bonfires, and fire pits (3:57), things to consider when using your air conditioning (11:25), and how to best manage your home’s fire risk with defensible space and home hardening (15:16). Then hear why fireworks in Brea are illegal, and what the City is doing to deter them (22:25).

A City's Development Process May 07, 2026

Show notes

Liz Pharis welcomes back Brea Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Jason Killebrew to discuss the process of development in a city. Learn about the role of the Community Development Director within an agency (2:17), the role of a city as it relates to property rights and fostering growth as well as community needs (6:18), the communication aspect between property owners, developers and the city (16:30), and how to get involved, get more information and be effectively heard regarding development in your city (22:17).

Sun, Smiles & Summer Activities Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Aimée Matsumoto sits down with Community Services Supervisor Billy Hutchinson and Community Services Specialist Jovi Negos to discuss all things summer. Hear great information about Brea’s aquatics program (2:47), sports programs, volunteen opportunities (4:54), important registration dates (6:34), and the wide variety of contract classes the City offers throughout the summer (7:50). Also, learn about the City of Brea’s Summer Day Camp (13:00) and Helping Hands Scholarship Program (15:14).

The Brea General & Specific Plans Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Andrea Carvajal welcomes two guests from Brea's Planning Division, Brea's new City Planner Maribeth Tinio and Brea's Senior Planner Jessica Newton. Learn about what a General Plan is and the history behind this document in Brea (2:15), when this latest update began (5:25), and what is next regarding the General Plan (7:28). Then learn about Brea's Core Specific Plan (), where the idea came from (8:15), what is next and how to get more involved (10:18).

Liars & Scammers & Fraud (Oh My!) Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Dan Fenstermaker sits down with Investigator Mike Janetzke of the Brea Police Department to discuss all things fraud and scams. Learn about the evolution of these types of crimes regarding technology (1:40), the dangers of identity theft (2:45), the lengths that scammers go to get your money (7:51) the psychology behind “cognitive paralysis” (12:56), and what you can do to better protect yourself against these criminals (19:55).

Shopping & Dining Brea Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Aimée Matsumoto sits down with Brea Economic Development Manager Melissa Furio and Brea Administrative Services Director Monica Lo to discuss the direct impacts shopping and dining local have on quality of life as well as the quality of a city's services and infrastructure. Hear from Melissa about what Economic Development is exactly (2:09), the history of of these efforts in Brea (4:15), and what makes Brea’s business community unique (6:00). Then, learn from Monica about the fiscal impacts shopping and dining have on the City’s budget, the significance of sales tax regarding revenue (12:43), and the potential discrepancies between online and in-person shopping (14:47).

Yo Gabba Gabba! Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Aimeé Matsumoto and Brea Gallery Director Katie Chidester sit down and discuss National Arts & Humanities Month (1:08), as well as the newest exhibition coming to the Brea Gallery, the Super Art Friends Show (1:31), a collaboration between the City of Brea and Yo Gabba Gabba! Then, Aimeé and Katie welcome two special guests, Yo Gabba Gabba! creators, Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. Hear about the origins of the hit show (2:56), its ties to the City of Brea (9:31), what role Southern California plays in its inspiration (17:31), and what this Brea Gallery exhibition means to its creators (23:43).

The 2025 State of the City Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Listen in as Mayor Blair Stewart and Brea’s Executive Staff present the 2025 State of the City. City Manager Kristin Griffith and Administrative Services Director Monica Lo talk about the recent businesses opening in Brea, as well as the city budget, put together by an award winning Finance Division (1:57). New Fire Chief Dan Mielke and Chief of Police Adam Hawley discuss the proactive steps being taken in expanding life saving services (6:38) and crime reduction (10:30). Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Jason Killebrew gives an update on progress toward diverse housing options in the City (15:58), while Public Works Director Michael Ho reminds residents about the renewed street sweeping enforcement as well as the new organics recycling program (19:48). Lastly, Community Services Director Carrie Hernandez shares about the continued success of the HOPE Center and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Brea’s Art in Public Places program (22:59).

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected