Before we jump into the holiday season, let’s celebrate the re-election of Mayor Cecilia Hupp and councilmembers Blair Steward and Steve Vargas.
Big congrats to all of them. Now let’s see the entire City Council work together and make the right decisions for what is best for Brea and all of us.
It is great that all the pre-election hoopla and endless signs, mailers and texts are over, and it is time to get into a holiday mood. Of course, we are already seeing early holiday decorations replacing the giant skeletons, witches and pumpkins on many Brea lawns.
The Brea Mall and other shopping areas have been decked out for the holidays, some even before Halloween.
A good way to get into the holiday shopping mood is at Brea’s annual Nutcracker Boutique on Nov. 20 and 21 at the Brea Community Center, 695 E. Madison Way.
Shop 9 a.m to 6 p.m. on Nov. 20, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Nov. 21. Admissions is just $3 per person and children 12 and under are free.
The Nutcracker Boutique is one of my all-time favorite Brea events, and also, it seems, for the some 4,000 folks who come every year. According Kristin Steyerman, Community Services Department and Special Events supervisor, the Nutcracker Boutique is in its 31st year at Brea’s community center.
It is always fun to stroll around and shop the treasures and treats awaiting us at the Nutcracker Boutique.
You’ll find some 200 vendors with their colorful displays around the inside and the outside of the community center. Discover handcrafted holiday jewelry, holiday décor, toys, games and unique gifts. Find something just right for everyone on your holiday list – from the kids to their teachers and Grandma, too.
If you need a break from shopping, wander through the Food Alley or pop into the Center Café for a quick snack.
Strollers are not allowed, but Kidwatch is available for Nutcracker Boutique Shoppers at the community center. Just $3 per child.
November is also a good time to donate a gift card or two in any amount for the Wish Trees at the Community Center and on the 3rd floor of Brea’s Civic and Cultural Center. Grocery store, Target, Walmart and gas station gift cards will be welcomed by our Breans in need.
For another giving opportunity, look for the Angel Tree at the Brea Mall, Dec. 6 to 15. It is your opportunity to give a gift to a senior in need and help them have a joyful holiday season. And you’ll score points with Santa, I am sure.
Volunteers are needed for the Angel Tree. Call the Brea Senior Center at 714-990-7750 to volunteer or for more information.
One Brea holiday tradition is “Christmas with the Alley Cats” at the Curtis Theatre on Nov. 27 through 29. This popular “doo-wop” group has brought zany holiday cheer to Curtis Theatre patrons for some 25 years, according to theater manager Kris Kataoka.
For many Brea families, “Christmas with the Alley Cats” is a holiday tradition, and one they look forward to each year. Maybe it is time to make the “Christmas with the Alley Cats” part of your family’s holiday fun too.
For tickets and more info, go to cityofbrea.gov/11565/Curtis-Theatre.
Something that will be like a gift in the City Council Chambers is the relocation of the microphone for folks speaking at council meetings during Matters from the Audience.
According to Mayor Cecilia Hupp, two seats will be removed from the top level of the audience seating area, and a microphone and podium will be installed for the speakers.
That is much better than someone standing at the bottom of the stairs with a lone microphone and no place to put their notes.
I guess that is a holiday gift to all the regular Matters speakers.
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@gmail.com.