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Brea, California

Located in Orange County, California, Brea was established in 1917. 'Brea' means 'tar' in Spanish — named for oil/tar seeps. Major oil producing town in the early 1900s.

Founded 1917 | Population 48,000 | Peak 48,000 (2024) | County Orange County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Brea, California

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1885 Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in Brea.

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1917 Founded: Brea was founded as a railroad town in Orange County.

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1950 Economic Development: Brea grew through the oil and petroleum industry.

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2010 Modern Era: Brea continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.

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Latest News in Brea

Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman

LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …

Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders

A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…

Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California

Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…

NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator

NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?

The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…

CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles

CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Complete Historical Timeline

1885 Transport

Railroad Era

1917 Culture

Founded

1950 Industry

Economic Development

2010 Culture

Modern Era

Did You Know?

1

'Brea' means 'tar' in Spanish — named for oil/tar seeps.

2

Major oil producing town in the early 1900s.

3

Brea Mall is a popular regional shopping center.

4

Brea is located in Orange County, California.

5

Brea was founded in 1917.

Famous People from Brea, California

NZ

Nikki Ziering

Actor, Playboy Playmate · Born Aug 9, 1971 · Age 54

SB

Stephanie J. Block

Actor, Singer · Born Sep 19, 1972 · Age 53

KF

Kyle Fogg

Basketball Player · Born Jan 27, 1990 · Age 36

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