Brea is a city in Orange County, California. The population, as of the 2000 census, was 35,410, making it Orange County's 25th most populous city of 34. The city began as a center of crude oil production, was later propelled by citrus production, and is now an important retail center because of the large Brea Mall and the recently redeveloped Brea Downtown. Brea is also known for its extensive public art program which began in 1975 and continues today with over 140 artworks in the collection placed and located throughout the city. Brea's public art program has been used as a model and inspiration for many Public Art programs nationwide. Sunset magazine named Brea one of the five best suburbs to live in the Western United States in early 2006.