Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Forest Service Releases Report on Fuels Reduction Effectiveness Related to October's Grass Valley Fire
Though the U.S. Forest Service is still investigating the cause of the Grass Valley Fire, which started on October 22 and ultimately burned 1,247 acres in the Lake Arrowhead area, destroyed 174 homes and damaged another 25 before being contained on October 29, a report has just been released on the effectiveness of fuels treatments during the fire. The two-part report, available online at the website of the San Bernardino National Forest [fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/news/], details researchers' findings, including the following: Fire behavior in fuel treatment areas was less rapid and less intense than in adjacent untreated wildland fuel; fuel treatments reduced fire spread rate and allowed for improved visibility for firefighters; efforts of The Mountain Area Safety Taskforce hazard reduction program enhanced safe evacuation of thousands due to previous dead tree removal (so trees were not in roadways and ember production was reduced); the Grass Valley Fire burned more intensely within residential areas than in adjacent wildland fuels; and although torching and crowning occurred, the wildfire did not spread as a continuously crowning, high intensity fire. The report states that with the exception of six homes of the 199 damaged or destroyed in the Grass Valley Fire, high intensity wildfire was not a direct factor in igniting homes. For 193 of those homes, it was found that they were ignited either by fire spread through surface fuels within the residential area that then contacted homes or from thermal exposures directly related to burning residences. The Forest Service report findings say that firefighters were overwhelmed in their attempt to prevent the residential fire spread due to multiple homes burning simultaneously, though more homes would have burned without their intervention. The residential fire disaster of the Grass Valley Fire--which spread south through wildland fuels before transitioning to urban structural fuels—was principally the result of high home ignition potential. In the words of Forest Service, “The wildfire initiated the residential burning, but burning homes predominantly continued the fire spread to other homes without the wildfire as a significant factor.” For more information on the Grass Valley Fire of last October, you can access our moment-by-moment coverage in our Slide and Grass Valley Fire Archive, accessible from the 2008 Archive page.

County and ABC Offer LEAD Seminar and Certification in San Bernardino for Alcohol Vendors on July 28
The County's Public Health Department and the California Office of Alcohol Beverage Control will offer free training on Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (also known as LEAD) in San Bernardino on July 28. This LEAD training seminar, which takes place next Monday afternoon at City Hall on D Street, is offered to owners, managers and employees of stores that sell alcohol, and information offered will relate to state and local alcohol laws, liabilities, community standards, checking ID, identifying and refusing sales to minors and intoxicated patrons. Those who attend this free, four-hour session will receive a three-year LEAD certification, issued by ABC. As seating is limited to 50, those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP soon, by calling the County's Department of Public Health at 387-6280.


Watty's Famous Ass Explosion Chili, cooked up by Greg Watkins of San Diego and friends, took
top honors in the red chili competition at Saturday's Old Miners' Days Chili Cook-Off. As this
was a regional qualifier for the International Chili Society, Watkins can now take his famous red
chili to the ICS championships. More info and photos from the Chili Cook-Off posted on July 21.

CSD Addresses High Timber Ranch Development, Which Is Undergoing Environmental Impact Report
During the Board member reports portion of the Community Services District meeting on Monday evening, Director Bob Colven referenced the County's Planning Division meeting on the now-underway Environmental Impact Report for High Timber Ranch, the 196-lot development (which also includes three lettered lots) on 166 acres, being developed by Mike Rafferty in the area between Sugarloaf and Moonridge. Colven pointed out that the project is in the County's unincorporated jurisdiction, yet would receive water through the Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power. Big Bear City Fire Chief Jeff Willis took to the podium during the CSD meeting, to address concerns of fire access for the proposed project which, in part, would be adjacent to U.S. Forest Service land. Per Chief Willis, “It's definitely an issue for the County, as well as transportation and fire to work with. Rest assured, the Big Bear City Fire Department and the County's transportation department will work to make sure we have access up there.” San Bernardino County Senior Planner Matt Slowick, in a subsequent conversation with KBHR, says that the High Timber Ranch development's project proposal and completed Environmental Impact Report will go before the County's Planning Commission, once the EIR is completed, but he says, “This may take a number of months. It could be six months, nine months, it could be a year.”

Chambermaids Raise Nearly $15,000, and Share Those Funds With 10 Local Groups, Including Chautauqua
After another year of fundraising, the Chambermaids, the women's auxiliary branch of the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, held their annual funds distribution luncheon last week. The 60plus women of the Chambermaids raised $14,700, and distributed those funds to local organizations and agencies which support the community, including a $10,500 donation to the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Per the Chamber's Executive Director Sara Russ, “The Chambermaids have worked very hard over the past year to raise money for the Chamber and the community. From bake sales to fashion shows and golf tournaments, they deserve a huge thank you for all their efforts, and the Chamber wouldn't be the same without them.” For her part, Chambermaids President Gail Dick says, “It was a lot of work and a complete team effort, but we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I am very proud to be the president of such an amazing group of women and we are already planning for the next year.” As for this year, portions of the nearly $15,000 raised were shared with the following: the Miss Big Bear Pageant, Chautauqua High School, Meals on Wheels, Big Bear Discovery Center, Bear Valley Search and Rescue, AAUW's Tech Trek program for girls, the Rotary Club's fireworks show, the Hospital Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol.

BBARWA Board to Review Room Rental Policy and First Reading of Disposal Fee Ordinance Today
The Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency will hold their regular monthly meeting today at 4:30pm, at their offices at 121 Palomino Drive in Big Bear City. This afternoon's meeting includes the first reading of the ordinance to increase the current fee schedule for the disposal of waste delivered to the regional treatment plant. This fee increase would not affect households, but would apply to those who, via truck, deliver and dispose of sewage at the BBARWA plant. The BBARWA Board will also review the Board Room rental policy, given a recent request from a spiritual center to hold Sunday worship services at BBARWA. At present, policy established in 2005 does not allow for the room to be used for parties, commercial events, and exercise classes, nor as the primary location for a business or place of worship.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008


Tim Sweet, Sewer Department Foreman for the Community Services District,
was recognized for his 25 years of service to the district during Monday's
meeting, which included a plaque presentation from CSD President Rick Ollila.

Planning Meeting for August 4 Ryan Hall Send-Off Event Set for This Thursday; Group Leaders Welcome
The Event Resource Office is hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, for those who would like to be directly involved in the August 4 community send-off for Olympian Ryan Hall. The ERO and the Lighthouse Project, in collaboration with the Bear Valley Unified School District, the Big Bear Lake Resort Association and the City of Big Bear Lake, are seeking community involvement for this historic event on the Big Bear Middle School field, and leader representatives from Valley organizations, clubs, agencies and churches are welcomed to Thursday's planning meeting, to be held at noon at Northwoods Resort in the Village. Says Event Resource Director Rick Bates, “If you have an organization and you want to be part of this historic event, please join us on Thursday.” Lunch snacks and refreshments will be offered at the meeting, and RSVPs are requested by calling the ERO at 866-3283.

CSD Board Approves Expenditure to Complete Purchase of New Radio Equipment for Bear City Fire Dept.
At last night's Board of Directors meeting for the Big Bear City Community Services District, the Board approved an expenditure of $29,278 in Fire Department Reserves to cover the cost of upgrading the department's two-way radio communication system. The initial portion of the upgrades will be covered by $144,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Office of Homeland Security, which was approved in November. As the Big Bear City Fire Department's portion of the grant is 5% in matching funds (to the grant's 95%) and, in the 18 months since applying for the grant, costs for electronic devices, wiring and shipping have increased 15%, the transfer of funds from reserves to the general fund will cover total cost for the radio equipment upgrades. Per Big Bear City Fire Chief Jeff Willis, “This takes our radios, adds to them, and puts our antiquated stuff out of service.” This will allow for “top-notch communication” Willis said, adding, “We've come a long way, and this grant will take us even further.”

Big Bear Chamber Invites Families to This Evening's Networking Mixer at the Moonridge Animal Park
The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce holds a networking mixer this evening, and the two-hour event at the Moonridge Animal Park is open to families, as docents from the zoo will be on hand to introduce the park's smaller animals to attendees, from 5 to 7pm. This evening's free networking mixer is hosted by Friends of the Moonridge Zoo, Big Bear Marina, First Mountain Bank, Holloway's Marina and RV Park, and the Captain's Anchorage, the Mandoline Bistro and Taste of Bear Catering, who will be providing food.

Breaking News as of 11am: Highway 330 Closed Due to Overturned Big Rig at Middle Passing Lane
Per CalTrans, the overturned big rig just north of the middle passing lane on Highway 330 has resulted in full closure of the roadway. No word yet on when Highway 330 will re-open, as a result of this accident in the 10 o'clock hour, but motorists are advised to, for the time being, take Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley or Highway 38 if leaving the mountain. Once again, Highway 330 is now closed in both directions, at the middle passing lane, due to an overturned big rig in the roadway. Update as of 11:45am: In our most recent conversation with CalTrans, they note that the overturned big rig just north of the middle passing lane on Highway 330 has resulted in, now, not a full closure but significant delays on the roadway. At this time, one lane is open on this portion of Highway 330, as crews try to remove the overturned big rig, with a set of doubles hauling cement, and flagging is underway. It is expected that Highway 330 will not be fully opened until at least 1:30 this afternoon. Update: As of 1:45pm, all lanes of Highway 330 have been re-opened.

The San Bernardino Animal Care and Control Program offers another dog licensing clinic in the
Big Bear Valley today, to be held at Sugarloaf Park from 6 to 7pm. (More details posted below.)

Library Closed for Two Weeks in September to Allow for Upgrades, Including New Circulation Desk
The Big Bear Library is scheduled for some upgrades in September, and Head Librarian Pamela Heiman tells KBHR that the Garstin Drive facility will be closed from September 13 through 27 and will re-open to the public on Monday, September 29. Heiman says that before upgrades can begin, all shelving (and all books) will first be removed, to allow for fresh paint and the replacement of carpet. “That's the biggie,” Heiman says, “the library hasn't been repainted in 16 years, but it's the new carpet we're really looking forward to.” In addition to County funds to be used for these library improvements, Heiman points out, “The community has helped us raise money, and the Friends of the Library are helping to pay for a new circulation desk, which will also allow for self check-out.” Though the library will be closed for those two weeks in September, patrons will be able to enjoy books during that time, if checked out by September 12. Once the library re-opens, the $5,000 in new books, purchased with the check from the 2007 Great American Race, will be available.

Mt. San Gorgonio Quake of 3.0 Magnitude Described as "Just a Normal Old Shaker on the Big Mountain"
Yesterday afternoon, there was a 3.0 magnitude earthquake, centered five miles west northwest of Mt. San Gorgonio at 1:21pm, per the U.S. Geological Survey. This quake, at a depth of four miles, was preceded by two smaller quakes centered outside Big Bear Lake. At 9:36 Monday morning, there was a 1.6 tremor four miles west of Big Bear Lake and then at 12:46pm, we had a 1.5 magnitude quake located eight miles northwest of Big Bear Lake. Per County Fire firefighter Norm Cione, stationed in Angelus Oaks, there were no calls resulting from the 3.0 Mt. San G quake. “Absolutely nothing has happened,” he tells KBHR. “It was just a normal old shaker on the big mountain.”

County Supervisors to Address Two BBV Recreation and Park District Items in This Morning's Meeting
The Board of Supervisors of San Bernardino County hold their weekly meeting this morning at 10am, at the County Government Center at 385 North Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. In relation to the Big Bear Valley, there are two items on this morning's agenda that pertain to the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, as the district is governed by the County. Supervisors will review and make recommendations for adjustments to salaries and benefits for non-represented employees of BBV Rec and Park. In a second item, Supervisors will post the vacancy for the Rec and Park's Advisory Commission, given Cheryl Shipe's recent resignation since moving to Colorado. The open seat on the Advisory Commission runs through January 31, 2012. (Registered voters who reside within the Lake Williams or Erwin Lake area can call Supervisor Hansberger's office at 866-0140 if interested in possible appointment to the Commission.) A regular Board of Supervisors meeting will not be held on July 29.

Monday, July 21, 2008



Local Mountain Bikers Find Fire Along Forest Road 2N10; Create Perimeter Line Until Crews Arrive
In the last two days, there have been two fires (one of them this morning) in the Barton Flats area off Highway 38, and the U.S. Forest Service says that each of these was likely sparked by lightning over the weekend. On Saturday morning around 10am, the Boulder Fire off Forest Service road 2N10, in the vicinity south of the Big Bear Lake Civic Center, had been spotted from the Fire Lookout Tower at Butler Peak and called in to the Big Bear Airport from pilots who had flown over the area. It wasn't until four mountain bikers, notable locals Craig Smith, Ken Dally, Ade Salzer and Rick Herrick, saw the small fire and called it in that U.S. Forest Service crews were able to narrow in on the remote location. In the meantime, the four bikers and three more who arrived shortly thereafter, Mike Well, Zach Dow and Mike Allison, created a fire perimeter line to hold the fire burning in duff and small logs, perhaps the result of an unattended campfire, to a roughly 40' x 40' area. During this early and intense fire season for California, all are reminded to be vigilant in practicing fire-safety and, remember, the U.S. Forest Service has imposed additional fire restrictions this summer, and no fires are permitted outside of designated fire rings in recreation sites within the San Bernardino National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service will continue with aircraft flyovers, to locate smoke in our area, during this monsoon weather cycle, which can result in lightning-sparked fires.

Tomorrow's DWP Meeting to Include Presentation from GM of Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
The Board of Commissioners of the Department of Water and Power holds their monthly meeting tomorrow morning at 8am, at the DWP offices at 41972 Garstin Drive in Big Bear Lake. Items on the agenda include discussion of the Connection Policy, the template by which DWP instructs staff to address new development, and a Public Hearing on fees for assorted services that do not relate to user fees. The DWP Board will also address Water System Integration, and discuss whether isolated systems, such as those in Fawnskin and Lake Williams, should stay integrated within the overall DWP system. Tomorrow morning's meeting will also include a presentation by Celeste Cantu, General Manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority—per DWP's Bill LaHaye, “She is an outstanding speaker, and knows the Southern California water business extremely well.”

Local Favorites Return for Awards, and Dave Thomas of Oxnard Takes Top Honors in Chili Cook-Off
The results are in for the Old Miners Association's Chili Cook-Off, which took place in the Bartlett Lot during a full day of festivities on Saturday. First place winner in the salsa category was Irene Menchaca; top green chili honors went to Jim Beaty (who, in 1986, won the International Chili Society's world championship for his red chili); and top red title went to Watty's Famous Ass Explosion Chili, cooked up by Greg Watkins of San Diego. The team of Sam's Pirate Chili, created by Van Sorrel of Sugarloaf, son Paix and friends, won the Best Booth Award and, having bet on themselves during Friday night's Calcutta Dinner, they also took the Best Local Cook Award for green chili; the Calcutta winner for red was Mike Ford. John Whittaker of Long Beach was voted Best First Time Cook, and local regulars Susie and Bob Collins once again took home the Perpetual Merchants Award, on behalf of ERA Escrow, for their Western Devils Barn Burners Chili. And the big award for Best Overall was earned by Dave Thomas of Oxnard, who exclaimed “I can't believe it!” when his Crazee Horse Chili was selected by the International Chili Society's Mark Sweeney and other judges for top honors. In addition to cash prizes and trophies, top cooks Thomas, Beaty and Watkins are now eligible to compete in the International Chili Society championships.


Old Miners Days gets spicy: Perpetual Merchant winners Susie and Bob Collins and granddaugher Riley; Granny Clementine
Teresa Vasquez and husband Joe; and double winner Paix Sorrel of Sam's Pirate Chili (with Mark 'Chili' Gaines).

Breaking News: Small Fire, Presumably Sparked by Lightning, Burning Near Barton Flats Off Highway 38
There is a small fire burning in the Barton Flats area off Highway 38 [as of 9:50am], and smoke may be visible to those in the area. John Miller with the U.S. Forest Service says that more than likely this was sparked by lightning over the weekend, as was another small fire in that area yesterday, which was quickly contained by Forest Service fire crews. Miller says these lightning-sparked fires tend to be limited to a single tree, and this morning's fire near Barton Flats is being diffused at this time. Miller says that as monsoon weather continues, fixed wing aircraft will continue to fly over our area, to patrol for lightning-sparked fires. Update as of 2pm: The small fire that was burning in the vicinity of Barton Flats this morning, near the boundary for the San Gorgonio Wilderness, was controlled by U.S. Forest Service crews in the 1 o'clock hour this afternoon. Total burned acreage was held to one quarter acre.

Intense 2008 Fire Season for California; Local Agencies Post Fire Preparedness Tips and Information
Fire season has been intense and early for the state of California this year, though no immediate threats have been posed for the Big Bear Valley. As Governor Schwarzenegger said in recent weeks, “Fire season as we know it in California is pretty much over. Now it's fire season all year long.” The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group, or NMAC, sets national preparedness levels, as it pertains to fire, on a scale of 1 to 5, and for the 2008 fire season, PL5 (which is the most severe) was reached earlier than in years past. Per the National Interagency Fire Center, based in Boise, Idaho, PL5 was called on June 30, which is the second earliest date since 1990 that PL5 has been reached—only on June 21, 2002 was PL5 reached earlier. Per the Interagency Fire Center, “As the season intensifies, it's a reminder to the public to be careful with and around fire, and for those who own homes in fire-prone areas to take the few simple steps needed to help their property to become more defensible.” If you did not receive the locally-specific Mountain Area Safety Taskforce mailing on fire safety, which included evacuation route information and a DVD, you can access the information at calmast.org. Other resources and information are available on the websites of our local fire agencies, at bigbearcityfire.org and thinisin.org.

County Offers Dog Licensing Clinic and Rabies Vaccinations at Sugarloaf Park Tuesday Evening
The San Bernardino Animal Care and Control Program is offering low-cost rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, as well as a licensing clinic, at Sugarloaf Park tomorrow, Tuesday, from 6 to 7pm. During the clinic, rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will be offered for just $6 each, payable in cash only. Dog licenses will be available at a cost of $15 for altered dogs; $9 for those belonging to senior citizens. The cost for a dog license for unaltered dogs is $96, and licenses may be paid for by cash or check. County Licensing Supervisor Lynda Louden points out that all dogs at the clinic must be on a leash, cats must be in a pet carrier, and all animals must be in the controlled care of an adult. Staff at the clinic will also be available to answer questions regarding the spay and neuter voucher program. These questions, or any others regarding the clinic, again scheduled for tomorrow evening at Sugarloaf Park, can also be directed to the Animal Care and Control Program at 800/472-5609.

Community Services District Board Not Scheduled to Discuss Paid Call Firefighter Ordinance This Evening
The Board of Directors of the Big Bear City Community Services District meets for their second meeting of the month at 5:30pm this evening, at their offices at 139 E. Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City. The meeting agenda does not include continuation of the discussion regarding the paid call firefighter ordinance for the district, which will instead be addressed in August. This evening's agenda does not include any Old Business Items, but is scheduled to include recognition of Tim Sweet, the Sewer Department Foreman who has served 25 years with the Community Services District.

Friday, July 18, 2008


Summer fun on Big Bear Lake, where the average water temperature is 70 degrees!

New FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for San Bernardino County Will Be Effective August 28
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency—or FEMA—has this month delivered Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps to local officials in San Bernardino County, to be effective August 28. These flood studies and maps identify the floodplains for a 100-year flood event. When finalized, the two reports determine the level of flood risk and flood insurance premiums paid by property owners, renters and businesses. FEMA indicates that citizens and property owners should contact their local flood plain administrator to determine if the new map affects their property. If the property is impacted, FEMA recommends immediate contact with an insurance agent to purchase a flood insurance policy prior to August 28. The purchase of flood insurance prior to this date will allow property owners to take advantage of affordable insurance rates. For the Big Bear Valley, FEMA directs those outside of the City of Big Bear Lake and within the County's jurisdiction to call 387-8213 for the local flood plain administrator; for those who reside within the City of Big Bear Lake, calls can be directed to 866-5831, then ask for the City's Engineering Department.

Lighthouse Project Hosts Community Send-Off for Olympian Ryan Hall, on August 4 at the BBMS Field
Local Olympian Ryan Hall, the fastest American-born marathon runner in history, will be celebrated in a community send-off, organized by the Lighthouse Project, on Monday, August 4, which is the first day students return to school. The 5:30pm event will take place on the Big Bear Middle School field, and the entire community is invited to cheer on Hall, a 2001 Big Bear High School graduate, before he leaves for Beijing, China to compete in the Olympic marathon on August 24. In support of our “child-honoring community,” local students will be celebrated as well, and recognized for their participation in the Move a Million Miles for Ryan Hall campaign, which is now close to achieving 700,000 miles. Hall says, “I'm just blown away that the community and beyond have logged so many miles for me. I'm really thankful to have an advantage that no other competitor will have out there in Beijing—I'll be the only one that has a community logging miles for me.” Of the August 4 send-off for Hall, Lighthouse Project Director Beth Gardner says, “We'd love to see everyone from all walks of life participating in this special, no cost event. Children and adults are encouraged to wear uniforms from clubs and agencies to show pride in their own organizations as well as the community. Banners honoring children and wishing Ryan all the best are also encouraged. Seating will be on the field, so blankets and lawn chairs are recommended. We envision a very uplifting, inspiring event that celebrates our unique community, its exceptional children and young adults and, in particular, our very special Ryan Hall. Ryan serves as an excellent role model for the young people in our community, not only as an exceptional athlete but a man of amazing conviction, work ethic and integrity.”


Have you created defensible space on your property? At left, BEFORE vegetation reduction and, on the right, the same property AFTER the thinning of dense brush and the 'limbing up' of trees. Leftover vegetation can be left curbside for the chipper truck, which chips the material for redistribution as mulch. Last year, chipping material was, in part, used as ground cover at the ski resorts.

Big Bear City Fire Department Offers Free Curbside Chipping of Vegetation for East Valley Properties
The Big Bear City Fire Department has a goal to remove 60 tons of vegetation—that's about 20 tons more than last year--through their curbside chipping program, by October 1. In June, the Bear City Fire Department mailed Chipper Days information to all property owners within their jurisdiction, which includes Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Lake Williams and upper Moonridge, and already they report that about 300 homeowners have called to request free curbside chipping services. The San Bernardino County chipping crews have been making their way through Sugarloaf, and are now in the Moonridge area, though all neighborhoods will be visited. Says Big Bear City Fire Chief Jeff Willis, “The primary goal is to remove overgrown, dense brush, small trees, limbs and dead material. We also encourage property cleanup, such as weeds, pine needles, leaves, etc. These items can be bagged and placed curbside for Big Bear City Community Services District refuse pickup during this same time.” For specifics on the East Valley curbside chipping program, you can access the new Bear City Fire Department website at bigbearcityfire.org. Chipper Days will continue through October 1, and curbside visits from the chipper truck can be arranged by calling 585-2362. (For those within the City of Big Bear Lake, please call 752-2805.)

Old Miners' Chili Cook-Off Features a Full Day of Activities and Live Music in the Village Tomorrow
The “hottest” of the Old Miners Days events takes place tomorrow at the Bartlett Lot in the Village, as the Chili Cook-Off returns with award-winning red chili, green chili and salsa. This regional chili cook-off, sanctioned by the International Chili Society, starts at 9am, though event organizer Mark 'Chili' Gaines tells KBHR, “At 3pm, the most chili is available.” However, the all-day event is said to be action-packed and will include live music from local bands Damn Good Question and Skeleton Key, a car and boat show, 100 booths featuring vendors and chili, and activities for the kids including a petting zoo. If you don't already have your 2008 Old Miners button, cost for the event is $6, and free for children 12 and under; with chili tasting kits available for $1.


Village merchants and Valley vendors came together for this week's Locals Night in the Village, which
will take place every first and third Wednesday, from 4 to 8pm. Among those offering extended hours
and services last night were (from left) Leah Cherry of Tradewinds, Dustin McAlonan of Home
Warehouse Design Center, Ginger Budington of Cedar Rose Lane, Kathy Breuer of Mill Creek
Trading Company, Cheri Wilson of Home Warehouse Design Center, Dawn Crawford of the
Village Spa, Susie Lerma of Sol Food Market, and Karon Michel and Janina Tunnell of Curves.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

San Bernardino County Currently Has 20,000 Adult Parolees, Yet Homicides Are Down for This Year
San Bernardino County joins the rest of the country in recognizing Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week through July 19. Per a statement from the County's Chief Probation Officer Jerry Harper, the practice of probation and parole has played a vital role in the country's justice system since 1841, and the professionals who serve in these capacities are a critical part of the public safety system. In addition to one treatment facility, the San Bernardino County Probation Department operates three juvenile detention and assessment facilities, each staffed 24/7 and typically home to 400 to 450 minors at one time. Within the County, there are approximately 3,500 juvenile offenders on formal probation, and approximately 20,000 adult offenders on formal probation. Despite these numbers, at last week's Lighthouse Project meeting, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Tony DeCecio said, “In our County, homicides are down this year.” At the same meeting, Lieutenant Errol Bechtel said that, as for gang activity within the Big Bear Valley, “It's very, very slight up here. There's some wannabes out there [but] as soon as we hear about them, we visit those people.”


U.S. Marines Corporal Brett Sobaski and Corporal Christopher Lawrence at the Big Bear Airport,
where they participated in the Young Eagles program, enjoyed the Corvette show, and attended
a Pilots Association hangar party on Saturday.

Big Bear Pilots Association Hosts Two Combat-Wounded Soldiers for a Fun Weekend in Big Bear
Two combat-wounded U.S. Marines, stationed in the San Diego area, got to enjoy a special weekend in Big Bear, prompted by a Veterans Airlift Command request to provide them with an introductory flight in a small aircraft. Members of the Big Bear Pilots Association answered the call, and pilots Donald Shade and Roger Schmidt (also a Vietnam combat veteran) flew to pick up Corporal Brett Sobaski and Corporal Christopher Lawrence, and brought them back to Big Bear. As Shade said, “Our first impression of the two Marines proved accurate throughout the weekend as these two shining examples of courage and patriotism constantly reminded us that there are thousands of servicemen and women like them who risk their lives daily to keep our country free.” While here, the two soldiers first enjoyed lunch in the Village and a drive around the lake. Corporals Sobaski and Lawrence also joined local pilots (including Jay Obernolte) in the Young Eagles program (during which the Pilots Association took 65 children on a free flight in an airplane), before taking in the Corvette show at the airport, and then joining 75 locals for a Pilots Association hangar party and barbecue. During the party, described as both fun and emotional, retired Marine Colonel Bill Alley presented the two visitors with a cake, and thanked them for their service to our country. Corporals Sobaski and Lawrence wrapped their big Saturday with a stay at the home of Laura and Joe Landaker, also a U.S. Marine veteran and parents of fallen soldier Jared. By Sunday morning, Shade says he had the “honor and privilege of flying two heroes back to San Diego” and, the local pilot tells KBHR of the special weekend, “It was more rewarding for us than them.”

After 28 Years With the Big Bear Lake Fire Department, Fire Chief John Morley to Retire in September
The City of Big Bear Lake has announced the pending retirement of Big Bear Lake Fire Department's Chief John Morley, who, after a 28-year career with the local fire agency is set to retire on September 12. In a congratulatory letter from Michael Karp, Chair of the City's Fire Protection District, he says, “Chief Morley supported our community as a committed and dedicated fire professional during his past 28 years of service to the Big Bear Lake Fire Department. This past year, he was instrumental in the conception and implementation of numerous innovative defensible space measures. These measures included the adoption of a Wood Shake Shingle Roof Ordinance, aimed at replacing all wood shake shingle roofs in the City within the next five years; and a Native Brush and Shrub Reduction Ordinance that requires homeowners clear certain types of native brush and other live fuels from around their homes or structures, limb up trees and ensure adequate spacing exists between vegetation. In addition, Chief Morley helped launch the neighborhood chipping program, where residents can clear vegetation from their property and place it curbside for pickup, where it is then chipped and redistributed as mulch or ground cover.” Morley began his career with the department in March of 1980 as a firefighter, was promoted to Captain/Acting Fire Marshal in 1988, Assistant Fire Chief in 1990, and Acting Fire Chief in 1997. After a second round as Acting Fire Chief in 2005, Morley was officially appointed Fire Chief for the Big Bear Lake Fire Department in September of 2005. Other distinguished moments in his career include becoming the department's first paramedic to be certified in San Bernardino County in 1982. Morley was named San Bernardino County Firefighter of the Year in 2001 and received the Rotary Club's Eagle of Excellence Award in 2004. In a conversation with KBHR, Morley says, “I hope I will have left things better than I found them, and I hope the citizens will continue with defensible space.” Fire Chief Morley's wife Joann just retired from her 28-year career with Bear Valley Unified School District, where she most recently served as a second grade teacher at Big Bear Elementary School. “For Joann and I,” Morley adds, “We hope we've made a significant contribution to the community.”

County Supervisors Ask for Additional Mitigation Measures for 88-Home Tract Off Scenic Highway 38
On Tuesday, San Bernardino County Supervisors reviewed the proposed plans for the Sky Valley II project, which would include 88 single-family homes on 28.8 acres off Highway 38 at the northeast corner of Baldwin Lane. As presented in earlier Public Hearings before the County, the Sky Valley II project did not comply with County General Plan goals to preserve and enhance the scenic route along Highway 38. The developer outlined additional mitigation measures, including rear yard setbacks of 30 feet rather than 15 feet. The mitigation measures did not entirely satisfy County Supervisors in their effort to maintain the scenic corridor along the highway, and requested additional efforts, including rear setbacks of 60 feet. The tentative tract map for the Sky Valley II project will once again go before County Supervisors, at their August 5 meeting.

Municipal Water District Board Set to Renew GM Heule's Contract for an Additional Two Years
The Board of Directors of the Big Bear Municipal Water District meets for their regular meeting today at 1pm, at the MWD offices at 40524 Lakeview Drive in Big Bear Lake. Today's Consent Calendar includes a two-year contract renewal for the MWD's General Manager Scott Heule, who assumed his position with the district on June 1, 2007. Given Heule's negotiation with the Administration Committee, his contract will extend until May 31, 2010. In Business Items during this afternoon's meeting, the MWD Board will consider an approximate $91,000 expenditure for an electro fishing boat and cleaning station to be used for carp removal as, last year, $96,000 was paid to an independent contractor to remove carp from Big Bear Lake. Per the staff report, it was determined that a more prudent expenditure of funds to accomplish the same result would be for the district to purchase an electro fishing boat and have staff perform the same work as the contractor.


Saturday's sixth annual Xeriscape Garden Tour, coordinated by the Sierra Club Big Bear Group,
included nativescape experts, including Mikki Sakai and Orchid Black (pictured here, at Hunter's
Nursery) on the free tour, which also featured seven homes. For those who missed the tour,
the Xeriscape Plant Guide is available online from the DWP at bbldwp.com.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Allen and Poole Named Chair and Vice Chair of Rec & Park District's Advisory Commission; Shipe Resigns
At yesterday's meeting of the Advisory Commission of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, it was announced that Commissioner Cheryl Shipe resigned from her appointed post, as she has moved to Colorado. Shipe joined the Advisory Commission in February of this year, and represented the Erwin Lake and Lake Williams area of the Valley. Those interested in assuming her role for this jurisdiction should live within the Erwin Lake or Lake Williams area and be a registered voter. The Rec and Park's new commissioner will be appointed by County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger and more information can be obtained by calling his office at 866-0140. In other news from the Rec and Park meeting, Commissioner Don Allen was elected to Chairman of the Advisory Commission, and Katheryn Poole was voted Vice Chair. Reese Troublefield, Director of Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, says that expanded recreation facilities will soon be open to the public, including the skatepark at the Teen Center (set to open August 16) and, in September, the new East Valley soccer complex at The Ranch, which will include three regulation soccer fields.

Big Bear Lake's Village Merchants Host Locals Night in the Village This Evening, from 4 to 8pm
This evening, Village merchants host their second of this month's Locals Nights, from 4 to 8pm. In addition to extended shopping hours, Locals Night will feature the classic cars of the Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club, free samples from new Village restaurant Desi's, and a booth featuring local organic produce from the Valley's Sol Food Market. The community is encouraged to come out to the Village, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the opportunity and convenience of shopping locally.

Despite Some Setbacks, Big Bear Middle School Will Be Ready for Students, With 15 New Classrooms
Big Bear Middle School will be ready for the Valley's 7th and 8th grade students when classes resume on August 4. Construction efforts on the roughly $13.5 million project, the majority of which was funded by Measure Q funds, are ongoing, despite delays prompted by the discovery of excess groundwater on the Boulevard-facing portion of the campus. Walter Con, Bear Valley Unified School District's Director of Business Services, tells KBHR, “We have created a total of about 15 new classrooms at BBMS. The main focus of Measure Q was to replace portable classrooms with permanent classrooms, and we have eliminated eight portables at that site.” Some of the upgrades include the gutting of the science building, which formerly housed three classrooms and a workroom—it now has seven classrooms and the addition of windows. The former auto shop and library building has also been gutted, and windows have been added to the building which now includes a covered walkway, three science classrooms and a music room, complete with acoustical design. Within the main building at BBMS, improvements have been made to existing classrooms and significant upgrades were made to the main office, which now includes a health office for the district nurse and a new, expanded counter area in the office, which is said to be user-friendly for students and parents. Projects that are still underway, in anticipation of students, are the quad area and the new bus zone, which will now wrap behind the gym (and empty onto Georgia, where there is a traffic light) to allow for less congestion in the parent drop-off area. Though sidewalks are not yet complete within the quad, there are walkways in place for the safe, designated passage between classrooms. As Con has assured, “Big Bear Middle School is safe for students, staff and construction workers.” Due to the groundwater issues, construction is about 120 days behind schedule on the building slated for the northeast corner of campus—due to begin in two to four weeks, this building will house a new computer lab, library (which has a current, temporary space), bathrooms and four more classrooms. Another delay, in the cafeteria expansion at the school's northwest corner, was prompted by what smelled like hydrocarbons in an isolated area. The district has been working with nationally recognized Questa Environmental, a company that deals specifically with environmental issues at public schools, who will continue testing and, pending today's Board approval, mitigation measures. In the meantime, Con says that Questa has assured BVUSD of a safe environment. Construction projects at Big Bear Elementary and Baldwin Lane Elementary are “on hold,” says Con, while issues at BBMS are resolved and, he adds, “We appreciate the support of the community by voting in Measure Q.” Update: The Board of Trustees did approve additional mitigation measures, to be implemented by Questa Environmental, during this afternoon's meeting.


Proud papa Michael Homan with his Clementines: 14-year-old Kailyn Homan (left) was named Junior Miss
Clementine in Saturday's pageant at B's Backyard BarBQ, and 17-year-old sister Keli Homan took the title
of Miss Clementine. Says Keli, "I've been wanting to do this ever since I was eight!" The Homan sisters
will be in the Old Miners Day Parade on Sunday, August 3.

Big Bear City Sisters Keli and Kailyn Homan Take Miss Clementine and Junior Miss Clementine Titles
After dreaming of being Miss Clementine since she was eight years old, 17-year-old Keli Homan of Big Bear City took the title and the trophy in the Old Miners Association's lakeside pageant at B's Backyard BarBQ on Saturday. Homan had been runner-up to last year's Clementine Angela Sue Yeaton who, like Homan, has been home-schooled. As Homan told KBHR, “Angela is one of my best friends, I went to school with her for a long time.” This year, Homan was joined onstage by another special someone, her 14-year-old sister Kailyn, who was named Junior Miss Clementine, and their dad Michael, who took first place honors in the event's Best Dressed Western category. (You may have seen Michael Homan in his western garb before, as he also mans the stagecoach in the Village.) The award-winning Homans will don their western duds for other Old Miners events this summer, including the 59th annual grand Old Miners Day Parade on August 3, when they will be joined by other winners, including Mrs. Clementine Nancy Riffenburgh, Best Old Miner Andrew Riffenburgh, Granny Clementine Teresa Vasquez, Tiny Old Miner Bradley Lee and returning Tiny Miss Clementine Joelle Davis (who you may remember in pink boots atop her pony Matilda last year). For more information on remaining Old Miners' festivities, including this weekend's Chili Cook-Off, you can visit our events page or oldminers.org.

Bird, Squirrel With West Nile Virus Found in the San Bernardino Mtns.; Health Dept. Issues Precautions
San Bernardino County's Department of Public Health reports that, within the last three weeks, five dead birds and one tree squirrel have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The first of these was a Lesser Goldfinch, found on Thunderbird Drive in Blue Jay on June 27, with four American crows since found in Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto and San Bernardino; the Western Grey Squirrel, which tested positive for West Nile Virus, was found in Crestline on June 25. Per the Health Department, these results indicate that current weather conditions, existing water sources and high foreclosure rates may have increased West Nile Virus risk in the County. Terri Williams, the County's Public Health Program Manager, says, “The vector control agencies within the county are working diligently to reduce mosquito population and has increased surveillance efforts in the affected communities. Public education, active vector control operations, and surveillance activities are ongoing to minimize the impact of mosquitoes and WNV.” Since mosquitoes (which carry WNV) are dependent on standing water for breeding, residents are encouraged to look for and eliminate any stagnant water on their properties. Mountain communities are said to be particularly impacted by tree-hole mosquitoes that breed in tree holes and small containers left to collect water. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, the County advises that all standing water is drained or dumped; avoid spending time outside at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active, or wear socks, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably loose fitting and light-colored; apply insect repellent containing DEET; and make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. The Department of Public Health also encourages the reporting of dead birds, by calling the state's West Nile Virus hotline at 877/WNV-BIRD.

City's Planning Commission Will Today Discuss Big Bear Lake Policy for Voluntary Structure Demolition
The Planning Commission of the City of Big Bear Lake holds their regular meeting today, at 1:15pm in Hofert Hall. This afternoon's meeting includes a Public Hearing item pertaining to the Old Miners Association's request to hold the Taste of Big Bear event at the Bartlett parking lot on Sunday, August 3. The Planning Commission will also discuss two separate yet voluntary structure demolition requests, for buildings at 552 Knickerbocker Road and 40877 Stone Road, and another at 40651 Village Drive. City staff has requested direction from the Commission on the handling of voluntary razing or demolition of structures that have received land use approvals based on project descriptions that stated that those structures would not be demolished.

BVUSD School Board to Meet This Afternoon; School Bus Stop Routes Scheduled to Be Adopted
The Board of Trustees of the Bear Valley Unified School District will hold a special meeting at 12:30pm today, at the school district offices at 42271 Moonridge Road. This afternoon's meeting will include the second reading of the student/parent and staff handbooks, and the adoption of bus stop schedules for the coming school year.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008


If you've any info on the persons or vehicle in this photo, please call the Sheriff's Station at 866-0100.

Sheriff's Station Seeks Help in Identifying Burglary Suspects in April Incident at Lakeview Market
The Big Bear Sheriff's Station is seeking the community's help in locating two burglary suspects, following a burglary at Lakeview Market in Big Bear Lake on April 10 of this year. Per the Sheriff's Department release: “The perpetrators entered the business by smashing the front window and stole several lottery tickets. The suspects were later recorded on video surveillance in the San Diego area, cashing several of the stolen lottery tickets and discarding additional tickets. The vehicle appears to be an older model station wagon. The suspects both appear to be Hispanic males, possibly in their early 20s.” Those with any information leading to the positive identification of the subjects and/or vehicle are asked to call the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at 866-0100. For this and any other case or situation, anonymous calls can be placed via the national We Tip hotline at 800/78-CRIME.

City Council Reviews Big Bear Lake TOT Increase Ordinances for Possible Placement on November Ballot
The City Council of Big Bear Lake last night decided to move forward with two ordinance options that would allow for an increase to the Transient Occupancy Tax, which is presently six percent and paid for by guests at overnight lodging facilities, including private rentals, in Big Bear Lake. During public testimony with regard to the proposed two percent increase (to be used to cover capital improvements to the City), lodge owner Bob Poole told Council, “Daytrippers contribute very little, and impact us significantly. Before you raise the bed tax, I'm asking you—begging you—to add a recreation tax.” Council also considered a recreation tax, though did not take any formal action on this discussion item. What was focused upon, however, was if the TOT tax increase were to be placed on the November 2008 ballot, would it be phased in over two years (at one percent each year), or would the increase of two percent, if passed by a voter majority, be effective on January 1, 2009. Councilmember Liz Harris said, “I know, as a former lodge owner, that it's difficult to have any increase. I prefer the phased-in approach, mainly because of the economic times that we're in.” Mayor Pro Tem Bill Jahn concurred, saying, “If we have to do this, and I think we do, I would much rather see it phased in.” As Mammoth Lakes, a comparable tourist-driven community, currently has a TOT of 13 percent, Mayor Rick Herrick said of an eight percent Big Bear Lake TOT, “I'm fairly confident that the elasticity in pricing will not price Big Bear out.” Community members will have their opportunity to provide input on the proposed TOT increase at Council's meeting on July 28, during which a Public Hearing will address both potential ordinances. If the Council should choose to put either TOT initiative on the November ballot, they will have until August 8 to file with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.


Racers at the Great American Race pitstop at the Big Bear Airport last July (above left); Sara Russ of the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, Pamela Heiman of the Big Bear Library, Cliff Fowler of the Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club, Catherine Sandstrom of KBHR Radio, and Bill Ewing of the Great American Race at the 2007 awards ceremony at Nottingham's, during which Big Bear received the Great American City trophy.

A Year Ago Today, Big Bear Was Named the Great American City, Which Results in New Library Books
It was a year ago today that Big Bear was named the Great American City. Drivers in last summer's cross-country classic car race, who made 43 pitstops from Concord, North Carolina to Anaheim, California voted us the friendliest and best pitstop on their tour, resulting in our title of the Great American City. Mike Ewing, with the Great American Race, had told us last year, “It was a tough call, because we had some terrific cities. Everyone really liked Big Bear because the streets were lined with people up and down the mountain. It reminded the drivers of what the race used to be like.” Cliff Fowler, President of the Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club and pitstop organizer for Big Bear, tells KBHR, “We still maintain the Great American City title, because they didn't do an American version of the race this year.” Since being bestowed the title, our library received a check for $5000, of which Head Librarian Pamela Heiman says, “We're selecting new books that we expect will be here in time for the reopening of the Big Bear Library, following our September remodel.” In addition to the check, Big Bear also received a large American Eagle trophy, which is now housed at the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce offices in the Village, where, the Chamber's Shelly Efraim says, “The visitors think it's really awesome.”

Recreation and Park District's Advisory Commission to Meet at the Senior Center at 5pm Today
The Advisory Commission of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District meets for their regular meeting today, after having adjourned the June meeting due to lack of a quorum. Today's Rec and Park meeting takes place at the Big Bear Senior Center at 5pm.

Monday, July 14, 2008

County Supervisors to Review Mitigation Measures for Proposed 88-Home Project Along Scenic Hwy 38
The Board of Supervisors of San Bernardino County meet for their regular weekly meeting tomorrow, with open session starting at 10am at the County Government Center at 385 North Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. Tomorrow's meeting will include a Public Hearing with regard to the Sky Valley II project, which is slated to include 88 single-family residential homes on 28.8 acres off Highway 38, at the northeast corner of Baldwin Lane at the Valley's east end. Per Julie Rynerson Rock, in the County's Land Use Services Department, the Sky Valley II project has gone before the County's Planning Commission and, in March, before County Supervisors as the project, as originally presented, did not comply with County General Plan goals to preserve and enhance the scenic routes along Highway 38. The developer, named as Robert Caron, has proposed additional mitigation measures, including rear yard setbacks be increased to 30 feet; all highway-adjacent properties incorporate four-car garages for vehicle, boat and RV storage; all lots adjacent to scenic corridor to be built by developer, to ensure homes are consistent with alpine character; and a Homeowners Association Architectural Review Board to approve changes to items such as building color and tree removal. Rynerson Rock tells KBHR that County Supervisors can either accept the redesign or require additional mitigation measures, to ensure that the scenic route along Highway 38 is not comprised. Per the staff report, current proposed mitigation measures may not fully achieve the objectives outlined by County Supervisors during the Public Hearing of March.

Filing Papers Now Available for 15 Local Seats on Boards Including CSD, BVUSD, City Council and Airport
For those interested in serving our community in an official capacity, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters today makes available candidate filing papers for the November 2008 election. For most of the following seats, the only requirement for the office is that candidates are registered voters and reside within the district or division. The seats currently held by the following will be voted upon in the November 4 Presidential General Election: for the City Council of Big Bear Lake, Liz Harris and Bill Jahn; for the Bear Valley Unified School District, Phil Hamilton, Larry Poland and Julann Warren; for the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, Ron Peavy, Carol Mulvihill and Christopher Fagan; for the Big Bear Airport District, George Berge, Russ Lowery and Gary Steube; for the Municipal Water District (Divisions 4 and 5 at the Valley's east end) John Eminger and Vince Smith; and for the Big Bear City Community Services District, Rick Ollila and Bob Colven. Filing papers are available by calling the Registrar of Voters at 387-8300 or, toll-free, at 800/881-8683. Candidates will receive informational handbooks when filing papers are obtained, and staff at the Registrar of Voters office will be available to assist with paperwork, which must be filed by 5pm on Friday, August 8.

More Rain This Afternoon: Watch for Debris Flows in Burn Areas, Including Arctic Circle on Highway 18
The County of San Bernardino warns that, with the possibility of thunderstorms, there is the continued potential for debris flows and flooding in and below burn areas of last fall's Butler #2, Slide and Grass Valley Fires within the San Bernardino mountains. This burn area also includes portions of Highway 18, west of the Big Bear Dam on the Arctic Circle, so motorists, too, are advised to exercise caution as debris flow and rocks in the roadway are a potential hazard if there are severe rains.

Lighthouse Project Urges a Harmonious, Child-Honoring Community; New Parent Network Starts in August
Last week's Lighthouse Project meeting, which was open to the entire community, focused on envisioning a harmonious, non-violent community—a goal stemming from the incident of June 18, which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Michael Lundin. Meeting facilitator Beth Gardner of the Lighthouse Project said, “The recent tragedy that took the life of one young man and devastated the lives of others involved is a wake-up call for our community and ourselves. The Lighthouse Project is serving as being a voice for the people.” Following a presentation by Sergeant Tony DeCecio and Lieutenant Errol Bechtel of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, community members, including high school students present at the meeting, brainstormed ways in which our community can expand our reach of compassion and respect. While the Lighthouse Project, whose mission is to create a child-honoring community, compiles suggestions from the group for distribution, other ideas were offered in the meantime: be the best you possible, as children are always watching; avoid gossip, rumors and judgment; connect with family and friends, and vow to make a difference; be aware of negative language and give people positive feedback. As Lieutenant Bechtel said of the June situation, “This is a tragedy that hit, but it doesn't go away tomorrow.” Yet, the family of Michael Lundin has urged that this be the end of it. In the words of Lundin's father John, “No one should have to make this sacrifice. Let this be what it takes for this to stop. There will be no retaliation.” For those who are concerned about the teenagers in their life, two parents and “friends of the Lighthouse Project,” Lauren Hood and Julann Warren, have formed a group called Common Ground, which will meet on the third Monday of each month, at 6:30pm at the Discovery Center, starting August 18. Says Warren, “We're calling it a parent network. It's kind of like the Lighthouse Project, but really focused on our teens.” (For other details from last Tuesday's meeting, see our posting of July 9, below.)

This Weekend's Heavy Rains Did Not Result in Flooding in Burn Areas Near Fawnskin
This weekend's rains included hail in some portions of the Big Bear Valley and, though precipitation totals vary, we did receive about a quarter inch of rain here in Big Bear—though some portions of the Valley received as much as a couple inches over the weekend, per our KBHR weatherman Ben Brissey. San Bernardino County had issued potential debris flow warnings, but there were no reports of flooding in the recent burn areas near Fawnskin. Per County Fire Captain Darrel Crane, with Fawnskin Station #49, “We had really, really hard rain, but no flooding. The U.S. Forest Service has been doing stuff, like placing hay bales in burn areas, and that seems to have helped. We also chased some lightning strikes on Saturday, but they didn't amount to any fires so far.”

BBL City Council to Discuss Transient Occupancy Tax and Feasability of Recreation Tax This Evening
The City Council of Big Bear Lake holds their regular meeting this evening at 6:30pm in Hofert Hall, at the Civic Center at 39707 Big Bear Boulevard. Among Public Hearing Items on this evening's agenda is the Transient Occupany Tax ballot measure. At present, TOT is at six percent within the City of Big Bear Lake, and this tax is paid by overnight guests at facilities including private home rentals, full service hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and rental cabins. At the June 23 meeting of the Council, there was discussion regarding a ballot measure for the November 2008 election, which could propose a two percent increase to TOT, bringing it to eight percent, to potentially fund capital improvement projects. Per the city staff report, gross receipts subject to TOT, per the fiscal year 2008/2009 budget, are estimated to be $42.5 million. A two percent increase to TOT would result in approximately $850,000. This evening's discussion, per staff proposals, will cover whether a ballot measure, if implemented, should propose a two percent increase, effective January 2009, or if TOT increases should be assessed in one percent increments over two years. Council will also entertain an entertainment tax, as suggested at their June 23 meeting, which would include local venues such as movie theaters, snow play areas, golf, cover charges for bands, the zoo, bike rentals and local events, including those held at the Performing Arts Center. Per the staff report for the Council agenda, the ski resorts and operational activities at marinas are located primarily outside City of Big Bear Lake limits.



Friday, July 11, 2008

Possible Weekend Thunderstorms Could Result in Debris Flows in Burn Areas; Use Caution on Highway 18
The County of San Bernardino warns that, with the possibility of thunderstorms this weekend, there is the potential for debris flows and flooding in and below burn areas of last fall's Butler #2, Slide and Grass Valley Fires in the San Bernardino mountains. This burn area also includes portions of Highway 18, west of the Big Bear Dam on the Arctic Circle, so motorists, too, are advised to exercise caution as debris flow and rocks in the roadway are a potential hazard if there are severe rains.

Locals Invited to Participate in KTLA Morning Show's Live Remote from Pine Knot Landing on Monday
The KTLA Morning Show and the channel 5 program's weatherman Mark Kriski return to Big Bear Lake this weekend and into Monday, prompted by an invitation from the Big Bear Lake Resort Association. Kriski will be in the Valley on Sunday, pre-recording segments to air on the morning show on Monday, July 14. Live remotes from Pine Knot Landing will also air on the program, as Kriski delivers the weather—and then some--on channel 5 from 6 to 10am on Monday. Locals are invited, per the RA, to join in Kriski's boating adventures on Big Bear Lake. If you would like a free ride on one of three tour boats—Miss Liberty, the Big Bear Queen or the Big Bear Pirate Ship—participants are needed for a shoot, starting at 7:30am on the 14th, and expected to run until 10am. If you would like to be a part of the KTLA live broadcast, please call Dan McKernan at the RA at 866-6190 x235 today, as space is limited.

Climber Jordan Romero on Mt. Denali, courtesy of JordanRomero.com. Romero tells KBHR that
his next big climb will be in Antarctica this winter. Sponsorships are welcome via the website,
he says: "We're hoping to raise money, since it's really expensive just to get there."

Local Climber Jordan Romero a Finalist in Cartoon Network's Props to Talented Kids; Vote for Him Online
World-class climber Jordan Romero spent the first part of his summer, after wrapping sixth grade at North Shore Elementary, climbing to the top of Alaska's Mt. Denali (at 20,320') in his quest to summit the world's tallest peaks, including Everest, by his 16th birthday, which is just four years and one day away. Though he spent this week camping a little closer to home with mom LeighAnne Drake and his younger sister, he tells KBHR that it was “kinda weird” to spend the first day of summer in snow. “All I ever walked in was snow,” Romero says of his fifth summit, climbed with dad Paul, “even at 7,000' there's snow in the alpine climate and tundra climate, but the rest of Alaska was nice--no snow! I thought Alaska was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and climbing Denali showed me how beautiful Alaska really is. It's one of my most favorite places.” Romero's ambitious climbing quest has earned him recognition not just in the climbing community, but among his peers as well. He has been selected as a top 20 finalist in the Cartoon Network's Props to Talented Kids campaign. Romero explains that the top five vote-getters will each receive a half hour segment in a two-hour special to air on the television network. To vote for Jordan, you can visit cartoonnetworkprops.com or use the link on his website JordanRomero.com. Perhaps this is something you can do for Jordan in celebration of his 12th birthday tomorrow, July 12, which he plans to spend with fellow birthday celebrant, buddy Casey, either kicking back at home or perhaps go-cart racing off the hill.

Judge Rules That Private Home Rental Ordinance for Big Bear Lake Will Not Go to November Ballot
This morning, the issue of the proposed transient private home rental initiative (to add additional restrictions and ADA requirements for PHRs within Big Bear Lake) for the November election, as filed by private lodge owner James McLean and subsequently challenged by Citizens Protecting the Rights of Property Owners (or CPRPro), had its day in court, at the County's Needles courthouse. CPRPro had taken the proposed ballot initiative to court, challenging that, as accepted by the City Clerk, it did not comply with California Election Code 9203 (b), as the petitions circulated and signed did not include the title and initiative summary on each page as required. The CPRPro challenge was heard by the Honorable Judge Brisco, and those in court this morning included Nick Lanza (owner of Big Bear Vacation Rentals and Board member of local coalition CPRPro), CPRPro's consultant Michael Perry and attorney David Blackwell, and, via teleconference, McLean's attorney T. Matthew Phillips, and (on behalf of the City of Big Bear Lake, which was also named in the suit) attorney J. Michael Summerour. Per Michael Perry, who spoke to KBHR from Needles following the judge's ruling, “The judge ruled in our favor, and the City must remove the initiative from the November ballot.” Though official documents on today's ruling had not yet been forwarded to the City of Big Bear Lake, the City's Public Information Officer Cheri Haggerty did tell KBHR, “The City of Big Bear Lake is unable to comment on the ruling because it is an issue between two private parties.” According to the Registrar of Voters office, the initiative generated by McLean and approved by the City's Clerk had not yet been submitted for the November 4 election. Per Terry Kouba, Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters for San Bernardino County, “We were aware of the ordinance, but it hadn't yet been filed with the Registrar of Voters for the November election. We were expecting it, pending this court case.” (Background on this case is on our Archive 2008 page, in stories posted on April 11, February 13, and February 6.)

Big Bear Airport Pilots Association Hosts Free Flights for Kids, in Young Eagles Program on Saturday
The Big Bear Airport Pilots Association will again sponsor the Young Eagles program tomorrow, July 12, from 9am to 11:30am. Young Eagles is a free flight program for youth ages 7 to 17 years old, and is held on the second Saturday of each month from April to October. The Young Eagles program has been in place locally for five years, and pilots with the Big Bear Pilots Association have taken hundreds of children on flights from the Big Bear City Airport. Those young eagles who participate on Saturday will be given a pre-flight review of flying, a flight in an airplane and a certificate. No reservations are needed, though a parent must sign a waiver of liability prior to the flight. For more information on the Young Eagles program at the Big Bear City Airport, call Roger Schmidt at 585-0266.

Fulmer New Assistant Principal at BBHS; Amburgey and Haston Named to Principal Posts at Elementaries
At this week's meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Bear Valley Unified School District, a new assistant principal was named for Big Bear High School, as Jennifer Turley resigned at this last school year's end. Long-time BVUSD employee Tina Fulmer will assume the role of AP at BBHS for the coming school year. Fulmer started her career with the district as a teacher at Big Bear Middle School, and has been a counselor at the high school for the past two school years. In a previous school board meeting, Trustees named Kevin Amburgey to the post of North Shore Elementary School principal, where he has served as teacher and, this past year, as interim principal. Baldwin Lane Elementary kindergarten teacher Jeannette Haston will make the move to Big Bear Elementary School as the site's new principal given Sharon Congdon's retirement. Haston had assumed administrative duties at Baldwin Lane at the start of last school year, before current Principal Rosa Murillo joined the elementary.


Local photographers Cathleen Calkins and Scott Cordner displayed their scenic pictures, taken
from California to Siberia, during last weekend's Pine Knot Village Art Walk. The two will share
more photos from their collection during Saturday evening festivities at the North Shore Trading
Company as part of the this weekend's Big Bear Paddlefest in Fawnskin. For more info on local
art activities, visit artsmda.org; for info on the paddlefest, visit gopaddleacanoe.com.

Big Bear Paddlefest Includes Kayaking and Canoeing Clinics, Sunday Morning Race and Kids' Fun Paddle
There is still time to register for this weekend's Big Bear Paddlefest 2008, which will include a 10K, 5K and Kids' Fun Paddle on Sunday, launching from Captain John's Marina on the North Shore at 8am July 13. Paddlers who aren't yet ready to race (though all levels are welcome) can participate in canoeing and kayaking clinics on Saturday, at a cost of $15 if registered for Paddlefest, or for $25 per clinic if not racing on Sunday. The weekend-long event, hosted by the North Shore Trading Company in Fawnskin, will also include an outdoor-industry sports exhibit and boat demos, as well as a Saturday evening slide presentation offered by local photographers Scott Cordner and Cathleen Calkins, who will share their recent kayaking experience in Siberia. The adult Paddlefest competition features prizes including Mitchell paddles, a beachside condo stay, and two nights at Northwoods Resort, and race fee is $50, though free for the Kids' Fun Paddle (which launches at 9:30am). Event organizer Jim Dooley of the North Shore Trading Company tells KBHR, “To be a part of our first, inaugural Paddlefest will be special, because it will go on for a long time!” Those interested in participating can register online at gopaddleacanoe.com or in person at the North Shore Trading Company, though there will be no on-site registration on Sunday morning. As Dooley explains, “We've got to have everyone bring their canoes and kayaks on Saturday, so we can do the Quagga Mussel inspection.” For more information on Big Bear Paddlefest 2008, please call 866-3414.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Sierra Club Offers Free Xeriscape Garden Tour Saturday; Garden Club Hosts Flower Show at the PAC
Having introduced the Firewise Planting Guide earlier this gardening season, the Sierra Club Big Bear Group now provides more Valley-specific gardening information with this Saturday's free Xeriscape Garden Tour. Per the Sierra Club's Christie Walker, “The Sierra Club Big Bear Group, in conjunction with the Big Bear Lake Fire Department, has created a pamphlet on firewise gardening, which we will be handing out at this year's sixth annual Xeriscape Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12. This informative brochure combines the principles of defensible space with drought-tolerant/native plants and explains which plants should be planted where, to create not just a drought-tolerant landscape, but a firewise landscape as well--an important consideration when living in the mountains.” This year's self-guided garden tour launches from Eminger's Mountain Nursery at 41223 Big Bear Boulevard, where local experts will be on hand to address questions on composting, native plants and Xeriscape, and landscapers will be on site at some of the seven gardens on the Valley-wide tour. As Walker encourages, “Switching over to a more natural, Xeriscape yard or garden will not only save money on water, but is a beautiful alternative to water-thirsty lawns and more traditional plants.” To participate in Saturday's tour, simply arrive at Eminger's (across from Denny's) between 9am and noon to pick up a tour booklet and map to the gardens, which will be available for viewing until 4pm. In a separate (also free) event, native plants will also be on display at the Big Bear Garden Club's Flower Show at the Performing Arts Center on both Friday (from noon to 5pm) and Saturday (from 9am to 2pm) so, if we may, Big Bear is blooming with floral opportunity and information.

Skatepark and Basketball Court to Be Added to Teen Center, Which Is Open to Youth This Summer
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, this week, did approve the expenditure of Proposition 40 funds that would allow for a modular skatepark to be installed at the Big Bear Teen Center and, per Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District's Reese Troublefield, plans are now officially underway for the grand opening of the skating facility, to be held on Saturday, August 16 at 10am. The Teen Center, located on the Community Church by the Lake campus on the Boulevard at Knickerbocker, has also benefited from monies raised at two events in recent weeks. Big Bear Choppers has said that $5,000 in proceeds from their June 7/8 Ride the Mountain event will go to the Teen Center, and the Eagles tribute concert and fundraiser at Swim Beach on June 28 garnered $9,300 which, combined, allows for the staffing and summer operation of the center for Big Bear's youth. Of the funds raised, Troublefield tells KBHR, “It's going to be enough to keep it open, and do some other stuff to enhance the building.” The Center, which opened in the spring of 2007, is open to those in 6th grade through 16 years old, during the summer, from 2-6pm Monday through Saturday, and provides a safe and supervised place for Big Bear's youth to hang out. The facility includes two 46” TVs with video games, ping pong and foosball, and Troublefield says that the plan is to add a basketball court this month. When school resumes, on August 4, the Teen Center will revert to serving 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, and will continue to be open Monday through Saturday.


Artist Dani Montoya was among area artists to participate in the Fourth of July weekend's Pine
Knot Village Art Walk in Big Bear Lake. Montoya creates pine needle baskets using the pine
needles from her backyard in Green Valley Lake. She told KBHR that residents in her community
gathered together to watch the fireworks from a cul-de-sac that, since the Slide Fire, now offers
a better view of Lake Arrowhead.

Two Small Earthquakes This Morning, Centered Outside of Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake
We felt a small earthquake here at the KBHR studios today and, as it turns out, there were two small tremors this morning. The first, at 8:15am, registered a 1.1 magnitude centered six miles north northwest of Big Bear City and, then at 10:32am, there was a 1.7 magnitude quake centered six miles north northwest of Big Bear Lake.

CSD Adopts Pan Hot Springs Meadow Habitat Management Plan to Protect Four Endangered Plant Species
The Board of Directors of the Big Bear City Community Services District unanimously decided to move forward with their Pan Hot Springs Meadow Habitat Management Plan (or HMP), which CSD staff developed with the assistance of biological consultant (and former Big Bear resident) Dr. Timothy Krantz, Chair of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Redlands and recognized expert on the plant species in the Pan Hot Springs area. In his presentation to the CSD Board on Monday, Dr. Krantz first identified the Pan Hot Springs meadow as the site of the Serrano Indians' Kukatat legend, and pointed out that the area contains at least 16 species of rare plants found only in the Big Bear Valley and Holcomb Valley. The Pan Hot Springs Meadow has been identified as proposed critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as it includes the federally-endangered San Bernardino Bluegrass, Pedate Checkermallow, the native California Dandelion and the Slender-Petaled Mustard (of which, Krantz says, “This is probably the largest colony in existence on the planet.”) and the federally-threatened Ashy Gray Paintbrush. Of the roughly 135 acres of CSD property, just east of Paradise Way and south of Highway 18, Krantz said, “Only a small portion of this is sensitive, but I've surveyed the entire property.” Having reviewed the property and sensitive species and others, such as the non-native yet intrusive rye grass that was introduced for cattle grazing, the HMP proposes the designation of a restricted covenant area of approximately 40 acres to protect the endangered species, yet free up the other acreage for potential park expansion or other uses by CSD. As CSD's General Manager Mike Mayer explained, “The reason we chose the restrictive covenant, a hybrid legal document, is because it provides the district with the greatest control over the property and establishes the necessary protective measures to satisfy the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.” CSD hopes to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, the San Bernardino National Forest, the University of Redlands, Ray Bowling (owner of neighboring Pan Hot Springs) and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to implement the goals of the habitat management plan, to conserve and improve the habitat of the rare plant species. Once the plan was adopted by the CSD Board, Krantz said, “This is a great day for me. It's great to see it finally getting protected and sanctioned.”

World Champion Skier Tanner Hall in Big Bear Lake Yesterday for Production on Film "The Massive"
If you saw movie trucks and equipment at Big Bear Lake's west end yesterday, production on the film “The Massive,” starring world champion freeskier Tanner Hall, was underway at the Log Cabin restaurant. The interior scene shot in the Log Cabin will be used in the film's opening sequence, director and producer Constantine Papanicolaou tells KBHR and, he says, “We've shot all over the world—Utah, Colorado, Austria, Alaska, Tahoe, and up in British Columbia as well. This is Tanner Hall's movie; Tanner is the star.” Twenty-four-year-old skier Hall, who was first to earn the title of World Superpipe Champion and has a record seven Winter X Games gold medals, takes to the slopes throughout the action film “The Massive,” which is scheduled for a limited release in September of 2008 before going to DVD.

Bear Valley Electric Asks Customers to Voluntarily Reduce Electric Use Today, Especially This Afternoon
Bear Valley Electric asks that customers continue their voluntary reduction of electric use through today, especially from 3 to 6pm, as high temperatures and high demand on the power grid have prompted a “Flex Alert” for those on the California power grid. Bear Valley Electric customers are not expected to be affected, but BVES says that your friends and family down the hill will be helped by your efforts to conserve electricity. (For more information, see "Flex Alert" story, posted below on July 8.)

Wednesday, July 9, 2008


Band of Brothers rocked their way to the top prize in last weekend's Bands Clash and Skaters Crash
event for youth at Community Church by the Lake. This Saturday, twins Matt and Michael Koch
and brother-in-law Andrew Eredia (on drums) play at the Mandarin Garden in Big Bear City.

Local Rock Trio Band of Brothers Takes Top Honors in First Bands Clash and Skaters Crash Event
This past Saturday marked the first-ever Bands Clash and Skaters Crash event, which was an eight-hour youth-oriented event, hosted by Community Church by the Lake and organized by sylas.net, a locally-based spiritual website. With a goal to create new and positive relationships, the event included a skateboarding competition, won by Chris Smith of Hemet, and a battle of the bands, won by Sugarloaf-based rock trio Band of Brothers. The brothers, twins Michael and Matthew Koch, and their brother-in-law, Andrew Eredia, took top prize of $350, with subsequent cash prizes going to bands Butter and Turbulence. A number of prizes went to skaters, as well, and event organizer Andy Meadors of sylas.net asked that we thank those who contributed to Bands Clash and Skaters Crash. Says Meadors, “Mad props to Community Church by the Lake, with Aaron Foor and Cliff Sliger running the Battle of the Bands. Prizes were donated by Pat Allen at Pharmacy Board Shop, with the grand prize being a week of wakeboarding camp.” Others who contributed to make the youth-oriented day a success, per Meadors, were Andy from Get Boards, Reaction Board Shop from Hemet, and Sabrina from KBHR, who pitched in the ramps, rails and boxes for the skate competition.

Homicide Detective Sergeant DeCecio Outlines Events Leading to Lundin Murder; Investigation Is Ongoing
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Tony DeCecio, detective in the homicide of Michael Lundin, and Lieutenant Errol Bechtel of the Big Bear Sheriff's Station addressed the community at last night's Lighthouse Project meeting, and provided details on the June 18 incident, which took place on Knickerbocker Road and resulted in the arrests of four local teenagers. Prior to outlining the chronology of events that led to Lundin's murder, DeCecio told the crowd of parents, those who work with youth, community leaders, and high school students, “We don't want to try this [case] in the public, or in the press. Our investigation is ongoing. It's not complete. There's a couple more rocks I want to unturn, so we're not done yet.” What DeCecio did provide was the following: On Tuesday, June 17, a group of young people were fishing near Meadow Park. A second group showed up, and words were exchanged. At Meadow Park, there was an issue with the volume on a radio and, again, words were exchanged between the two groups. One group then went to Denny's restaurant to eat, and a 20-year-old from that group went to the parking lot to smoke. The other group was there, and a one-on-one fight ensued. One of those individuals then called the Sheriff's Department to report the fight, though did not want to prosecute. Per Bechtel, “He didn't want to give us any information, he didn't want to give us any details at all. We had no idea they were planning to meet again. We had no idea it was going to escalate.” DeCecio further explained that, on Wednesday, June 18, one party wanted a rematch, so a mutual friend arranged for a one-on-one. Mike Lundin and the other two victims were not at Meadow Park, and were not at Denny's on the 17th. They showed up on the 18th in support of a friend. Members of one of the groups brought weapons and, in DeCecio's words, “Michael Lundin was struck in the head, with a crowbar.” DeCecio says that, since the incident, homicide detectives have received “tremendous” community support: “I've never had to ask people to wait to be interviewed. There was a line at the door.” Over 50 individuals were interviewed, and over 500 pages of reports were given to the County's District Attorney. As the investigation into the June 18 incident is ongoing, those with any additional information are asked to call 387-3589. Anonymous reports are also welcome at the national We Tip line at 800-78-CRIME. As Bechtel told the crowd at the Lighthouse Project meeting, “Trust me, folks, it is not a bother. Don't be afraid to call.” The four individuals arrested are currently in custody at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, and are awaiting a pre-preliminary hearing, to be held in San Bernardino on July 29. Additional information on the incident, including details on the four individuals and the charges filed against them, are posted in earlier stories of July 2, June 25, June 23, June 20 and June 19.

Big Bear Zoo Receives Additional Million Dollars in County Funds for Proposed North Shore Relocation
The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District reports that the Big Bear Zoo, to be constructed adjacent to the Discovery Center on the North Shore, was recently funded an additional one million dollars in San Bernardino County General Funds, bringing the current funding level from the County General Fund to $7,325,000. Cost of the proposed zoo relocation project is anticipated at $19 million, per Bill Treadwell, Vice President of Friends of the Moonridge Zoo, who adds that the Friends have already fronted $600,000 of private money generated through donations. In addition to increased County funding, the draft Environmental Impact Study for the North Shore location is near completion and, upon its release date, the 45-day public comment period will begin. If nothing negative is presented, Treadwell tells KBHR, the U.S. Forest Service will then review all documents (as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, established in 2000) and determine whether or not to grant a Forest Service permit for the new zoo. “Then,” adds Treadwell, “we'll do construction documents, which may take up to three months; then the county will accept bids.” So, Treadwell anticipates that the best-case scenario on the long-term project would allow for a Fall 2009 groundbreaking. In the meantime, the Moonridge Animal Park continues to be popular with weekend visitors as, this past Saturday, $10,000 was brought in at the gate. Current price to visit the zoo is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and children. For more information on the new zoo, visit the website of the Friends of the Moonridge Zoo at moonridgezoo.org, then click on Living Forest for specifics on the relocation.

The Quarry Fire, in the Polique Canyon Area, Held to Three Acres and Contained Yesterday Evening
The Quarry Fire, which started yesterday afternoon in the Polique Canyon area, was contained, as of 6pm and, per the U.S. Forest Service, just three acres were burned, due to the timely and full response by crews from the U.S. Forest Service, County Fire from Fawnskin, Cal Fire, the Big Bear Lake Fire Department and the Big Bear City Fire Department. The Quarry Fire, which burned in the vicinity of Forest Service roads 3N14 and 3N12 off the backside of Delamar Mountain, had been reported by an employee at the rock quarry at the Mitsubishi Plant just after 1pm, which is how it became dubbed the Quarry Fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

School Board Meeting This Evening; Personnel for New School Year to Be Approved
The Board of Trustees of the Bear Valley Unified School District hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:15pm, at the school district offices at 42271 Moonridge Road in Big Bear Lake. Agenda items for this evening's meeting include Board approval of some certificated and classified employees, including substitutes, for the new school year, which begins for students on August 4.


The view of Big Bear Lake from Lakeview Point on Highway 18. The five-mile Arctic Circle paving
project resumed on Highway 18 Monday; motorists can expect flagging and minimal delays from
Lakeview Point to the Big Bear Dam until July's end.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Breaking News as of 2pm: Full Firefighter Response to Small Vegetation Fire in Polique Canyon Area
There is a fire burning in the Polique Canyon area, but, due to a quick response by fire crews, the U.S. Forest Service expects to extinguish it soon. The fire, unnamed at this stage, was called in at 1:08pm from an employee at the rock quarry at the Mitsubishi Plant. At present, 2-3 acres are burning at a slow rate of speed, and crews on scene include the U.S. Forest Service, County Fire from Fawnskin, CalFire, and both the Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake Fire Departments. Aircraft are doing drops on the vegetation fire, using water from Big Bear Lake. The fire, again, which broke out just after 1pm this afternoon, is in the Polique Canyon area closer to Bertha Peak, near Forest Service roads 3N14 and 3N12. Stay tuned to KBHR at 93.3 FM for more news on this fire as information becomes available. Upddate as of 3pm: Fire has been held to 2-3 acres, and is now being referred to as the Quarry Fire. Per local fire crews, this fire is closer to the backside of Delamar Montain, rather than Bertha Peak. Containment is expected soon, though no time frame has been yet issued. Update as of 4:30pm: The Quarry Fire, which started this afternoon in the Polique Canyon area, off the backside of Delamar Mountain, near Forest Service roads 3N14 and 3N12, has been held to 2-3 acres, per the U.S. Forest Service, and the fire is nearing containment. The rate of progress on the fire has been stopped, per fire officials, yet firefighting crews and three water tenders remain on scene.

Firefighters Petition CSD Board for Ordinance Allowing CSD Employees to Serve as Paid-Call Firefighters
At last night's meeting of the Board of Directors of the Big Bear City Community Services District, local firefighters took to the podium to question the deletion of an ordinance from CSD's Personnel Management Policy and Procedures Manual, which at present allows for CSD employees to serve as paid-call firefighters to the Big Bear City Fire Department, which is under CSD's jurisdiction. As the March 2000 ordinance, per the CSD staff report, has created significant operating issues—in this case, specific to CSD's sewer department—General Manager Mike Mayer recommended that the Board delete the ordinance. As Big Bear City Fire Department's Chief Jeff Willis was absent from the meeting, on a scheduled vacation, the general consensus from firefighting personnel who approached the Board was the that ordinance be revised, rather than deleted—at present, the ordinance states that “paid-call firefighters may respond to a call if leaving their current assignment would not jeopardize the health and safety of co-workers or others.” As Mayer pointed out, specific to the unnamed sewer employee who, for 18 years, has also served as a paid-call firefighter, “Anytime there's an emergency call that this person responds to, the sewer department work won't be done.” This has presented a problem, per Mayer, as when one member of a two-person sewer team is not present, sewer work becomes backlogged and available man-power is not utilized, which then becomes a cost issue, with Mayer adding, “Additional staff is not a luxury this district has.” If to delete the provision for paid-call firefighters from the CSD policy book, Board member Jeff Newsome said, “We're asking employers—North Pole Fudge Company or whoever—to release their employees when we don't do the same, and that's problematic.” Board member Marge McDonald added, “I don't feel that sewer comes over fire. Safety comes first.” After much debate and public input, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to table the issue for two weeks, until their next meeting on July 21, when Fire Chief Willis can be present.

Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Mixer to Include Free Food and Giveaways, Including Run Ryan Run Hats
This evening's Big Bear Chamber of Commerce mixer, to be held at Summit Plaza and Citibank on the Boulevard, will feature a special incentive in support of the Move a Million Miles for Ryan Hall Campaign. For those who attend the two-hour mixer, which begins at 5pm, in running or walking shoes, Miss Big Bear Katie Bumstead will sign you up for the free Lighthouse Project campaign—and the first 20 people to walk a mile, from Citibank to Coldwell Banker and back, will receive a complimentary Run Ryan Run hat. This evening's Big Bear Chamber mixer will also include free food and giveaways, and a hula-hoop contest hosted by Curves. Other hosts of this evening's free mixer include All Protection Alarm, Bear Mountain Family Medicine, DOVES, Lutheran Social Services, the Lions Club and Way Back When Nostalgatoria. Attendees of this evening's Big Bear Chamber of Commerce mixer are reminded to bring business cards—and don't forget to wear the running shoes.

"Flex Alert" in Place for California: Bear Valley Electric Asks Customers to Reduce Electricity Use
Bear Valley Electric Service tells us that the California Independent System Operator, operator of the California power grid, is anticipating high temperatures and high electric demand across their control area this week, as of this afternoon. While service to Bear Valley Electric customers is not expected to be affected at this “Flex Alert” time, consumers are urged to voluntarily reduce their electrical demand on the system, especially from 3 to 6pm. To do your part, Bear Valley Electric asks that, through July 10, unnecessary lights are turned off and unused equipment is unplugged; for those with air conditioning, adjust thermostats to 78 degrees and use fans instead of A/C; wait until 7pm to use major appliances, including dishwashers, spas and dryers; and be sure to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. The staff at Bear Valley Electric remind that when demand is high, everyone needs to pitch in, and adds, Bear Valley Electric and your friends and family down the hill appreciate your efforts to conserve electricity. For more information on power conservation, you can visit FlexYourPower.org.

Registrar of Voters Opens Candidate Filing Next Week; 15 Local Positions Up for Election in November
As of next Monday, July 14, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters will make available candidate filing papers for those planning to run for office in the November 2008 election. Within the Big Bear Valley, 15 local seats are up for election for those interested in serving our community. Open positions, to be voted on in the November 4 Presidential General Election, are, within Big Bear: two seats on the City Council of Big Bear Lake, three positions for the Board of Trustees of the Bear Valley Unified School District, three seats on the Board of Directors for the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, three seats on the Board of Directors for the Big Bear Airport District, two seats on the Board of Directors for the Big Bear City Community Services District, and two seats (one for Division 4, another for Division 5) for the Big Bear Municipal Water District. All paperwork by candidates must be filed with the Registrar of Voters by 5pm on Friday, August 8. The only requirement for the majority of these offices is that the candidate be a registered voter and reside within the district or division. Candidates will receive informational handbooks when filing papers are obtained, and staff at the Registrar of Voters office will be available to assist with paperwork and the answering of any questions. For more information about candidate filing for the November election, call the Registrar of Voters office at 387-8300 or, toll-free, at 800/881-8683.

County Supervisors Scheduled to Approve Funding for New Skatepark at BBVRPD's Teen Center
The Board of Supervisors of San Bernardino County meet for their regular meeting at 10am this morning, at the County Government Center at 385 North Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. Of interest to our community, supervisors are scheduled to approve a contract with the American Ramp Company, for the supply, delivery and installation of modular skate park equipment for the Teen Center operated by the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. As the governing body of Bear Valley Rec and Park, the County Board of Supervisors are to authorize the expenditure of $69,880, to be funded through Proposition 40 state grants. Reese Troublefield, Director of the local recreation and park district, tells KBHR that the new skatepark facility is smaller in scale than that in Sugarloaf Park, and this one will be situated just east of the Teen Center, which is on Big Bear Boulevard at Knickerbocker Road. “The hope is to have it done by Thursday, Augsut 14,” Troublefield says of the skatepark, “so we can have an August 16 grand opening.”

Monday, July 7, 2008

New Record Set on Fourth of July: MWD Estimates That 1,000 Boats Were on Big Bear Lake at One Time
The Big Bear Municipal Water District reports that this weekend was record-breaking, in terms of number of boats on Big Bear Lake at one time. The previous record of 963 boats was set on Saturday, July 4, 1996. Travis Carroll, Lake Operations Supervisor for the MWD, tells KBHR that this Fourth of July, on Friday, the rough guesstimate is that 1,000 boats were on Big Bear Lake in the 3 o'clock hour. Carroll explains that the four Lake Patrol boats divide the lake into zones, and then do their best to count vessels on the lake. On Saturday, Municipal Water District staff estimate that 923 boats were on the lake at one time. Per Carroll, an 11-year MWD employee, “Friday was definitely one of the busiest days on the lake since I've been here.” Despite the heavy boating traffic on Big Bear Lake on the Fourth (and 5th) of July, there were no major boating accidents. “Overall, it went pretty smoothly,” Carroll adds, noting that just a few individuals were treated for injuries resulting from accidents, such as falling off a boat, and being hit in the head by a wakeboard.


As of Friday afternoon, Big Bear Lake was already filling with boats as revelers prepared to enjoy the Fourth of July
fireworks display. In 1996, a record 963 boats were on Big Bear Lake at one time, when the Fourth fell on a Saturday,
as it will again next year. A new record number of boats were on Big Bear Lake, on this Fourth, with an estimated
1,000 boats in the 3 o'clock hour.

Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake Fire Departments Offer CPR Classes This Saturday, July 12
This coming Saturday, CPR classes will be offered at both ends of the Valley. Over 100 community members received their CPR certification from the Big Bear City Fire Department last year, and you can be part of the group, should you choose to participate in the July 12 CPR class, which is offered from 9am to 5pm, and at a cost of $40. To register for Bear City Fire's CPR class, please call 585-2362 or stop by in person at 301 W. Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City. Also on Saturday, from 9am to 5pm, the Big Bear Lake Fire Department offers a training class on CPR and AED (automatic external defibrillator), at a cost of $30 per person. To make your reservation for the Big Bear Lake Fire Department's CPR class, to be held at 41090 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake, call 866-7566 to register.

Southwest Gas, IHOP and Pine Knot Landing Host Community Blood Drive on Tuesday Afternoon
A Community Blood Drive, hosted by Southwest Gas, IHOP and Pine Knot Landing, will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, from noon to 4:30pm, at the Bloodmobile to be stationed at 40844 Big Bear Boulevard at Pine Knot. No reservations are required, but you can schedule an appointment time to donate blood by calling the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties at 800/879-4484. Those who plan to donate at Tuesday afternoon's blood drive are reminded to drink plenty of fluids prior to donating, and remember to bring photo identification with you to the Bloodmobile.

CalTrans Resumes Highway 18 Paving Project this Morning; Delays Possible West of the Big Bear Dam
After taking a break during the holiday weekend, CalTrans today resumes the paving project on Highway 18. The five-mile stretch of highway to be repaved is on the Artic Circle portion of Highway 18, west of the Big Bear Dam to Lakeview Point. Necessary lane closures can be expected from 7am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and, with that, will come some flagging and minimal delays. CalTrans anticipates that the Highway 18 repaving project will be completed by July's end.

Yucaipa-Area Ridge Fire, Which Brought Us Drift Smoke Last Week, Is Now Fully Contained
The Ridge Fire, which had started in the Yucaipa area on Thursday afternoon and resulted in heavy drift smoke in the Big Bear Valley, has since been fully contained. Fire crews contained the Ridge Fire at 6pm yesterday, Sunday, and all told 275 acres were burned. Update: Since this report, the U.S. Forest Service has revised the burned acreage tally to 263. As preliminary findings ruled out both arson and fireworks as the cause of the July 3 fire, the cause remains under investigation.

Check Your Mailbox for MAST-Distributed Summer Newsletter, Fire-Safety DVD and Emergency Info
The Mountain Area Safety Taskforce, which is a coalition of local, state and federal government agencies, private companies and volunteer organizations in San Bernardino County concerned with public safety in our mountains, have expanded their public outreach with the recent mailing of a MAST newsletter and fire-safety DVD. The MAST information packets have been mailed, in July's first week, to residents in the San Bernardino County mountains. If you haven't yet received your package, you can also visit calmast.org for information. The “Lookout – Summer 2008” newsletter includes fire safety tips and resources, information on defensible space and a homeowner checklist, as well as evacuation information. The 10-minute DVD included in each mailing is titled “Defensible Space: Safeguarding Your Home from Wildfire” and includes steps to make homes and out-buildings fire-resistant. Another item in the MAST packet that all should definitely reference is the foldable fire-safety guide, which contains evacuation route maps, a survival checklist, public safety contact info, and emergency alert radio stations.

CSD's Board to Review Pan Hot Springs Meadow Habitat Management Plan at This Evening's Meeting
The Board of Directors of the Big Bear City Community Services District will meet for their regular meeting this evening at 5:30pm, at their offices at 139 E. Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City. This evening's CSD meeting will include discussion on the Pan Hot Springs Meadow Habitat Management Plan, as well as the proposed Valley-wide water summit meeting.

Friday, July 4, 2008 -- Independence Day

Freedom Isn't Free: In Honor of Independence Day, We Salute 26 Local Soldiers Who Have Served in Iraq
As we celebrate our Independence Day, our friends at the American Legion Post 584 remind that freedom isn't free. Twenty-six of the Big Bear Valley's sons and daughters have already served in the war in Iraq, and three of those sons—U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rex Kenyon, U.S. Army Specialist Adam Rosema, and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Jared Landaker—have paid the ultimate price. Others among those from our community who have served in Iraq are, with the U.S. Army, Specialist 4 Scott Zimmerman, Staff Sergeant Marc Little, Specialist 4 Ruth Nash, Sergeant Selena Knowlton, Sergeant Josh Halverson, Private First Class William Carroll, Sergeant Aaron Richert, Specialist 4 Dominic Solomon, Specialist 4 John Whalen, Specialist 4 Shannon McPherson, Private First Class Nathan Williams, Staff Sergeant Jacques Keeslar, Sergeant Gilbert Paiz, Sergeant Ben Siep, Sergeant Al Groover with the Air National Guard, U.S. Navyman Brian Costanzo, and, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal Jason Mazur, Corporal Anthony Rasmussen, Corporal Matthew Shelby and Sergeant Aaron Botenhagen. On this Fourth of July, let us also celebrate three local soldiers who, rather than at home in Big Bear, are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan: Army Specialist 4 Ruben Moody, Army Specialist 4 Kenneth Zimmerman, and Marine Corporal Kevin England.

Fire Departments' Emergency Siren Test to Sound Throughout Big Bear Valley on Saturday at Noon
This Saturday at noon, you can expect to hear sirens in the Valley. In December, local fire agencies implemented the first-Saturday-of-the-month emergency notification test, with a short and simultaneous siren blast from the Big Bear City Fire Department, Big Bear Lake City Hall, Baldwin Lane Elementary School in Sugarloaf and, as of January, from the fourth, new siren in Moonridge, at Big Bear Lake Fire Department's paid-call station. These four sirens will sound with a short blast at noon but, in the event of a real emergency, the sirens would blast for an extended amount of time, rather than the short blast you can expect tomorrow. Our local fire agencies do request that when you hear the sirens, you tune to local media—KBHR Radio at 93.3 FM or Channel 6--rather than calling the fire departments. These emergency notification sirens will be tested on the first Saturday of every month so, again, expect to hear them on July 5 at noon.

Community Church Hosts Lakeside Battle of the Bands and Skate Contest on Saturday Afternoon
This Saturday, July 5 marks the first-ever Battle of the Bands and skate trick contest in Big Bear Lake. The afternoon event titled Bands Clash & Skaters Crash is hosted by Community Church by the Lake and sylas.net (a youth-oriented spiritual website), and will feature music, skating, vendor booths and food, including carne asada tacos, smoothies and ice cream. Event organizer Andy Meadors says, “It's a 'come play, skate and hang' on a church's parking lot for the common goal of new and positive relationships.” Bands, big and small, known and unknown, are welcome to participate in the Battle of the Bands, which offers a cash prize of $350. Tomorrow's event runs from 3 to 11pm at Community