Summertime! Is the Livin' Easy?

Hello Citizens,

Here we are at the height summer in the Big Bear Valley. Of course, the weather's nearly perfect and this season's been no exception. Imagine, that just a few months ago, we were buried in 6 feet of snow!

So, how have you spent your summer so far? What are you doing today? What plans do you have for the summer that remains?

As always, you can take the Poll to the right.

Or, Blog your answer below. Here are some instructions for those unsure of how it's done:

• Go to the last post. 

• Click "Post a Comment".

• Write your post in the box that appears.

• Go to the bottom of the page. Under "Choose an Identity", check Name/URL.  Or choose "Anonymous."
• In the "Name" box, write in your name. Ignore the "URL" box.

• Click "Publish Your Comment" and away it goes.

Enjoy!

Michael

Amgen Tour: Worth it to Big Bear?

Hello Citizens,

On May 21st, a large pack of world class bicyclists powered through Big Bear on their next-to-last leg of a broader bicycle "tour" (race) through Southern California. The first group entered the Valley at the Dam around 2:30pm, skirted the North Shore on 38, hung a right at Stanfield Cut-off, and finished at Snow Valley. There was a big celebration among racers, their entourage, and bicycling fans. It shifted to the Village by early evening. The Village was closed for this purpose.

At Monday's (July 12th) City Council meeting, some of the local Amgen Tour organizers gave a presentation, citing the preliminary results of the tour. 15,000 to 25,000 fans were expected to attend; about 10,000 actually came. 7,600 were visitors. It was estimated that these fans spent around $1,500,000 while here.

The City decided to take-on the Amgen tour about a year ago. Around $135,000 was needed from various sources such as the City of Big Bear Lake, the County, Chamber, RA, and other supporters. The City pledged and actually spent $40,000. 

Sugarloafers and Fawnskinners on the DWP Board?

Hello Citizens!

Did you know that:

• The DWP (one of the Valley's 2 water companies) is owned by the City of BBLake?
• 40% of DWP ratepayers live outside of City limits?
• The DWP Board of Directors is chosen by the City Council?
• DWP Board-members must be residents of the City of Big Bear Lake?

Now, you might be saying: "Wait a minute. What about the other 40% who don't live within the City. Shouldn't they have a say?!"

MARTA Bus Service: What Could Make it Better?

Hello Citizens,

Did you realize that the Big Bear Valley has a bus service called Mountain Area Regional Transportation Authority (MARTA)? It has three parts:

• A "fixed route" that travels from the East Valley to Boulder Bay. It runs once an hour.
• An "off the mountain" route that goes from the Von's Shopping Center to points in San Bernardino. It runs 3 times per day; not on Sundays.
• A "dial-a-ride" van which takes riders from their home to specific places in Big Bear Valley.

Most people living in Southern California drive their own cars. Currently, MARTA targets the "Transit-Dependent." Most of MARTA's funding comes from Government Transportation Funds and grants. Slightly over 10% comes from rider fare-box collections.

Could a well-run and efficient bus system benefit more than just the "Transit-Dependent" of the Big Bear Valley? Could the "Transit-Dependent" be serviced more efficiently?

Affordable Housing: If not Jeffries Rd, Where?

Hello Citizens,

The location of an Affordable Housing project on Jeffries Road (across from the Middle School) is currently in grave doubt (see Item #IA-1 on Monday’s CC Agenda, p. 223). Yet the state of California still requires the City to supply 193 additional units of affordable housing by 2014. So, where do you think they should be placed?

Valley Board Vacancies--Appointments

Hello Citizens,

There are three Big Bear Valley board vacancies. Within the jurisdiction of the City of Big Bear Lake, there is one vacancy each on the DWP and Planning Commission. The regional transportation board (MARTA) has a seat opening in August.

Should Government Subsidize Affordable Housing?

Some citizens seem to object to “taxpayer funds” being used to subsidize quality affordable housing. On a surface level, I would agree. But there is much more to the picture.