Hello and welcome to Big Bear Lake. 

  I know you'll find our community to

  be fascinating with adventures,

  experiences and services unlike most

  other areas in California. 

  Whether you're a resident, business

  owner or visitor, Big Bear Lake has

  much to offer. Ample recreational  

  opportunities, including skiing, boarding, sledding, boating, fishing, horseback riding, camping and hiking, is what makes us a well-known four-season resort. Walk or hike our numerous US Forest Service trails in the morning, wake-board on the lake in the afternoon, enjoy a wonderful dinner at our numerous fine restaurants and drop in to our 400-seat Performing Arts Center for an intriguing play or concert at night.

I feel honored to have the privilege to shepherd the City as we substantiate our local economy, enhance our services, adapt responsible sustainable practices and expand the cultural/recreational opportunities.  From the moment you enter our Civic Center, you'll be warmly greeted and accomodated by a dedicated group of employees in all departments.  Our highly honored Fire Department and resourceful Sheriff's Department provide exemplary public safety.  The full-service Public Works staff handles a wide range of infrastructure and utility services.  In addition, they provide the finest snow removal service in the region!  The City's One-Stop Permit Center provides a streamline process to thoughtfully issue entitlements and follow through with consolidated inspection services.  Our Building and Planning Department supports and staffs our innovative Planning Commission and land use management program.  And the peace and tranquility of our residential areas are vigilantly protected by our Code Compliance group.

The City operates on strong financial principles and policies managed by an exceptional Finance Department.  We live within our means and save prudently for the future.  Our operations budget has flattened and reached planned equilibrium, allowing us to fund major capital improvements to better the quality of the City's infrastructure.  The City's redevelopment programs and plans are focused upon workforce housing and business district investments and provide the stimulant to ensure our future.  Finally, the quality of our City staff has been continually improved and better trained by the works of our Human Resources team.

With involvement from a proactive City Council, we will continue to work in conjunction with federal, state and local agencies in our mountain range to enhance our quality of life, provide public safety and continue to raise the level of assistance that our staff can provide the community.

I have an open ear to your input, suggestions or thoughts.  Always looking forward to satisfying the City's challenges and celebrating our successes in this spectacular environment.

Jeff Mathieu
City Manager
(909) 866-5832
bblcm@citybigbearlake.com