Summer Highlights

 As we embark upon our seasonal peak summer

 period, many wonderful community events

 welcome visitors to our resort venue of Big

 Bear Lake. The always successful Big Bear  

 Choppers Ride the Mountain and the Pirate Faire

 on the lake event officially open the summer

 season with a bevy of fun and enjoyment for

 thousands of visitors.

 Still on the horizon are the spectacular Rotary Club July 4th Fireworks show, the Cowboy Gathering and StoryFest, Big Bear Film Festival, Cal Multi-Sport Races, Old Miners’ Parade, Sierra Club Xeriscape Tour, and many other great gatherings. We are fortunate to have partners like the Event Resource Office and the Big Bear Office that expand our horizons and stimulate so many opportunities to enjoy our mountain top environment.

There has been buzz around town for weeks for two other signature events. The Big Bear Marathon has a new sponsor in The Lighthouse Project - - with much inspiration from our hometown hero Olympian Ryan Hall. We are excited to host this grueling marathon and the companion half-marathon, 5K and kid’s fun run. In addition, the City is a prime candidate for consideration of hosting the final leg of the AMGEN Tour of California long distance bicycle road race for 2010.

Aside from the joy of residing high up in the San Bernardino Mountains, we also tend to our significant matters of business. The US national recession and State budgetary collapse continues to hamper lending, credit markets and impact the business community. The reality of some vacancies, business failures and overall moderated growth has persisted during this year.

The City’s Improvement Agency has responded with the establishment of the Small Business Development Center, created the local Business Club, originated loan programs targeted to small business & tenants, provided direct marketing assistance to business districts, seeded the Village Business Association’s revitalization efforts and outlined a specific plan process for our valued Moonridge business area.

In addition, the City recently adopted a revised municipal ordinance to allow our unique Bed & Breakfast facilities and small commercial lodges a greater range of service opportunities and property uses that are of benefit to our visitors, businesses and residents.  And the City continues to work with other lodging properties and private home rental agencies to ensure a high quality of service within the community.

The City Council conducted a much anticipated Visionary Workshop on June 8th which explored the various alternative ways we could enhance and endow the future of Big Bear Lake. Substantially enhancing trails, natural facilities and access to the forest and lake were explored. Alternative transportation and traffic management options were presented - - including the Rail-to-the Mountain light rail system. Focusing the look, brand and image of our mountain community were also discussed. And finally the City Council heard presentations regarding economic development and sustained financial health to ensure planned funding for the future.  This workshop followed the adoption of our upcoming FY 2009/10 budget. Despite threats of financial takebacks from the State of California, we continue to live within our means, and provided a balanced budget without the use of reserves.

The work plan for next year is robust, but the dynamic and our dedicated workforce has several fewer positions in the budget, just like the prior couple years. Our workforce is intelligent, resourceful and taking advantage of every element of new technology to leverage our output. In short, it is a privilege to serve our taxpayers and ratepayers with the City of Big Bear Lake.

Good wishes for a marvelous summer!

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