Come on up and enjoy the snow!!
White Christmas for Big Bear
December 23rd, 2009
Free Motor Vehicle Use Map Available
November 4th, 2009Dear Big Bear Magazine readers:
We received a note from San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans today regarding the implementation of the new Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Rule. The new map is available to the public, at no cost, and identifies the system of designated roads and motorized trails available to the public on the San Bernardino National Forest.
The map identifies the roads and trails specifically designated for motor vehicle use. Other public roads are also shown on the map for information and navigation purposes only. The map does not display non-motorized recreational uses or facilities and attractions, so a Forest Visitor Map is still recommended for general information.
In development of the map, Forest staff assessed the existing Forest transportation policy and system using a series of public workshops, other opportunities for public input, and internal resource management reviews.
“Public input and internal analyses helped point out specific locations for consideration while working through this process,” said Fran Colwell, Forest Recreation Officer. “Information the public shared with us helped update our road and trail data and our maps.”
The MVUM will be revised and reissued annually or as needed, to accommodate future changes to the designated transportation system within the Forest.
The 2005 ruling required all National Forests to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use with the intent to enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation while ensuring forest resources are properly managed over the long-term.
To view and print the map and additional information about motorized vehicles on the San Bernardino National Forest, visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/recreation/ohv/index.shtml
Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.
Arrowhead Ranger Station 909-382-2758
Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center 909-382-2790
Lytle Creek Ranger Station 909-382-2850
Idyllwild Ranger Station 909-382-2922
Mill Creek Ranger Station 909-382-2881
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 760-862-9984
Free Disposal Day – October 24
October 17th, 2009Dear Big Bear Magazine Readers:
Cheri at the city asked us to spread the word.
Residents can dispose of electronic & universal waste FREE of charge
In partnership with Big Bear Disposal, the City of Big Bear Lake will be participating in the County of San Bernardino “Free Dump Day” on Saturday, October 24 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Clean Bear Site # 1, located at 41970 Garstin Drive. In addition to regular household trash, yard waste and tree trimmings, appliances, furniture, tires (off the rim), electronic waste (E-waste), and televisions, the following items will also be accepted:
Cell / mobile phones Telephones
Fluorescent tubes Radios / Stereos
Microwave Ovens Clothes irons
VCRs Space heaters
CPUs (computers) Greeting cards (containing batteries)
Printers Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D & 9v)
Aerosol Cans Thermostats
This event is for Big Bear Lake residents only. For additional information or questions, residents can call Big Bear Disposal directly at (909) 866-3942.
The City of Big Bear Lake is a four-season resort located in the heart of the
San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 30 miles northeast of San Bernardino. The City serves a population of 6,500 residents and covers a 6.95 square mile area on the west end of Big Bear Lake’s south shore. Recreation is offered year-round, including skiing, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, golf and fine dining. Visit us at www.citybigbearlake.com
1st anniversary for BigBear CabinCare
October 15th, 2009
Dear Big Bear Magazine readers:
We’ve just received a note from Pam at the Chamber, regarding BigBear CabinCare. They are not only celebrating a first year anniversary, they have also moved to a new location.
A Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 508 Main Street, Big Bear Lake on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 3:30 p.m.
One year ago, Bob and Suzanne Calcagni partnered with Theresa McDowell to launch a full service concierge and mountain property care business in Big Bear Lake, California. Collectively they have owned, managed and maintained property in Big Bear and San Diego since 1986, and fully recognize the importance of providing courteous, expedient and professional services.
BigBear CabinCare offers routine home checks, pre-arrival and post-departure services, maintenance, snow removal, weed abatement, and customized home cleaning. Their concierge services include grocery shopping, ski equipment and lift ticket delivery, local errands, and much more. “No task is too great or too small; whatever our clients need, we are here for them,” said Theresa McDowell.
Bob Calcagni said, “Although it was risky starting a new business in a down economy, we felt there was a strong need for this type of specialty service and decided to take a chance. Through the years we have established relationships with several quality, professional subcontractors who have worked on our own homes and have incorporated them into our business. We now have over 100 clients and hope to celebrate many more years in Big Bear.”
“We are delighted to be a part of this beautiful mountain community and appreciate the trust our clients have placed in us. We have made it our policy to communicate effectively with our clients which allows us to address their specific needs in a timely manner. Our goal is to help our clients get the most out of their mountain home experience by providing reliable, quality services,” said Suzanne Calcagni.
For more information, contact Theresa McDowell, info@bigbearcabincare.com
Sincerely,
Barbara Scharnhorst, Publisher
Help our local Wild Burros
October 14th, 2009Dear Big Bear Magazine readers:
When we moved to Big Bear in 1992, Burros were very common throughout the Valley. They were moved and put up for adoption, due in part to the high number of animals that were being killed off Hwy 38. Here is new information regarding the current situation, from The Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service.
They are planning to conduct a round-up of burros in the Big Bear Valley. Wild burros gathered during the project will be moved into an adoption program run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Ridgecrest. The BLM program offers the wild burros for adoption to those individuals and groups willing and able to provide humane, long-term care.
Over the past year, a herd of burros has moved from the National Forest lands east of Baldwin Lake into the residential areas of Erwin Lake and Sugarloaf. Living so close to people and our streets is not safe or healthy for burros or for people. Several burros have been injured and killed along Highway 38 in the last year. This herd of burros has also been causing damage to residential landscaping.
In 1997, the Forest Service gathered over 90 burros that had taken up residence in Big Bear’s neighborhoods, posing dangers to themselves and humans. Those burros had become extraordinarily tame because of human food handouts and eating trash and petfood. At that time, as many as 15-20 burros were hit and killed on Big Bear’s streets each year. After the 1997 roundup, the remaining burros moved back out into the “wild” part of the National Forest away from people. Over the past few years, however, some of the burros have moved back into town. The recent drought and good eating in Shay Meadow may be factors in causing this herd to move out of the National Forest.
The Forest Service hopes to capture the herd of burros that has decided that Shay Meadow is their home. This herd moves across Highway 38 into Sugarloaf and up to Wild Horse Meadows. We predict that the burros remaking after the roundup will retreat back into the woods and lower elevations.
While it may be fun to see burros, having them in our neighborhoods is dangerous for them and for you. By providing food or water for them, you will entice burros into your neighborhoods where they can cause traffic accidents and property damage. It is important to discourage them from hanging around in town.
In order to protect our wild burros, it is critically important that Big Bear visitors and residents follow a few simple steps to help protect the burros:
Do not leave food or water out for them.
Secure your trash cans.
If you see burros in your neighborhood, gently chase them away.
Please report sightings to Robin Eliason at reliason@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2832.
Wild burros can be seen in the National Forest areas around Rose Mine, Juniper Springs, and Broom Flats east of Highway 38. The best time to see them is in the late afternoon/early evening or in the early morning.
Burro sightings can be reported to Robin Eliason at reliason@fs.fed.us or Marc Stamer at mstamer@fs.fed.us.
Historically, burros and horses were introduced to North America with the settlers. Over time, individual animals escaped and became wild, establishing wild herds throughout the west. By the early 1900s, there were several wild burro populations in the deserts of Southern California. According to several sources, our Big Bear burro population was most likely a result of the annual Old Miner’s Days burro race events. Until the early 1990s, the Old Miner’s Days featured a several-day long burro race through the forest. (These races were discontinued by the Old Miner’s Day committee in the mid-1990s due to concerns about animal protection). In the early days, the participants would go down to the desert, catch a burro, and bring it up to Big Bear for the race. Once the race was over, they would take their burros to the east end of the valley around Baldwin Lake and let them go. Over time, a herd of burros built up in that area.
In 1971, Congress passed a law – the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act – that established management territories for burro and horse populations on National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. At that time, our burro herd became federally protected and a management plan was written. A herd of 50-60 burros resided peacefully in the National Forest areas east of Erwin Lake, extending towards Rose Mine and Broom Flats.
By the late 1980s, a number of the burros had moved into town and became accustomed to the easy life of picking through garbage, eating lush landscaping plants, sneaking dog food off back porches, and drinking from birdbaths. Many of our burros were so tame, you could hand-feed them. This life of luxury carried many dangers. As a result, by 1997 there were 15-20 burros killed on our streets and highways each year. We had burros die from suffocation after ingesting plastic bags and poisons in trash, while others were severely mauled or died of injuries from dog attacks.
As a result, the US Forest Service conducted a series of round-ups in the community. Over 90 burros from the residential areas of Big Bear were captured and adopted out through a program run by the Bureau of Land Management.
To learn more about the BLM’s adoption program for wild horses and burros, go to http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.html or call 1-866-4mustangs.
Barbara Scharnhorst, publisher
A Christmas Carol begins November 13 at PAC
October 12th, 2009Dear Big Bear Magazine Readers:
The Community Arts Theater Society of Big Bear Valley (CATS) announces that it will present an all new stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol, opening for 11 performances on Friday, November 13th at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center with a special discount preview. Reserved seating tickets for discount night range from $9.00 for those under 18 to $14 for adults. The show continues for 10 more performances with 7:30 evening performances on Nov. 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24, 27 & 28 and 1:30 matinees on Nov. 15, 22 & 29. All performances are reserved seating and prices range from $12 to $25 for Adults, $11 to $23 for Seniors and $9 to $18 for Students/ Children, depending on date and location of seats. Tickets are now on sale thru the CATS web site at www.bigbeartheater.org or at the PAC Box office at 909-866-4970
This new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic was specially adapted for CATS, by its director, Karen Sargent Rachels. Rachels was inspired by a chance remark from an Antiques Roadshow appraiser of a letter written by Charles Dickens, telling a member of Royalty that he, himself, was unable to procure tickets to one of his concert readings for her. The appraiser mentioned that tickets to a Dickens reading was like trying to get tickets to a Bruce Springsteen concert. Further research by Rachels indicated that Dickens made two trips to America, also doing a series of concert readings of this works. From this premise, this CATS adaptation of A Christmas Carol, featuring the character of Charles Dickens, was born. Much of Dickens original narrative is retained in this newly adapted version.
CATS’ A Christmas Carol stars Robin Field as Scrooge, with Jim Weyant as Charles Dickens. The cast includes: Steve Combs as Marley and Ghost Present, Juliana Hendricks as Ghost Past, Nick Topoleski as Ghost Future, Joe Sellarole as Bob Cratchit, John Wells as Fred, Suzy Carpenter & Jan Janofsky as The Fezziwigs, Elaina Winters as Sally, Ashley Harris as Alice, Tashia Wormsbecker as Belle, John Hendricks as Topper, Pam Lobaugh as Mrs. Cratchit, Stephen Padilla as Old Joe, Steven Ragsdale as Mark Twain, Courtland Barber as Boy Scrooge, Lisa Effron as Caroline, Deano Serkes as Samuel, Timmy Brasher as Tiny Tim, Delaney Warren as The Fiddler, Annika Keating and Desiree Wilber as the Misses Fezziwigs, Linda Bennett and Melinda Garcia as The Solicitors, Burgundy Weathersbee as Belinda, Maddie Stiles as Mary, Anita Patten as The Toy Seller, and a large cast of other characters.
Director Rachels states that the new script also retains the characters of The Clock Sprites, one of the original and featured touches from the CATS version adapted by Beth Gardner three years ago. The Clock Sprites include Jessica Brasher, Allison Copley, Sophia King, Riley Ludwig, Kimberly Malz, Kristy Winters and Carissa Wolcott. Also Featured are The CATS Christmas Carolers which include Dale Covington, Joan Carlson, Bill Ferguson, Walter Lee and Marilyn McDonald.
CATS is well known for the quality of its productions and will feature original sets designed by Joanne McMaster and Costumes designed by Priscilla Anderson. CATS production team includes special stage and sound effects by Bill Ferguson and John Wells, who is also Assistant Director, Set Construction by Dennis Brown, Props and Assistant to Set Designer is Karen Bergmann, Audio, Special Effects and Lights by John Wells & Bob Grimes, Production Stage Manager is Carlin Harris, and special assistant to the Producer-Director is Donna Fisch. Dale Covington is Choral Director, Gloria Meade and Joan Carlson are in charge of Program Ads, Jan Nissen heads up Concessions, with numerous other CATS volunteers providing expertise and on stage and back stage.
This CATS production of A Christmas Carol is “back by popular demand”, after an overwhelming reaction to their traditional production three years ago. Director Rachels says: “We realized that the timeless and inspiring story of A Christmas Carol could be presented year after year. However, we wanted to make sure the show would hold some surprises for our repeat patrons and newcomers as well. I think this all new adaptation and new production will bring its own special magic to our holiday season this year.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.bigbeartheater.org or at the PAC Box Office at 909-866-4970.
Read more about Sarge Rachels in this issue of Big Bear Magazine.
Barbara Scharnhorst, Publisher
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The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
Oct. 13 Mixer moved to Northwoods
October 12th, 2009Dear Big Bear Magazine Readers:
Looks like an exciting mixer with Chili experts presenting their products.
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Big Bear Chamber of Commerce | P.O. Box 2860 | 630 Bartlett Road | Big Bear Lake | CA | 92315
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Enjoy the mixer,
Barbara Scharnhorst, Publisher
Sheep Fire - Final update - October 9, 2009
October 10th, 2009Dear Big Bear Magazine Readers:
Current situation: Firefighters will continue patrolling and mopping-up any remaining hot spots. Suppression repair and rehabilitation is ongoing and good progress is being made. The Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has arrived to identify and assess natural resource needs. Demobilization of resources will continue as full containment draws near.
Evacuations, Closures and Road Status: The Forest Closure Order has been issued for the Sheep Fire by the San Bernardino National Forest and prohibits public from entering the burn area. The closure order is in effect from October 8, 2009 until November 8, 2009. For specific details on the closure order refer to the above inciweb address or www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/conditions. Lone Pine Canyon Road will remain closed until further notice. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is also closed from Interstate 15 to the 14 freeway. Hikers on the PCT may use state highway 138 as an alternate route.
This will be the final Sheep Fire update.