AUGUST 26-30, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of The Week That Was, the City of Big Bear Lake's weekly newsletter where we share brief updates about city projects, initiatives and events. A lot has happened around here this week. Here's the run down:
  • Our Public Works team has been busy sprucing up Boulder Bay Park this week. They abated weeds, placed fresh mulch in the planters, and with the assistance of Big Bear Trails, they trimmed trees and bushes so that visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the bay!
  • We're making great progress on our two Capital Improvement Projects: Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot⁠ and Summit Blvd. Pavement Rehabilitation! Completion for both projects is anticipated by the end of October 2024. As part as the City’s safety program, traffic control will continue to be implemented in the surrounding areas during work hours, which are Monday-Friday 7AM-5PM. Click here to learn more.

Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot⁠

Located on the southwest Corner of Big Bear Blvd. (SR-18) and Talbot Dr.⁠


  • Grading has begun for the project site and will be ongoing.
  • Footings for the concrete retaining wall have been dug on the Big Bear Blvd. (SR-18) side.
  • Rebar is being placed for the footings and we anticipate that concrete will be poured by the end of the week.⁠

Summit Blvd. Pavement Rehabilitation

Located along Summit Blvd. from Big Bear Blvd. (SR-18) to 125’ south of Switzerland Dr.⁠


  • Over 1,400 feet of storm drainage and 4 new manholes have been installed.
  • Construction of the new concrete swale on the west side is underway.
  • The City Manager participated in the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan (LRMTP) Stakeholder Working Group Meeting. The overall objective of the LRMTP is to ensure the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of a regional multimodal transportation system that, when linked with appropriate land use planning, will efficiently serve the mobility needs of San Bernardino County residents, businesses, and visitors, with robust connectivity to the regional system. Click here for more information.
  • On Monday, the City exhibited at the Moonridge Monday Street Fair, which was hosted by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Planning and Building and Safety staff enjoyed speaking with residents, business owners and visitors about City projects and initiatives, including Beautify Big Bear Lake, special events, business licensing, and code compliance. Stop by our booth and say hello on Monday, September 9th from 4-8PM!

Administrative Clerk

Brenda De La Rosa and Planning Technician Jennifer Ellis​​​​

Community Development Manager Andrew Mellon and Economic Development Manager Kelly Tinker

Commuter Alerts

Plan your route accordingly to avoid delays.

For the most current information, follow Caltrans on Facebook or visit: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

If your plans take you to or from the Big Bear area this weekend, please note there will be planned no lane closures from Friday, 8/30 to Tuesday, 9/3. However, emergency lane closures may still occur, and work may continue behind k-rail barriers. Have a Happy Labor Day weekend, and drive safely!

BVES Projects & Road Closures
  • Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. (BVES) will continue work on its Radford Line Project, a critical infrastructure project to replace the existing above-ground sub-transmission line. This initiative aims to improve the reliability and safety of power distribution across the BVES service area. BVES is utilizing helicopters to transport poles and other equipment to and from various locations in Big Bear Lake. Helicopter flights will continue Monday to Friday, as needed, until the end of October. If you have any questions, please call BVES customer service at (800) 808-2837. Click here for more information.

Labor Day Weekend Events

Big Bear Lakefest

Lakefest is the ultimate high altitude Labor Day celebration! This action packed event spans the entire weekend, and features exhilarating activities like swim and paddle races on Big Bear Lake, the BMX Action Sports show with athletes from Nitro Circus & ESPN X Games, free concerts, a beer garden, food from local vendors, and family friendly entertainment. Free entry with signed waiver at the door.


When: August 30 from 4:30 PM, August 31 & September 2 from 6:30AM

Where: Swim Beach

41216 Park Ave.

Big Bear Lake CA 92315


Click here for more information.

Hosted by Visit Big Bear and Elevated SoCal

Farmer's Market
Every Friday Through September, the new Farmers Market at Meadow Park gathers the best local produce, food and artisans that the San Bernardino Mountains have to offer. Parking is available along Park Avenue and the surrounding streets. Click here for more information.

When: Every Friday from 4-8PM Where: Meadow Park
41220 Park Ave.
Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Note: This is separate from the Farmer’s Market held every Tuesday at the Big Bear Convention Center. For more information on that, call 909.585.3000 or click here.

Big Bear Theatre Project Presents Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors features unforgettable music and campy dark humor as a meek flower shop assistant discovers an unusual plant with unexpected consequences when he learns it feeds on only human flesh and blood. It is a tale of romance that cautions the price to pay “when you get what you want instead of what you earn”. 

 

When: August 29-31 at 7:30 p.m. and September 1st at 2 p.m.

Where: Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center

39707 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Tickets: $25 for students; $30 for seniors; $35 general admission + fees.

 

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Campfire Program

Spend an evening fireside where the whole family can sip on hot cocoa and enjoy s’mores while building a deeper connection with nature and the San Bernardino National Forest.


S’more kits and hot chocolate bundle sold for $5. Donations are welcome.


When: August 30th 7:30-9PM

Where: Big Bear Discovery Center

41374 N Shore Dr.

Fawnskin, CA 92333


For more information about this FREE event, click here, call 909.382.2790 or email info@MountainsFoundation.org.

Music in The Mountains

The Southern California Mountains Foundation invites you to the Music in the Mountains concert series this summer in Big Bear Lake. The 5-show event wows with a wonderful line-up of the best classic rock and country tribute bands playing nationally. Petty Party - tribute to Tom Petty with Gypsy Dream, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac will grace the Discovery Center stage this Saturday!


When: August 31st 5:30-10PM

Where: Big Bear Discovery Center

41374 N Shore Dr.

Fawnskin, CA 92333


This event is sold out.

Rotary Club Boat Parade of Lights

Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade of Lights hosted by the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake. The parade will begin at 7:30 PM PM from Garstin Island and follow the shoreline to the north shore east boat ramp. Stick around after the parade to see the Drone Show hosted by Visit Big Bear.


The parade is free for spectators, entry fee to participate is $100. The money raised by the Rotary Club will be used for the Valley Food Banks, Scholarships for High School Students, and to the Elementary and Middle Schools. 


When: September 1st 7:30-9PM

Where: Big Bear Lake


Click here for more information and to register.

Labor Day Weekend Drone Show

Wrap up Labor Day weekend with the dazzling Drone Show over Big Bear Lake! The Drone Show will be visible from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center, Rotary Park, Veterans Park, The Village and other nearby locations.


Claim your spot early or rent a boat and view it from the water!


When: September 1st 9-10PM

Where: 439 Pine Knot Ave.

Big Bear Lake CA 92315


Click here for more information.

Hosted by Visit Big Bear

For a full list of events in the Big Bear Valley, please visit bigbear.com.

Labor Day Sales: Support Local Businesses!

Dates

Event

Address

August 26 – September 3

Leroy’s Labor Day Sale

40560 Big Bear Blvd

August 29 – September 2

Get Boards

Parking Lot Sale

40905 Big Bear Blvd

August 30 – September 1

Twin Bear Equipment Rental Parking Lot Sale

42039 Big Bear Blvd

August 30 – September 2

Blauer’s Parking Lot Sale

41177 Big Bear Blvd

August 30 – September 2

American Legion

Garage Sale

41600 Big Bear Blvd

September 1 – 5

Interiors Parking Lot Sale

41968 Fox Farm Road

Plein Air Art Competition Begins 9/1

Calling All Landscape Painters!

The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley, in partnership with Visit Big Bear, the City of Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Theatre Project, presents Big Bear’s Inaugural Plein Air Art Competition.


Artists must first register at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center, and then paint landscapes in the Big Bear area from September 1st-30th. Submitted artwork will be displayed at Hofert Hall from October 10th-12th, followed by the Awards Ceremony on October 13th.


For more information, please visit bigbear.com/pleinair.

Upcoming City Hall Holiday Closures

City Facilities will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. City Offices will re-open at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, September 3rd.

That's all for now. Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for weekly updates from the City of Big Bear Lake!
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City of Big Bear Lake
39707 Big Bear Blvd. PO Box 10000, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-5831 | Fax: (909) 866-5491