Big Bear Airport Director Greene Censured by Board

Big Bear City, CA, March 15, 2012 6:00 pm - The Big Bear Airport District at their regularly scheduled meeting on March 14^th, 2012 exercised a rarely used provision of their Board Members Social Contract to admonish one of their fellow board members.  Director Gloria Green was accused of violating the decorum and social contract in addition violating the Brown Act specifically surrounding employee evaluations completed in committee session which were closed.

Airport President Gary Steube read from the proposed resolution: “Specifically, on February 2, 2012, she not only insisted that she should be able to attend the closed session, she refused to vacate the meeting room, announcing that she would not accept the advice from legal counsel and that she did not care if it was a violation of the Brown Act.

Director Gloria Greene went on to say: “ I’m sorry if you feel that I am the problem on this board but I’m here for the people and I’m going to be the problem” Later she went on to say: “Anybody wanting to see the Social Contract that I’ve got going with this group … I’ll show it to you” “ I have no patience with it and I didn’t come here to be their friend”.

In response to other board members comments she went on to say: “and I don’t care what goes on here I don’t care what they adopt, I’m here for the people until the people remove me … the people remove me … either by recall or just don’t vote for me in November.”

In response President Steube went on to reply: “This is not an attempt to remove Director Greene from office, we can not do that”  He later went on to say; “In my view this board has come a tremendous amount of distance in the last 6 years in terms of  the transparency in which it operates”

It was the opinion of Director Chuck Knight: “I believe that the people in general want us to follow these policies, support them and obeyed by them”

And with that the vote was taken with the results: “So resolution number 2012-01 the public censure of Board Member Greene passes, by a vote of 4 to one with Director Greene in opposition”. With that action taken Director Gloria Greene was removed from the Lease Committee and will need board approval to cover airport related conference travel.

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Sheriff Captain Nicassio retiring after 28 years of service

Big Bear Lake, CA March 12, 2012 8:00 am – Our local Sheriffs department will have a change of command at the end of March.  Captain Tony Nicassio is retiring after serving in the San Bernardino Sheriffs department for 28 years.  Captain Nicassio began serving nearly one year ago and at the time he explained that he was very close to retirement.  On Monday night at the City Council meeting Captain Tony Nicassio will be honored for the work in keeping Big Bear a safe community by working with his officers in reducing crime and saving the taxpayers money with cost sharing traffic enforcement efforts.  He was also a key member that helped provide a resource officer for the Bear Valley Unified School District.   Being promoted to Captain is now Lieutenant Tom Bradford. Tom is very familiar with the Big Bear Area having previously spent many years here raising his family in the valley.  Mayor Bill Jahn stated that he has enjoyed working with Captain Nicassio and welcomes Lieutenant Bradford as our new Captain and his depth of local knowledge.

Longtime Big Bear City resident Julie Douglass passed away

Big Bear City, CA March 8, 2012 – On Sunday, February 19, longtime Big Bear City resident Julie Douglass passed away after a bout with cancer.  Julie was a friend to many people in Big Bear Valley.  She was a member of the Optimist Club, the Emblem Club and also helped organize the Old Miners Association of Big Bear.  Julie also worked at the Bear Valley Hospital.  Together with her husband, Bill, she ran Big Bear Saw Works on North Shore Blvd. in Big Bear City.  In addition, Julie was a founding member of Big Bear Valley Orthodox Presbyterian Church.   Her faith in Christ was a testimony to all who knew her as she live her last few months without fear of what was to come.

A Memorial Service for Julie Douglass will be held at the Elks’ Lodge in Big Bear Lake on Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m.  The service will be sponsored by her church, but all who knew and loved Julie are welcome.  Again, the service will be on Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elks’ Lodge in Big Bear Lake.
The Douglass family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the Julie Douglass Memorial Fund at the Alaska USA Credit Union located in the Stater Brothers Center in Big Bear Lake.

The Legal Battle Over Mandarin Gardens Airport Lease Appears To Be Over

Big Bear City, CA March 8, 2012 2:00pm - For nearly six years a dispute over the lease and subsequent purchase option of  a portion of the Big Bear City Airport Terminal Building has keep all parties involved in a state of limbo but that state appears to be coming to an end.  According to a recent judgment issued on February 29, 2012 Barry Wang doing business as Wang’s Mandarin Gardens Restaurant, must vacate the building some time around April 1^st, 2012.  Issues surrounding the rights and ownership of the terminal building were resolved after a condominium plan, CC&R’s and a Grant Deed was filed on April 7^th 2011.  The building was divided into 4 units with Evergreen Properties ownership of units 1, 2 and 4 and the Airport Districts ownership of unit 3 clearly defined.  At that time Wang’s Mandarin Garden, Inc. was able to exercise an option to purchase unit 4 now housing the restaurant, in addition, the monthly rent would otherwise increase.  As this recent judgment states the purchase option was not completed and past rent has not been paid so the Superior Court issued a judgment in favor of Evergreen and against Wang for $68,000.00 and other expenses such as attorney fees. Wang must now vacate the premises and turn it over to Evergreen Properties.  The Mandarin Garden has been at this location for nearly 30 years.

Big Bear Court Reduces Open Days Due to Severe Budget Reductions

Big Bear Lake, CA, March 7,2012, 3:00pm – The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino intends to reduce the days and hours of operation for the local Big Bear Superior Court located at the corner of Big Bear and Summit Boulevards. Beginning the week of April 2^nd the Big Bear Courthouse will be open for hearings and other business each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the first full week of each month. Also effective the week of April 2 the Big Bear District clerk’s office will be open from 8:00am to 3:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the first full week of each month. The Clerks office will be closed all other days of the month and during these times filings will be accepted at the Victorville District clerk’s office as well as a drop box to receive documents.

MOONSHINE RAISES MORE THAN MAYHEM IN 2012

Big Bear, CA, March 3, 2012, 3:00 pm - Over 325 attendees kicked up their heels at “Moonshine and Mayhem,” the annual signature event for the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce.  Held on Feb. 25th, the event raised funds for multiple charities and organizations through its first-ever charity dance competition.Participating charitable organizations who benefited from the competition was the Old Miner’s Association, Lutheran Social Services, Meals on Wheels, Bear Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary, Big Bear Valley Historical Society, Big Bear Valley Hummingbird Project, AAUW/Tech Trek Program, the Lighthouse Project, Soroptomist International of Big Bear Valley, DOVES, and the Big Bear Valley Education Trust. “The Chamber does so much for our community, most recently getting over $100,000 in new freeway signs for Big Bear on the 10, 210 and 15 freeways,” said Gloria Meade, one of the evening’s “jailbirds”. Jim “Wild Card” Weyant and Dick “Quick Draw” Shaw joined Gloria “Margarita” Meade as the evening’s three jailbirds, who all successfully appealed to the crowd for bail money.  “Quick Draw” Shaw set a record for the most bail money ever raised.  The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to the evening’s major sponsor, U.S. Bank, event sponsors Bear Valley Printing, Millener Productions, Mission Linens, Bear Skins and Altitude Financial Planning.  “I can’t thank everyone enough,” said Pam Scannell, Membership Sales and Development.  “From planning to execution, this M&M was the best one yet!”

1^st place (raised over $1,000)- The Bear Valley Education Trust – Bob & Suzie Collins
2^nd place – The Lighthouse Project – Lisa Patterson and Jin Bresnahan
3^rd place – Bear Valley Hospital Auxiliary – Bob & Regina Jackowski
4^th place – Big Bear Valley Meals on Wheels – Steven Baker & Cathy Coogan
5^th place – AAUW Tech Trek – Charles Koch & Deborah Blanchard
6^th Place – DOVES – Tony & Elva Chavez
7^th place –  Soroptimists International of Big Bear – Ron Warren & Jeryl Parker
8^th place –  Lutheran Services Social Elder Care –  Michael Beveridge and Annette Karnes
9^th place – Big Bear Valley Historical Society- Frank De Luna & Madelaine Ducolumbier
10^th place – Big Bear Valley Hummingbird Project – Kathy VerKamp & Richard White
11^Th place – Old Miner’s Association – Dayan Anderson & Burro

Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency new budget

Big Bear City, CA, March 1, 2012 – The Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency held a special meeting to cover several items including the first public meeting in which the proposed new budget was presented in a workshop setting.  The proposed 2012-2013 budget reflects the 4% increase in rates charged to the member agencies including the City of Big Bear Lake, the Big Bear City Community Services District and the county area of 53b Fawnskin.  Several large projects are included in the new budget including the rebuilding and replacement of the Lake Pump Station in Big Bear Lake and a covered drying bed.  The cost of these projects is less than originally projected due in part to lower construction costs.  Other highlights of the next year’s budget include lower costs associated with treatment plant efficiencies.  Cash flow is also projected to be higher because of bond refinancing and higher cash balances from the operations.  In total they are  projecting a balanced budget for the coming year, completion of $1.7 million in capital improvements without borrowing and lower debt expenses.  Formal adoption of the budget will take place during the regular March and April BBARWA meetings.

Assemblyperson Donnelly Gun Charges Filed

San Bernardino Ca, February 29, 2012 8:00 am – Last Friday the San Bernardino County district attorney filed charges on Assemblyperson Tim Donnelly relating to a January 4th incident at the Ontario International airport where he carried a loaded gun, without proper permits, into a secure area of the airport.  He was not arrested at the time but was cited for two misdemeanors gun violations.  Donnelly’s attorney appeared in court last Friday and pleaded not guilty for his client.  This incident has been characterized as an innocent mistake by Donnelly himself and has stated that the San Bernardino District Attorney as well as the Ontario Airport Police acted professionally.  Assembly person Donnelly is running for reelection, in the newly redrawn 33^rd State Assembly district his opponent is Mayor Bill Jahn of Big Bear Lake.  In a statement from the Jahn campaign Jahn supports gun ownership but emphasized that he certainly knows where his gun is and if it is loaded or not.  Donnelly will be back in court again on March 15^th.

Great weather as 300 participate in “Snow Shoe The Bear 2012″

Big Bear Lake, CA, February 26, 2012, 4:00pm – Congratulations to everyone who came for the adventure and ran the 2012 Snowshoe the Bear! Here’s the list of winner’s in the various categories of the 10K and 5K races.

10k Mens

1. Adam Williams, Big Bear Lake, CA
2. David Caballero, Big Bear Lake, CA
3. Alejandro Caballero, Big Bear Lake, CA

10k Womens

1. Kristine Keever, Topanga, CA
2. Rachael Ghrist, Big Bear City, CA
3. Melissa Cabrerra, Santa Monica, CA

5k Mens

1. Cougar Shelton, Big Bear Lake, CA
2. Andrew Moore, Pittsburgh, PA
3. Dan McKernan, Big Bear Lake, CA

5k Womens

1. April Jacobsen, Simi Valley, CA
2. Jody Barrett, Big Bear City, CA
3. Meredith Brandon, Sugarloaf, CA

5k Jr. Men (12 and under)

1. Alec Burton, Big Bear Lake, CA
2. Connor Cook, Rancho Mirage, CA
3. Zach Burton, Big Bear Lake, CA

5k Jr. Women (12 and under)

1. Marina Shelton, Big Bear City, CA
2. Sabrina Martinez, Mission Viejo, CA
3. Sierra Castaldi, Big Bear Lake, CA

10k GRIZZLY Men (50+)
1. Bill Prentice, Pasadena, CA
2. Kurt Madden, Big Bear Lake, CA
3. Dave Baumgartner, Duarte, CA

10K GRIZZLY Women (50+)
1. Sally Martin, Big Bear Lake, CA
2. Lorraine Bennett, San Diego, CA
3. Kathy Portie, Big Bear Lake, CA

Saturday, February 25, 2012 War of the Rails Main Event @ Bear in The Scene

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