Big Bear Welcomes Home Team Jordan Romero, Celebrating Their Seven Summits Quest and Record-Breaking Mt. Everest Climb With “Live Your Dreams” Fair

Big Bear Lake, CA — The star of yesterday’s Live Your Dreams Fair at Big Bear Middle School was eighth grader Jordan Romero, who, along with climbing partners dad Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren, were welcomed home to Big Bear and celebrated for their record-breaking summit to the top of Mt. Everest on May 22. The community—including countless BBMS students–came out in support of Team Jordan Romero, as did the dignitaries, many of whom presented the 13-year-old climber with proclamations and accolades, which he humbly accepted to the cheers of those in attendance. Among those June 9 acknowledgments was a statement from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. As read by Big Bear Lake Mayor Liz Harris, “As a fellow athlete, I commend you for challenging your determination… your perseverance is the hallmark of a true champion.” Jordan also received commendations from Senator Bob Dutton and Assemblyman Paul Cook, as well as a visit from Third District County Supervisor Neil Derry, and comments from BVUSD Superintendent Nancy Wright, who said his legacy is the hope he gives all of us. BBMS Principal Julie Chamberlin did her part, in trying to secure something from President Obama and, in the course of many phone calls to the White House, she told Jordan, “They’d all heard of you!”
As his principal, Chamberlin said, many people had asked her if she thought the arduous climb of Everest was appropriate for a teen, to which she’s said, “Thirteen is just a number, and that number does not define Jordan Romero.” Describing him as a quiet, gentle, thoughtful leader, she relayed that he was like a celebrity on campus, especially on Monday (June 7), his first day back, when he joined Chamberlin to read the announcements on the school’s TV system. The middle school will feel the effects of Jordan long after he graduates to Big Bear High School as, on his behalf, Stater Bros. Markets made a $10,000 contribution to the school district which, when coupled with the over $2,500 raised at Wednesday’s dinner, will continue to fund the after-school intervention program billed as Homework Club.

As for continuous support here in Big Bear, it was Karen Lundgren who told the crowd, “You guys all helped to get him to the summit—more than you know.” She also shared some encouragement, saying, “Parents, get to know your kids and what their dreams are and how you can support them.” The third member of the team, Jordan’s dad Paul, thanked his son for taking care of him at 29,000’ and added that “the love and teamwork was just magical.” When, at ceremony’s end—and yet prior to the dinner and slide show that followed—Jordan was given his opportunity at the podium, he said, “Thanks from the bottom of my heart for making me feel so welcomed. When I was nine, I found a big goal, a goal to climb mountains. It hasn’t been easy, but the most important thing is that I kept my focus. I’ve never been more proud to call Big Bear my home than I am this evening.” He noted that it was thinking of home here in Big Bear (where he is a third generation local, following mom LeighAnne Drake and grandparents Bob and MaryLu) that got him through the tough times en route to Everest. “My real summit,” he added, “was returning to Big Bear.” He then continued to inspire by asking attendees to close their eyes and envision their goal. “Find your Everest,” Jordan encouraged, “and climb it.”
For more on Team Jordan Romero, check out Jordan’s appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Friday night, airing at 11:30pm on NBC, and stay tuned to KBHR for details from the trio’s slide show presentation at Big Bear Middle School.

May 23 Blizzard Brings Valley’s Snow Totals to 131 Inches–Nearly Six Feet More Than Average

Big Bear Valley, CA — We didn’t get the snow on Mothers Day this year, but we did receive about three inches of snow here in the Big Bear Valley yesterday (Sunday, May 23), during several hours of snowfall starting in about the 7am hour and continuing into the afternoon. The late May blizzard also brought about near white-out conditions for some portions of the day, and, all told, brings snow totals for the 2009/2010 season to about 131 inches, which more than doubles the yearly average of 62 inches. Prior to the May 23 storm, our latest snowfalls had come on April 28 and on Earth Day, April 22, when the Big Bear Valley received about eight inches of snow. Per the most recent report on lake levels from the Big Bear Municipal Water District, lake levels are currently at about 69′, 7″—or two feet, eight inches below capacity; a year ago this week, this level was measured at 67′, 4″.

San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen Announces Retirement; County’s Lead Firefighter Got His Start as Volunteer in Big Bear City

San Bernardino, CA — San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen plans to retire from an illustrious career, effective June 25—a career that was sparked by an ROP class that he took in the fall of 1974, while a senior at Big Bear High School. As Chief Dennen tells KBHR, “It was a fire science class in my senior year that got me excited. Then I went right into being a volunteer firefighter with the Big Bear City Fire Department.” His 36-year career in the public sector ultimately resulted in his current post as County Fire Chief, overseeing a 19,000 square mile area that includes 1,000 employees at over 80 facilities of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, including Fawnskin station #49 and Baldwin Lake station #97.
During Dennen’s more than 12 years serving the County, the department underwent a reorganization during his command, which included the consolidation of 27 separate fire districts. Other accomplishments to Chief Dennen’s credit include the development of a state-recognized Urban Search and Rescue Team, the creation of a County Fire Incident Management Team, and leadership in the development of the Mountain Area Safety Task Force (which, this week, recognizes Wildfire Awareness Week). After the 2003 fires, Chief Dennen was asked to serve on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, a commission he still serves on today, as well as representing all fire districts in the southern half of California on the FIRESCOPE Board of Directors; and, as noted here last year, Chief Dennen was appointed as the Regional Coordinator for CalEMA Region VI, meaning he oversees the coordination and dispatch of regional mutual aid resources and rescue emergency plans for six counties, which include San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo and Mono.
In his retirement letter to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, he said he planned to stay with the department until June’s end to finish the budget process before the beginning of the next fiscal year and thanked the Board and the County for a career he referred to as a “once-in-a -lifetime opportunity.” In a subsequent statement, San Bernardino County Fire Chief (and BBHS graduate) Pat Dennen says, “County Fire is an amazing team of true professionals who are unconditionally committed to our vision of being the premier fire service provider in Southern California. Their dedication simply amazes me. Together, we have collectively built one of the most widely respected fire departments in the state, if not the nation. It has been my honor to be the fire chief and fire warden for the largest fire protection district in the State of California, and in the largest county in the United States.”

Nine Feet of Snow Later, Big Bear Valley’s Winter Melts Into Spring on Saturday

Big Bear Valley, CA — It was just eight Fridays ago, when we were buried under five feet of snow—roads were under an R3 requirement, all highways were closed, school was canceled, and power was out—and it seemed this day would never come, but spring arrives this weekend! Since the first of the winter season’s storms began on Friday, November 13, we have received about 113 inches of snow here in the Big Bear Valley, which totals nearly nine-and-a-half-feet altogether, and nearly double the winter snowfall average of 62 inches. In the month of March, however, we have received about eight inches of snow (so far), when an average March tends to bring about 14 inches. Though the weather has tapered off, KBHR’s weatherman Ben Brissey reminds that, in Big Bear, Mother’s Day in May tends to bring us the final snowfall of the year—and, in fact, he says, in the late ’90s we even had a few inches of snow on a Father’s Day in June. You may also recall, in 2008, when we received a cold storm, bringing snow on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. As for the resorts, officials at Big Bear Mountain Resorts tell us that the El Niño winter has set up both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit for a good, long spring with excellent snow conditions—at present, the ski resorts plan to stay open into April, with plans to host another Easter egg hunt on the slopes on Sunday, April 4th. Those who enjoy the view from atop the resorts can also see that the ice is melting on Big Bear Lake and, since that first snowfall in November, lake levels have risen from about 64’ to, now, over 67’ and rising as those nine feet of snow accumulation continue to melt with the arrival of spring on Saturday.

A Chapter in Big Bear History Closes With Today’s Passing of Tim Sweet

Big Bear City, CA — The Valley has lost one of its champions of Big Bear history with today’s passing of Tim Sweet. Sweet, a sewer foreman for the Big Bear City Community Services District, had lived most of his 55 years in the Big Bear Valley and, with wife Kim, made countless contributions to the Big Bear Historical Museum, where they served as volunteer curators for nearly 10 years, while also serving as historians and co-hosts of the “Big Bear History Show” on Channel 6 for seven years. Sweet passed away in the early morning hours today, March 8, due to a heart attack and, says longtime friend Marge McDonald, who baked the wedding cake for Tim and Kim Sweet 30some years ago, “He was just a wonderful, wonderful person.” The Sweets, who have lived in the Big Bear Valley for over 40 years, also raised their son Brandon here; he is now a college student in Santa Cruz. In a conversation with KBHR today, CSD’s General Manager Mike Mayer expressed, “The Community Services District is deeply saddened by the loss of a very dedicated and hard-working employee, who has been with us for 27 years.  We pray for our loving God to comfort his wife Kim and their family.” Rick Keppler, producer of “The Big Bear History Show” says that the Sweets had just wrapped their 24th episode (now in post-production) and, of friend Tim, he says, “He was one of the most laid-back, friendly people I’ve ever met. Everybody liked Tim Sweet.”

Swap, Sale and Deed: Community Services District Excited About Property Exchanges With County and Park District

Big Bear City, CA — During agenda items for the Board of Directors for the Big Bear City Community Services District, President Marge McDonald announced, “I could not be happier with these things listed under Old Business.” The business item at hand, at the March 1st CSD meeting, addressed the reassignment of East Valley properties–via sale, swap and redeeding—between CSD, the County of San Bernardino, and the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, as initially outlined in the Paradise Park Memorandum of Understanding drafted in 2007 (and, at that time, referred to as a “win-win situation” by Rec and Park’s Reese Troublefield). The properties at issue include the Erwin Lake Park (owned by CSD), the property beneath the Sugarloaf Fire Station (owned by Rec and Park), the former Bear City Park property on which the Lions Club building is situated, and CSD’s well #9 parcels, currently owned by the County. Though no action was taken last night (and the Rec and Park Advisory Commission will address the property swaps in a 4pm Thursday meeting), President McDonald thanked County Supervisor Neil Derry for his support before adding, “I see the light at the end of the tunnel for the Lions Club, and that makes me very happy.”

As explained by CSD’s General Manager Mike Mayer, the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District is offering a 1.6 acre parcel containing the Lions Club building to CSD; this is the parcel adjacent to the Historical Museum (already deeded to the Big Bear Valley Historical Society in June 2008) and the four-acre runway protection zone across from the airport. If CSD were to consider ownership of the 1.6 acre parcel, GM Mayer suggested that staff continue meetings with involved parties to address how maintenance and liability issues will be shared with regard to the parking lot and restrooms off the Greenway Drive location. Rec and Park’s Troublefield also proposed to CSD the potential purchase of roughly 11 acres among the Pan Hot Springs Meadow, for a possible zoo relocation site and, adds Mayer, “Mr. Troublefield also sweetened the real property issues contained in the MOU between CSD and BBVRPD by offering to deed the CSD’s well #9 parcels in the Bear City Park instead of charging approximately $62,000 as originally stated in the MOU.” The land swap of Erwin Lake Park and Sugarloaf Fire Station properties between the two agencies would remain unchanged.
Lions Club members, including the service club’s District Governor Mel Niez, voiced their support and commitment to the plan and though no official action took place, other than a vote to continue with the MOU, a pleased McDonald said, “There is a lot involved in it, but I know it’s going to happen.”

Lighthouse Project’s Vision Includes Make a Million Smiles Campaign; Author Owen Encourages “Cowboy Ethics”

Big Bear Lake, CA – Community leaders and those in child-involved groups were welcomed to participate in the third annual Vision 2010 Community Summit, hosted by the Lighthouse Project at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center last night. Big Bear Lake Mayor Liz Harris opened the evening of inspiration and motivation to continue with child-honoring efforts in our community. “You all give me great pride,” Mayor Harris remarked, “Big Bear is a very special place.” Harris introduced some special members of the audience, including County Supervisor Neil Derry, BVUSD’s Superintendent Dr. Nancy Wright and members of the school board, as well as local elected officials, before saying of the Lighthouse Project, “It is a gift to the young and old alike.”
Program coordinator Beth Gardner addressed the packed PAC by noting, “We can always be improving and creating more unity in our community. Big Bear is uniquely poised to create special things.” Among those have been the Lighthouse’s Move a Million Miles for Ryan Hall campaign, the implementation of PeaceBuilders programs at local schools, the Run the Bear Marathon, and Peace Gardens at school sites, including two planned to sprout in spring at Big Bear High School and North Shore Elementary. The next big effort of the Lighthouse Project is the Make a Million Smiles campaign which, like the community movement in support of Olympian Ryan Hall in 2008, will allow for young and old alike to log their smiles (rather than miles) for every minute spent contributing in a volunteer capacity. “We need your help in schools,” Gardner suggested, “and think about the gifts that you’re going to get. Make a Million Smiles is inviting all of us to shine our light in 2010.”
To inspire those in attendance to a greater sense of community and integrity, the Lighthouse welcomed “Cowboy Ethics” author Jim Owen to speak on the Code of the West which, he says, “is a conscious choice to do the right thing; doing the right thing is a path you choose.” Owen went on to outline cowboy ethics which, when applied by each of us individually, can make a difference in our children, our community and our country. With that, and the challenge to make a million smiles, here is the Code of the West: “Live each day with courage. Take pride in your work. Always finish what you start. Do what has to be done. Be tough, but fair. When you make a promise, keep it. Ride for the brand. Talk less and say more. Remember that some things aren’t for sale. Know where to draw the line.”

Since Learning to Ride in Big Bear, Olympian Shaun White Goes Gold

If you didn’t catch yesterday’s Olympic highlights from Vancouver, Shaun White took gold again in the snowboarding half-pipe and, what you might enjoy knowing is that the gold medalist from San Diego started his snowboarding adventure right here in Big Bear when he was just six years old, though he started on skis at age four. Big Bear Mountain Resorts tell us that once White, now 23, began competing at age seven, he advanced so quickly that USASA placed him with riders almost twice his age in his earliest competitions. By age 13, White was riding professionally. For more on his story, and ties to Big Bear, NBC television is scheduled to air a segment on White during this evening’s 6pm newscast on channel 4.

At 57″ and Counting, January 2010 Snow Totals Are Over Four Times the Average

This last series of storms–which prompted a local state of emergency given the dumping of five feet of snow–has now been ranked as comparable to the legendary winter of 1969, though resources in 2010 have allowed the Big Bear Valley to be better equipped to deal with such extreme circumstances. But, in terms of snow totals, it should be noted that for an average year, snow accumulation tends to amount to 62” (or just over five feet) for an entire winter season, with a to-date average of about 32”, per KBHR’s weatherman Ben Brissey. Given the additional two inches or so of snow we received on Tuesday, our annual total is now at roughly 88” this season! An average January snowfall tends to be about 14”, whereas January 2010 will surely make history with 57” of snow—so far. Lake levels for Big Bear Lake have come up nearly a foot since our series of storms began on January 17. To view a number of storm photos submitted by KBHR listeners, visit our “Big Bear’s Epic Snow Storm” collage on YouTube.

Pow! Longtime Local Dick Kun Compares Our Recent Snowstorms to the Legendary Winter of 1969

Big Bear Lake, CA — Longtime Big Bear resident Dick Kun has been watching the snow fall for over 60 seasons and, as president of Big Bear Mountain Resorts, he’s become an expert on snow in the Big Bear Valley. He says that this last series of storms, which included four fronts over the course of a week, is as intense as the legendary storm of 1969, though we are better equipped to deal with five feet of snow, now, 40some years later. “This is the biggest and deepest amount of snow we’ve had since January/February 1969,” Kun tells KBHR. “Then we had at least as much snow as we have now, but with torrential rains, then more snow after that back in ‘69, it compounded it, and a lot of roofs caved in. The roads and the town were much more cut off and isolated, so it was much worse than now. There were less resources to deal with it, and the power was out much longer. We had a whole day of digging out at Snow Summit, when we had just one chairlift and it was buried. We had to dig out the terminal so the chairs could go around, and there was probably another foot or two than we have now.”
As for the January 2010 episode of epic snowfall, Kun says, “What’s really unique about this one is how much snow we got in just a few days. This pattern is the most similar to ’69. This one is unique in how much fell in such a short amount of time; this is the most intense because you can think of it as one storm, even though it was four fronts that came through. There may be some drifts up to seven feet, but we got about five feet of snow.”
There have been other years with plenty of snow, but Kun points out that these were El Niño years, in 1973, ’79, ’83 and ’98 when, he adds, “These were big snow years that started early and went all season long, but no crippling storms.” Whereas, in 1969, it “came on like gangbusters,” he says, and went into April. He even notes a story of a half-dozen Boy Scouts who were taking a trip from Fawnskin to Green Valley and went missing, not to be found until spring.
Though the benefit of our current snowfall is that Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts will probably not have to make much more snow, if any, for the duration of the ski season, Kun says that this epic storm cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars, not just in snow removal efforts (on the lifts, parking lots and facilities, as well as overtime), but in lost revenue due to road closures. “On Monday,” he says, “we closed Bear because we had 1,700 skiers, whereas we would have normally had 4,000, and today is worse, with the confusion about road closures. We would have had 5,000 today, but the enthusiasm this has created may allow us to catch up in the next couple weeks.”

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