James Ramos and son James Ramos Jr. sing traditional songs during dedication.

Jordan (here with Paul and Karen) was gifted an original Brad Washburn print of Everest from fellow climber Steve Reneker. A local ski patroller who's also climbed Everest, Reneker noted, "Only a few thousand have tried (Everest), and less than 10 percent have made it to the summit."

Thirteen-year-old Jordan Romero, happy to be home.

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.

The Team Jordan Romero trio: Jordan, Paul, Karen. As Karen put it, "We all learned a lot, and Jordan grew a ton. You can imagine the hours of quality time we had, sitting in a tent."

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.

On another beautiful Big Bear Lake afternoon, the community celebrated Team Jordan Romero on Minder Field. Those on the stage included (from left) Mayor Liz Harris, BVUSD Superintendent Nancy Wright, BBMS Principal Julie Chamberlin, Jordan Romero, Paul Romero, Karen Lundgren, Jordan's pre-Everest coach Steve Reneker, Jordan's mom LeighAnne Drake and younger sister Makaela. For more stories on Jordan, click on the "Jordan Romero" tab below.

County Fire Chief Pat Dennen graduated from BBHS in '75, then started his firefighting career as a volunteer firefighter in Big Bear City. He and wife Diana, who have seven children between them, reside in Highland.

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.”

It's been a long winter, but spring arrives tomorrow, March 20.

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.

The resorts still have plenty of snow, with plans to stay open into April and, given the fabulous turnout last Easter, Snow Summit (pictured here) will host another Easter egg hunt on April 4.

Tim Sweet, honored here for 25 years of service to CSD in 2008, went above and beyond in his contributions to Big Bear history.

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.”

Sweet moment: Tim and Kim Sweet, here with friend and producer Rick Keppler, at the Big Bear dam in 2004 for filming of one of 24 episodes of the "Big Bear History Show." (Photo courtesy Rick Keppler)

CSD President Marge McDonald

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.”

Monday's CSD meeting also included employee recognition for Donna Horn, the district's utility billing specialist since 2007. GM Mike Mayer congratulated her for "10 years of hard work."

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.”

Girl twirl: As with Vision Summit #2, this year's offering included many young dancers, brightening the stage at the PAC. The group performed to "Each of Us Is a Flower," during a video highlighting the Peace Garden at Big Bear Elementary.

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.”

School board members Paul Zamoyta, Beverly Grabe and Randall Putz join Beth Gardner and Liz Harris in welcoming Wall Street exec-turned-"social entrepreneur" and author Jim Owen (second from right) to Big Bear.

"Lighthouses" Michael and Tanya Perry celebrated the Community Summit's theme: Achieving Our Best in the Wild West!

County Supervisor Neil Derry, here with mountain representative Jamie Garland, told attendees: "God bless you for all you're doing for all the children in the Valley."

Groups in support of the child-honoring community effort came together after the presentation, for an expo in Hofert Hall. These particpants were at the event in support of (from left) the community gardens project, United Methodist Church's Simple Suppers, Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, the Arts and Outdoor Education Enrichment Program, and the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation.