Polar Plunge Comes To Big Bear

Big Bear, Ca, February 1, 2012, 5:00pm – Big Bear Lake will talk the plunge this year, with its very first Polar Plunge on March 10^th.  The event, which is done all over the world, sees hundreds of people stripping down to their swimsuits in the dead of winter, and taking a plunge into frigid lake or ocean temperatures.  The Big Bear Lake Resort Association’s Dan Mckernan told KBHR that although the temperatures are cold, the plunge is for a good purpose.  Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California. All proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Participants who reach this goal will get an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a “Chicken.” They receive an “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity.  The inaugural event will take place in Big Bear Lake at Meadow Park on March 10^th.  For more information go to www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge.

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Winterfest Coming To Big Bear!

Big Bear, Ca, January 12, 2012, 9:00am - An age old battle will come to Big Bear this coming February with the inaugural XOS Battle of the Sexes: Winterfest in the Village of Big Bear Lake.  This battle will be unlike any other that Big Bear has seen, in that it will showcase males vs females in three categories that include: a snowboard rail jam, fashion shows, and DJ battles.  According to the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, the purpose of the event is to educate and uplift women through fun, non-competitive events vs. men, to raise awareness of breast cancer, and the value of living an active lifestyle.  “We want to give women a comfortable forum where they can showcase their talents without any pressures. Winterfest is designed to give them a chance to playfully participate against the guys in a fun atmosphere,” said XOS Productions Event Producer Marisa Lupo. “The other key piece of Winterfest is to communicate the message about breast cancer, the importance of self examination and early detection, and to provide knowledge to fight the deadly disease.”  The two day event will take place on February 3^rd and 4^th of this year in the Village at the Bartlett Parking Lot. For more event information visit www.xosproductions.com.

Major Special Events Committee Looks to Solve Dilemmas and Decide Policy

Big Bear, Ca, January 11, 2012, 8:00am -The Major Special Events Ad-Hoc Committee will meet again tonight at 4:00pm in the Civic Center Training Room.  The committee will continue discussing major special event policy by going over the purpose of the committee, reviewing current policy framework, and will discuss dilemmas and how to address them.  Currently the Old Miners Association and the Big Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce have requested to hold events on the same date and at the same location.  The Old Miners want to hold their Chili Cook Off that has been around for years, and the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, a business organization, wants to hold a BBQ fest both on the same date in July, and in the Bartlett Parking Lot.  According to City of Big Bear Lake Director of Intergovernmental/Community Relations Cheri Haggerty, dilemmas like this have happened before, and the committee will look to resolve the problem, and to develop a standard operating procedure for dealing with similar dilemmas in the future.  The committee will also discuss utilizing alternative venues for city events such as the Convention Center, Meadow Park, Rathbun Lot, Veterans and Rotary park.   The use of Bartlett Parking lot will also be on the discussion, and whether or not its use should be limited to once a month, and if it should be allowed for use at all during busy months such as July.  The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to speak during public comment time.

Cats Announces Auditions For 2012 PRODUCTIONS

Big Bear City, CA, January 6, 2011, 3:00pm - CATS, The Community Arts Theater Society, announces auditions for upcoming shows. The all volunteer organization does not charge any fees for participation, but all who are interested in being in the shows must be able to schedule their time, and commit to the project as a part of the team. CATS will have the Grand Opening of their new CATS Warehouse Theater with an original revue called “Bearly Broadway” opening on March 23rd, written by Robin Field and Karen Sargent Rachels. Auditions will be held on January 28th and 29th by appointment only. CATS summer show will be “The King and I”. Some principal auditions will be held on February 18th and 19th. CATS fall production will be “Oliver!” with some principal auditions on Saturday, April 28th. For more information about these performances and details about audition requirements, check CATS Facebook page or the CATS web site at: www.bigbeartheater.org.

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Team Jordan Welcomed Back Big Bear Style!

Big Bear, Ca, January 2, 2011, 4:00pm - Team Jordan was welcomed home Big Bear Style on New Years Day.  The team comprised of Paul and Jordan Romero and Karen Lundgren returned home to Big Bear after they summited Mount Vinson Massif in Antarctica on Christmas Eve.  The team has now summited the 7 Summits, the 7 highest peaks on each of the continents, and is happy to be home.  Karen, Paul and 15 year old Jordan traveled through the village atop Old Red, the fire truck, where they where given a walk down memory lane, as each of the 7 Summits were represented by different businesses in the Village.

  Their tour of memory lane ended at the Robinhood Resort, where a crowd of close friends, family and supporters waited to welcome the team back into the Big Bear Valley.  Jordan, Paul and Karen all spoke about their amazing journey and thanked the community for their support over the last six years.  Karen told the crowd that Antarctica was the most beautiful place she has ever been, and that it was an amazing journey.  Paul thanked everyone for the amazing support and said that the team could feel the energy from Big Bear during their climb.  Jordan was all smiles as he thanked the crowd, and his friends for taking a few runs on the slopes at Bear Mountain when he got back in town.  Jordan encouraged the crowd to continue to stay off junk food, and to find their Everest, and follow their dreams.  The team also told the crowd that they all dedicated and climbed Mount Vinson for three friends who have or are battling cancer.  Karen climbed for local Stephanie Murphy, Jordan climbed for Nigel Holland, and Paul climbed for close friend Kris Astaphan. 

 Friends of the team had a big surprise for Jordan at the after party at Nottingham’s when they presented him with a re-creation of the painting of the 7 summits that inspired him to climb 7 months ago.  Jordan was very surprised, and thankful.  For more information on the team go to www.jordanromero.com.

Photos courtesy Scott Hoffman, Hoffman Media & Graphics

Torchlight Parade Set To Light Up 2012

Big Bear, Ca, December 28, 2011, 5:00pm - Big Bear’s New Years Eve Tradition, the Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit will take place Saturday night beginning at 7:00pm.  From across the valley, espcecially along the North Shore of Big Bear Valley, the Torchlight parade will be visible, lighting up the New Years Eve Sky for all to see.  Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Employees along with ski team members will ski and board down Miracle Mile while carrying torches.  The Torchlight parade will be followed by festivities at both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, with the Snow Summit New Years Eve party starting at 8:00pm, and Bear Mountain’s party starting at 9:00pm. Both parties will have music, entertainment, dancing, fun and food.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.

Things to do in Big Bear

Big Bear, Ca, December 27, 2011, 4:00pm - The Big Bear Valley has many different activities for visitors and residents to enjoy this holiday season.  The Moonridge Animal Park provides a home for many indigenous and mountain area animals, including the grizzly bear and bald eagle.  The Big Bear Discovery Center is open Thursday’s through Mondays, and offers visitors a chance to brush up on the history and wildlife of the Big Bear Valley. The new Action Segway tours offer tours from a different perspective, in different areas of the valley.  They are housed in the new village shops and courtyard in the Big Bear Lake Village.  Local gyms such as Big Bear Total Fitness and Mountain Fitness Center are open this week, and offer day passes, and both have excellent facilities for all your exercise and high altitude training needs. For those that want to relax, take a look at one of our spa’s or wellness centers, such as Elevations Day Spa, the Village Spa, or if you want to stay in by the fire, make an appointment with a licensed masseuse from Mobile Mountain Massage.    Additional activities you can do on your own time include snowshoeing, and taking a stroll down the Alpine Pedal Path on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake.  There are many local trails, including the Woodland Trail, Cougar Crest Trail, and Pine Knot trail that are great for snowshoeing.  For more information, or to get a referral from the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, call 866-4607.

2011 Year In Review

Big Bear, Ca, December 27, 2011, 12:00pm - The Big Bear Valley went through some changes in 2011.  Motorists experienced the closure of Highway 330 for the first quarter of the year followed by the road reopening along with the grand opening of the new Big Bear Bridge. Late February was a great month for snow, with snowfall lasting through May, making for a shorter summer. One of the founders of the City of Big Bear Lake, Dr. Davies passed, Bonnie Blue a local staple in the realty business also passed, along with Gary Antes of Big Bear City Glass.  Big Bear Choppers closed down, and KBHR moved into our new building.  The new Superintendent for the Bear Valley Unified School District proved that he would do anything for the kids of our valley when he ran 100 miles to help raise money for the track at Baldwin Lane Elementary School.  The Big Bear High School Football team made the record books by going into overtime eight times in their game versus Desert Hot Springs.  Kara Burks was named Miss Big Bear, and Gus Gonzalez as Man About Town.  The Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City Fire Departments began the merging process, and Big Bear City Community Services District saw two board members resign in one month, turning around the board dynamic.  City Council shifted the direction the city would go in regards to affordable housing, instead of creating affordable housing, they instead changed certain land designations.  Heather and Ted Devito won the Conquer the Bear series, less than a year after they had their first baby, and 15 year old Jordan Romero became the youngest person to summit all of the 7 Summits on Christmas Eve.  2012 brings the return of the Amgen Tour of California to Big Bear, the California State Mountain Bike Championships, more events, excellent snow, and new resolutions for valley residents to make.

Celebrate Responsibly: Don’t Drink & Drive

Big Bear, Ca, December 26, 2011, 3:00pm - KBHR and the California Highway Patrol are reminding motorists to drive responsibly, and to designate a sober driver when celebrating this holiday season.  The next two weeks will be filled with celebration, holiday gatherings, and festive parties, and motorists should ensure the saftey of themselves and others, and celebrate responsibly.  When motorists foolishly decide to drive under the influence, crashes become inevitable with property damage, injury and death becoming all too common during the holiday season.  The danger posed by DUI drivers is intensified in our mountain communities during the holiday season, when road conditions are already a challenge for even the most experienced drivers due to rain, mud, ice and snow.  Remember to designate a sober driver, utilize a taxi service, or call a friend to pick you up, if you had too much to drink.

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