Dance Competition At Moonshine And Mayhem For Local Charities

Big Bear Lake, CA, February 3, 2012, 3:00pm - The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce is once again shaking things up at its annual fundraiser, Moonshine and Mayhem that will be held on February 25th at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, by adding a new spin, some twirls, and possibly a few dips through a couples country dance competition. Up to 20 Big Bear couples will be partnered with local charities to dance at Moonshine and Mayhem and raise funds for the charities and the Chamber of Commerce. The dance competition is open to any couple interested in participating, and no prior experience is necessary.  A charity can also sponsor a couple if they want.   The cost to the couple is only $25, which includes two tickets to Moonshine and Mayhem, dinner for two and entry into the competition.  Local charities interested in participating by being partnered with a dance couple must donate an item to the Chamber’s event valued at $50-100.  The charity will receive a discount of $50 on a table of 10 to encourage more supporters to come to the event. There will be three elimination rounds and voting is based on dollars raised either through pre-event pledges, or at the event by the attendees. Sara Russ, President/CEO of the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce says they “want the participants to add costumes, skits, and humor to their dancing routines making the whole competition entertaining while simultaneously raising funds for local charities.”  The couple that raises the most money will win 90% of their donations for their chosen charity, and every couple is guaranteed to win at least 40%. For more information contact the Chamber at (909) 866-4067 or email sruss@bigbearchamber.com.

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Write a Letter: Support Our Schools

Big Bear, Ca, February 3, 2012, 12:00pm – Due to the recent announcement by Governor Brown regarding the cutting of funds for the Home-to-School transportation budget by $800,000 in the Bear Valley Unified School District, a few concerned teachers and parents are taking action. The cuts proposed would force the removal of school bus service from our valley, resulting in many children being forced to find their own way to school. On February 7^th at 5:00 PM at Big Bear Middle School, there will be a letter writing campaign to encourage the legislative budget committee to pass SB 81, which would repeal the cuts from school transportation.  Jill Zamoyta, former teacher, concerned parent and wife of Paul Zamoyta, one of BVUSD’s trustees, is helping lead the cause and told KBHR that “Taking away busing in Big Bear would be devastating to not only schools and children, but also families and the economy in general. No transportation means reduced attendance, thereby reducing the amount of funds coming into the district that have been decimated by the state. In addition, the logistical consequences, such as traffic at school sites during drop-off and pick-up, would present a huge problem, and possibly be dangerous as well.”  The organizers of the letter writing event are asking for every community member to come and spend a few minutes writing a letter to express the devastating impact these cuts would cause, and to ask legislators to pass SB 81 when it comes up for a vote.  Zamoyta added “It’s a small effort for what will be a big return if we can save transportation in our community.”

Superbowl Sunday: Remember to Put Food Away

Big Bear, Ca, February 3, 2012, 8:00am - As you sit down with friends and family this Sunday to watch the Giants play the Patriots in the Superbowl, remember to put away perishable food, or keep an eye on how long the food has been out.  Next to Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is the day that American’s consume the most food, and like Thanksgiving, large amounts of perishable foods are left out for hours before they are put back in the refrigerator, which increases the chances of food born illness.  Illness caused by bad food can be severe, and can cause hospitalization or even death.  To avoid food poisoning this Super Bowl Sunday, plan ahead, and plan to leave out only non-perishable foods.  Avoid items that are high in dairy content, or only keep dairy items out for short amounts of time.  Save food such as chicken wings, pizza, hamburgers, hotdogs and cold cuts for when they can be eaten right away.  If you BBQ, be sure to avoid cross contamination by keeping ready to eat food separate from raw meat juices.  If all else fails, remember the 2- hour rule.  Do not leave any temperature sensitive or perishable food out for more than 2 hours.  Most importantly remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water, and enjoy the game.

BVUSD Regular Meeting Further Outlines Parcel Tax Idea

Big Bear, CA, February 2, 2012, 12noon: At last night’s regular board meeting of the Bear Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, during the public comment section of the meeting several parents spoke on behalf of dismissed Middle School aide, Ken O’Hare.  The distressed speakers outlined Mr. O’Hare’s dedication to students and their potential to protest his firing that occurred earlier during closed session.  It is unclear as the reason for Mr. O’Hare’s dismissal but speakers made reference to an inappropriate text message.  The District Board and administration does not publicly comment on employee personnel issues and his dismissal, and reason for it, was not made public by the District.  Fifty or so community members and district staff attended the meeting at the Middle School seemingly primarily for information about the District’s financial status and potential upcoming Parcel Tax.  The Board adopted a resolution against the elimination of home-to-school transportation and Special Education transportation funding citing harm to low-income students in rural California for disproportionate program and service reductions compared to all other students in this state.  Additionally, the resolution urges our politicians to reverse the State Budget action in regards to cutting transportation funding.  A presentation of the Parcel Tax parameters was to be outlined last night by consultant Charles Heath of TBWB Strategies, however, Mr. Heath was unable to attend and the item was pulled from the agenda in closed session.  There was much discussion about the budget crisis and as Walter Con, Director of Business Services, stated that budget information is changing quickly but it is predicted that the school financial outlook for the State of California will not improve until 2016 or later.  A few community members spoke on behalf of a Parcel Tax with opinions from both extremes being represented.  Erwin Lake resident, Michael Perry, indicated that he believes what the politicians are doing to our children’s education is criminal.  He spoke in support of a Parcel Tax where we could spend the money directly for our students and the only question left being how much money is needed.  Mr. Perry believes that a Parcel Tax will pass if it is explained adequately to our residents.  He informed the Board not to be afraid to get the bad news out as soon as possible and don’t sugarcoat it.  Conversely, Joseph Cottrell of Big Bear City, followed with his statements that he has paid his taxes to Sacramento and if the Board wants his money, that’s where they should go to get it.  Lastly, Big Bear Lake resident, Linda Ricchiuti, spoke stating that the Board needs to think hard before going down this road because there is no going back.  Following, Superintendent Kurt Madden, outlined what needs to be done next in regards to the Parcel Tax including a feasibility study, organizing community support and getting people out to vote.  The procedural timeline to implement a parcel tax brings us to approximately June 21^st, or later, for the Parcel Tax vote.  Details such as how much money is needed was discussed at length as Board Trustee, Paul Zamoyta, outlined a financial comparison of how much the tax would need to be to take our District to the top or to just be average compared to other districts.  Current discussions have indicated that the tax may be in the $50 or $60 range in order to ensure a successful vote.  A $50 tax would provide approximately $1.5 million dollars in revenue to our schools.  But as Mr. Zamoyta stated, he isn’t advocating a high tax but that the public can’t expect a “Cadillac” education for that amount.  Board member, Randy Putz, also stated that the Parcel Tax would give our community the opportunity to decide how important education is to them.  Implementation of a Special Board Workshop for the community to continue discussion on the issue was presented and will be determined where and when tomorrow.  Stay tuned to Kbear for details.

Winterfest: This Weekend!

Big Bear, Ca, February 2, 2012, 12:00pm  - An age-old battle will come to Big Bear this weekend, starting Friday Night,  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 in the Village at the Bartlett Parking Lot. For more event information visit www.xosproductions.com.

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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School Board Meeting To Discuss Parcel Tax Parameters

Big Bear, Ca, February 1, 2012, 12:00pm - The Bear Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet tonight for their regularly scheduled meeting.  Student representatives from Big Bear High School and Chautauqua High School will provide the board with updated on what is going on at their schools, and the BVUSD Governing Board will recognize the Maintenance and Operations Department for their efforts in restoring the art room at Big Bear High School.   The board will discuss a compressed natural gas bus piggyback bid purchase, coaching assignments at Big Bear High, will announce a new special education teacher that is set to be hired at the meeting, and will discuss and possibly approve a resolution regarding home to school transportation, and present the parameters of the parcel tax idea.  The public is welcome to attend the meeting that starts at 6:30pm tonight at the Big Bear Middle School Library.

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Chamber Power Lunch Focuses on Moonshine & Mayhem

Big Bear, Ca, February 1, 2012, 12:00pm – The Big Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce is prepping for its annual fundraiser Moonshine and Mayhem, and this months Power Lunch will focus on the event.  The Power Lunch will be held at Nottingham’s in the Village on February 2^nd, from 11:30am to 1:30pm, and “jail birds” for the Moonshine and Mayhem event will be announced, and chamber officials will report on their crimes.  For the past three years members of the community have been playfully arrested leading up to Moonshine and Mayhem, resulting in the jail birds needing to raise money for the Chamber to bail themselves out of jail!  Moonshine and Mayhem will be held on February 25^th, and tickets can be purchased by calling the Chamber at 866-4607.

22 Month Old Male Dies : Death Under Investigation

Big Bear, Ca, January 31, 2012, 4:00pm – According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff Station responded to a call of a child not breathing on January 30th at the Crossings at Big Bear Lake, the new apartments that were built in the middle of last year.  The child was a 22 month old male, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.   According to Johnny Wells, the young boy was Brandon Copley Jr, and his family has no financial support to cover burial costs.  Collection cans for assistance for the family in this difficult time can be found at both 7/11’s and Community Market.  There has also been a memorial account set up at First Mountain Bank to accept donations.  A death investigation is being conducted and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

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