Big Bear News KBHR 93.3 » Current News

BVUSD Learn More on How to Develop A Successful Parcel Tax Measure

Cathy Herrick — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:08:49 +0000

Big Bear, CA, February 7, 2012, 5:00pm -The Bear Valley Unified School District’s Board of Trustees held a Special Board Workshop meeting Monday evening to learn more about what is needed in pursuing a Parcel Tax in the Big Bear Valley. At a meeting on February 1^st, the Board had agreed to move forward with a Parcel Tax election to help our School District fund our student’s education in light of dramatic budget cuts from Sacramento. Political consultant, Charles Heath of TBWB Strategies outlaid that process for the Board and eighteen members of the public in attendance. The inherent political challenges facing the implementation of a Parcel Tax, that would allow for school programs and services to be funded as outlined by our School District, were thoroughly discussed by Mr. Heath which included key strategies and election date considerations that the Board will need to make a decision on soon. Mr. Heath is recommending a July 10^th election day in the form of a mail ballot allowing for sufficient time to draft the measure, educate the community, organize supporters, establish committees and more. Initial ballot testing, by way of surveys, were done in both 2010 and 2011. Due to the current economic climate, Mr. Heath is recommending a new survey be completed to determine how the public would feel about a Parcel Tax measure this year since it’s difficult to make decisions using old data. The investment for moving forward with a Parcel Tax does not come inexpensively. A new poll, of 300 residents, would cost the District between $17,000 and $19,000. Additionally, the cost of a mail ballot is $50,000 in comparison to putting forth the Parcel Tax during a regular election when it would cost between $18,000 and $20,000. Mr. Heath explained that the success of a favorable Parcel Tax vote, which needs two-thirds majority support, would depend on volunteers and money. He continued to explain that 60 to 80 dedicated volunteers and between $40,000 and $45,000 in fundraising dollars will be what it takes. And, the District cannot financially support this aspect of the tax measure. Tried and true methods to raise private funds were discussed including requesting donations from organizations that benefit from supporting the schools as well as vendors that do business with the School District and even passing the hat at parent pick up. How much is the big question in regards to the tax measure and the answer lies within the tax tolerance of this community. Mr. Heath outlined various tax rate dollar considerations from as low as $25 and as high as $99 although he fully admitted; a $99 tax rate is far-fetched. Not surprisingly, support is known to increase as the tax rate drops. With the financial crisis our School District is faced with it’s important to understand that the Parcel Tax won’t solve all of the District’s financial woes but the promise could be make to prevent the worst of those cuts by passing a Parcel Tax that would most likely remain in place for 4 to 6 years until the State is conceivably back on track financially. Exact details of the measure have yet to be determined but BVUSD has placed notice of a public hearing for March 21^st at 6:30pm at the Big Bear Middle School Library to consider adopting a resolution proposing to establish this special tax for our schools guaranteeing exemption for certain seniors and disabled residents. The Board is expected to meet again on Wednesday, February 8^th at 5:15pm at the School District Office located on Moonridge Road to take action regarding the new survey. Stay tuned to KBHR for more details.

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New General Manager for the CSD: Robert Hopkins

Angela Meyers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:01:29 +0000

Big Bear, Ca, Feburary 7, 2012, 12:00pm – The Big Bear City Community Services District has a new General Manager after Monday nights meeting. In September of last year the CSD hired Bob Murray and Associates, an executive search firm to help in the hiring process of a new GM. The board unanimously voted yes on offering the position to Robert Hopkins, a long time manager in the North Lake Tahoe Public Utility District. Mr. Hopkins will begin work on Monday, February 13^th, and when asked about the appointment, the CSD’s new General Manager said, “I am excited to meet the citizens of the beautiful mountain community that is Big Bear City. I look forward to starting work next week with the Big Bear City Community Services District staff and developing a positive and productive relationship with the BBCCSD Board of Directors.” Hopkins is no stranger to the duties the CSD GM position will require of him, as he has over 10 years of experience managing all levels of sewer, water and fleet public utility operations. In addition to his public utility experience, Hopkins also has 10 years of experience as a small business owner, and served in the United States Army Reserve Service. Mr. Hopkins has dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Political Science and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Nevada at Reno. The Board of Directors congratulates Mr. Hopkins on his selection and looks forward to working with him to achieve the goals of the District. Board President John Green commented on the search, “After a very thorough interview process and a unanimous vote, we feel that Mr. Hopkins is a perfect fit for the General Manager position and wish him the very best in his new position.”

Education Trust Fundraiser At Club Bombay

Angela Meyers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:27 +0000

Big Bear, Ca, February 7, 2012, 12:00pm – The Big Bear Valley Education Trust is holding a fundraiser at Club Bombay on Wednesday, February 8^th from 6:30 to 9:00pm. The Education Trust formed in 2009, when a group of concerned citizens decided to explore ways to support out local schools. Since then the Education Trust has helped bring 25 volunteers into classrooms to aid teachers, speakers have visited and talked with high school students about different career paths, and currently 25-30 teachers are going through GATE Training, which stands for Gifted and Talented Education. The Education Trust is funding the fees for the teachers to attend the classes that will expose teachers to different methods of working and teaching young people, by presenting material in a different way to make it more appealing, exciting, and engaging to students. The fundraiser at Club Bombay will help fund the classes, as well as support other programs of the Education Trust. Attendees will receive a complimentary 2012 membership to Friends of the Big Bear Valley Education Trust along with the ticket price.

Bush Family Chosen For Newest Habitat For Humanity Home

Angela Meyers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:07 +0000

Big Bear, Ca, February 6, 2012, 4:00pm - The Big Bear Valley Habitat for Humanity has chosen a family for the new home that is currently under construction. The Bush Family, consisting of Jessica and Donnie and their four daughters, was chosen as the family to buy house Number 5 of Big Bear Valley Habitat for Humanity. According to Connie Baker with Habitat, when the house is completed, the Bush’s will buy the three-bedroom, two-bath home in Sugarloaf at zero percent interest as well as donating 500 hours in labor. “We already have 46 hours in the project,” says father, Donnie Bush. When asked why they think thought they were selected, 3rd grader Lexy said, “Because we are an awesome family!” And 5th grader Haley added, “Because we work as a team.” Parents Donnie and Jessica Bush have been Big Bear Valley residents since they were teenagers and are thrilled with their future home, saying, “We’re going to make a beautiful home out of it!”

Celebrate the Life of Stephanie Murphy

Angela Meyers — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:00:10 +0000

Big Bear, Ca, February 6, 2012, 12:00pm - Stephanie Layne Murphy passed away on January 26^th due to her battle with cancer at the age of 45. Stephanie was well known in the community for her infectious smile, loving personality, and was an admired real estate professional. Stephanie and her husband Mark moved to Big Bear when her sons Dillon and Sean were young, and enjoyed all of the outdoor activities the mountains had to offer. Stephanie passed her love of fitness and healthy active lifestyle to her sons, who are involved in local athletics. Stephanie always had safety in mind when it came to the kids involved on the Snow Summit Race Team Ski Team, therefore, In lieu of flowers, Stephanie wishes you to donate to the Big Bear Ski Educational Foundation. Donations can be taken to Union Bank under the “The Stephanie Murphy Safety Equipment Fund.” A celebration of Stephanie’s life will be held on Tuesday February 7th at 2 p.m. rain or shine at the Snow Summit Bear Bottom Lodge V.I.P room.

Community Services District Meets Tonight

Mike Evans — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:59:45 +0000

Big Bear City, CA, February 6, 2012, 8:00am – The Big Bear City Community Services District will hold its regular meeting tonight at 5:30pm. The meeting will take place at the CSD offices on Big Bear Boulevard near Greenway Drive. On the agenda, the board will discuss a recommendation from the January 31st Water Committee Meeting for an updated job description for the Water Services Worker Position. The board will also discuss a Letter Regarding the Proposed Decrease in Services at the Big Bear Court, and the Solid Waste Request to Appropriate Cash Reserves for Garage Door Replacement. The CSD Board will go into closed session, and will discuss the appointment process for the General Manager. The Board may announce a new General Manager, but it’s not definite at this time whether or not that will happen. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting and may speak during public comment time.

Dance Competition At Moonshine And Mayhem For Local Charities

Mike Evans — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:47:31 +0000

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.

Write a Letter: Support Our Schools

Angela Meyers — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:42 +0000

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

Angela Meyers — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:09 +0000

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

Cathy Herrick — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:55:58 +0000

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.