Residential Burglaries In Big Bear Valley

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 11, 2012, 8:00am - Detectives of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station arrested a 17-year-old male on Wednesday, May 9 at about 10am. The suspect was found to be in possession of a large quantity of stolen property from several residential burglaries that occurred in Big Bear City and the City of Big Bear Lake recently. Response to an alarm call on Evergreen Drive in Big Bear Lake the previous day, ultimately led to the arrest of the Fawnskin resident. On May 8, deputies responded to an alarm call, which was a burglary in progress. When the responding deputy arrived, the suspect was seen leaving the residence, and fled the scene in a silver Toyota. The following morning, detectives located the vehicle at Big Bear High School where they made contact with the driver. The stolen property was recovered at a vacant house on Peregrin Avenue in Big Bear Lake. The 17 year old was booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall and remains in custody pending court procedures. As a result of the arrest, and recovery of the stolen items, detectives were able to clear 11 residential burglary cases. Approximately $10,000 of stolen property has been returned to the rightful owners.

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Third Alarm Fire At Lucerne Valley Supermarket

Lucerne Valley, CA, May 11, 2012, 8:00am - On Wednesday, May 9, at about 11:30am San Bernardino County Fire received numerous calls stating the Lucerne Valley Market was on fire and explosions could be heard coming from the back of the building. Six fire engines and two truck companies responded from San Bernardino County Fire, along with three engines from assisting agencies. When firefighters arrived on scene five minutes later, a partially enclosed attached work area and large metal rafters filled with content were fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly contained the fire and it was completely extinguished within 90 minutes. The explosions initially reported were caused when the fire reached an electrical transformer. Store employees safely evacuated everyone from inside the store, and occupants of a small strip mall next to the market were also evacuated. The fire is believed to have started in the outside work area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by San Bernardino County Fire Investigators. Preliminary content and structure damage is estimated at $300,000. The store was closed because of the fire and was able to reopen on Thursday, May 10 at 3:00pm.

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The Amgen Tour of California returns to Big Bear

Big Bear Lake,  CA. May 9, 2012 - The Amgen Tour of California returns to Big Bear after a one year hiatus on Friday May 18th, 2012.  The race will feature 16 of the world’s best teams battling it out over more than 750 miles of picturesque California highways, roadways and coastline.  In addition, the Amgen Tour of California will be the last race on U.S. soil before the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.  This year’s climb to Big Bear will be no less monumental and, in fact, it will be even greater because the following day will be another extreme climb from Ontario to Mount Baldy.  What makes the Big Bear climb on May 18th the hardest or “Queens Stage” of the race is that it will cover 115 miles and will rise and fall 12,000 feet in the mountains in the thin air. The entire tour may be won or lost during Stage 6 on the climb to Big Bear.   The teams will need to strategize how to best use the long and steep day in the saddle.  If a rider fails to be smart they may not survive Stage 7’s shorter but, perhaps, more intense climb on the steep narrow roads to Mount Baldy, a destination with only one way in.  The best place to view Stage 6, the Big Bear Climb, is from the finish area at Snow Summit.  The race will get worldwide TV coverage on NBC Sports and it can be seen from start to finish on the jumbotron TV’s at Snow Summit’s finish area.  The Amgen Tour of California is the biggest professional cycling race in North America and because many of the American teams are headquartered in California this race is very important to every tour rider as well as their sponsors.  The Amgen Tour of California Stage 6, the Big Bear Climb, leaves Palmdale at 10:50 am on May 18th and arrives in Big Bear about 4 and a half hours later.  Rolling closures may affect certain locations around Big Bear Lake as the race finishes at Snow Summit.  Volunteers are needed to help for many aspects of the race.  If you have interest in journalism and public relations and would like to work in the Press Room call Dan McKernan at the Big Bear Lake Resort Association at 909 866 6190 extension 235 or email him at DMCKERNAN@bigbear.com

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Ground Breaking for New “Brenda Boss Family Resource Center”

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 9, 2012, 3:00pm - Under sunny, blue skies the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District broke ground on Wednesday morning for a new facility on hospital property on Garstin Drive.  The new facility will be known as The Brenda Boss Family Resource Center to honor Brenda Boss for her years of dedication and determination towards improving healthcare in Big Bear.  Board of Director for the Bear Valley Community Hospital, Brad Summers, addressed the crowd with introductions and thanks for those who have helped to set this project up for success.  The Brenda Boss Family Resource Center project is the first expansion of the hospital campus since 1974.  Dignitaries on hand included Dr. Peter Boss who is a physician in the hospital’s emergency room and son of Brenda Boss.  Dr. Boss reiterated his mother’s passion for a hospital in Big Bear with “as long as I can remember, my mother wanted a hospital in Big Bear and I wanted to become a doctor”.  In 1949, Dr. Boss was born in Big Bear in the doctor’s office that now houses Murray’s Saloon.  As early as 1955, Mrs. Boss’ dream of building a hospital began when she formed the Bear Valley Community Health Fund.  And, Dr. Boss commented that the hospital would not exist without the support of this community.   The Brenda Boss Family Resource Center will house the Family Health Center and the Mom & Dad Project as well as twelve exam rooms and three treatment rooms within the footprint of the new building’s 8500 square feet.  This state of the art facility will provide diverse medical and educational resources to our community and visitors with expanded services and specialties as well as create jobs locally.  The added volume of the new building will generate enough income to offset the additional expenses for construction with a projected cost of $3.5 million.  Construction is estimated to last for eight months with the proposed opening date of March 2013.

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Bear Valley Community Hospital CEO On Medical Leave of Absence

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 9, 2012 – 12 pm - In a memorandum dated May 7^th and addressed to all hospital and District staff and employees, the Bear Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors announced the leave of absence of CEO of the Bear Valley Community Hospital, Marc Hecksel.  Mr. Hecksel has been diagnosed with Lymphoma and is taking an immediate medical leave of absence.  The Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Rudy Shutta, current CFO of the hospital, as the Interim CEO in Mr. Hecksel’s absence.  The interoffice memo also stated that all hospital or District related business be directed to Mr. Shutta while Mr. Hecksel is on a leave of absence and undergoing medical treatment.  Marc Hecksel plans on returning to his position as soon as he is well enough to resume his duties as CEO.

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Big Bear Elementary School’s New Principal Announced

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 9, 2012, 8:00am - Big Bear Elementary School will have a new principal for the upcoming school year 2012-2013.  Current principal, Jeanette Haston, will be returning to the classroom by her own choice.  Mrs. Haston, who has been the principal at BBES since 2009, tells Kbear that she has decided to go back to teaching to allow her the opportunity to spend more time with her family.  Mrs. Haston added that she hopes to return to an administrative role at some point in the future, as her career is important but that she doesn’t want to miss this time with her three young children.  Laura Bulrice, Administrative Secretary at BBES, stated that “we will miss her dearly and we love her energy and she will bring it to the classroom.”  As decided by a unanimous vote at a Special Board meeting of the Bear Valley Unified School District on May 2^nd, replacing Mrs. Haston will be Michelle Case from Las Vegas, Nevada.  Ms. Case is currently the Assistant Principal at two Clark County sites known as Scherkenback-Bilbray Elementary Schools.  According to BVUSD Superintendent, Kurt Madden, forty-four applicants applied for the position that were paper screened down to ten candidates with four making the final cut.  Of the four, Ms. Case was the stand out candidate.  Present colleagues describe her as refined, polished, solid and a top assistant principal.  Michelle Case will begin with the BVUSD school district on July 1^st to assume the role of Big Bear Elementary School principal.

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Nancy Jones Retires as Office Manager at the Big Bear City Airport

Big Bear City, CA, May 8, 2012, 3:00pm - Nancy Jones, a friendly face at the Big Bear City Airport, is retiring as of today.  Nancy has been the Office Manager at the airport since June of 1998.  For most who fly in and out of the Big Bear Valley, Nancy is the first person they see.  In addition to her responsibilities as Office Manager, she has taken on coordinating the Air Fair held every other year at the Big Bear City Airport.  According to Pete Gwaltney, Airport Manager, due to Nancy’s diligent efforts, the Air Fairs have become bigger and better every time they are held.  One of the many job duties Nancy is responsible for has been providing advisories to pilots as well as handling airport tenant agreements so, for many, Nancy has become the face of the Big Bear City Airport.  A reception was held last week in her honor.  On her last day as Office Manager, Nancy tells Kbear that she plans on staying in Big Bear and enjoying her retirement but will miss her co-workers and airport family terribly and will miss having daily interactions with everybody.  Diane Cartwright, the Airport’s accounting clerk, will be promoted to Nancy’s position of Office Manager.

 

 

 

 

 

Businesses Statewide To Start Recycling Programs

Sacramento, CA, May 8, 2012, 1:00pm - California businesses are going greener than ever this year as they start recycling programs to help meet a state recycling goal of 75 percent by the year 2020. A state law that goes into effect July 1 requires businesses and public entities that generate 4 cubic yards or more of waste to establish a recycling program. Schools and multifamily apartments with five or more units are included under the law. AB 341, the first state law of its kind in the nation, keeps California at the forefront of environmental protection while boosting the economy. CalRecycle estimates the new requirements will result in cumulative cost savings of $40 million to $60 million per year for businesses, schools, and local jurisdictions from 2012-2020. From mom-and-pop stores to multinational corporations operating in California, businesses have saved from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year by diverting a portion of their waste from landfills. Schools often use recycling programs as fund-raisers. Schools and businesses will continue to have the option to sell their recyclable materials. CalRecycle is responsible for implementing the commercial recycling law. Local jurisdictions will inform businesses of the new recycling requirement, track recycling at commercial businesses, and report results to CalRecycle each year.

Find out more about Assembly Bill 341 and Mandatory Commercial Recycling at http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/climate/Recycling/default.htm.

For answers to common business waste reduction and recycling issues as well as fact sheets and waste-conscious office management suggestions, visit CalRecycle’s Business Waste Reduction webpages
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/ReduceWaste/Business/

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This Week Is Wildfire Awareness Week

San Bernardino, CA, May 8, 2012, 8:00am  – Don’t let the recent cool weather fool you, the sun will shine and the heat of summer will be here soon. Due to the amount of rain this past winter, grasses and weeds will flourish and quickly dry out, creating extreme fire danger. This week (May 6-12) is National Wildfire Awareness Week. San Bernardino County Fire reminds residents to do their part in understanding fire danger by exercising extreme caution around dry, flammable vegetation. Wildfire safety isn’t limited to those who live near wild lands, it’s for anyone camping or spending time in these locations as well. Contrary to common perception, a wildfire does not have to burn everything in its path. In fact, clearing property of debris and maintaining landscaping are important, yet simple, first steps for homeowners. Residents can do their part and take action today that will lessen the risk of damage if a wildfire occurs. To learn more on how you can be prepared for a wildfire, go to big-bear-news-dot-com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ü  Create a defensible area, firebreaks that divert flames around property, by clearing weeds and dry grass at least 100 feet around your home.  Property on sloped areas should be cleared at least 100 feet as well, as wind-fed flames can race up hills and mountainsides quickly.

ü  Store flammable liquids in approved safety cans away from occupied buildings.

ü  Keep propane tanks clear of vegetation.

ü  Keep all combustibles, such as firewood, lawn furniture, picnic tables, etc., away from structures.

ü  Clean rain gutters regularly to avoid leaf and needle accumulation.

ü  Clear vegetation and other flammable materials from beneath decks or other wooden structures.

ü  Remove tree limbs and vegetation that overhang the roof.

ü  Remove all branches lower than 6 feet.

ü  Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

ü  Dispose of stove or fireplace ash and charcoal briquettes after soaking them in a metal pail of water for 24 hours.

ü  Keep garden hose connected to faucet.

ü  Review your home escape plan with your family & have a fire drill exercise.

ü  Ensure address is clearly visible from the street.

 

To learn more on how you can be prepared for a wildfire, go to big-bear-news-dot-com

 

go to www.sbcfire.org and click on the Ready, Set, Go icon.  You can also contact your local fire department for further information and free property inspections. San Bernardino County Fire Department wishes you a safe summer.

Department Of Fish & Game Reminds Public To Be Rattlesnake Safe

Big Bear Valley, CA, May 7, 2012, noon - As the weather gets warm, humans are not the only species coming out to enjoy the sun. Snakes, too, can be found basking in the sunshine. Although most snakes in the state are harmless, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds the public to stay clear of the venomous rattlesnake and know what to do if one strikes. All of California is considered snake country. You don’t even have to be outdoors to discover a snake. They can be found in a garden, and sometimes right in your garage, but there is no need to panic. Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, including keeping the rodent population under control. Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and usually strike only when threatened or deliberately provoked. Given room, they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. On rare occasions, rattlesnakes can cause serious injury to humans. The California Poison Pontrol Center says rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year in the U.S., with one or two deaths. The potential of running into a rattlesnake should not deter anyone from venturing outdoors, but there are precautions that can be taken to reduce the chance of being bitten.

The information provided below will help you identify a rattlesnake, there’s also a list of dos and don’ts, ways to keep snakes out of your yard, and instructions on what to do in the event of a snake bite.

Is it a rattlesnake?
Anyone who ventures outdoors this time of year should know how to identify California’s only native venomous snake – the rattlesnake. There are several species including the northern Pacific rattlesnake (in northern California), and the western diamondback, sidewinder, speckled rattlesnake, red diamond rattlesnake, southern Pacific rattlesnake, Great Basin rattlesnake and the Mojave rattlesnake (all found in Southern California). A rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed snake with one or more rattles on the tail. It has a triangular-shaped
head, much broader at the back than at the front, and a distinct “neck” region. The rattlesnake also has openings between the nostrils and eyes, which is a heat-sensing pit. The eyes are hooded with elliptical pupils. Rattlesnakes have a series of dark and light bands near the tail, just before the rattles, which are different from the markings on the rest of the body. Rattles may not always be present, as they are often lost through breakage and are not always developed on the young.

The dos and don’ts in snake country
Rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas. They have been found in urban areas, on  riverbanks and lakeside parks and at golf courses. Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively. DFG recommends the following safety precautions be followed to reduce the likelihood of startling a rattlesnake:

Wear hiking boots and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. When hiking, stick to well-used trails.
Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day. Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step ON logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use. Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim. Be careful when stepping over doorsteps as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side. Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency. Do not handle a freshly killed snake, as it can still inject venom. Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

Keeping snakes out of the yard
The best protection against rattlesnakes in the yard is a “rattlesnake proof” fence. The fence should either be solid or with mesh no larger than one-quarter inch. It should be at least three feet high with the bottom buried a few inches in the ground. Slanting your snake fence outward about a 30-degree angle will help. Keep vegetation away from the fence and remove piles of boards or rocks around the home. Use caution when removing those piles – there may already be a snake there. Encourage and protect natural competitors like gopher snakes, kingsnakes and racers. Kingsnakes actually kill and eat rattlesnakes.

What to do in the event of a snake bite
Though uncommon, rattlesnake bites do occur, so have a plan in place for responding to any situation. Carry a cell phone, hike with a companion who can assist in an emergency, and make sure that family or friends know where you are going and when you will be checking in. Stay calm. Wash the bite area gently with soap and water. Remove watches, rings, etc, which may constrict swelling. Immobilize the affected area. Transport safely to the nearest medical facility. For more first aid information please visit California Poison Control at www.calpoison.com.

What you should NOT do after a rattlesnake bite
DON’T apply a tourniquet. DON’T pack the bite area in ice. DON’T cut the wound with a knife or razor. DON’T use your mouth to suck out the venom. DON’T let the victim drink alcohol. More information about rattlesnakes can be found at the following websites:

Photos and natural history:
www.ucdavis.edu/search/index.html?cx=004393900062766886059:da23-x1vm6k&q=rattlesnakes&cof=FORID:9

UC Davis Integrative Pest Management:
www.californiaherps.com/info/rattlesnakeinfo.html

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