Caltrans Awards $203 Million In Grants To Improve Public Transit And Air Quality

San Bernardino, CA, February 13, 2012, 8:00am – Caltrans has awarded nearly $203 million in grants to improve public transit across California.  More than 80 projects will upgrade transit service, purchase eco-friendly buses, modernize transit stations and create jobs throughout the state. The grants are funded through Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, which is providing $3.6 billion over a ten-year period to improve public transit in California. Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty says the projects are a direct investment in the state’s public transit system and will help energize California’s economy. He also believes the projects will help create jobs, reduce traffic congestion, clean the air, and provide an alternative to rising gas prices. To date, Proposition 1B has funded more than a billion dollars in transit projects. For a comprehensive list of all projects that received transit grants in this funding cycle, please visit: http://www.dot.ca.gov/docs/Prop1BTransitProjectsFebruary2012.pdf .

“Preteen Vaccine Week” Begins this Week

San Bernardino, CA, February 13, 2012, 8:00am: The County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health is promoting “Preteen Vaccine Week” which is February 12^th through 18^th as part of a nationwide effort to remind families of preteens and adolescents about recommended and required immunizations.  A new immunization requirement was added in for all incoming 7th graders to be immunized against whooping cough.  Parents are encouraged to consult with their child’s medical provider to receive the recommended immunizations for preteens & adolescents 11-18 years of age.  If children do not have health insurance or are under insured, information is available about the Vaccines for Children Program which provides vaccines at low-cost.  For Department of Public Health Clinic locations, schedules and appointments, call 1-800-722-4777, Monday  – Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or visit www.sbcounty.gov/dph.  For additional immunization information, you can also visit www.shotsforschool.org.

“Furever Yours” Pet Adoption at Three Animal Shelters

Big Bear, CA, February 10, 2012, 12noon: If you are looking for a new pet, beginning tomorrow, the Big Bear Animal Shelter, as well as the Devore and Apple Valley shelters, are offering a special pet adoption event titled “Furever Yours”.  The program begins Saturday, February 11^th through Tuesday, February 14^th at the three shelters in conjunction with the non-profit charity known as ARFF, Animals aRe First Fund whereas ARFF will pay for the spaying/neutering fees for each pet adopted during this four-day event.  The program will significantly reduce the cost of adding a pet or two to your family.  The Big Bear Shelter is located at 42080 North Shore Drive.  For more information call 887-8055 or visit sbcounty.gov/acc.

Bear Mountain Freestyle Camp Helps You Improve Your Park Skills

Big Bear, Ca, February 10, 2012, 12:00pm - Bear Mountain is now offering a Freestyle Camp to give expert advice on every element of park riding. Professional Coaches are on hand to provide skiers and snowboarders with tips and techniques on how to master rails, boxes, jumps, and half pipe, as well as video analysis for reinforcement.  “The Freestyle Camp at Bear Mountain enables riders to progress from beginner to advanced in skill and confidence,” says Bear Mountain’s Director of Marketing Rio Tanbara. “They really get the opportunity to see what it’s like to have fun and ride safely in the terrain park.”  There are three levels available for skiers and snowboarders ages 8 and up; Skilled Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. The only requirements include basic riding skills and ability to navigate on intermediate terrain, along with a helmet.  The Freestyle Camp is a unique learning experience that can prove valuable for any rider. Check out http://www.bearmountain.com/snowboard/rates/bear-camp-at-the-park/ for the camp schedule. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 909-866-5841, on site at Guest Services, or at the Snow Sports Office at Bear Mountain.

Valentine’s Day Deals Add Extra Spark To Your Romantic Getaway

Big Bear Lake, CA, February 10, 2012, noon - Big Bear Valley is the perfect setting for your Valentine’s Day winter getaway with two top-notch ski resorts, candlelight dining, cozy accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces, and a variety of “sweet-heart” specials. Action Zipline Tours is offering a special that will sweep lovers off their feet. Couples can glide through the trees and over the snow on ziplines, and Action Segway Tours offers a unique way to explore Big Bear on an electrical two-wheeled chariot. Helicopter Big Bear offers a 20-minute flight for love birds that includes champagne or Perrier, a box of fine chocolate, a stuffed teddy bear, and a single rose. Couples who want to ski or snowboard on Valentine’s Day should consider Goldsmith’s Boardshop for “Couples Rentals,” rent one set, and get the second rental set of equal or lesser value for free. Windy Point Inn offers $100 off a two-night stay in a lakefront suite, which includes a whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace and a full breakfast. Castlewood Cottages offers an “out-of-the-ordinary” romantic hideaway. Each “couples only” cottage offers an individual theme. Blue Horizon Lodge will spark an evening of romance with a free bundle of firewood and 20% off regular rates for couples who book a two-night stay. The Big Bear Lake Resort Association offers a variety of romantic packages that feature a room with your choice of a couples massage, day spa service or romantic room customizing with roses, candles, and rose pedals placed in the room. Book Romantic Getaway Packages at www.bigbear.com.

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Love is in the Air at Snow Summit

Big Bear, CA, February 9, 2012, 4:00pm: Snow Summit announced today a wedding performed atop Snow Summit Resort.  The newlyweds are residents of SoCal and avid snowboarders who share a passion for snow sports, as evident in their short wedding video on-line at bigbearnews.com.  Not an everyday sight on the slopes, go to our website to see the bride and groom in full wedding attire take their first celebratory run down the slopes in place of their first dance.  New bride, Cicely Blackmore, stated her husband, Andrew, learned to snowboard at Snow Summit 25 years ago so it was the perfect location for their wedding.  Vice President of Marketing for Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Chris Riddle, stated, “”We are thrilled to have shared in Cicely and Andrew’s big day. We have hosted numerous engagements and weddings over our 60-year history.  The slopes bring out the true romantic in our visitors this time of year and we pride ourselves on helping to make their visit memorable.”  To add to that, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, take advantage of their “Liker’s Special” for Valentine’s Day and get 2 for 1 lift tickets! Buy one lift ticket and get one lift ticket of equal value free when you purchase your tickets online by February 13^th.  Offer is valid for Young Adult and Adult All Day tickets dated February 14th, some restrictions apply.  Go to bigbearmountainresorts.com for details.

Help Count Eagles and Learn More About Them This Weekend

Big Bear, Ca, February 9, 2012, 12:00pm – The Discovery Center is once again seeking volunteers for this weekends Eagle Count on February 11^th. No experience is needed, but volunteers are encouraged to dress warmly and bring binoculars and a watch.  Volunteers should meet at the Discovery Center located on North Shore Drive at 8:00am on February 11^th.  In addition to the eagle counting, there will also be a celebration for the Bald Eagle at 11:00am, in which US Forest Service Biologists will host a free one hour educational Eagle presentation at the Discovery Center.  Attendees will learn about the Eagles’ migration and behavior habits, an overview of hazards that have affected Eagles throughout history, and how the Eagle has recovered from historical lows as an endangered species in the 1970’s.   Our Bald Eagles normally migrate out of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains in late March, heading back to summer homes in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Alberta, Canada. In recent years, a pair of Bald Eagles has remained at Lake Hemet and successfully produced several eaglets.

BVUSD Approves Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement with TBWB Strategies

Big Bear, CA, February 9, 2012, 8:00am – Last night the Bear Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees met in a Special Board meeting to discuss one heavily weighted agenda item.  Board members reviewed a Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement presented by Charles Heath of TBWB Strategies, a political consulting firm.  Mr. Heath most recently outlaid the process and challenges for implementing a Parcel Tax in a meeting on February 6^th.  At that meeting, Mr. Heath made the recommendation to the Board that our community be surveyed or polled to determine today’s opinions regarding implementing a Parcel Tax to help protect our schools financially from the State’s budget cuts.  Survey and tracking information from 2010 and 2011 was presented at last Monday’s meeting.  This Wednesday night’s discussion debated the value of paying for another survey as well as the overall cost of the TBWB Strategies agreement.  Superintendent Kurt Madden made a recommendation to the Board to approve the Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement, totaling $53,705 using District Fund 40 dollars and entering into an agreement with the firm.  District Fund 40 dollars can be used only for capitol expenses for one-time monies.  The $53,705 agreement breakdown consisted of an $18,750 base charge, $18,900 new survey, $10,655 for informational brochure costs, $2,400 for travel expenses for Mr. Heath as well as miscellaneous charges.  Many Board members expressed concern for committing to spend dollars on another survey.  As Dr.Al Waner commented, the survey won’t matter much if the plan is to go ahead with a Parcel Tax anyway.  Paul Zamoyta suggested using the almost $19,000 survey cost to inform the public with pre-campaign mailers and that those dollars may be better spent on educating the public as to why a Parcel Tax is necessary.  Ultimately, the Board voted unanimously to approve $34,805 for the Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement eliminating the expense for a new survey.  Board President, Randy Putz, stated for the record that he was uncomfortable with moving forward without a new survey.  Additionally, the Board discussed their initial thoughts on how much the Parcel Tax should be but several stated it was too soon to know that answer.  The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held on February 15^th.

Big Bear Middle School Gets Healthy Food, New Cameras and School Spirit

Big Bear, Ca, February 8, 2012, 5:00pm - Changes are coming to Big Bear Middle School, and many are due in part to the Positive School Climate Committee that has been reinvigorated this year in large part to Dena Arbaugh, employee at the middle school.  Arbaugh along with middle school teachers, administrators, parents, and concerned community members are making headway on some very important issues including healthier school lunches, empowering students, school spirit, and beautification of the school campus to include more shade for students.  Due to the committees hopes to see healthier food on campus, a new fresh salad bar with healthy food options will appear at the middle school within the next month, with district hopes to spread the healthy food items to the elementary schools and high schools in the next few months.  The committee has also come up with the idea of having different student groups come together and create artwork to hang in the halls of the campus to inspire the students, and to leave a legacy.  Another important issue the committee is excited about is the recent purchase and installation of video surveillance cameras throughout the campus.  The cameras and associated equipment was purchased due to a $20,000 donation from Soroptimists of Big Bear Valley, and their Stop Teen Violence program.  The new camera’s are in place, and have already helped deter school violence, and has aided in solving disputes, and has kept the students accountable.  Donors are being sought by the positive school climate committee to help provide shade for the students.  For more information on how to donate call Dena Arbaugh at Big Bear Middle School at (909) 866-4634.

Jim Bagley Joins Derry & Ramos in the County Supervisor Race

Big Bear, Ca, February 8, 2012, 4:00pm – Another name has been thrown into the hat for the San Bernardino County Supervisor for the 3^rd district.  Jim Bagley announced earlier this week of his intentions to run for the County Supervisor seat.  Bagley will be joining current Supervisor Neil Derry, and James Ramos in the election.  According to his campaign team, Bagley has served as the Mayor of Twentynine Palms for three years, served as the president of the San Bernardino County Transportation Agency, and served on various other committees and commissions.  Bagley joins the race for Supervisor in the midst of current Supervisor Neil Derry sending out fliers to over 11,000 of his supporters stating that Ramos has links to “gang members”, and goes on to describe Ramos as a “Casino Boss.”  According to an article in the Press Enterprise, Dave Gillard, a consultant for Ramos described the mailer as gutter politics.  Ramos who is the current Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians told the Press Enterprise that the reservation is a safe community.  The election for County Supervisor along with other positions up for office will be held on November 6^th.  Citizens are encouraged to educate themselves on the issues and candidates and make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.

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