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.

Kriss Proctor Named MVP In Last Game

Big Bear, Ca, December 12, 2011, 12:00pm - Big Bear’s Kriss Proctor said goodbye to the football field on Saturday after the Naval Academy played the United States Military Academy in the arch rival game.  This was Proctors last game as the Navy Quarterback, as he will be graduating from the Naval Academy and has been assigned the position of Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy.   Proctor scored the first touchdown, and later a second, helping Navy win their 10^th straight game against Army, resulting in Proctor being named as the most valuable player of the game.   Many locals tuned in and watched the game to cheer on Proctor, and members from Coldwell banker, and Proctors family attended the game that was held in Landover, Maryland, just north of Washington DC.  President Barack Obama was even in attendance at the football game that has been occurring for the last 112 years.  KBHR congratulates Proctor on a great finish to the season, and wishes him luck in his future endeavors.

Winterize: Avoid Reaching The Breaking Point

Big Bear Lake, CA, October 21, 2011, noon - The Big Bear Lake Department of Water wants you to remember when temperatures drop, water freezes, and your pipes just can’t deal with the pressure. That’s when they reach the breaking point. In fact, pipes don’t always burst or break during a winter freeze, instead the water finds a weak point in the system, that could be a valve, a joint, or a faucet, and that’s where the water finds a release. If they do break or a crack, you might not find out until the spring when the system thaws and your house is flooded. Whether it’s a vacation cabin or your full time home, if you’re leaving for more than four days in a row this winter, be water wise and winterize by taking the following precautions against the freeze. Insulate all exposed water pipes including those under sinks, in attics or outside your house. Mark your stop and waste valve now before you can’t find it in the snow. When you leave your home for more than a week or two, use that valve to drain your pipes. Turn off and drain your sprinkler system, it must be shut off from November 1st to April 1st. The old fashioned idea of leaving the heat on or a faucet dripping wastes water, energy and money. Want more information on protecting your home this holiday season? Contact the Conservation Department online at www.bbldwp.com.

Small Cabin Fire on Tulip in Big Bear Lake Quickly Extinguished Saturday Afternoon

Lightning Starts Small Fires In The Area

Big Bear Lake, CA, August 29, 2011, 9:00am – Some very intense thunderstorms developed in Big Bear Valley on Saturday. The storms dumped heavy rain and hail, along with thunder and lightning and flooding of some streets and low lying areas. Several small fires were reported in the mountains as a result of lightning strikes. Three Super Scoopers, planes capable of holding 1410 gallons of water, dropped water on the Mile Fire off highway 38 near Forest Service Road 1N54 and 1N04. The fire was initially about three acres and not considered a threat to the Valley. Other fires were reported, including one near the dump road off North Shore in the Gold Mountain Area. Fires were also reported on Sugarloaf Mountain and Bear Mountain Resort. All of the fires that were caused by lightning strikes have been contained, but residents may notice drift smoke in the valley.

Big Bear Rolls with Monterey Peninsula Auto Week

 

The Concourse Italiano was well attended and the presentation and setting at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch was better than any previous year. 

The cars were the best collection of Italian cars found anywhere perhaps outside Italy.  Besides such names as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati one of the brand marks that attracted a lot of attention was the Fiat Abarth of Sam Cabiglio of Big Bear City.   Sam, who is a renowned sports car collector, exotic car dealer and Porsche expert along with his son Gianni spent most of the day delightfully describing their small Italian gem.  

If the day was not long enough, later that afternoon Sam was called upon to help verify the authenticity of the serial number of a very rare and valuable 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS.  This perticular RS serial number was questioned in an on-line chat room prior to it’s possible sale at the RM auction.  High drama is created when hundreds of thousands of dollars are hanging on such verifications.  In a weird twist a very similar 911 RS was being auctioned the next night at Russo and Steele and then with several helpers in tow, Cabiglio was able to get access and compare the serial numbers appearances.  As the VIN chatter reached a high pitch more questions were raised than could be answered that night. With so much on the line for buyers and sellers, the Carrera RS was pulled from the RM auction line at the last possible moment.  Even reality TV is not as real as this episode, talk about drama. 

Sports car racing in Pebble Beach is what originally ignited the Concours de Elegance 61 years ago.   The Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway offered but perhaps some of the greatest excitement over the weekend for Big Bear resident Tom Sakai driving his Sunbeam Tiger.  

With great delight Tom described his classic Tiger overtaking the more powerful 427 Shelby Cobra in two races that day.  Tom’s ability to mix it up with more powerful cars in the leading group demonstrated his commitment to the sport of vintage auto racing.  What makes this type of racing so thrilling for race fans is that famous racecars and drivers are very approachable at this particular vintage race.  The cork screw and Laguna Seca’s natural setting makes this race track special for all sports car fans who are allowed to wander the race paddock and rub elbows with the people and machines who made history on the track.  

During all the excitement of the week many auto manufactures use the concentration of to auto enthusiasts to reveal new concept cars such as the Cadillac CELS a convertible with design elements from perhaps a classic Chris Craft.  Infinity’s 4-door concept had what could be best described as elements derived from a falcon bird of prey.  These and other concepts are all beautiful examples demonstrating the future of the auto industry. 

Almost as entertaining as any other auto event for the week are the auctions.  As mentioned earlier, the quality of the cars listed for auction brings millions of dollars every evening as rare and beautiful cars change hands.  For example, a car owned by car racer and actor Steve McQueen, a Porsche 911s made famous by it’s past owner as well as having a leading roll in the opening of the 1971 McQueen movie Le Mans was up for auction.  

The hammer price reached an astounding 1.3 million dollars.  A phone bidder topped several bidders in the room including Estonia Ruf of Ruf Porsche manufacturing fame.  Not to be out done, the Russo and Steele auction, which spills out into the streets of downtown Monterey, was in it’s entirety some of the best entertainment and was by far the most popular auction for downtown spectators.  The storybook growth of David Gooding and his auction at the equestrian center at Pebble Beach is legendary.  The quality and as such the prices seen at his auctions are without doubt exceptional.  David’s relationships in the classic car industry and his extensive knowledge combines for two nights of well attended auctions that need to be seen to be believed.  Friday’s record results for Gooding was highlighted with a Ferrari Testa Rosa 250 when spirited bidding climbed through the roof garnering over 16 million dollars as the hammer fell.  That one car sale produced in more money in a singular auction lot than many other classic car auctions sell in an entire day.  

The Gooding and Company auction also helped with the sale of rock singer Sheryl Crow’s  personal 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster to benefit the community of Joplin, following a devastating tornado that swept through this southwest Missouri city earlier this summer. It was an exciting opportunity for both car collectors and Sheryl Crow fans.  

The auction followed an appearance by Sheryl Crow with Jay Leno at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.  The final price was a generous $143,000.00 and all going to a good cause. 

It is hard to put into words and harder to keep up with even a fraction of the happenings on the Monterey Peninsula during the week leading up to the Concours de Elegance on Sunday. 

Thousands flock from all corners of the earth to show and view the best cars on the planet.  Every year is special as it takes at least 10 years to have a car re-invited to be shown again.  If you love cars, art and the outdoor beauty of the 18^th green at Pebble Beach then every August you must make plans view these very special cars.   This year not only restored cars are winners but there is a very popular preservation class that shows off the cars in their original state with all the age spots in place.  The best of show went to the streamline and rarely seen 1934 Vosin C-25 owned by Peter and Merle Mullin of Los Angeles.  Vosin originally an aircraft manufacturer built cars after World War I and its aviation roots are easily recognized even to the untrained eye. 

 This week in the Monterey Peninsula attracts the best and the most beautiful of the automotive world and without doubt should be experienced by anyone who appreciates the art of the automobile, a road trip on Highway 1 through Big Sur and the beauty of the California coast.

Concert on the Green

August 13, 2011
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm

The Friends of Fawnskin present Concert on the Green: A Guy, A Girl and a Piano. Enjoy a fabulous concert under the stars at the Inn at Fawnskin, starring Nancy Celeste Walker and Mike Cross.  The evening will include songs both uplifting and humorous from two of Big Bear Valley’s brightest stars.  A live auction will take place at intermission.  This popular event sells out so get your tickets early!  Tickets are $30. Please call (909) 866-3200 for more details.
Website: www.friendsofawnskin.org

Power Lunch Focuses on Internet Marketing

Big Bear, Ca, August 3, 2011, 4:00pm - The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly Power lunch at Nottinghams restaurant in the Village on August 4th from 11:30 to 1:30pm.  This month the Chamber will focus on Internet Marketing.  Tina Hauer, Internet Marketing Manager at the Big Bear Lake Resort Association will be presenting information on internet marketing for small businesses, focusing on how to use the internet as a marketing tool.  The cost is $15 for members, and $20 for non members. For more information contact the Chamber at 866-4607.

Concert on the Green

Friends of Fawnskin are hosting Concert on the Green on Saturday August 13th at 7:00pm at the Inn at Fawnskin.  It will be an evening of live music by local talent.  There will also be a acoustic guitar auctioned off.  To reserve your tickets ($30 each) call 866-3200.

“A” Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale

August 6, 2011
9:00 am	to	1:00 pm

“A” Garden Club is hosting their annual plant sale at 874 Pinon in Erwin Lake.  The sale will take place from 9am to 1pm on August 6th.

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