The Big Bear Lake City Council meeting began with two presentations, the first of which was a proclamation, designating this Friday, November 27 as National Native American Heritage Day. The City of Big Bear Lake has adopted this special day, as signed into law by President Obama on June 26, in honor of the Yuhaviatam people (now known as the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians) who first resided in our Valley, as well as the more than 20,000 Native Americans who live within San Bernardino County. The San Manuel Band’s Chairman James Ramos, who also happens to be the president of the San Bernardino Valley College District, was on hand to receive the proclamation from Mayor Rick Herrick at last night’s meeting, and responded with gratitude and a ceremonial song honoring the Big Horn Sheep.
The Lighthouse Project, represented by Beth Gardner, also made a presentation at the November 23 Council meeting, highlighting the success of the September 12 Run the Bear Big Bear Lake Marathon, which the non-profit organized on behalf of the City, rather than implementing their plans for Run Ryan’s Run, which was to be a run around Big Bear Lake inspired by local Olympian Ryan Hall. However, given this year’s change in plans, the Lighthouse Project did achieve their objective in fostering a community event which met their goals in terms of showcasing the Valley and producing a first-class run. Gardner noted that, post-marathon, they received a “surprising amount” of feedback from runners, from L.A. to Australia, congratulating our community for its beauty and hospitality. Though pleased with the event, made possible by countless local volunteers, the Lighthouse Project has opted to step down from organizing a future marathon, Gardner told Council, and will instead concentrate their efforts on their original mission: to foster a child-honoring community. To that end, the Lighthouse Project continues to build on their Peace Gardens project at schools, will be bringing the Peace Builders Program to Big Bear Middle School in December, is hosting the Vision 2010 Community Summit at the PAC on February 24, and is hoping to host Run Ryan’s Run in May 2011, pending Hall’s availability.
Following presentations, Council unanimously adopted the Consent Calendar, which included approval of the management agency to oversee The Crossings, the 42-unit workforce housing development being built by family-run Urban Housing Communities on Knickerbocker Road, as well as resident requirements for those who will live there, and the relocation of the one existing family residing on the property. In approving these items, Council commended Redevelopment Director Lyle Haynes and UHC for the thorough report and considerations for the family to be relocated, with Councilmember Michael Karp noting he was “very impressed with the screening of residents and maintenance of projects” for the future housing complex. Council also addressed the Friendship and Sister Cities programs, implemented in 1984, details of which we will bring you in a future newscast/story.
