Small Business Facade Improvement Program

The Small Business Façade Improvement Program was developed at the direction of City Council to support the City’s ongoing beautification initiatives. Council approved an initial appropriation of $150,000 to fund a reimbursement grant program for small business owners to improve and upgrade building façades, and replace outdated or damaged business signage. The Small Business Façade Improvement Program seeks to incentivize the beautification of the City’s primary commercial corridors by leveraging public funds with private investment. The program’s objectives include: 

• Enhancement of the City’s physical appearance
• Support for small business
• Promoting economic vitality within the community
• Increasing property values and tenant stability
• Improving the quality of life for residents and visitors

The City began accepting applications on October 23, 2024. The program drew substantial interest, with 25 grant applications received and several more businesses expressing interest if there is additional funding made available for future grant rounds. Preliminary award letters have been sent to the first 10 eligible business applicants, effectively encumbering all of the $150,000 fund appropriation. The City has begun to receive notifications from awarded applicants that grant funded improvements are being scheduled and should begin over the next several weeks. All of the remaining business applicants have been placed on a waiting list, and those applications will be processed in the order received if additional grant funds are appropriated for the next fiscal year. We can’t wait to see this program take root in our beloved community, and the enhancements it will bring by restoring the charm of businesses along Big Bear Boulevard and the Moonridge Corridor!

In April, Deputy Public Works Director Nic Haecker came aboard, bringing 20 years of prior experience. Nic began his career in Public Works in 2005 as a Maintenance Worker for the City of Lancaster, where he rose through the ranks from Utility Maintenance Worker to Supervisor of Traffic Operations. At the City of Desert Hot Springs, where he worked for the last 7 years, he served as Public Works Manager before his promotion to Public Works Director. Nic is an active member of the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), American Public Works Association (APWA), Maintenance Superintendents Association (MSA), and International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA). In his new role, Nic oversees planning and operations for the Public Works Department, including Capital Improvement Projects and Field Operations, such as streets and traffic control, equipment and infrastructure maintenance.

We're excited to partner again with Visit Big Bear to bring back the wildly popular Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series for a third year! Mark your calendar so you don't miss out on these incredible free concerts. Stay tuned for the lineup - it's going to be epic!

At the Regular City Council Meeting on April 9th, the City Council passed a resolution authorizing a General Fund appropriation in the amount of $40,000 for distribution to eight public service organizations of up to $5,000 each in the FY 2025-26 City budget. The eight public service organizations that will benefit from these appropriations are Bear Valley Meals on Wheels, Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, Big Bear Valley Unified School District (BVUSD), DOVES of Big Bear Valley, United States Adaptive Recreation Center, San Bernardino County Library Big Bear Branch, Soroptimists of Big Bear Valley, and Pause 4 Paws Big Bear. 

Special Olympics Polar Plunge

The Big Bear Polar Plunge, also known as the ‘coolest event of the year’, was held on March 29th. This is the 13th year that the City of Big Bear Lake has proudly hosted this annual event, benefitting Special Olympics Southern California in the Inland Empire. Thanks to generous sponsorships and donations from the public, Special Olympic athletes are able to train and compete in 12 sports at no cost. According to Abbey Leffler, Director of Programs for Special Olympics Southern California, the 2025 Polar Plunge generated over $60,000 in donations, and to date, this event has raised over $1 million.

Mobile Spay & Neuter Clinic

On April 6th, the City proudly partnered with San Bernardino County Animal Care and The PAW Mission to provide free spay and neuter services at City Hall. This highly anticipated event was nearly a year in the making. On May 8, 2024, the City Council voted to provide $20,000 to San Bernardino County to help fund local mobile spay/neuter clinics. During this inagural event, 19 animals were serviced, including 7 cats and 12 dogs. The next free mobile clinic will be held on Sunday, June 1st at City Hall. To register, please visit www.thepawmission.org.

Cinnamon Rolls with the City Manager

In March, the City held its first Cinnamon Rolls with the City Manager event of the year at the iconic Apples Bed & Breakfast Inn. Attendees enjoyed delicious coffee, tea and cinnamon rolls made in-house while City Manager Erik Sund and City staff provided updates on City initiatives, projects, and events. Attendees asked questions and shared their concerns, which sparked many great conversations, and provided valuable feedback from the community. Stay tuned for details on the next event! 

Earth Day Celebrations

We were honored to exhibit at Bear Valley Electric Service's 2025 Earth Day Expo, and at the 2025 Southern California Mountains Foundation Earth Day Celebration at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Our booth was abuzz both days, with many people stopping by to say hello, ask questions, and take home some City of Big Bear Lake swag, including flower seed packets, seed paper bookmarks, Earth Day coloring books, and reusable insulated tote bags!