Elevation 6752' is the City of Big Bear Lake's quarterly newsletter that informs residents, property owners, investors, businesses, and visitors about City issues, projects, initiatives, and events from the past quarter and highlighting what's ahead. | | |
In addition to their responsibilities as elected officials, Big Bear Lake City Councilmembers participate in a variety of agencies and organizations that benefit our community.
Councilmember Chuck Hicks, Jr. began serving on the Big Bear Lake City Council in 2025, after he was elected to represent District 5 on November 5, 2024. "My belief is that local government only works if citizens are willing to get involved and be a part of the solution. By being elected to the City Council, I became, hopefully, a part of the solution," said Councilmember Hicks.
Chuck is a practicing attorney in California specializing in estate planning, probate law, and aviation regulatory matters, and is approved to practice law before the United States Federal Court’s Central District and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Chuck retired from a 29-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where he held several positions including Aviation Safety Inspector, Regulatory Training Program Manager, and Flight Standards Branch Manager. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, Army National Guard, and Naval Reserves in various technical and piloting capacities. Councilmember Hicks' tradition of community service extends far beyond Big Bear Valley, as he currently serves as a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff. His past roles include Big Bear Airport Board Member, Commissioner on the Long Beach Civil Service Commission for eight years, on the Orange County Measure “M” Commission for three years, on the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Directors for two years.
| | 2026 General Municipal Election | | The City holds a General Election in November of every even-numbered year for the purpose of electing City Councilmembers for four-year terms. The City consolidates its election activities with those of the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Office, which provides for voter registration, ballot materials, polling places, and other critical elections functions. The City Clerk began accepting City Councilmember nominations for Districts 2, 3, and 4 on July 13, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The Standard Nomination Period (deadline to file papers) will close on August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The Extended Nomination Period (deadline to file if the incumbent does not file) will close on August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. | | On June 10th, the City Council held a public hearing to receive comments regarding the budget adoption for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2026. The Council received a presentation from Dena Heald, the City’s Director of Finance, on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). In the Adopted Budget (linked below), City Manager Erik Sund describes FY 2026–27 as the City's "Year of Advancement," reflecting a focus on continued progress and investment in the community. The the Adopted Budget document, as well as the new digital version enhanced with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) query feature, are available on the Finance Department page of the City's website. | | |
Beginning in November 2025, the City initiated the 2050 General Plan Update project. The General Plan Update provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of Big Bear Lake and develop goals, policies, and programs to guide development and growth in the City through 2050. The City Council appointed 17 members of the community to serve on the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) as part of the General Plan amendment process. To date, the Committee has met twice to review existing conditions, discuss key community priorities, and provide valuable feedback on the vision, goals, and policies that will help guide Big Bear Lake's future. GPAC members have been instrumental in representing a broad range of community perspectives, ensuring that the planning process reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
On July 15th, the City held its first General Plan Community Open House at Hofert Hall. Attendees received an overview of the General Plan process, the Background Report, and anticipated next steps, and had the opportunity to ask City Staff and the Consultant team questions relating to the General Plan Update process. Looking ahead, the GPAC will continue refining the draft General Plan elements and reviewing recommendations as the project moves into its next phase. Upcoming GPAC meetings are listed below. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged by attending meetings, providing feedback, and following project updates as we work together to shape the future of Big Bear Lake.
- Planning Commission Study Session | Existing Conditions Overview Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
- Locals Night Concert Pop-Up
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
-
City Council Study Session| Existing Conditions Overview
Wednesday September 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. (Tentatively)
- Planning and Design Charrette (Tentatively)
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, November 6, 2026 (Staff day)
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
| Fire Protection District Update | | |
The City of Big Bear Lake’s Fire Protection District (BBLFPD) remains committed to transparency and keeping the community informed throughout the dissolution of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA) with the Big Bear Community Services District (CSD). Following the presentation of the Citygate Associates Fire Services Review to the Big Bear Fire Authority (BBFA) on February 10, 2026, two paths were identified: amend and modernize the existing JPA or both agencies partner with the San Bernadino County Fire Protection District. After no action was taken to amend the JPA, the FPD formally initiated the dissolution process on April 29, 2026. The Citygate study, completed and presented in its final form to the BBFA, found that service demand is nearly equal between Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City, with call volumes split almost evenly despite Big Bear Lake serving a significantly smaller resident population.
The FPD’s decision to dissolve the JPA was driven by a commitment to improving service levels while remaining fiscally responsible to its taxpayers. By contracting with the San Bernadino County Fire Services District, the FPD can enhance fire and emergency response services without increasing property taxes. The selected service option, Option C, will activate two additional fire stations; Moonridge and Boulder Bay, in addition to the existing Station 281, providing expanded coverage and resources for residents and visitors. Importantly, local control will remain with the community’s elected officials, who will continue to oversee fire protection services and advocate for the unique needs of the Big Bear Valley.
“We understand that regional partnerships can raise concerns about losing local voices. We want to reassure you that the decision-authority remains with your elected officials. Your City Council and Fire Protection District Board- who live in and understand our mountain community- will continue to advocate for your needs.
This partnership with the San Bernadino County Fire Protection District is designed to strengthen service delivery by providing additional resources and tools, not to diminish local control. We remain fully committed to transparency and accountability to the community we serve.” – BBLFPD Chair Rick Herrick
Meetings recordings, reports, and related documents are available on the City’s Fire Protection District webpage to ensure the public has access to all information regarding this process.
| | |
At its May and June meetings, the Big Bear Lake City Council adopted two ordinances designed to improve regulatory clarity, enhance compliance, and support community quality of life.
The first ordinance updates multiple sections of the Municipal Code to implement Senate Bill 346 and strengthen Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) compliance. The ordinance enhances the City’s ability to work with short-term rental platforms by requiring reporting, tax collection, and compliance measures authorized under state law. It also streamlines business license procedures, updates administrative citation and enforcement provisions, strengthens vacation rental regulations, and provides additional tools to ensure the fair collection of TOT revenue that supports essential City services. This ordinance was first introduced to the City Council on April 8th and then adopted on May 13th. This ordinance went into effect on June 13, 2026.
The second ordinance updates the City’s Sign Ordinance by revising regulations for temporary noncommercial signs, including political, charitable, civic, religious, educational, and cultural signs. The amendments establish a clear definition for temporary noncommercial signs, clarify development standards such as size and placement requirements, and create a streamlined administrative process for addressing unlawful signage. The changes are intended to protect free expression while improving consistency, transparency, and enforcement of the City’s sign regulations. This ordinance was first introduced to the City Council on May 13th and then adopted on June 10th. This ordinance went into effect on July 10, 2026.
| | Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot Award | | In April, the City of Big Bear Lake was awarded the Trail Development Award for the Castle Rock Trailhead by California State Parks at the annual California Trails and Greenways Conference in San Ramon. This award highlights projects that improve access, protect natural landscapes, and create meaningful connections between people and the places they explore. Jordan Lowe, Big Bear Trails Program Manager for the Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF), accepted the award on behalf of the City and SCMF. The City would like to thank SCMF and the Mountain Top Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) for their partnership on this project. To learn more about the Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot Project and to plan your next hike, please visit bigbearlake.gov. | | Wildfire Prevention Efforts | | At the request of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises, initiated felling operations inside the Radford Fire and Line Fire closure areas on June 5, 2026. Team Rubicon was specifically tasked with felling dead hazard trees that posed risks to roads and trails within those zones. A total of 2,103 hazard trees were felled across both areas and Team Rubicon personnel safely placed an estimated 873,000 cubic feet of material on the ground. The operation was completed on June 19, 2026, with the help of 45 team members per operational day, including 35 advanced‑level sawyers flown in from across the United States and Canada. The former Big Bear Elementary School campus on Pennsylvania Avenue served as a base of operations, and Big Bear Fire Department provided support with equipment and personnel needs. This work was performed at no charge to the USFS or the Big Bear Lake Community. | | During the Regular City Council Meeting on June 10, 2026, the Council received a presentation from Sergeant Beau Butters from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Big Bear Station, providing an overview on E-Bike Regulations. Click the button below to view the presentation and learn more about E-Bike's and the Sheriff Department's enforcement efforts. | | We're excited to partner again with Visit Big Bear to bring back the wildly popular Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series for a fourth year! We are continuing the tradition of bringing high-caliber talent to Big Bear Lake with a focus on original music. This year's Summer Concert Series is already off to a great start! Mark your calendar so you don't miss out on these incredible free concerts. | | Cinnamon Rolls with the City Manager | |
Come to the next Cinnamon Rolls with The City Manager event at Boulder Bay Park Tuesday, August 18th from 8-10 AM. This is a great time for Big Bear Lake residents to hear updates about City projects and initiatives, ask questions, and share their concerns. All ages are welcome. Attendees will enjoy free breakfast and take home some City of Big Bear Lake swag!
When: August 18 8-10 a.m.
Where: Boulder Bay Park
39080 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Admission: Free
| | | |
Save the date for 2026 State of the City Address on October 21st at the new Sunnybrook Estate in Moonridge. This annual event is a great opportunity for the Big Bear Lake community to come together with the Mayor and City Council, have informal conversations, interact with City staff, and enjoy free appetizers and refreshments. Stay tuned for further details.
When: October 21
Where: Sunnybrook Estate
42488 Moonridge Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Admission: Free
| | | Stay in the Know: Download Big Bear Lake 365! | | |
If you haven't already downloaded our app, Big Bear Lake 365, now is a great time! It's free, and is available for both Apple and Android users. In addition to timely push notifications about commuter alerts and weather conditions, you can also access:
- Convenient links to important information
- Road condition information
- A user-friendly tool for reporting hazards and registering complaints
- News updates and announcements such as City Council meetings and job postings
- Listings of ongoing events and activities
- And more!
| | |
City of Big Bear Lake
39707 Big Bear Blvd. PO Box 10000, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-5831 | Fax: (909) 866-5491
| | | | |
