Elevation 6752' is the City's monthly newsletter that informs residents, property owners, investors, businesses, and visitors about Big Bear Lake's issues, projects, initiatives, and events.

February 2024
Mayor Melnick Interviewed on
Mountain Matters Podcast
Mayor Perri Melnick recently sat down for a candid conversation with Mountain Matters host Ryan Orr to share information about her background, exciting upcoming projects and city government challenges with listeners. In the episode, Mayor Melnick emphasized her love for the Big Bear Lake community, giving back to the community in many ways, from doing pro bono work in her career as a practicing attorney, to serving on several boards and foundations throughout the area. "I serve because I think that I have something of value to add. I don't do it for myself. I don't want to serve just for the sake of serving. It's important to me that I do the best that I can, that I listen to everybody in the community," Melnick said.

She also opened up about finding her voice and common ground to bring people together during her tenure as a City Councilmember. "What I've always wanted people to understand is that even if they don't agree with me, to at least understand how I got and why I made the decision that I did. I have to govern for the entire community. For me, it's always been about doing the right thing. I'm always open and want to sit down and have conversations."

Melnick's leadership philosophy is to be "forward thinking in our projects". Her goals include bringing back last year's popular Summer Concert Series, bringing the proposed Castle Rock Trail Capital Improvement Project to fruition, recruiting citizens and local business owners to serve on the West End Redevelopment Committee, and improving communication efforts from the City. "I love our community and I believe there are things we can do to move the community forward."

You can read Mayor Melnick's full biography here.
City Services Updates
Flood Watch & Winter Weather Warning Response
The City of Big Bear Lake, and the Big Bear Valley, are digging out from the recent storm that has produced two feet of snow or more over the past week. As of Thursday, February 8, the Flood Watch and Winter Weather Warning issued by the National Weather Service have expired. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 4 PM Thursday, February 8. Southwest wind speeds from 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 60 mph are possible. Exercise caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Currently the forecast calls for some slight lingering moisture that may produce snow flurries and showers through Friday, with mostly clear skies over the weekend.
Big Bear Lake Public Works staff have been working in 12-hour shifts 24 hours a day for the past week, and will continue to do so through the weekend and into early next week. Currently, the primary focus is on clearing roads to make them as accessible and safe as possible, which also includes widening them to enable two-way travel on most roads. These plowing activities will continue through the day and night for the next few days. Staff is assessing the situation and anticipates commencing berm reduction on Friday, February 9 and continuing until all plowing routes within the City have had their berms reduced, which may take up to 2-3 days. Information regarding the City’s Winter Operations, including snow removal, berm reduction, other helpful information and contacts can be found here.

“Our excellent Public Works staff and contractors continue to work around the clock in response to this winter storm. Staff will work until the roads are safe and passable. We ask that you minimize unnecessary travel and give the crews as much space to work as possible. Thank you to the community for your patience as we work to dig the City out.” 
-Sean Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
 
To report storm-related issues such as flooding, potholes, fallen trees, and other driving hazards in the City of Big Bear Lake, please visit our Code Compliance Portal or call the Public Works Department at (909) 866-7521.

The City of Big Bear Lake wants to remind motorists to monitor road conditions frequently with the Caltrans QuickMap tool, exercise caution while driving in the mountains during inclement weather, carry appropriately sized tire chains or cables, and avoid parking on city streets when snow conditions exist, which carries a $500 fine. For more safety tips, please see our latest posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Trash Bin Update
Neighborhood Preservation staff and Big Bear Disposal have started a proactive measure to address complaints related to trash bins being left curbside beyond the 24-hour allotted timeframe. Over the next few months, both agencies will be communicating to property owners and vacation rental management companies to educate them on the removal of trash bins from the curb after their service date. In some cases, we will assist in placing the trash bins closer to the house and will leave a door hanger communicating the City’s trash can rules.
Economic Development Corner
Hampton Inn Hotel Nearing Grand Opening
City staff worked in collaboration with the Hampton Inn Hotel on Big Bear Boulevard to issue a TCO (Temporary Certificate of Occupancy), enabling a soft opening in January 2024. Final construction details are nearly complete, and the highly anticipated grand opening is expected in late February 2024.

City to Launch Beautify Big Bear Lake Program
City staff is preparing the roll-out of a citywide beautification initiative, the Beautify Big Bear Lake program. Beautify Big Bear Lake is the result of the hard work and dedicated efforts of the Economic Development Advisory Committee. The new program and its brochure will be presented at the next City Council Meeting on February 14th. Businesses and property owners along Big Bear Boulevard and the Moonridge Corridor can expect to receive the program brochure in the mail over the coming weeks. Look for additional communications to be distributed via email, social media, and City newsletters regarding program updates, resources and support. Let’s work together to Beautify Big Bear Lake!
City Employee Spotlight
We welcome our new Communication & Events Specialist, Jackie Rogers
The City of Big Bear Lake would like to welcome our new Communication and Events Specialist, Jackie Rogers. Jackie joins the City following two years of serving small businesses and municipal governments as a consultant, specializing in graphic design, communications and economic development. In 2022, Jackie co-developed a dynamic new logo and brand identity for the City of Barstow. In 2023, she co-developed an economic development plan for Barstow, which included a groundbreaking Incentives FAQ's and Resource Guide, empowering local businesses to thrive while helping the City to enhance its business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. Prior to that, Jackie worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant at of one of the country’s leading industrial Real Estate Investment Trusts. In this role, she designed executive presentations and proposals, created content for social media, authored newsletters, assisted with public relations, and planned events. Additionally, Jackie was responsible for community outreach to non-profit partners, including American Red Cross, Working Wardrobes in Irvine, along with food pantries, homeless shelters, and nature centers across Southern California.
 
In the role of Communication and Events Specialist, Jackie will be responsible for planning and coordinating City signature events and events hosted at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, as well as preparing and distributing informational content on the City’s website, social media accounts, the City’s official newsletters Elevation 6752, and The Week That Was. Additionally, Jackie will be responsible for issuing filming permits, providing public relations and outreach efforts to local schools, non-profit organizations, citizens and community groups.
 
Jackie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from California State University Long Beach, a Social Media Marketing certificate, and is a member of The California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). Jackie recently moved to Big Bear Lake with her two rescue dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, photography, seeing concerts, and checking out local restaurants with friends and family. As a child, she spent a lot of time at her family’s second home in Boulder Bay, where she learned to fish and ride horses. Jackie is looking forward to exploring all our beautiful valley has to offer and creating new traditions as a proud full-time resident of Big Bear Lake.
Upcoming Events
Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge 2024
Join Us February 15th for the Kick-Off Event!
Come to Hofert Hall in the City Civic Center on Thursday, February 15 at 2 PM to kick off the coolest event of the year and hear from Special Olympics Athlete and Global Messenger, Brett Laza. Mayor Perri Melnick will be present to welcome Mr. Laza and the Special Olympics to Big Bear Lake.

Take the Plunge on March 16th!
Plunge into the chilly waters of Big Bear Lake on Thursday, March 16 at Veterans Park to raise funds for Special Olympics Inland Empire. Whether you register as an individual, join a team, make a monetary donation or donate an auction item, there's a way for everyone to support this great cause! Click here to register or donate.
Hosted by Visit Big Bear. For more information, visit bigbear.com.
City Launches The Week That Was Newsletter
Have you heard the City of Big Bear Lake has a new weekly newsletter? It's called "The Week That Was", or “TWTW” for short, and in it you'll find quick updates about City projects, initiatives and events that occurred over the past week. Check out our latest edition here.
Upcoming City Hall Holiday Closures

City Facilities will be closed on Monday, February 19th in observance of President's Day.

Snow / Ice Removal & Berm Reduction services will not be affected.
CITY HALL OFFICE HOURS

The Big Bear Lake Civic Center is open to the public Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City of Big Bear Lake
39707 Big Bear Boulevard
PO Box 10000
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-5831