Elevation 6752' is presented to keep our residents, property owners, investors, businesses, and visitors well-informed about the City of Big Bear Lake's issues, projects, and initiatives!
December 2023
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City Council Appoints Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
The Big Bear Lake City Council at their December 13, 2023 meeting, unanimously appointed Perri Melnick as the Mayor and Kendi Segovia as the Mayor Pro Tem, for a one-year term. This is the first time in the City of Big Bear Lake’s history that the City has had two women serving as the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. In response to this show of support from her fellow Council colleagues Mayor Melnick expressed, “I am honored and appreciate the confidence that my fellow City Council members have in my leadership abilities to serve this beautiful community as Mayor. I do not take this role lightly and intend to serve and listen to all of the City of Big Bear Lake constituents to my fullest capabilities.” Additionally, Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, who was also appointed by the City Council stated, “I look forward to supporting Mayor Melnick by working together to achieve the goals and objectives of the City of Bear Bear Lake through teamwork and thoughtful consideration to balance the needs of our citizens, stakeholders, and the tourism industry.”
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For more information, please visit:
The City Council unanimously made the additional appointments at their December 13, 2023 meeting, for a one-year term:
Fire Protection District Board
Board Member Rick Herrick, Chair
Board Member Kendi Segovia, Vice Chair
Successor Agency
Agency Member Bynette Mote, Chair
Agency Member Randall Putz, Vice Chair
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City Responds to Big Bear Grizzly News Article
The City of Big Bear Lake feels strongly that all local news sources need to be accurate and factual. With that said, the City is disappointed with the glaring inaccuracies in the Big Bear Grizzly News article, posted today, December 21, 2023, related to the City’s recently adopted vacation rental ordinance.
The article incorrectly states:
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"The City Council directed Sund to make changes to the ordinance. Snow argued that instead, Sund rewrote the entire ordinance, leaving out parts some residents, STR owners and small businesses requested — “reasonable” fees for late licensing, giving owners more notices before fines are issued and eliminating the in-person check-in.
Sund proposed the council increase fees and fines, including $1,500-$5,000 for operating a rental without a license and $500-$1,500 for most other violations, including maintenance problems like trash and pine needle debris, light pollution, excessive vehicles and over-occupancy."
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These statements are false. The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023-518 at a meeting on December 19, 2023, which significantly reduced the fines, related to the vacation rental licensing process, included a 60 day warning process for license renewals, and added the option of virtual check in.
The City of Big Bear Lake finds it unfortunate that the public was provided with this misinformation. The City made numerous attempts to correct these errors, prior to publishing, but received no response. It is the City’s hope, that in collaboration with the Big Bear Grizzly News, they immediately retract and correct these incorrect statements.
Under the prior ordinance fines were $2,500, $5,000, and $7,500. More specifically, operating without a license or an expired license was previously $5,000, under the new fine structure, this violation is $1,500. With the newly adopted ordinance, the fine structure was reduced to $1,500, $2,500, and $5,000. The City also added a 60-day warning system with 5 separate notices (4 emails and a mailer to the license holder) to provide ample notice/warning for renewing their license, thus avoiding any related penalties. Additionally, the ordinance adds a second option to the check-in process. The prior ordinance only allowed for in person check in; with the new ordinance the City Council approved a virtual check in/registration option, in addition to the in person check in option.
Please reference the following link to view Ordinance No. 2023-518 adopted by the City Council at its December 19, 2023, meeting.
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You can also visit the city’s vacation rental website for additional information and resources:
All City ordinances adopted in 2023 can be viewed here:
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Preparing for Winter Weather and Parking Restrictions During Snow Conditions |
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City Public Works staff is monitoring the potential of the first incoming weather system for this upcoming weekend and wants to remind the community to be prepared as we enter the winter season. City staff is prepared with the necessary resources, including staff, equipment, and contractors to plow snow when it becomes necessary. We are also asking the community to make their necessary preparations for winter weather.
In November 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023-517 amending the City’s Municipal Code related to Parking During Snow Conditions. The updated Ordinance prohibits parking on any City streets during snow conditions, which generally exist from October 15 to April 15. During snow conditions, all vehicles must be parked off all streets to not inhibit the ability of equipment to remove snow from the streets. Vehicles parked in violation of snow conditions will be towed away and vehicle owners will be subject to fines. The updated ordinance can be found at the link below.
Information regarding the City’s Winter operations can be found at this link and includes resources such as information about the City’s snow removal efforts, the berm reduction, and other helpful information and contacts.
Finally, community members are encouraged to use this link sign up for the City’s newsletter to receive timely information during winter weather.
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Upcoming City Hall Holiday Closures |
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City Facilities will be closed on:
Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th, in observance of the Christmas holiday.
Monday, January 1st, and Tuesday, January 2nd, in observance of the New Year holiday.
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Snow/ice removal and berm reduction services will not be affected |
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Welcome to our new Economic Development Manager,
Kelly Tinker
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The City of Big Bear Lake would like to welcome the new Economic Development Manager, Kelly Tinker. Kelly joins the Big Bear Lake community following more than nine years of working for the City of Simi Valley, where he began his career in the public sector as a Code Enforcement Officer. He transitioned into Community Program management, overseeing library services and working with the City's Cultural Arts and Senior Centers. In 2019 he began working in the City Manager's office where he was responsible for Economic Development, Capital Projects, and Community Programs.
In the role of Economic Development Manager, Kelly will be responsible for working with local businesses and connecting with agency partners, building relationships to create lasting, meaningful economic growth to enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Kelly’s initial priorities include the development of a long-term economic development strategic plan, as well as the management and oversight of the forthcoming Beautify Big Bear Lake program. Additionally, Kelly will be responsible for business attraction and retention, working to bring new business into the community and provide existing businesses with resources and support to help them succeed.
Kelly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Columbia Southern University, as well as an Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) certification through the California Association for Local Economic Development. Kelly recently moved to the Big Bear Lake area with his wife of 20 years, Brooke, and their three children. In his spare time, Kelly enjoys golf, hiking, camping and just being outdoors. He loves reading and music, enjoys taking in concerts and shows, and spending time with family and friends. He is looking forward to his family’s first holiday season in Big Bear Lake and getting to know all about the beautiful Bear Valley community.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony |
The City hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 24th with performances by the Mountain Marvalettes, Emily & Matt, and Farley the Fiddler. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made a special appearance! Locals and visitors of Big Bear Valley joined together to watch the glorious lighting of our 40 foot tall Christmas Tree in the Village. |
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Menorah Lighting Ceremony
On December 7th, the City and the Chabad of Lake Arrowhead hosted a Menorah Lighting Ceremony in celebration of Chanukah.
Be sure to visit the corner of Pine Knot and Village Drive to view the menorah in person!
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BIG BEAR LAKE 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
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