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The Big Bear Post
News You Can Use - From A Source You Can Trust
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Big Bear Lake Resident Assaulted at Home
Vacation Rental Issue Heading to Ballot
City Hires High-Priced PR Man
Anti Bullying PSA Message Recorded
Community Vacation Rental Poll
Operation Pothole
Community Valentine Event
90-mile high-speed pursuit in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake K-mart Video Goes Viral
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The Big Bear Post
The Official Newsletter of the City of Big Bear Lake Councilman Alan Lee
Serving the communities of Big Bear Lake, Bear City, Sugarloaf, Fawnskin, Erwin Lake and Baldwin Lake
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Big Bear Lake Resident Beaten By Vacation Rental Guest;
Councilman Lee Meets With District Attorney
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Victim: Lori Hutchins
Crime Scene Photo: Bruised arm
Summary Report: Victim is a 68-year old retired pre-school teacher. She has been a Big Bear Lake homeowner for 32-years.
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Booking Photo: Erick Rolando Cruz
San Bernardino Co. Sherriff - Big Bear Lake
Case # C65922011012230
Charges: PC368(C), PC242; battery and elder abuse. Suspect released on bond.
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According to the reports, in the late midnight hour on October 16th, Big Bear Lake resident, Lori Hutchins was attacked at her front door. She was assaulted by a drunken and belligerent short-term vacation rental guest from the house next door. The guest was upset at Ms. Hutchins' complaint to the City's Code Enforcement about his blaring music after mid-night as he and his group partied in the spa. The assault was captured by her front porch camera. The surveillance video shows the half-dressed man assaulting Ms. Hutchins. Crime scene photos taken shortly after the incident illustrated how battered and beaten she was. The totality of her arm was swollen, blackened and bruised. The Sheriff Deputy also noted blood dripping from her wrist as a result of the assault. According to Ms. Hutchins, the assailant pulled her by the hair, causing her diamond earrings to be lost in the attack.
Hearing her screams for help, 911 calls were made. The San Bernardino County Sheriff responded with multiple units. The suspect was quickly captured, arrested and booked at the Big Bear Lake jail. The District Attorney's Office charged the defendant, Erick Cruz with criminal battery and elderly abuse.
The People of the State of California vs. Erick Rolando Cruz has dragged on in the courts for over a year now. Ms. Hutchins has had to make several trips from Big Bear Lake to attend court proceedings in San Bernardino. The defendant's lawyer has been granted multiple continuances and has now filed a Motion for Diversion. If granted, a Diversion Motion would allow the defendant to simply pay a fine and if he stays out of trouble for a defined time, the charges would be dropped. Councilman Lee joined Ms. Hutchins at her last scheduled court appearance on January 7, 2022.
Councilman Lee met with representatives from the DA's Victim Services Bureau, the prosecuting DA and the Supervising Deputy District Attorney to press the case on behalf of his Big Bear Lake constituents and the crime victim, Ms. Lori Hutchins. The DA has now filed a Motion in Opposition to Diversion and is seeking to take this case to trial. Councilman Lee has announced he will attend every court hearing with the victim.
The victim was quoted in a recent interview saying, "I've appeared at the City Council meetings to tell my story, and I even wrote the City Manager a letter, but I got no support. If it wasn't for Councilman Alan Lee, I would have been out here on my own."
Councilman Lee said, "I will actively stand up for the safety and security of our community. I will use the full weight of my office and every ounce of energy I have to protect our senior citizens."
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- Senior citizen was assaulted at the door steps of her Big Bear Lake home.
- Crime scene photos show the extent of the injuries she suffered.
- The District Attorney charges the defendant with elder abuse and battery.
- Councilman Lee meets with DA's Office to press the case on behalf of the crime victim and his Big Bear Lake constituents.
- According to the victim, she did not feel supported by City officials.
- Councilman Lee attended the court hearing and wrote a letter to the District Attorney in opposition to the defendant's Motion for Diversion.
- The victim has owned a home in Big Bear Lake for 32 years.
- The victim is a 68-year old retired pre-school teacher that is active in the local Garden Club in Big Bear Lake and a member of the Elks Club.
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Grainy surveillance video captures the half-dressed suspect towering over the victim on her front porch. Screams from the victim alerted others, who called 911 to report an assault in progress. The suspect was immediately captured and placed under arrest by the San Bernardino Sheriff Department. |
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After a 36-year professional career as a pre-school teacher, Ms. Lori Hutchins is an active retiree in Big Bear Lake. She is a Big Bear Elks Club member and active in the local Garden Club. She was baptized at Community Church. She has owned a home in Big Bear Lake for 32-years. As a dog lover, she enjoys spending time with her adopted pets and supports the Big Bear based Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary. |
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After a Year of Being Ignored by the City Council
Citizens Take Initiative Directly to the Voters
After nearly a year of residents begging the City Council to put reasonable caps on the number of vacation rental homes allowed in their neighborhoods, Big Bear Lake full-time residents have now met all the legal requirements to launch their citizens' led initiative. Most other tourist communities, including; Palm Springs, Napa, New Port Beach, Solvang, Laguna Beach, Mammoth Lakes and South Lake Tahoe have caps or other restrictions, limiting the number of vacation rentals within their community.
Under pressure from the Vacation Rental Industry, Big Bear Lake has failed to adopt any reasonable limitations or caps to protect the quality of life for its full-time residents. In just the last four years, the number of vacation rentals has increased by a staggering 73%, growing from approximately 1500 to 2600. For the first time in the history of the City, there are now more vacation rental homes units than actual owner-occupied homes in Big Bear Lake. According to a recent report released by the City, there are 2200 housing units occupied by permanent residents and 2601 housing units licensed for vacation rental. The actual number of vacation rentals is believed to be even higher when factoring in the illegal non-licensed rentals.
If passed, the initiative would cap the number of authorized vacation rentals to 1500 units, and the reduction would occur through attrition. The initiative will also limit the number of times a house may be rented in a year. The initiative's proponents were very considerate and intentional in seeking to strike the right balance. As required by law, on January 11, 2022, the City Attorney and City Clerk released the Official Ballot Title and Summary that will appear on the November 2022 ballot. If passed, the initiative would protect the viability of the tourist industry, while at the same time protecting the sanctity and quality of life of our community. The number of authorized vacation rentals would be the same as it was just about four (4) years ago and will be achieved through attrition. The City Manager formally notified the City Council on January 25, 2022, that the group of Big Bear Lake residents filed the necessary affidavit to begin the collection of signatures to take this issue directly to the voters.
At the request of several Big Bear Lake residents, Councilman Lee has agreed to join our community volunteers at the official kick-off of the signature-gathering this Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 10 am - 12 pm. This event will be held in the Community Church parking lot, located at 40946 Big Bear Blvd. Under state law, only registered voters residing within the City limits of the City of Big Bear Lake are eligible to sign the petition.
"I expect the Vacation Rental Industry and the politicians they control will soon start slinging mud, engaging in scare tactics and will use the full reach of their deep pockets to try to trick the voters. They have already started by conducting a phony poll to see which of their deceptive messages will sell better. Their threats and efforts to intimidate me will be fruitless. I am standing with the voters that sent me to City Hall." said Councilman Alan Lee.
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Will you add your signature to limit the number of vacation rentals?
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Yes, I will join Councilman Lee this Saturday to add my signature.
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I want Councilman Lee to contact me so I can add my signature.
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No, I do not wish to sign. I support the Vacation Rental Industry.
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City Hires High-Priced PR Man
In a highly unusual move, and at the cost of $153,113 to the taxpayers, a divided City Council voted 3-2 to hire a Public Information Officer. This new City employee (Ryan Orr) was introduced at the January 2022 City Council meeting.
During the Council debate on this issue, Councilman Lee questioned the timing, necessity and cost of hiring a full-time PR man for a City with a population of just over 5,000. Mr. Orr reports directly to the City Manager, Frank Rush, and serves as his PR Assistant. Mr. Orr has been tasked to work on public outreach, disseminate City information and attend community meetings - the exact same duties for which Council members were supposedly elected. According to the job description adopted by the City Council, part of his essential duties includes writing the speeches of Council members. No other public agency in the Big Bear Valley employs a full-time Public Information Officer. Instead, they effectively assign those limited duties and part-time responsibilities to a designated employee.
"This will be a boom for those in the press and radio business but is of little to no value to the Big Bear Lake taxpayers. Mr. Orr's job description requires him to 'Maintain effective relationships with television, radio and newspaper reporters' on behalf of the City Manager. I have heard people complain about public safety, traffic, road conditions and the oversaturation of vacation rentals. Still, I have never had one resident ever say to me, we need a PR man for our city.", said Councilman Lee.
Although this new position currently costs the taxpayers $153,113, the City Manager indicated it would likely cost the taxpayers $165,000 next year. The cost will likely skyrocket even higher, based on the City Manager's announcement that he plans to invest in a podcast and purchase more radio ads. The local radio station is owned by Councilman Herrick, who is acting as Mayor. Some residents have expressed concerns that this new public relations position is really a political position intended to spruce up the City Manager's image and to give a boost to the three (3) council members coming up for election in November 2022.
Although the City Manager supported the creation of this new position, it was pushed by Council member Bynette Mote. At the specific request of Council members Mote and Randy Putz, it was placed on the City Council agenda. Council members Mote and Putz were joined by Councilmember Rick Herrick in authorizing the creation of this new taxpayers funded position and the spending of an additional $153,113 on a 3-2 vote. This unplanned expenditure was not in the City's adopted budget.
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Councilman Lee's Granddaughters Record
Anti-Bullying Public Service Announcement For Big Bear Lake
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In response to on-going and mean-spirited attacks aimed at the proponents and supporters of the citizens' led initiatives, Councilman Lee's granddaughters, Londann, 11 years, and Leeyonnya, 9 years, recorded a Public Service Announcement on the steps of City Hall. The attacks are coming from the vacation rental industry supporters and a few political insiders.
"I don't like mean people and the full-time residents should have a voice too", said Councilman Lee's granddaughter, Londann. Her sister, Leeyonna added, "Papa taught us to help people that need help and to stand up to bullies. She said it was her idea to record the PSA video. Londann said, both she and Leeyonna plan to address the City Council soon on the importance of civility and respect.
There has been a concerted and organized effort to intimidate Councilman Lee inspired by City Hall insiders. The City Council procedures that have existed for 40-years were recently changed to limit Councilman Lee's voice and his home has come under surveillance by his distractors. "I am less concerned about what they are trying to do to me and more concerned about what they are doing to our community," said Councilman Lee
"I appreciated my granddaughters' support and even more, the deep support I have within the community-at-large, a smiling Lee remarked. "The raw hate messages, the threats, or the sudden changes in the procedural rules by the City Council will not silence me. The community has been locked out of City Hall long enough. They elected me to open the doors and give voice to our full-time residents instead of simply being another rubber stamp for the vacation rental industry. I understand the political insiders are working hard to block me and to tarnish my name. These same career politicians and insiders that have benefited from the system will stop at nothing in their efforts to maintain their power and control. The gamesmanship is starting to intensify because three (3) of the five (5) Council members are up for re-election in 10-months. I won't be bullied and the voters will ultimately have the last word." said Councilman Lee.
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Londann and Leeyonna striking a pose in their princess dresses, while visiting with their grandparents Alan and Lisa. |
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Londann and Leeyonna adopted the above image as their official "Stop Bullying" campaign logo in the City of Big Bear Lake. |
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Londann and Leeyonna filming their anti-bullying Public Service Announcement on the steps of City Hall. Push the play button to hear. |
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Big Bear Lake; Operation Pothole
In response to on-going complaints regarding potholes and deteriorating streets within our neighborhoods, Councilman Lee has launched “Operation Pothole” to help report and expedite repairs of dangerous road conditions.
Please forward Councilman Lee the specific address within the City of Big Bear Lake where you are aware of road conditions that need repair. You may also forward a photo. Councilmember Lee will provide the necessary follow-up to ensure the City is aware of the problem and provide an appropriate response. For streets and roads outside the City limits, contact San Bernardino County.
“I want the City to take the same level of care and concern in the upkeep of our neighborhood streets, as we do in the Village” said Councilmember Alan Lee. Currently, the village is in debt to the City for over 1/2 million dollars. Under the terms of the Village Assessment District, the taxpayers are supposed to only cover the cost of 56% of the assessment. However, the City has covered approximately 80% of the cost for several years. This is in addition to the multi-million dollar investments in parking lots, public restrooms and other Village enhancements paid with taxpayers funds.
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Valentine Weekend for Big Bear Locals
Mind, Body & Soul!
Ms. Liz Blake will be hosting a valentine special on February 12th, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, aimed at our residents. Ms. Blake is a local small business owner and founder of "Self Heal With Liz." Ms. Blake specializes in providing a platform to support how life's challenges are perceived, acknowledged and processed optimally so life can be enjoyed as it is designed.
Her classes include; Yoga for movement of the physical body, meditation to support mental health, sound healing to harmonize vibrational energies, breath-work to support cellular functioning and body talk energy for body-mind balancing.
With Liz Valentine Weekend special, Self Heal will dive into a deeper open heart connection with your significant other. Couples will explore a Thai massage, soul gazing, aphrodisiac tasting, energy activation and sound healing to calm the nervous system. The cost of the session is $100 per couple. This Valentine Weekend event will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Emerald Energy Center located at 42718 Moonridge Rd (2nd Floor), Big Bear Lake, CA. 92315
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Dangerous 90-Mile Pursuit Ends With Suspect Captured In Big Bear
A suspect driving a stolen SUV was apprehended after leading the Big Bear Sheriffs on a high-speed chase that started in Sugarloaf. Just before 10 pm on Thursday, January 27, 2020, deputies attempted to make a traffic stop. According to the Sheriff's Office, the suspect refused to stop and led the deputies on a high-speed vehicle pursuit that stretched 7-miles throughout the Big Bear community hitting speeds over 90 miles an hour. Multiple units and air support were dispatched to assist the pursuing deputies. The driver ultimately abandoned the vehicle in the 1100 block of North Whispering Forest Road in Big Bear and fled in the forested area on foot before to being apprehended.
It was determined the vehicle was stolen from Sugarloaf and returned to the registered owner. According to information released by the Sheriff Department, a 27-year old suspect named Hailey Casasanta was arrested and booked on felony charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and evading a Peace Officer with disregard to public safety. The suspect is being held in jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. There were no reports of injury.
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"The Video They Don't Want You to See"
Goes Viral in Big Bear
"The Video They Don't Want You to See" went viral with more than 2,000 Big Bear views within 24-hours of being released.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. The video features a short animated clip on the "Untold Story of Big Bear Kmart." The video is just 3 minutes, but captures the whole story in an easy to follow way.
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About Councilman Alan Lee: |
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Of all the 24 incorporated cities within San Bernardino County conducting local elections in November 2020, Alan's Big Bear Lake City Council District had the largest voter turnout, with over 90% of eligible voters participating. Despite political insiders, power brokers and pundits giving him no chance to win, Alan soundly defeated his handpicked opponent with over 61% of the vote.
Since being elected, Alan has stayed true to his community and is one of Big Bear Valley's most active and engaged political leaders.
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Councilman Lee is fighting for us and the insiders are attacking him. Please scan the QR code to ensure you receive updated information and be sure to share this communication with your Big Bear Valley neighbors and post on your FaceBook. By working together, we can make Big Bear Valley an even better place to live and call home!
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