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The Video They Don't Want You To See!
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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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Residents Win Legal Dispute With City
The Out-of-State Developer & Grocery Store Are Out!
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It was formally announced at the January 11th Big Bear Lake City Council meeting, that the City lost its high-profile legal dispute regarding the controversial development of what would have been the third grocery store in Big Bear Lake. A divided City Council voted 3-2 to approve the addition of another grocery store at the site right next to Stater Bros. and across from Vons.
Citing legal and safety concerns, Councilman Lee joined with the residents in opposing the project. Councilman Lee has long championed the need for a major retail department store to replace the long-closed K-mart, as opposed to prioritizing an additional grocery store. The lawsuit was brought by Big Bear Lake Together, an association of Big Bear Lake residents. The lead plaintiff opposing the City and the out-of-state developer was Big Bear Lake resident, Pat Prodrouzek.
Long-time respected community volunteer, Ms. Gloria Meade, filed a petition signed by more than 100 Big Bear Valley residents, urging the City Council to reject the grocery store project. The City Council heard from dozens of residents opposing the project, including a retired Big Bear Fire Captain who lives less than half a mile from the project. The former Fire Department official testified that, based on his experience, the site was not safe or suitable for the proposed development.
The City Council deadlocked 2-2. Once newly appointed Councilmember Perri Melnick was seated (she replaced Councilman Dave Caretto, who had unexpectedly resigned) she sided with Council Members Herrick and Putz to approve the grocery store project with a 3-2 vote.
Among the allegations contained in the lawsuit were (1) the City failed to follow the necessary legal process, (2) the City abused its discretion and (3) the City prevented the public from participating in the process in a meaningful way. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court of San Bernardino County on September 9, 2021. The City residents asked the Court to overrule the City Council's approval of this project. As a result of the lawsuit brought by Big Bear Lake residents, the developer agreed to withdraw the project and the City agreed to withdraw its approval.
Although the developer agreed to reimburse the City $15,097.62 for legal costs incurred fighting on the developer's behalf, the taxpayers are still on the hook for an additional $45,757 in legal costs and $7,920 in consulting fees related to the City's failed attempt to advance the developer's project.
"There is no question the proposed site was unsafe for our community. If there is a real desire for a 3rd grocery store, it should be built in the east end of the valley to better serve our community there, or at least, at a safe and suitable location in Big Bear Lake. The City wasted over $53,000 and countless hours of staff and City Council time fighting its own residents, not to mention the displaced family, with children, that was forced to move to clear the way for the failed project. I hope the City learned from this failed process so we are not wasting tax dollars in the future. We would have been better served to listen to our community and focus our energy on a K-mart replacement," said Councilman Lee.
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- During the Grocery Outlet appeal process, the City spent $45,575 in taxpayer funds to cover legal fees supporting the out-of-state developer over its residents. These funds will not be recovered.
- The City spent an additional $7,920 in taxpayer funds on a traffic consulting firm to dispute the claims of residents and to undermine the testimony of a retired Big Bear Fire Captain regarding safety and traffic concerns. These funds will not be recovered.
- The developer only reimbursed the taxpayers $15,097.62, although the City spent over $68,000 in legal and consulting costs on behalf of the developer.
- A family with children living at the site was forced to move to make way for the failed development.
- Residents were forced to hire an attorney to sue their own City Council.
- A key allegation contained in the lawsuit was that the City prevented the public from participating in the process in a meaningful way.
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Which would you prefer for Big Bear Lake officials to pursue to replace K-Mart?
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K-Mart Closed For a Year Now; No Replacement in Sight
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Click Video Below To See:
"The Big Bear K-mart; The Untold Story"
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The City lost $130,000 in tax revenue, our neighbors lost their jobs and the community lost its only store to buy household essentials. K-mart has been closed for a year now, and the City is no closer to finding a suitable replacement than it was a year ago.
The City wasted time, energy and resources pursuing a third grocery store, instead of focusing on the needs and desires of the community and its residents. Now that the Grocery Outlet debacle has ended, Councilman Lee has called on City Officials to finally prioritize finding a suitable replacement to K-mart.
Prior to his resignation, Councilman Dave Caretto, acting as Mayor, established an Economic Development Committee to help find a replacement to K-mart and to explore broader economic issues. Councilman Lee appeared at the January 11, 2022, meeting of the City's Economic Development Committee to urge them to prioritize and focus their attention on finding a replacement for K-mart. The Alabama based consultant retained by the City Manager did not attend the meeting or provide an update, instead sending word through city staff they were not yet prepared to make a presentation.
Councilman Lee has called "foul" on the City Manager's decision to enter into a $15,000, no bid contract with an out-of-state real estate consulting firm, based in Birmingham, Alabama, to assist the City in finding a K-mart replacement. Lee said, "Birmingham can't help us, the solutions are right here in Big Bear, we only need to start listening to our community."
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The K-mart lot has become a community eyesore and an active homeless encampment. |
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Councilman Lee Appoints Community Advisory Council |
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Left: Mr. Peter Dawidzik
Chair - Business Council
Center: Mr. James Hoeltgen
Chair - Volunteer Council
Right: Mrs. Lexi Amrhein
Chair - Educational Council
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Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Councilman Lee has appointed members of the community to serve on his advisory council to help shape his policies and to deepen his community outreach. He announced Chairs for his Community Council. This group consists of a Business, Education and Volunteer Council.
Mrs. Lexi Amrhein has been selected to help lead the Educational Council. She was raised in Big Bear City. After graduating from Big Bear High School in 2008, Mrs. Amrhein attended California University at Northridge, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Deaf Studies. She then went to the University of San Francisco, where she obtained her Master's Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
Mrs. Amrhein has extensive experience in college and career preparation including supporting students with scholarship and college entrance applications as well as working with students that may wish to pursue vocational opportunities.
Mrs. Amrhein sits on a number of non-profit boards in the Big Bear Valley that focus on education, social services and healthcare. Mrs. Amrhein resides in the Erwin Lake area of the Big Bear Valley with her husband, Zack.
As Chair of Councilman Alan Lee's Educational Council, Mrs. Amrhein helps in the development and administration of Councilman Lee's scholarship and internship programs. Mrs. Amrhein provides strategic advice to Councilman Lee on educational policy and serves as his liaison to the local school district.
Mr. James Hoeltgen has been tapped to help guide Councilman Lee's Volunteer Council. Mr. James Hoeltgen is a Big Bear Lake resident. Mr. Hoeltgen obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Grinnell College in Biology and his Master's Degree in Microbiology and Public Health from Michigan State University.
Mr. Hoeltgen served as a volunteer with the San Bernardino County Sheriff Office for 5 years. He was elected as the Commander for the Citizens on Patrol (COPS) program for the Big Bear Lake Sheriff's Station for two years. Prior to his service supporting our Law Enforcement Officers, Mr. Hoeltgen served as a Volunteer Patrol Leader and Trainer with the United States Forestry Department, where he helped patrol the San Bernardino National Forest and train other volunteers.
Mr. Hoeltgen is the recipient of the distinguished "Life Saving Award" from the Sheriff's Office for saving the life of a drowning man in Big Bear Lake. Mr. Hoeltgen has been married to his wife, Kathy, for 55 years.
As Chair of Councilman Alan Lee's Volunteer Council, Mr. Hoeltgen assists and advises Councilman Lee on effective tools for civic engagement and works with Councilman Lee on spotlighting and supporting our local civic and volunteer organizations.
Mr. Peter Dawidzik has been appointed to lead Councilman Lee's Business Council. Mr. Peter Dawidzik is a Big Bear Lake resident, residing in the Fox Farm Community. Mr. Dawidzik is partner/owner at one of Big Bear Lake's most popular local restaurants, the Big Bear Bar and Grill. He is also the owner of the new Bear Valley Restaurant, operating in the Village as "Wrap It Up - Stick 'Em Up". Mr. Dawidzik holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Business Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University in New York, where he was captain of the Division 1 Lacrosse Team. He also sits on a number of advisory boards for companies in the streaming media industry. Prior to moving to Big Bear Lake, Mr. Dawidzik served as Vice-President at Warner Media and Director of Sales at Oolaya Inc.
Mr. Dawidzik enjoys boating, skiing, and spending time with his family. You may also find Mr. Dawidzik playing drums locally with his band, Whiskey Flats. As Chair of Councilman Alan Lee's Business Council, Mr. Dawidzik provides strategic advice to Councilman Lee on business policy and serves as Councilman Lee's liaison to the business community.
If you would like to join Councilman Lee's Community Council to help improve our community, email Councilman Alan Lee directly at [email protected].
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Big Bear The Beautiful
A Pictorial By: Ed Wallace in Partnership With Councilman Alan Lee
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It is said, "A picture is worth 1000 words." These three (3) photos were recently captured in the back country of the San Bernardino Mountains, west of Fawnskin, by Ed Wallace.
Councilman Lee believes we all must work hard to ensure the unique character and atmosphere of our Big Bear Lake Valley is maintained. Alan is one of the leading proponents of effective governmental coordination to protect our lake, wildlife, trails and forests.
About Ed Wallace: Ed is a full-time Big Bear Lake resident, community leader and an avid hiker. In coordination with Councilman Lee, Ed provides a series of pictorials entitled, "Big Bear the Beautiful" to remind us of the beauty and tranquility of Big Bear Lake. He is the Conservation Chair for the Big Bear Valley Sierra Club, a founding member of Trails Foundation, sits on the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust, a Board Member of the Friends of Big Bear Valley and has served as a Volunteer Ranger with the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association.
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Pastor Hastings Returns to the Pulpit After Heart Attack
Delivers "How Are Our Hearts?" Sermon
Sunday, January 16, 2022, marked the miracle return of Pastor Rob Hastings of The Journey Church. In anticipation of his return, Pastor Hastings announced, "I am very excited to be back in the pulpit with a word God has been stirring in my heart for about a month." Even as he faced the uncertainty of an open-heart surgery, Pastor Rob Hastings never wavered in his faith. He sent a message on the heels of his operation, "The Lord is carrying me on this morning as I am waiting for my surgery. I feel very deeply loved and cared for and I know I'm in the Lord's hands this morning." His wife, Shannon, was able to briefly hold his hands before the surgery.
On November 18, 2021, the Senior Pastor of The Journey Church suffered a massive heart attack and was flown off of the mountain by emergency helicopter to Loma Linda Hospital. Four days later, he underwent a quadruple bypass surgery. He returned home on November 29, 2021 to begin his road to recovery. He is now walking 2-miles a day and is slowly starting to regain his strength. This past Sunday, Pastor Hastings walked into his church and delivered his first sermon since his open-heart surgery to a welcoming congregation.
Councilman Lee joined with others in helping to spread the word for prayer and financial assistance for Pastor Hastings and his family. On November 20, 2021, at the City's Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Councilman Lee took a moment of personal privilege and invited the community to pray for Pastor Hastings and his family. Councilman Lee reminded the crowd of several thousand that the Christmas season is ultimately about "Faith, Family and Community" when asking the crowd to keep Pastor Hastings in their prayers. Upon hearing of Pastor Hastings' return to the pulpit this Sunday, Councilman Lee said, "My heart is happy. God heard and answered our Big Bear prayers."
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Pastor Rob Hastings with his wife, Shannon
Photo Credit: Facebook Page Pastor Hastings
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During his sermon this past Sunday, Pastor Hastings provided the congregation with the details of his surgery, including the fact that he literally died for 5 minutes on the operating table. He urged the listeners to eat healthy, exercise regularly and to schedule routine medical visits.
In addition to being mindful about good health, he reminded his flock to always check-in with The Great Physician, God the Almighty and to be healthy spiritually as well. His church bulletin noted that, "Sometimes things look good from the outside but inwardly they are deteriorating and diminishing." To learn more about Pastor Hastings and The Journey Church, visit www.TheJourneyChurchBigBear.com
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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. By working together, we can make the Big Bear Valley an even better place to live and call home! |
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