provided that day. On January 8, 2025, USDA informed us that the NEPA document review was completed, and they requested updated balance sheets for the City and DWP because the ones that we submitted for the first quarter were older than 45-days. DWP and the City prepared preliminary balance sheets for the second quarter and submitted them on January 8th and January 10th. On January 16, 2025, additional clarifications regarding the financial statements were requested and DWP provided it that day. On February 19, 2025, USDA had additional clarification questions regarding the Mean Household Income of the customers in our service areas, and funding levels for critical short-term assets. The new acting USDA Water and Environmental Programs Director hopes to have a Letter of Conditions for us to consider in the next few days..
DWP staff has advised Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) staff that relocating the snowmaking pipeline is no longer required for the project. BBMR located (potholed) their snowmaking pipeline within DWP’s Garstin site and has finalized their scope of work to line the existing pipeline. BBMR lined a section of their pipeline through the Garstin site, during the week of September 9th , 2024. BBMR has completed their lining work.
On December 7, 2023, Staff worked with Southwest Gas staff and determined the location of their facilities (standard and high-pressure gas lines) within the existing easements on the east side of DWP’s property, near the K-Mart Parking lot.
On January 8, 2024, Staff met with City staff regarding Planning Commission scheduling, permitting, and drainage modifications near the existing customer parking area. City staff provided some of the Planning Commission’s preferences and PBK has incorporated some of those preferences into the Garstin Plans.
PBK and staff met with the City on April 30, 2024 to finalize the Planning Commission’s submittal requirements. City staff liked the revisions that were made to the project elevations.
City staff provided PBK with the requirements for a submittal to the Planning Commission. PBK submitted plans for review during the week of July 22nd. On August 28, 2024, PBK presented the Project to DRC, received minor comments, and submitted revised plans to the Planning Department on September 10, 2024. The Planning Commission approved the Garstin Project during their meeting on October 2, 2024. The Building Department is reviewing the Garstin plans and the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). The Building Department review is scheduled to be completed in December. On January 22, 2025, the Building Department provided minor comments to the WQMP. PBK is incorporating DWP’s comments into the drawing set.
On January 18, 2024, Staff met with Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES) staff regarding upgrading the electric/solar service for the Garstin Site and the electrical service for Lake Plant Well Nos. 5 & 6 sites. BVES is fine with eliminating the current electric services for Lake Plant Well Nos. 5 & 6 sites and combining them with the upgraded Garstin electric/solar service. On October 16, 2024, DWP submitted an application to upgrade the electrical service for the Garstin Facility. The new electrical service will include a pad-mounted transformer that will be located northeast of the northeast corner of the proposed operations building.
DWP staff has replaced certain sections of mainline on the Garstin site in anticipation of constructing the new facilities. These facilities will be connected to the water system during the Spring of 2025. On January 6, 2025, PBK, Motive, and DWP staff conducted an on-site, final plan review workshop. PBK and Motive coordinated Motive’s scope of work with PBK’s General Manager’s Report
February 25, 2025
electrical engineer sub-consultant so that the bid documents clearly describe the general contractor’s scope of work and Motive’s scope of work. Phasing of construction was also finalized. DWP provided redlined drawings and comments to the project drawings. PBK is incorporating Motive’s and DWP’s comments into the bid packet.
Replenish Big Bear:
The Replenish team submitted a work plan to evaluate existing domestic wells within 200 feet of the high-water level and determine if the Project will impact their water quality. Approximately eighty (80) private wells have been located. Of these 80 wells, only 41 of them are within 200 feet of the lakes high water level. Most of these wells are drilled within alluvium and will not be impacted by the Project. Tom Harder will have a report on which wells, if any, will be impacted by the Project. The 100% RO treatment also reduces or eliminates the blending requirement for percolating reclaimed/lake water into Sand Canyon. The meeting with DDW has greatly enhanced the feasibility of the project and the Replenish Team is preparing a detailed percolation plan for DDW’s consideration.
Tom Harder is finalizing his report on which wells (within 200’ of the high-water line), will be impacted by the Replenish Big Bear Project. The current lake level is about 4-feet from full, which is higher than it has been since 2012. The high lake levels allow for an easy comparison of lake levels versus static water levels. Tom has provided a list of 10 wells, around the lake, that he would like surveyed to compare lake level versus static water level. Mike Stephenson and I have surveyed 4 of the 10 wells and hope to complete the survey over the next couple of weeks.
WSC was authorized to finalize the permit application to the Regional Board and submitted the Report of Waste Discharge package on February 28, 2022. The Regional Board provided informal comments and requested additional information during the month of May 2022. WSC provided additional information on June 1, 2022. Regional Board provided comments on August 26, 2022. On September 15, 2022, BBARWA sent a letter to the Regional Board requesting clarification regarding Surface Water Augmentation regulations. The Replenish team submitted the additional information requested within the August 26, 2022 Regional Board Letter on October 14, 2022.
On August 25, 2021, BBARWA approved a MOU for agencies that may benefit from Replenish Big Bear Project. The MOU has been distributed to other valley agencies for consideration. CSD approved the MOU on September 20, 2021, DWP approved the MOU on September 28, 2021, and the City of Big Bear Lake City Council approved the MOU on November 1, 2021. The Replenish Big Bear Team met with County Supervisor representatives and gave them a draft of the MOU for their consideration. The County approved the MOU in July 2022. The Replenish Team is working with each agency to determine how and how much they can contribute towards the project. Each agency will pay their “fair Share” of the O&M costs and possibly capital costs, which will reduce the project costs for the general public. DWP’s proposed annual cost for percolation within Sand Canyon was presented to and approved by the Board on September 27, 2022. Additional cost-sharing meetings have been conducted.
Environmental Scoping Meetings and the Public comment period have been completed. A project Piloting schedule is provided with the project charts. Grant Funding opportunities are discussed below. Follow-up meetings to respond to some of the comments submitted during the Environmental Comment period were conducted with Mojave Water Agency and East Valley Water District during March. The Replenish team will continue to work with these Agencies and General Manager’s Report
February 25, 2025
their concerns will be addressed within the environmental documents. Pilot testing of proposed treatment equipment continues and BBARWA provided tours of the pilot equipment on July 19, 2023.
David Lawrence provided a Project update Power Point Presentation during the September 26, 2023 Board meeting. A similar presentation has been given to CSD and BVBGSA. The draft EIR will be presented to the BARRWA Board on December 19, 2023 for final comments.
On March 19, 2024, BBARWA had a special meeting to update the public on the Replenish Big Bear Project and receive direction from the Board after the presentation. The meeting was well attended, and many members of the public spoke in favor and against the Project. The majority of the public were in favor of the project. Some of the Board members had some concerns and staff needed additional time to properly address their concerns. BBARWA staff have contacted WIFIA (the primary funding agency), and they indicated that a 6-month pause would not affect the terms of the loan. Over the next 2 to 3 months, BBARWA and other Bear Valley stakeholders will work together to develop letters of intent to better defined how each agency will participate with the project and a public workshop will be conducted to further educate the public about Project details. Pilot testing is now complete. The design consultant estimates that pilot study results and revised cost estimates will be available in the fall of 2024. A public workshop was conducted, and the treatment equipment met or exceeded expectations.
On August 12, 2024, the BBARWA Board considered certifying the environmental impact report and voted not to certify it. On January 22, 2025, BBARWA’s Board directed staff to conduct a Public Hearing for the Board to reconsider certifying the EIR. The Board also directed staff to complete the Preliminary Design Report and prepare contract drawings and specifications for the Advanced Treatment Facilities. On February 13, 2025, at 9:00 am, the City had a special meeting to discuss water matters related to the project. I provided a history of DWP during this meeting.
Grants Update (No Change):
Staff submitted two USBR Grant applications on October 5, 2021, one for the Wolf Reservoir & Boosters Replacement Project and one for the Division No. 9 Well & Well Pumping Plant Project. The grants required a 50% grant match. The USBR notified the DWP that we were not selected for this round of funding. We attended a debrief meeting with USBR on March 24, 2022. Staff incorporated USBR’s comments and submitted two USBR Drought Resiliency Grant applications on June 15, 2022; one for the Wolf Reservoir Boosters & Pipeline Project and one for the Division No. 9 Well Drilling & Equipping Project. On December 22, 2022, the USBR notified the DWP that we were selected for funding in the amount of $1,600,000 for the Wolf Reservoir & Boosters Replacement Project. This grant will provide 50% funding for the Wolf Pipeline Replacement Project. The grant agreement is finalized and USBR issued a Notice of Award.
We were not selected for funding for the Division No. 9 Well & Well Pumping Plant Project. On January 11, 2023, staff attended a debrief with USBR staff for the Division No. 9 Well & Well Pumping Plant Project and reapplied for the equipping portion of the Division No. 9 Well Project. Staff received additional information from USBR and we incorporated those comments into the grant application. On November 6, 2023, staff submitted a grant application with the USBR for the Equipping Division Well No. 9 Project. The grant requires a 50% grant match. On May 6, 2024, the USBR notified the DWP that we were selected for funding in the amount of $500,000 for the Equipping Division Well No. 9 Project.
General Manager’s Report
February 25, 2025
Staff submitted two USBR Small Scale Grant applications on April 28, 2022, for the Pontell Hydropneumatic System and the 6th Lane Pipeline Replacement Project. Each grant is for up to $100,000 and require a 50% match. On January 5, 2023, the USBR notified the DWP that we were selected for funding in the amount of $100,000 for the Pontell Hydropneumatic System.
The grant agreement is finalized and USBR issued a Notice of Award.
On March 9, 2023, WSC informed staff of a Community Project Funding Request Grant that is being administered through Jay Obernolte’s office. The proposed Garstin Water Operations Facilities meets many of the requirements for this grant. Staff worked closely with WSC and on March 17, 2023, staff submitted a $1,500,000 grant application to Jay Obernolte’s office. The application included nine letters of support from local agencies and politicians. Staff appreciates everyone that provided letters of support in a timely fashion. The Garstin Project was not selected for this funding opportunity. On April 29, 2024, WSC informed staff of the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Request grant opportunity through Jay Obernolte’s office. Staff submitted a $1,500,000 grant application for the Garstin Water Operations Facilities and obtained letters of support from CSD and the County of San Bernardino. On May 29, 2024, we received communication from Jay Obernolte’s office that the requested funding of $1,500,000 for the Garstin Water Operations Facility is being recommended to be awarded funding through Appropriations. Final decision from Washington DC is expected in December.
On February 22, 2024, staff submitted an application with the USBR for the Solar Backup Power SCADA Project. The grant requires a 50% grant match. The Project will address the problem of frequent power outages in the Bear Valley and its impact on our SCADA systems functionality.
The Solar Backup Power SCADA Project will ensure that even during power outages and natural disasters, the SCADA system components will continue to communicate with each other, communicate data real-time to staff’s mobile devices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize water loss. The requested grant amount is $289,787.50 for forty-five SCADA site upgrades and solar battery backup systems. DWP was notified that this request was not funded and on August 22, 2024, staff had a debrief meeting with USBR and we plan to resubmit in January 2025.
On July 9, 2024, staff submitted an application with the USBR for the Smart Meter Replacement Project. The grant requires a 50% grant match. The Project will replace existing AMI meters that are approaching the end of their battery life with Smart Meters, that were discussed during the June Board meeting. The requested grant amount is $100,000 and the total project cost for this phase is $225,000. On September 12, 2024, USBR notified DWP that the application has been rejected. Staff plans on resubmitting in 2025.
Grant applications for the Replenish Big Bear Project (Project) are as follows:
1. SAWPA/DWR - DCI Technical Assistance Grant: The Project team submitted an application for a $500,000 grant on September 26, 2019. On November 19, 2019, the SAWPA Board approved an agreement to provide a $500,000 planning grant. This grant is being used to reimburse the four BVBGSA agencies for a portion of project planning costs.
2. SAWPA/DWR – Prop 1 IRWM Grant: The Project team submitted an application for a $4,500,000 grant on November 1, 2019. DWR notified the project team that our application is recommended for funding. Final award has been completed. This grant will General Manager’s Report
February 25, 2025
reimburse the four BVBGSA agencies for project planning costs and fund a portion of the Project construction costs.
3. USBR – Title XVI Grant: The Project team submitted an application for a $7,025,643 grant on April 22, 2021. The Administration’s recent increase in funding for the drought stricken western states, along with an enhanced grant application, should improve our chances of receiving this grant. USBR has recommended a $1,700,000 grant to help fund design, permitting, and pilot testing activities
4. The Replenish Big Bear Team had a Zoom Meeting with Congressman Obernolte on April 20, 2021. The Congressman informed us that he would be submitting Appropriations Applications and would like to include the Replenish Big Bear Project.
The team submitted an application to the Congressman on April 22, 2021. Congressman Obernolte informed BBARWA that Congress has awarded the Replenish Big Bear Project $960,000. Additional funding opportunities will be available next fiscal year.
5. On November 19, 2021, The Replenish Big Bear Team submitted a $50,000,000 DWR grant application for consideration. DWR staff has stated that they are open to awarding partial funding for projects and encouraged us to request the full amount. Replenish Big Bear was not recommended for this funding. DWR informed the Replenish Big Bear Team that additional funding is now available, and they are reevaluating our current application.
6. USBR – Title XVI Grant-Phase II: The Project team submitted an application for a $8,267,112 grant on March 11, 2022. BBARWA has been recommended for this funding.
7. The Replenish Big Bear Team had a Meeting with Congressman Obernolte regarding a possible 2022 Appropriation Application. The Congressman informed us that he would be submitting Appropriations Applications and would like to again include the Replenish Big Bear Project. The team submitted an application to the Congressman in May 2022.
This request has been included in the Federal Budget.
8. On June 13, 2024, Replenish Big Bear was recommended for another $9,052,543 in funding through the Title XVI grant program.
General Manager’s Report
February 25, 2025
Replenish Big Bear Grant Summary:
Grant Amount Status
DCI Technical Assistance $500,000 Awarded and Fully Funded IRWM Prop 1, Round 1 $4,563,338 Awarded, In Process
2021 Title XVI $1,600,000 Awarded, In Process
2022 EPA STAG $960,000 CEQA and NEPA must be
completed prior to an Award
2022 Title XVI $8,267,112 Recommended for Funding
2023 EPA STAG $1,000,000 CEQA and NEPA must be
completed prior to an Award
2024 EPA STAG $1,000,000 Recommended for Funding
2024 Title XVI $9,052,543 Recommended for Funding
Total $26,942,993
SAWPA Santa Ana River Watershed Weather Modification Pilot Program (No Change):
On November 23, 2021, the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) provided a presentation to the Board on the Santa Ana River Watershed Weather Modification Pilot Program (Program). The Board requested staff investigate the Program and bring it back to the Board. On January 25, 2022, the Board approved financial support for the Program in the amount of $3,000 annually for four years.
On October 13, 2022, we received the following update from SAWPA: “Unfortunately with the timing of CEQA completion for the project in June and securing an operations contractor in early August, we were unable to get the pilot project operations contractor on board in sufficient time to make the Nov. 2022 seeding start date, particularly with the need to execute 10 separate local seeding site operator agreements in the watershed. Consequently, the pilot project was postponed to start seeding to November 2023. In some ways, the delay works better for our efforts to secure 50% grant funding from the State as well since this grant funding would not be available from the State until late 2023.”
On August 16, 2023, participating partners received the attached update. The highlights are as follows:
1. The project received $861,400 in Prop. 1 grant funding from DWR.
2. Biological Surveys are underway.
3. Equipment Set-Up is scheduled for September/October 2023
4. 1
st Year Operation Period November 15, 2023 – April 15, 2023
5. 1
st Year Pilot Report June 1, 2023
On November 15, 2023, SAWPA announced that the Program went live on that day and will continue through April 2027. For more information, visit the weather modification webpage at https://sawpa.gov/santa-ana-river-watershed-weather-modification/. SAWPA also established an email address, [email protected], for public inquiries regarding the Program.
General Manager’s Report
February 25, 2025
Board members attended a SAWPA presentation and tour of the Weather Modification Pilot Program on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Bear Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (No Change):
On February 16, 2023, the BVBGSA had a Board meeting. The primary purpose of the meeting was to consider a proposal from Tom Harder and Associates to prepare the first Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Annual Report. The annual report is a requirement of the GSP. The report contains groundwater level information, water pumping information, and computes groundwater storage volume for the Bear Valley Basin. The BVBGSA Board approved the proposal and the funding of $10,277.50 will come from each of the four member agencies. The GSP Annual Report was submitted to DWR on April 1, 2023.
On June 20, 2023, the BVBGSA had a Board Meeting. The primary purpose of the meeting was to adopt the FY 2023/24 Budget. David Lawrence provided an update on Replenish Big Bear to the Board including the following: The Replenish Big Bear Team will be submitting the Pilot Study Report to the Regional Board. The pilot equipment including the UV disinfectant and advanced oxidation process have been delivered. BBARWA will be piloting the equipment through September to ensure we can support the claims that we have made for the Replenish Big Bear Project. On July 19, 2023, BBARWA held an Open House and Pilot Tour. From 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, the Regional Board and local Board members had an opportunity for a Pilot Tour and the public was invited to join BBARWA from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Over 300 people attended the event.
On November 13, 2023, the BVBGSA Board approved an agreement with Tom Harder to prepare the GSP 2022/23 Annual Report contingent upon concurrence of approval by the member agencies that will be responsible for reimbursing the BVBGSA. The 2022/23 Annual Report was filed with DWR-SGMA on March 21, 2024. Tom Harder has begun work on the 2023/2024 Annual Report.
Department of Water, City of Big Bear Lake
41972 Garstin Drive, P.O. Box 1929 · Big Bear Lake, CA 92315-1929 · Phone 909/866-5050 · Fax 909/866-3184 · www.BBLDWP.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER
Service, Quality, Community
DATE: February 25, 2025
TO: Erik Sund, City Manager
FROM: Reginald A. Lamson, DWP General Manager
RE: DWP Monthly Update – January 2025
SERVICE DELIVERY
Water services that were provided January 1, 2025 to January 31, 2025:
16,023 Connections provided with water service
495 Field service calls completed
0 Main leak repaired
0 Main leaks year-to-date 2025 1 Main leaks year-to-date 2024 1 Service leak repairs
1 Service leaks year-to-date 2025 2 Service leaks year-to-date 2024
49.82 Million gallons produced by wells
$835,694 Processed in billings
8,368 Accounts processed in billings
3,961 Number of customers on E-bill
111 New Accounts (includes tenant turnover)
2.825 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU) added to the water system $895,946 Total Gross receipts processed
BOARD MEETINGS:
The following was approved by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners at a Regular Board Meeting on January 28, 2025:
• The Board ratified Change Order Nos. 1 and 2 to the Paso Robles Tank Inc. contract for the Wolf Reservoir Replacement Project.
• The Board adopted Resolution No. DWP 2025-01, approving a 3.063% COLA adjustment for DWP non-contract employees salary schedules and salary ranges, effective for the pay period which includes February 1, 2025.
February 2025 Vacation Rental Compliance Report Summary February 2025 Summary of Service Calls Number % Of Total Vacation Rental Advertising without a License 2 3%
Vacation Rental Renting without a License 1 1%
Vacation Rental Noise/Party 14 18%
Vacation Rental Parking on Street or Yard 5 7%
Vacation Rental Parking too many cars 6 8%
Vacation Rental Spa after 10pm 6 8%
Vacation Rental No Exterior Sign 2 3%
Vacation Rental Trash Stored on Property 10 13%
Vacation Rental Over Occupancy 4 5%
Vacation Rental Fire Burning in Backyard 0 0%
Miscellaneous Issues 25 33%
Residential Parking Standards 0 0%
Construction 0 0%
Trash Cans Left on Property 1 1%
Total Amount of Service Calls 76 100%
February 2025 Call Summary
Resident Initiated Service Calls 70
City Initiated Service Calls 6
Total Amount of Service Calls 76
February 2025 Disposition of Service Calls Number % Of Total No Violation Observed by Officer/No Issue 22 29%
Issued Verbal Warning 35 46%
Issued Written Warning 11 13%
Issued Citation 4 5%
Issues Resolved Without Warning 2 3%
Out of Jurisdiction 0 0%
Issued NOV 2 3%
Referred to Outside Agency 0 0%
Total Vacation Rental Service Calls 76 100%
February 2025 Citation Recipients Number % Of Total
Owner 1 25%
Guest 2 50%
Agent 1 25%
Total Citations 4 100%
Total Citation Fines & Penalties $4,500
18%
3%
8%
7%
33%
1%
3%
8 13%
5%
1%
Percentage of Service Calls
Vacation Rental Noise/Party
Vacation Rental No Exterior
Sign
Vacation Rental parking too
many cars
Vacation Rental Parking on
Street or Yard
Miscellaneous
Trash Can Left Out/Trash on
Property
Vacation Rental Advertising
without a License
Residential Parking Standards
Construction
Vacation Rental Spa after
10pm
Vacation Rental Trash Stored
at Vacant Property
Vacation Rental Over
Occupancy
Vacation Rental Fire Burning
Vacation Rental - Renting
without a License
Percentage of Service Calls
29%
46%
13%
3% 0% 3% 5% 0% 0%
No Violation
Observed by
Officer/No
Issue
Issued Verbal
Warning
Issued
Written
Warning
Issues
Resolved
Without
Warning
Referred to
outside
agency
Issued Notice
of Violation
Issued
Citation
Disposition of Service Calls
70 6 4
1 2 3
Call Summary
Visit Big Bear Monthly Report
The VBB Board of Directors (BoD) met on February 27, 2025, for is regular monthly meeting:
The Visit Big Bear Board of Directors convened for its regular meeting on February 27, 2025, held in person at the Big Bear Visitors Center and via Zoom. President Loren Hafen called the meeting to order, followed by roll call and public comments. During the public comment session, Ted Trentman shared a proposal involving vacation rental homeowner memberships to Big Bear Fitness, and suggested collaboration with other local activity-based businesses like the Pirate Ship and Alpine Slide.
The board received a presentation from Wade Reeser addressing the challenges of the current winter season, which has been impacted by unusually warm weather and minimal snowfall. These conditions have made artificial snow production difficult.
Despite this, there is cautious optimism that one or two resorts may remain open through Easter. Additionally, Reeser presented a proposed development on Snow Summit property—a new “True Flag” hotel with a minimum of 150 rooms, restaurant, outdoor pool, and conference facilities, prompting interest in expanding the size of the planned conference room.
The board reviewed and unanimously approved the meeting minutes from January 23, 2025.
Damien Navarro presented the 2025-2026 Strategic Marketing & Events Plan, which emphasizes Big Bear Lake as an authentic Alpine escape. The proposed branding focuses on nature, culture, and wellness, while drawing on retro visual elements and nostalgic themes to engage audiences through interactive digital content. Key components include strategic storytelling, enhanced social media engagement, website optimization, and collaborations with local influencers and businesses. The marketing plan also outlines year-round experiential event strategies with featured activations like the Big Bear Theatre Project and Lake Fest. New initiatives include a loyalty program, digital billboards, and refined advertising targeting. Though there was strong support, the approval of the marketing plan was tabled pending presentation of the upcoming fiscal budget.
Travis Scott, CEO, introduced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. He presented a conservative financial approach with a focus on long-term stability. Key changes include reduced administrative spending and increased investment in the booking engine and events, which are considered vital marketing assets. With an 11.97% reduction in expenses, the new budget results in a projected profit to be allocated to reserves. Upon budget presentation, the board moved to approve both the Strategic Marketing Plan and FY 25/26 Budget. The motion passed unanimously.
In the informational portion of the meeting, Karla Reed presented the topline analytics.
While January saw a dip in web traffic and engagement—attributed to seasonal changes, regional fires, and a pause in SEO strategy—booking engine revenue experienced a notable increase. Instagram showed positive growth, although Facebook engagement remains a challenge and will require focused attention moving forward.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2025, with committee meetings for Events and Marketing set for March 20 at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, respectively.
Visit Big Bear Monthly Report
The VBB Board of Directors (BoD) met on January 8, 2025, for a special meeting:
The Visit Big Bear Board of Directors held a special meeting on January 8, 2025. During the open session, the board approved the minutes from the December 5, 2024, meeting, with a correction to include Frank Caruso in the list of attendees.
In closed session, the board was briefed on strategic staffing realignment. The CEO presented an organizational update, which included the development of a new Director of Engagement position. This new leadership role will oversee both the Events and Marketing departments, consolidating efforts to drive event engagement attendance and all marketing operation to better leverage the organizations investment in events.
Additionally, the Board of Directors and the CEO finalized the structure for the 2025 CEO bonus. The agreement reflects mutual alignment on performance expectations and organizational goals for the year.
Visit Big Bear Monthly Report
The VBB Board of Directors (BoD) met on January 23, 2025, for is regular monthly meeting:
The Visit Big Bear Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting on January 23, 2025. The meeting opened with the approval of minutes from the January 8, 2025 special session.
Beth Wheat, Board President and Managing Director of the Big Bear Theatre Project, along with Vice President and Treasurer Brian Adams, presented the organization’s achievements and plans for the 2025 season. They highlighted the success of four fullscale productions in the previous year, with attendance showing record growth due to strategic marketing and stronger connections with Hollywood talent. Their 2025 proposal includes 31 shows, primarily spanning two weekends each to maximize attendance. With 40% of their audience made up of visitors—a 10–12% increase from last year—they anticipate $100,000 in ticket revenue. Their broader vision includes establishing a dynamic arts scene in Big Bear similar to that of Ashland, Oregon. The board approved a one-year sponsorship agreement with a six-month performance review.
The CEO provided an update on the organizational realignment implemented earlier in January and presented top-line analytics on the organization's organic media and website performance.
Several event-related sponsorships and grants were reviewed and approved. The board approved a $45,000 TBID grant for the Holcomb Valley Run, which includes production and marketing expenses, as well as a lodging component of 60 rooms. The grant approval included strong recommendations for expanding the expo area, music programming, and children’s activities.
The board also approved a $90,000 TBID grant for the second annual LakeFest, allocating $60,000 toward production and $30,000 for marketing.
The CEO introduced Uncorked Big Bear; a proposed wine-tasting event set for Mother's Day Weekend—traditionally a slower tourism period. Hosted by a national organizer, the event is expected to draw 1,500 attendees and will include incentives for lodging such as Sunday brunch at Wyatt’s. Visit Big Bear will contribute an estimated $10,000 in event expenses and receive 20% of net revenue. The board approved the initiative.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2025, with committee meetings for Events and Marketing scheduled for February 18 at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, respectively.