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 the 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. 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 their concerns will be addressed within the environmental documents.
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 was 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 few 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. A public workshop was conducted, and the treatment equipment met or exceeded expectations.
I
General Manager’s Report
August 26, 2025
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 construction 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. On February 26, 2025, The BBARWA Board Certified the EIR. On April 10, 2025, I provide a presentation of the Project to the Rotary Club. The members asked very good questions and there was only positive feedback received. BBARWA, MWD, CSD, and DWP have been meeting to reevaluate how each agency may participate with the Replenish project.
Grants Update (No Change):
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. Washington DC rejected the Fiscal Year 2025 funding request. Jay Obernolte’s staff is evaluating alternatives to fund our request using Fiscal Year 2025 funding. They also recommended reapplying for Fiscal Year 2026 funding. DWP staff submitted our FY 2026 request on April 10, 2025. On July 1, staff was made aware that the Garstin Water Operations Facilities Project was included in the funding request for $1,500,000 for Fiscal Year 2026.
Grant applications for the Replenish Big Bear Project (Project) are as follows: (No Change)
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 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.
I
General Manager’s Report
August 26, 2025
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.
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
General Manager’s Report
August 26, 2025
SAWPA Santa Ana River Watershed Weather Modification Pilot Program:
On June 3, the SAWPA Commission voted to conclude the Cloud Seeding Pilot Program in the Santa Ana River Watershed. The decision was made after reviewing the first year’s data, in which the results did not demonstrate a strong enough correlation between cloud seeding activities and measurable increases in precipitation. Additionally, wildfire burn scars in the region also contributed to the decision to end the program.
Bear Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency: (No Change) On June 17, the BVBGSA had a Board Meeting. The primary purpose of the meeting was to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. David Lawrence provided an update on Replenish Big Bear to the Board noting that the CEQA document was certified in February 2025 and additional biological work is ongoing. The NEPA document was approved by the EPA to facilitate grants and the WIFIA loan. The project is awaiting design completion, expected by late 2026, and a preliminary design report will be presented to the board in August. He also discussed new brine minimization technology that could significantly reduce the size of evaporation ponds.
Financial advisors are working on securing a loan, which is necessary for bidding the Replenish Project but doesn't require immediate disbursement. The Project cost remains at $86.7 million, not including getting water up to Sand Canyon or the Erwin Lake area for recharge. David mentioned that they have collected about $27 million in grants and submitted applications for additional funding. The team has also received reimbursement from a state grant, after a delay due to a submission issue.
David discussed the 5-year sewer fee schedule approved by the BBARWA board in March 2025, including projected collections for 2026-2030. BBARWA is moving forward with the WIFIA loan, which will likely be presented to the board in August. BBARWA Board members and BBARWA staff discussed the possibility of splitting off certain portions of the project to comply with the BABA requirement, if a waiver is not granted.
David discussed the adjustment of rate schedules for the project, noting that they can be modified in the last two years to align with actual bids received, operational costs, and debt service.
The Replenish Team has been active with community outreach efforts, including school functions and booth events, as well as website updates and a quarterly newsletter.
Technical Review Team (TRT) Committee: (No Change)
On June 12, 2025, the Technical Review Team Committee met to review and discuss the Bear Valley Basin water resources. The TRT Committee consisted of CSD and DWP Board Members John Russo, Bob Tarras, and Joe Cylwik, CSD and DWP General Managers Glenn Jacklin and Reggie Lamson, CSD and DWP Water Superintendents Jerry Griffith and Jason Hall, DWP Chief Financial Officer Nathan Statham, DWP Production Supervisor Ben Berge, DWP Water Conservation & Communications Supervisor, Bennett Rossell, DWP District Engineer, Daniel Baguyo and Tom Harder, Hydrogeologist with Thomas Harder & Co. Ground Water Consulting.
The TRT Committee reviewed and discussed well water hydrographs, groundwater production history, and annual precipitation records. The theme of the review was that the Bear Valley Basin I
General Manager’s Report
August 26, 2025
groundwater levels are stable, and the slant wells and spring boxes are running well throughout the Valley.
The Committee recommended continuing with existing water conservation practices and enforcing no outdoor watering during the July 4th weekend.
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: August 26, 2025
TO: Erik Sund, City Manager
FROM: Reginald A. Lamson, DWP General Manager
RE: DWP Monthly Update – July 2025
SERVICE DELIVERY
Water services that were provided July 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025:
16,040 Connections provided with water service
474 Field service calls completed
1 Main leaks repaired
7 Main leaks year-to-date 2025 5 Main leaks year-to-date 2024 7 Service leaks repaired
33 Service leaks year-to-date 2025 26 Service leaks year-to-date 2024
77.68 Million gallons produced by wells
$956,379 Processed in billings
9,320 Accounts processed in billings
4,803 Number of customers on E-bill
90 New Accounts (including tenant turnover)
8.525 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU) added to the water system $1,026,701 Total Gross receipts processed
BOARD MEETINGS:
The following was approved by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners at a SpecialBoard Meeting on August 05, 2025:
• The Board adopted Resolution DWP No. 2025-07 increasing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026. • The Board adopted Resolution DWP No. 2025-06 adding contractor debarment procedures to DWP’s Purchasing Policy.
• The Board approved the Notice of Completion for the Pontell Hydropneumatic System Project • The Board adopted Resolution DWP No. 2025-08 authorizing the General Manager to sign documents to apply to USDA for additional project funding and increase interim financing as required by USDA.
I
Visit Big Bear Monthly Report
The Visit Big Bear Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting on July 24, 2025, at the Big Bear Visitors Center and via Zoom. President Loren Hafen called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Christie Brewster, Frank Caruso, Nick Cargill, Danielle Goldsmith, Loren Hafen, Nick Lanza, and Clayton Shoemaker. VBB staff and members of the public were also in attendance both in person and online.
The meeting began with the approval of the June 26, 2025, Board meeting minutes. Discussion then moved to the formal transition of the Care for Big Bear initiative into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. The Board approved a $2,500 allocation for legal and administrative setup, recognizing that the lack of nonprofit status had previously prevented the organization from securing important sponsorships and donations. The new designation will open up opportunities for grant funding, donor contributions, and long-term sustainability. The Board also recommended a strategic partnership with One Degree Impact to support grant writing and mission alignment moving forward.
The Board also unanimously approved a budget augmentation that includes an investment of $250,000 toward the Big Bear International Film Festival and $125,000 for operational costs related to the Big Bear Film Office. These investments reflect a continued commitment to leveraging arts and culture as economic drivers, especially during shoulder seasons. The expenditures are positioned as investments with anticipated future returns in tourism revenue, industry partnerships, and year-round destination appeal.
In the informational portion of the meeting, CEO Travis Scott reported on his recent nomination to the California Travel Association (CalTravel) Board of Directors. This appointment enhances Visit Big Bear’s presence in state-level tourism initiatives and opens the door for stronger collaborations with tourism professionals across California. Travis will participate in quarterly meetings at his own expense, as TBID funds are restricted from advocacy-related uses.
Additionally, Travis shared updates from the Visit California Rural Committee, noting that Discover Inland Empire did not receive state funding this cycle, and that support was instead allocated to GoCal (Ontario CVB). Travis has been asked to co-chair the GoCal initiative and will serve on the Rural Committee to ensure Big Bear is represented as a leading mountain tourism destination in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The Board also received a recap of the July 4th fireworks campaign, including a report on media coverage and public response. Visit Big Bear received more than 1,100 emails and phone calls in relation to the fireworks, with 90% of petition signatures opposing the show coming from outside the region. Media coverage generated over 174 million impressions across 16 articles, 2 news broadcasts, and multiple interviews. Despite the controversy, all four local bald eagles— Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo—returned to the valley within 24 hours of the event.
Travis presented the Topline Analytics, highlighting a shift in strategy that reduced paid clicks and focused on organic engagement, resulting in a 34% increase in revenue despite a 23% drop in total web sessions and a 29% decline in active users. Organic search led with over 91,000 sessions, while direct traffic and email conversions remained strong. Blog landing pages rose 36%, event pages increased 27%, and social metrics surged across the board. Instagram engagement rose 29.7%, Facebook follower views increased 66.4%, and TikTok video views topped 8.8 million.
Damien Navarro followed with a robust marketing and PR update, reporting a media value of over $529 million in June alone. Visit Big Bear’s communications strategy now involves three aligned PR functions: tourism/brand awareness (Coley & Coley), events/creator outreach (internal team), and collaborative partner media campaigns. Syndication has expanded to major lifestyle outlets such as Cosmopolitan, Eater LA, Secret LA, and Gaiety. The Made in Big Bear campaign will go live on 11 digital billboards across Southern California starting August 1 and includes bilingual outreach in partnership with NBC San Diego and Locale Magazine.
July’s event calendar and upcoming campaigns were also discussed, including Wild Card Weekend, SkyFest, LakeFest, the Vintage Boat Show, Lowrider and vintage Japanese motorcycle shows, and the July 30 Hospitality Summit—a new initiative focused on partner training, staff education, and improving guest service across local businesses. Damien emphasized that every team member at Visit Big Bear is considered part of the marketing effort and highlighted feedback from business partners who asked for more tools to answer visitor questions beyond referrals to the website.
Visit Big Bear also reported continued success with its event strategy, including an average 20– 35% increase in attendance across 2023 events. August promises a packed lineup of sponsored activities such as Puptopia, Tour de Big Bear, Monster Energy Downhill, and several highprofile cultural and sporting events. Sponsorships have expanded as well, with new partnerships secured with Yamaha, Graza Olive Oil, Neuhaus, Icon, Hyundai, Build-A-Bear, and Spin Magazine.
The Board received an update on the Big Bear Film Festival, which has already attracted more than 200 film submissions and is set to welcome notable filmmakers and industry guests. The total budget for the rebooted festival stands at $541,000.
The next committee meetings are scheduled for August 21, 2025, with the Events Committee meeting at 8:00 a.m. and the Marketing Committee at 10:00 a.m. The next Regular Board of Directors meeting will take place on August 28, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:21 a.m.
August 2025 Vacation Rental Compliance Report Summary
August 2025 Summary of Service Calls Number % Of Total
Vacation Rental Advertising without a License 0 0%
Vacation Rental Renting without a License 1 1%
Vacation Rental Noise/Party 32 46%
Vacation Rental Parking on Street or Yard 7 10%
Vacation Rental Parking too many cars 2 3%
Vacation Rental Spa after 10pm 2 3%
Vacation Rental No Exterior Sign 1 1%
Vacation Rental Trash Stored on Property 3 4%
Vacation Rental Over Occupancy 3 4%
Vacation Rental Fire Burning in Backyard 0 0%
Miscellaneous Issues 13 19%
Residential Parking Standards 2 3%
Construction 2 3%
Trash Cans Left on Property 2 3%
Total Amount of Service Calls 70 100%
August 2025 Call Summary
Resident Initiated Service Calls 66
City Initiated Service Calls 4
Total Amount of Service Calls 70
August 2025 Disposition of Service Calls Number % Of Total No Violation Observed by Officer/No Issue 34 49%
Issued Verbal Warning 7 10%
Issued Written Warning 10 14%
Issued Citation 10 14%
Issues Resolved Without Warning 6 9%
Out of Jurisdiction 1 1%
Issued NOV 1 1%
Referred to Outside Agency 1 1%
Total Vacation Rental Service Calls 70 100%
August 2025 Citation Recipients Number % Of Total
Owner 1 10%
Guest 8 80%
Agent 1 10%
Total Citations 10 100%
Total Citation Fines & Penalties $5,500
46%
10% 3% 1%
19%
3%
3%
3%
3%
4%
4% 1%
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
Residential Parking Standards
Construction
Vacation Rental Spa after
10pm
Vacation Rental Trash Stored
at Vacant Property
Vacation Rental Over
Occupancy
Vacation Rental - Renting
without a License
Percentage of
Service Calls
49%
14% 10% 14% 9% 1% 1% 1%
No Violation
Observed by
Officer/No
Issue
Issued Citation Issued Verbal
Warning
Issued Written
Warning
Issues Resolved
Without
Warning
Referred to
outside agency
Issued Notice
of Violation
Outside
Jurisdiction
Disposition of Service Calls
66 4 10
RESIDENT INITIATED SERVICE CALLS CITY INITIATED SERVICE CALLS CITATIONS ISSUED Call Summary