The intent of the exchange is twofold:
- Support Long-Term Village Planning Objectives: The City has identified the Bartlett Parking Lot as a future site for a community gathering and entertainment space. In support of this, the City has acquired adjacent parcels along Beaver Lane for the development of additional public parking. The Beaver Lane parcels (Parcel B) proposed as part of this exchange provide a critical connection point between these future parking areas and the Item
3.2 existing Bartlett Parking Lot. This connection would allow the City to establish a greenbelt and pedestrian access corridor, improving circulation, enhancing pedestrian safety, and creating continuity between the parking areas and any future community event/activity space.
- Activate and Improve Underutilized Space: The portion of the Bartlett Parking Lot proposed for exchange (Parcel A) is currently underutilized and located at the rear of an existing commercial building with no independent street frontage. As part of this proposed exchange, this small parcel can be activated as part of the greater Village Specific Plan and realize its highest and best use when combined with the adjacent property at 40760 Village Drive.
Following the exchange, the Seller intends to pursue the development of an outdoor dining area, along with associated landscaping and site improvements, to support the existing restaurant establishments at 40760 Village Drive. This proposed improvement would enhance the visual character of the area, activate an otherwise underutilized portion of the parking lot, and contribute to the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of the Village, consistent with the City’s economic development and placemaking goals.
Property Valuation and Exchange Structure
The City conducted an initial property evaluation and analysis, which concluded that while the Beaver Lane parcels (Parcel B) have slightly greater value as stand-alone sites due to street frontage, the Bartlett parcel (Parcel A) provides significant contributory value when assembled with the adjacent Village commercial property. Based on this analysis, the properties are considered functionally equivalent in value, and the exchange can be structured without any additional exchange of funds.
In the interest of maintaining this as a balanced and equitable transaction, staff recommends that the seller cover survey and legal description costs, and the City cover applicable application and recording fees. Escrow costs would be split evenly between both parties, keeping the exchange straightforward.
Staff have also confirmed that the proposed exchange qualifies for an exemption from the Surplus Land Act (SLA), and prior to finalizing the exchange, the City Council would adopt a resolution declaring the property as surplus and making the necessary findings to support the applicable SLA exemption.
Zoning and Entitlement Considerations
The proposed exchange would be processed through a separate Lot Line Adjustment, consistent with Government Code Section 66412(d) and Big Bear Lake Municipal Code Chapter 16.09, as the adjustment involves adjoining parcels and does not create any additional/new lots. The conveyed portion of the Bartlett Parking Lot will retain its existing Public/Quasi-Public zoning designation following the lot line adjustment, and the property owner will be required to pursue a Zone Change to Village Commercial/Retail in order to utilize the property for outdoor dining purposes, pursuant to BBLMC § 17.03.190.
As advised by the City Attorney’s Office, any future Zone Change would constitute a separate discretionary action subject to the City’s standard review and approval process and cannot be guaranteed or contractually obligated as part of this transaction.
Public Benefit
This proposed property exchange provides several tangible public benefits:
- Improved Pedestrian Connectivity: Establishes a defined and safe pedestrian pathway between parking areas, reducing pedestrian interaction with vehicle circulation. - Support for Planned Infrastructure: Enables functional integration of existing and future parking resources tied to the Bartlett Public Parking Lot. - Enhanced Aesthetics and Placemaking: Activates an underutilized space and contributes to a more cohesive and attractive Village environment.
- Public-Private Partnership: Leverages private investment to achieve community-facing improvements without direct City capital expenditure for those improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the exchange of property, as the parcels are considered equivalent in value and no funds are proposed to be exchanged. The City will incur minor administrative costs associated with processing the lot line adjustment, as well as escrow and recording fees. Approval of this item does not impact the City’s General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The transfer of ownership of the Property is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (hereinafter, “CEQA Guidelines”) Section 15061(b)(3), as acquisition of the property would not result in potentially significant impacts to the environment, which are defined by Public Resources Code section 21068 and section 15382 as substantial or potentially substantial adverse changes in the environment, given that the proposed action only provides for transfer of title to the Property and any future projects on the Property would be subject to review pursuant to CEQA.
Further, application of the categorical exemptions is not barred by exceptions set forth in Section 15300.2, as mere acquisition of the property by the City would not result in potentially significant impacts to the environment and would further not result in cumulative impacts, as the proposed action entails a mere transfer of ownership, and any future projects on the Property that affect the environment would be subject to review pursuant to CEQA.
CONSIDERATION OF STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
This project is consistent with the City Council’s strategic priorities, including:
1. Support and invest in sustainable infrastructure projects and programs consistent with the needs of our community.
2. Preserve and protect the quality of life for the residents and the businesses, while maintaining a balance with the environment to foster a sustainable economic base.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Any and All Documents Necessary to Consummate the Real Property Exchange Transaction, Involving the Real Properties Located at 630 Bartlett Road (Parcel Number: 0308- 166-57) and 40729 Beaver Lane (Parcel Numbers: 0308-166-13 and 0308-166-14); and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-XX
2. Aerial and Site Photos of Properties
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY TO CONSUMMATE THE REAL PROPERTY EXCHANGE
TRANSACTION, INVOLVING THE REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 630 BARTLETT ROAD (PARCEL NUMBER: 0308-166-57) AND 40729 BEAVER LANE (PARCEL NUMBERS: 0308-166-13 AND 0308-166-14); AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the City of Big Bear Lake (“City”) has completed negotiations with Adolfo A.
Gonzalez - Gonzalez Living Trust (“Seller”) for the acquisition by the City of that certain real property, Parcel Numbers 0308-166-13 and 0308-166-14, located at 40729 Beaver Lane, Big Bear Lake, California 92315 (the “Property”); and,
WHEREAS, in consideration for this real property, the City and Seller have agreed to terms on a property exchange involving a small portion of City-owned property within the existing Bartlett Public Parking Lot (Parcel Number 0308-166-57, located at 630 Bartlett Road); and, WHEREAS, the City owns certain real property located at 630 Bartlett Road, commonly known as the Bartlett Public Parking Lot (Parcel Number 0308-166-57); and, WHEREAS, a portion of said property, consisting of approximately 4,055 square feet located at the rear of 40760 Village Drive, is underutilized and does not serve a primary function for parking or public access; and,
WHEREAS, the Seller owns two contiguous vacant parcels located at 40729 Beaver Lane totaling approximately 5,250 square feet; and,
WHEREAS, the Seller has requested that the City consider a property exchange whereby the City would convey the approximately 4,055 square foot portion of the Bartlett Parking Lot to the Property Owner, and in exchange, the Property Owner would convey the Beaver Lane parcels to the City; and,
WHEREAS, the acquisition of this Property is in the best interests of the City and its residents by improving pedestrian access and safety, enhancing connectivity between public parking areas, and supporting implementation of the City’s Village planning and economic development objectives; and,
WHEREAS, the parcels are considered functionally equivalent in value and no funds are proposed to be exchanged in this transaction; and,
WHEREAS, the completion of this Property exchange will be contingent upon the completion of all legal prerequisites and a successful due diligence investigation; and, Item 3.2
Attachment 1
WHEREAS, the proposed property exchange will be implemented through a Lot Line Adjustment consistent with Government Code Section 66412(d) and Chapter 16.09 of the Big Bear Lake Municipal Code; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Surplus Land Act (Government Code Section 54220 et seq.), the City must declare the property to be surplus prior to disposition, and staff has determined that the proposed exchange qualifies for an applicable exemption under the Surplus Land Act; and, WHEREAS, the transfer of ownership of the Property is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (hereinafter, “CEQA Guidelines”) Section 15061(b)(3), as mere acquisition of the title to the Property would not result in potentially significant impacts to the environment, which are defined by Public Resources Code section 21068 and section 15382 as substantial or potentially substantial adverse changes in the environment, given that the proposed action only provides for transfer of title to the Property and any future projects on the Property would be subject to review pursuant to CEQA; and, WHEREAS, application of the categorical exemptions is not barred by exceptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2, as mere acquisition of the property by the City would not result in potentially significant impacts to the environment and would further not result in cumulative impacts, as the proposed action entails a mere transfer of ownership, the Property, and any future projects on the Property that affect the environment would be subject to review pursuant to CEQA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake that:
1. The recitals set forth herein are adopted by the City Council as findings and they are true and correct.
2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to consummate the property exchange transaction and acceptance of Seller’s interest in the Property on behalf of the City.
3. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution and upon completion of this property exchange transaction cause the forthcoming fully executed Grant Deed and the Certificate of Acceptance to be recorded in the Office of the County Recorder.
4. The City Clerk is authorized to file a Notice of Exemption regarding this matter, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.
5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of April, 2026.
Randall Putz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO ) ss
CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE )
I, Erica Stephenson, City Clerk of the City of Big Bear Lake, California, do hereby certify that the whole number of the City Council of the said City is five; that the foregoing resolution, being Resolution No. 2026-XX was duly passed and adopted by the said City Council and attested by the City Clerk of said City, all at a regular meeting of the said City held on the 8th day of April, 2026 and that the same was so passed and adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
City of Big Bear Lake – Management Services Department
City Property: 630 Bartlett Road – APN: 0308-166-57
Seller Property: 40729 Beaver Ln – APNs: 0308-166-13 & 14 Slide 1 of 3
Seller Owned Property:
40279 Beaver Lane
APNs: 0308-166-13 & 14
City Owned Property:
630 Bartlett Road
APNs: 0308-166-57
Item 3.2
Attachment 2
City of Big Bear Lake – Community & Economic Development Property Detail
City Property: 630 Bartlett Road (APN: 0308-166-57)
Slide 1 of 3
Zoning: Public / Quasi-Public
Size: 0.09 Acres (4,055 SF)
City of Big Bear Lake – Community & Economic Development Property Detail
Seller Property: 40729 Beaver Ln (APNs: 0308-166-13 & 14) Slide 1 of 3
Zoning: Village Retail / Commercial
Size: 0.12 Acres (5,250 SF)
MONTHLY &
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
April 8, 2026
Department of Water, City of Big Bear Lake
41972 Garstin Drive, P.O. Box 1929 · Big Bear Lake, CA 92315-1929 · Phone/Fax 909/866-5050 · www.bigbearlakedwpca.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER
Service, Quality, Community
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Erik Sund, City Manager
FROM: Reginald A. Lamson, DWP General Manager
RE: DWP Monthly Update – February 2026
SERVICE DELIVERY
Water services that were provided February 1, 2026 to February 28, 2026:
16,044 Connections provided with water service
682 Field service calls completed
0 Main leaks repaired
1 Main leaks year-to-date 2026 0 Main leaks year-to-date 2025 1 Service leaks repaired
6 Service leaks year-to-date 2026 4 Service leaks year-to-date 2025
42.07 Million gallons produced by wells
$899,976 Processed in billings
8,702 Accounts processed in billings
5,625 Number of customers on E-bill
73 New Accounts (including tenant turnover)
0.900 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU) added to the water system $974,998 Total Gross receipts processed
BOARD MEETINGS:
There were no reportable items approved at the Regular Board Meeting on February 24, 2026.
AGENDA REPORT
Service, Quality, Community
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Board of Commissioners
FROM: Reginald A. Lamson, General Manager
RE: General Manager’s Report
Capital Projects:
Garstin Water Operations Facilities:
On March 14, 2025, DWP received, reviewed, and signed the Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions and the Request for Obligation of funds. The proposed loan terms are $15.4 million, at 3.25% for 40-years. Interim financing has been obtained for this project. The interest rate for interim financing is 3.05%. Interim financing will be in place until construction is completed, which is estimated to take about 24-months. Once completed, the USDA loan will close and the interest rate will be 3.25% or lower, if interest rates go down between now and then. Currently the USDA loan rate is 3.75%. USDA has reviewed the contract documents and authorized DWP to issue a Notice to Proceed after the pre-construction meeting.
DWP staff has replaced certain sections of mainline on the Garstin site in anticipation of constructing the new facilities. These facilities were connected to the water system on June 3, 2025. Since September 25, 2025, DWP staff has completed significant work to prepare the Garstin site for construction of the new facilities. The onsite hydrant has been relocated and will be used for construction water. A 300-foot long, temporary water service has been constructed to the existing warehouse. The warehouse and the yard have been completely reorganized, and all obsolete materials have been disposed of. The three storage trailers have been disposed of. A temporary parking lot has been constructed (using the City’s asphalt pavement grindings) adjacent to the warehouse. The city provided a roller and operators to compact the asphalt grindings.
Temporary power conduit and conductors have been constructed to the construction trailer.
DWP staff are working with PBK, Motive, and FB&E to coordinate the temporary and permanent power to the new facilities. Coordination between the General Contractor and Solar Contractors is going well. The City has been very helpful throughout the permitting process. All agencies marked their utilities promptly, so excavation was not delayed.
Grants Update:
EPA Grant (No Change):
On October 6, 2025, staff submitted two EPA Grant applications. One application for a Comprehensive SCADA Master Plan, implementation of recommended improvements, and site security enhancements via installation of cameras at all facilities. DWP staff would solicit General Manager’s Report
March 24, 2026
professional services for the preparation of SCADA Master Plan. The SCADA Master Plan and Implementation program will include:
(1) Assessment of:
• DWP’s current SCADA infrastructure, including all hardware and software. • The current monitoring and operational methods employed by DWP staff. • Backup power for SCADA equipment.
• Cybersecurity risk, requirements, and protocols.
(2) Development of:
• Comprehensive Instrumentation and Control Plan with recommendations for upgrades and enhancements to hardware, software, and communication protocols. • Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document(s) to be used by staff for development, integration, and maintenance of SCADA assets.
• Disaster recovery plan.
(3) Coordination of:
• SCADA integration with DWP’s long-time SCADA integrator or a new vendor depending on the outcome of the plan.
• Staff training on SCADA SOPs.
After completion of the SCADA Master Plan, staff will work with a SCADA integrator to complete the recommended improvements and implementation of any modernized equipment and/or communication methods. During and after this implementation phase, DWP staff will be trained on SOPs, change management, and hardware and software. This Master Plan will also include the installation of backup power for all SCADA equipment. This includes the installation of 24vdc solar power and battery backup systems for all DWP sites which utilize SCADA. The final component of the project will be Site Security Enhancements. This includes the installation of cameras at all sites, to allow for remote monitoring and bolster physical security at all sites. Project costs are estimated to be $1,466,000. This is based on quotations from previous requests for SCADA upgrades from DWP’s SCADA integrator. This also assumes that the cost to prepare the SCADA Master Plan will be approximately 5% of the cost of upgrades. DWP’s current SCADA is dated, and within the next five years or so, much of the equipment and communication protocols are expected to become obsolete. Newer and more reliable technology will greatly increase DWP staff’s monitoring throughout the system. Furthermore, increased education and training will allow staff to better understand the operation of the SCADA infrastructure and become better equipped to diagnose and resolve issues.
The other application included the Emergency Generator Fleet Replacement Program. DWP’s current oldest emergency generators in the fleet are over 30 years old, and there is concern about the reliability of the generators due to aging mechanical and electrical components, as well as exposure to extreme weather (snow/ice). The Replacement Program proposes to replace all four (4) generators in the current fleet with four 120kW generators, as well as the procurement of one (1) 336kW generator that will be positioned at the Division Solar Field. The proposed Replacement Program is much in line with the DWP’s current Capital Machinery and Equipment Plan (CME), as well as the Backup Electrical Generation Contingency Plan that was prepared by staff in March 2025.
The Replacement Program proposes one additional 120kW generator beyond what is currently identified in the CME. This is to increase operational flexibility during a long-term power outage.
The Bear Valley is subject to frequent, sometimes extended power outages. Deployment of emergency generators throughout the system during an extended outage, as well as the ability to power all Division Wells at once using a single generator, will ensure that customers receive the General Manager’s Report
March 24, 2026
highest level of service possible. This program includes the required electrical improvements at the Division Solar Field to allow for the 336kW generator to power all sites. This also includes the modification of the Conklin Booster station to be able to receive backup generator power; the Conklin Booster Station serves as an important backup to the Knickerbocker Booster Station, which provides constant pressure to a couple hundred homes in the Town Zone. The estimated total cost of the proposed Replacement Program is $788,000.
DWP’s match for the SCADA Master Plan and Implementation Project would be funded through DWP’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget from future water revenues estimated to be $366,500. For the Emergency Generator Fleet Replacement Program, DWP’s 25% match would be funded through DWP’s Capital Machinery and Equipment Plan from future water revenues estimated to be $191,000 if awarded.
DWP staff submitted our FY 2026 Community Project Funding request to Jay Obernolte’s office 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.
FY27 Community Project Funding Request
Last year (FY26 Requests) Congressman Obernolte recommended and Congress authorized a $1.5 million dollar grant to partially fund the Garstin Water Operations Facilities. Congressman Obernolte’s office recently notified us that they are accepting applications for FY27 Community Project Funding. Staff worked with Congressman Obernolte’s office and the City, and submitted an application for additional funding for the Garstin Project for the FY27 funding cycle on March 11, 2026. On March 19, 2026, Congressman Obernolte’s staff asked a couple of clarification questions, then forwarded our application to the Congressman.
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 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.
March 2026 Vacation Rental Compliance Report Summary
As of 4/1/2026
March 2026 Summary of Service Calls Number % Of Total
Vacation Rental - Advertising/Renting without a License 1 4.8% Vacation Rental - Noise/Party 6 28.6%
Vacation Rental - Excess Parking/Parking in Street or Yard 7 33.3% Vacation Rental - Indoor/Outdoor Activity After 10PM 1 4.8% Vacation Rental - Incessant Barking Dog 0 0.0%
Vacation Rental - No Exterior Sign 0 0.0%
Vacation Rental - Trash Related Concerns 3 14.3%
Vacation Rental - Over Occupancy 1 4.8%
Vacation Rental - Owner/Agent Failure to Respond 0 0.0% Vacation Rental - Failure to Provide Information / Access For Inspection 0 0.0% Vacation Rental - Non-Compliance With Zoning/Building/Fire Codes 2 9.5% Vacation Rental - Signed Good Neighbor Policy 0 0.0%
Vacation Rental - Miscellaneous 0 0.0%
Total Amount of Service Calls 21 100%
March 2026 Call Summary
Resident Initiated Service Calls 17
City Initiated Service Calls 4
Total Amount of Service Calls 21
March 2026 Disposition of Service Calls Number % Of Total No Violation Observed by Officer/No Issue 5 23.8%
Issued Verbal Warning 4 19.0%
Issued Written Warning 4 19.0%
Issued Citation 4 19.0%
Issues Resolved Without Warning 1 4.8%
Out of Jurisdiction 0 0.0%
Issued Notice of Violation 0 0.0%
Referred to Outside Agency 1 4.8%
No Disposition to Date 2 9.5%
Issued Informational Door Hanger 0 0.0%
Total Vacation Rental Service Calls 21 100%
March 2026 Citation Recipients Number % Of Total
Owner 1 25%
Guest 3 75%
Agent 0 0%
Total Citations 4 100%
Total Citation Fines & Penalties $7,500
4.8%
28.6%
33.3%
4.8%
14.3%
4.8%
9.5%
PERCENTAGE OF SERVICE CALLS
Vacation Rental -
Advertising/Renting
without a License
Vacation Rental -
Noise/Party
Vacation Rental - Excess
Parking/Parking in Street
or Yard
Vacation Rental -
Indoor/Outdoor Activity
After 10PM
Vacation Rental - Trash
Related Concerns
Vacation Rental - Over
Occupancy
Vacation Rental - NonCompliance With
Zoning/Building/Fire
Codes
17 4
4 Resident Initiated Service
Calls
City Initiated Service Calls Citations Issued
Call/Citation Summary
23.8%
19.0% 19.0% 19.0%
4.8% 4.8%
9.5%
No Violation
Observed
by
Officer/No
Issue
Issued
Verbal
Warning
Issued
Written
Warning
Issued
Citation
Issues
Resolved
Without
Warning
Referred to
Outside
Agency
No
Disposition
to Date
Disposition Summary
Visit Big Bear Monthly Report January 2026
The Visit Big Bear Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting on January 29, 2026, 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, Nick Cargill, Frank Caruso, Loren Hafen, Nick Lanza, and Clayton Shoemaker. Danielle Goldsmith was absent. Visit Big Bear staff and members of the public were also in attendance both in person and online.
No public comments were received during the meeting. The Board approved the minutes from the December 18, 2025 meeting and received an annual presentation from the Big Bear Theatre Project, highlighting increased attendance, expanded partnerships—including collaborations with Visit Big Bear, KVCR, and the Lighthouse Project—and multiple awards and nominations. A financial update noted that $42,903.33 of the original loan has been repaid, with $7,096.67 remaining on the three-year agreement.
The Board approved a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Visit Big Bear and the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. The updated agreement is intended to clarify roles, strengthen collaboration, and enhance value to the community. The Chamber highlighted improvements in staffing, operational efficiency, and programming, including initiatives such as Lunch and Learn sessions, the Elevate Summit, and expanded business education offerings.
The Board reviewed and approved multiple event-related funding requests that had been previously vetted by the Events Committee. These approvals focused on driving economic impact, increasing visitation, and strengthening lodging partnerships through Visit Big Bear.
Events discussed included Kids Adventure Games, MX Grand Prix, Tour de Big Bear, and Elevated SoCal programming such as Memorial Day activations, Lake Fest, and Paddle Fest.
Additional Meadow Park activations were also reviewed, including the Bear Barbecue Festival and Reel Ale Festival, with discussion around logistics such as parking, shuttle services, and local engagement strategies.
Staff provided marketing and events updates, including continued implementation of the Roads to Big Bear campaign, activation planning around the Moonridge Corridor and Olympic-related programming, and targeted marketing for the Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day weekend.
Topline analytics and public relations performance were also reviewed, including website traffic trends, landing page performance, and social media engagement across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Data from Placer.ai indicated that overall visitation remained flat year-over-year, while visitor spending increased by approximately 12 percent.
The Board also received an update on the Care for Big Bear initiative, which officially transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in January 2026. The organization has established a seven-member board with expertise in conservation and nonprofit management.
CFBB has partnered with the California Green Business Network to launch the first San Bernardino County chapter. Additional initiatives include the Dark Sky program, with efforts underway to designate Bluff Lake as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, and a volunteer engagement series titled “Climate and Cocktails,” which recently mobilized 28 volunteers to remove 177 pounds of trash.
Upcoming meetings were scheduled for February 19, 2026, with the Events Committee meeting at 8:00 a.m. and the Marketing Committee at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Board of Directors meeting on February 26, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Visit Big Bear Monthly Report February 2026
The Visit Big Bear Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting on February 26, 2026, 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 Loren Hafen, Danielle Goldsmith, Nick Lanza, Frank Caruso, Nick Cargill (via Zoom), and Christie Brewster, Clayton Shoemaker was absent. Visit Big Bear staff in person and members of the public attending in-person and virtually.
During public comment, a presentation was made by Tom Sitton regarding the expansion of the Big Bear Family Club Card program, including a new retail location and a proposal to distribute 500 cards to local partners to support community engagement and youth sports funding initiatives.
Approval of the January Board meeting minutes was deferred to the March meeting.
Staff presented marketing highlights, including the upcoming launch of a new marketing campaign scheduled for March 2, 2026. The campaign is described as aggressive in scope and will be supported by additional marketing resources for Visit Big Bear partners. Restaurant Week marketing continues to gain momentum with increased participation from local restaurants, and the nature-based content series “Skyland Sanctuary” has been launched and integrated into social media campaigns.
The Board reviewed a new event calendar tool designed to improve event tracking, planning, and data analysis. The system consolidates key information such as event type, attendance, economic impact, and grant details, and is intended to support more informed decision-making while also addressing concerns around event timing and potential oversaturation during peak periods.
Updates were also provided on Care for Big Bear initiatives, including recent community events such as a Valentine’s-themed volunteer cleanup that removed over 400 pounds of trash. Ongoing efforts include pursuing Dark Sky designation for Bluff Lake, expanding partnerships with local high school sports teams, and working with the Green Business Network to promote sustainability among local businesses. Sponsorship efforts are also underway to support events such as SkyFest and other community initiatives.
Staff shared a member and partner overview, noting progress in the Cal Poly internship program, including interviews with 10 candidates and the placement of students in marketing and coordination roles. New partners have been added, including Spa Teak and Rose’s Cantina, and there has been increased member participation in events and collaborative campaigns. Continued coordination with the Chamber of Commerce was highlighted, particularly around Restaurant Week and other promotional efforts.
Public relations and analytics updates showed strong performance, with $187.4 million in advertising equivalency and 7.8 billion audience impressions achieved across December and January. A total of 429 media placements were secured, including features in major outlets such as Outside Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler. Social media performance continues to grow, with Facebook engagement up 55 percent and organic reach up 72 percent over the past 28 days.
New data tools are providing deeper insights into visitor demographics, travel behavior, and spending patterns to better inform future marketing strategies.
The Board also acknowledged the passing of community leader Sandy Sears, recognizing her significant contributions to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and wildlife advocacy in the Big Bear Valley.
Upcoming meetings were scheduled for March 19, 2026, with the Events Committee meeting at 8:00 a.m. and the Marketing Committee at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Board of Directors meeting on March 26, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.