Update #28
COVID-19 Emergency
April 10, 2020 - 6:30 pm
Still 3 Confirmed Cases in City of Big Bear Lake,
2 Confirmed Cases in Big Bear City Area

No Snow Play Permitted -
City Parking Lots Closed, No On-Street Parking

Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Offers Assistance to Local Businesses, Creates Virtual Tip Jar

Drive-Thru Testing Event Set for April 17,
Limited to Mountain Communities Only

Bored At Home? Please Help Us By Completing the 2020 Census Questionnaire Online in Just 10 Minutes!
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
The City of Big Bear Lake is working hard to ensure that the residents, second home owners, investors, businesses, and visitors in our community have the correct information about the status of COVID-19 threats in Big Bear Lake and the City's response to these threats.

This email newsletter is the official guidance from the City of Big Bear Lake, and the City appreciates everyone's adherence to the restrictions and recommendations outlined herein. This email newsletter also serves as the City's official press release regarding the City's COVID-19 response, and press inquiries may be directed to Frank A. Rush, Jr., City Manager, at 909-866-5832 or via email.
 
To be sure you are receiving the latest and most accurate information, please sign up for this email newsletter by clicking here . PLEASE share this email newsletter with anyone and everyone, as we want to reach as many people as possible with this information. Thank you!
STILL 3 CONFIRMED CASES IN CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE, 2 CONFIRMED CASES IN BIG BEAR CITY AREA
Thankfully, there is again no change in the total number of confirmed cases in our community today. There remain a total of 3 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake and 2 confirmed cases in the Big Bear City area. HIPAA requirements prohibit the release of additional information about the patients or their specific location.

As of 5 pm today, there were a total of 810 confirmed cases in San Bernardino County. A total of 7,877 tests have been administered thus far in the County, and approximately 10.3% of those tested have been positive for COVID-19. Sadly, a total of 25 people have died from COVID-19 in San Bernardino County. This data is updated daily at the County's COVID-19 dashboard, and the City encourages everyone to view this site for the most accurate information.
NO SNOW PLAY PERMITTED - CITY PARKING LOTS CLOSED, NO ON-STREET PARKING
The snow appears to be coming to an end in Big Bear Lake, with little additional accumulation today. Warmer temperatures are expected for the foreseeable future, which should result in quick melting over the next few days.

The City and San Bernardino County continue to discourage visitors from traveling up the mountain for snow play activities. Governor Newsom has issued a "shelter in place" order across the entire State of California, and everyone should remain sheltered in their home community. Traveling for snow play is obviously not an essential activity.

In Big Bear Lake, both ski resorts are closed, both commercial snow play areas are closed, and no one should be engaging in snow play at any location other than your own property. All public parking lots and on-street public parking spaces in the City of Big Bear Lake are closed, and City enforcement staff will actively ticket and tow vehicles parked illegally on City streets.

Thank you for your cooperation, and for respecting the need to keep our residents safe!
BIG BEAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES, CREATES VIRTUAL TIP JAR
The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce is available to assist local businesses navigate the various Federal, State, and private assistance programs that may be helpful to Big Bear Lake businesses. The Chamber is offering a variety of services and information, and is committed to helping our local businesses survive this unprecedented challenge. For more information about the Chamber, please visit their website here.

The Chamber has also established a "virtual tip jar" to donate a "tip" to a service industry provider who has lost or been laid off from a job. The program is targeted to service industry employees such as restaurants, bars, hair and nail salons, spa services, dog groomers, and anyone who normally relies on tips. Displaced service employees can sign up for the program by clicking here. If you'd like to leave a virtual tip for your favorite service industry employee, please click here. Thank you to the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce for their support for our local businesses and our service industry employees!

There are also many additional resources for impacted local businesses in need of financial assistance. Some of the most helpful sources are listed below.

  • The US Small Business Administration is administering several programs designed to assist businesses impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. To visit the Orange County / Inland Empire SBA office, please click here.

  • USDA Rural Development also offers programs that may be helpful to Big Bear businesses, and you can learn more about their programs here.

  • The San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency is also an excellent local resource for Big Bear businesses, offering information, webinars, and assistance. To learn more, please click here.

  • The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (California Go-Biz) includes information about various programs available to assist small business, including assistance for California businesses that are not eligible for SBA programs. To learn more, please visit their website.

  • Accountingprose, a small business bookkeeping and payroll service with offices in Phoenix and Denver, has prepared an excellent summary of the various Federal and private sector programs offering assistance to small businesses. To learn more, please click here, and be sure to click on the various tabs at the top of the page, as there are numerous programs available.

The City of Big Bear Lake is also happy to assist our local businesses seeking assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, and our point person for business assistance is Christine Bennett , Senior Administrative Services Analyst. Please contact Christine at (909) 866-5831, and she will be happy to help!
DRIVE-THRU TESTING EVENT SET FOR APRIL 17, LIMITED TO MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES ONLY
The City and San Bernardino County are pleased to host a drive-thru COVID-19 testing event in Big Bear Lake on Friday, April 17 from 10 am - 2 pm.

The testing event will be held at the Big Bear Mountain Resorts parking lot on Fox Farm Drive, adjacent to Bear Valley Community Hospital, and tests will be administered by appointment only. The testing event is limited to residents of the mountain communities only, and there are several other testing events scheduled for residents in other areas of San Bernardino County over the next few weeks.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please make an appointment to be tested. Appointments can be scheduled by clicking here when the appointment portal opens next week. County public health officials expect to collect and test specimens from approximately 350 individuals at the Big Bear Lake event.

The testing event will be coordinated so that you don't need to leave your vehicle. In order to promote efficient traffic flow all vehicles will be directed to access the drive-thru test site on Fox Farm Road from Big Bear Boulevard on the day of the test.

Additional information will be included in future City COVID-19 updates.
BORED AT HOME? PLEASE HELP US BY COMPLETING THE 2020 CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE ONLINE IN JUST 10 MINUTES!
The 2020 Census is now underway, and the City of Big Bear Lake needs your help to make sure all of us in Big Bear Lake are counted! An accurate census count makes a huge difference in the amount of Federal and State funding distributed to California, San Bernardino County, and Big Bear Lake, and also determines how much representation we have in Sacramento and Washington, DC!

This year, it's SIMPLE to make sure you are counted - all you need to do is visit  https://2020census.gov/ and complete the short questionnaire. We're only looking for about 10 minutes of your time, and you can even complete it on your smartphone - it's that easy! If you are a permanent resident of Big Bear Lake OR if you are a second homeowner in Big Bear Lake who spends more than 6 months and 1 day per year at your home in Big Bear Lake, PLEASE take the time to complete the questionnaire.

All responses are confidential, and thus far only about 2% of Big Bear Lake's population has responded. We need to change that, as now more than ever, it's important to make sure you and your family are counted! Please take some time while you're home during the COVID-19 emergency and help us maximize the funding allocated to our community and maximize our representation - so that we can do the best possible job serving you!
SUMMARY OF CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
The City of Big Bear Lake has implemented various public health recommendations and restrictions for the past several weeks, and continues to do so.

The City encourages everyone to heed the following recommendations:

  • diligently honor the Governor's order to "shelter in place",

  • limit your interactions with others to the maximum extent practical,

  • plan your essential trips out accordingly, and limit the number of trips to the grocery store, drug store, etc.,

  • keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others you come into contact with,

  • wash your hands ALL THE TIME,

  • if you need to get outside, take a walk, go for a run, take a bike ride, or go on a hike by yourself or with your family - but stay far way from others!

The following key restrictions remain in effect in Big Bear Lake:
 
  • everyone in Big Bear Lake is directed to "shelter in place", especially those age 65 and older and those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, however, travel is permitted for work and to conduct personal business,

  • snow play is not permitted, except on your own property,

  • face coverings must be worn when you are interacting with others out in the community,

  • grocery stores, drug stores, and other essential retail and service businesses may operate,

  • construction and repair activities may continue,

  • bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, gyms, bowling alleys, ski areas, snow play areas, and other similar businesses may not operate,

  • restaurants are closed for in-restaurant seated dining, however, take-out and delivery services are permitted,

  • lodging and vacation rentals may no longer operate, except for very limited situations,

  • non-essential group gatherings of any size are prohibited, including commercial establishments, churches, community groups, and other formal and informal group activities,

  • isolated, outdoor exercise is permitted, including walking your dog, and

  • City parks (for pedestrian access, no parking available) and the Alpine Pedal Path remain open, however, these facilities should be enjoyed by yourself, with your small family group, and users should avoid close contact with others.
CLOSING THE MOUNTAIN IS NOT SO SIMPLE, CITY HAS IMPLEMENTED ALL OTHER STRATEGIES TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE
All of us at the City of Big Bear Lake recognize the unprecedented threat facing our community (and every community in California, the United States, and the world), and we are all working hard to keep our community safe and hopefully return to normal as soon as possible. The City's actions have been and continue to be aimed at promoting the health and safety of our residents, and rely heavily on the recommendations of public health officials. In short, although the City is also working hard on strategies to mitigate the severe economic impacts associated with the COVID-19 emergency, these concerns are secondary to the need to keep our community safe.

The City continues to receive suggestions that we should close the mountain and completely prohibit individuals who do not live in Big Bear Valley from entering our community. While that suggestion is understandable during this unprecedented emergency, it is far more complicated than one might initially realize, and the City wants to make sure everyone in our community understands the complexities of this issue.

First, a recap of actions already taken by the City (and the County) to keep our community safe :

  • since March 19, both the City and Visit Big Bear have actively encouraged visitors to postpone their trips to our community, and area lodging and vacation rental managers implemented flexible policies in order to keep visitors away,

  • since March 20, the City has implemented the Governor's "shelter in place" order, with only limited exceptions for essential business activities and isolated outdoor exercise,

  • since March 22, after receiving clarification from State and County officials and legal advice, the City has prohibited lodging facilities and vacation rentals from operating in Big Bear Lake, with only very limited exceptions,

  • since March 23, City enforcement staff have investigated every single complaint alleging unauthorized use of a lodging facility or vacation rental, and have resolved these complaints either by forcing the visitors to leave immediately or by verifying that the owner's family is using the home,

  • since March 19, City officials have engaged in direct communication with Visit Big Bear and representatives for the vacation rental management companies to secure cooperation, and all parties have been extremely cooperative and genuinely concerned for our community,

  • since March 24 City officials have sent multiple individual communications directly to the owners of all self-managed vacation rental units (those managed through online platforms) to advise them that vacation rentals are temporarily prohibited and that online advertising should be suspended through at least April 30, and City officials have also engaged each owner directly through online platforms,

  • since March 25, City officials have been in direct communications with AirBnB officials, who have sent separate communications to their owners to prevent bookings through at least April 30, and

  • since April 5, in anticipation of significant snowfall this week, the City has indicated that all City-owned parking facilities, City parks, and on-street parking facilities are closed, and that snow play activities are not permitted anywhere in the City other than the person's own property, with appropriate enforcement personnel available to respond accordingly.

The City and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (under contract with the City for law enforcement services - they are essentially our Police Department) continue to monitor activities throughout the City and the entire valley, and there are very few individuals here that are not residents or second home owners in our community. Thankfully, the entire community appears to be acting responsibly, adhering to the restrictions in place, and heeding the recommendations of public health officials. The City greatly appreciates everyone's cooperation, and urges your continued diligence. Together, with everyone's cooperation, we will keep our community safe and we will get through this!

City officials have and continue to consider the possibility of closing the boundaries of the City of Big Bear Lake or "closing the mountain", but it's not as simple of a decision as one may initially perceive. At this time, based on current circumstances in our City, in the valley, in our County, and in our State, such a decision is unlikely to be implemented anytime soon. Here are a few reasons why :

  • It is sometimes noted that fires or snow events have closed the Big Bear Valley in the past, however, it's important to note that the COVID-19 event is unlike any other natural or man-made disaster that any community has ever experienced. This event is literally affecting every single community and every single person at the same time, no one knows exactly how it will all end, nor when it will end. A fire event or a snow event is imminent or immediate, is reasonably predictable, has a somewhat predictable duration, does not affect every community and every person at the same time, and is completely apparent to all. If the City or the mountain is "closed", what does that mean, how long does it last, who receives special exceptions, and if anyone leaves should they be allowed to return?

  • The City of Big Bear Lake has jurisdiction over approximately 6.5 square miles, a little more than 5,000 permanent residents, and just shy of 10,000 housing units. The City limits include only a fraction of all of the land area, permanent residents, and housing units in the valley. The City does not have authority over Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, or other unincorporated areas, and does not control the 3 State highways leading into the valley. The City could certainly take action to restrict access into and out of the City limits of Big Bear Lake, however, that would not apply to other areas in the valley, and the City may then be in a position to not allow others in the valley to enter the City limits - which is where most of the shopping and services exist - and the City would not want to prevent our neighbors from accessing essential goods and services in any way. Any decision to limit access into or out of the entire Big Bear Valley would require coordination and agreement by all parties, including the City, the County, and all of the other local government entities serving the valley. It can certainly be done, but, again, the COVID-19 event is unlike any other event that may have necessitated this action in the past, with no reliable prediction of the end date.

  • It's also important to note that many of our residents are actively traveling out of the City and the valley to other communities down the hill, including for purchase of essential goods and services, and none of those communities have limited the ability for our residents to visit their communities. What does that say about our community if we believe it's appropriate for us to travel to other communities (who have the same fears and concerns that we all have), but that we need to take action to directly prohibit others from entering our community? Not only are we all in this together in the City of Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Valley, we're all in this together as Californians and as Americans.

  • If we ultimately evolve to "closing the mountain", it will require the allocation of significant resources to control the 3 primary entrance points to the Big Bear Valley. These resources will likely be provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff, the California Highway Patrol, or perhaps even the National Guard. These resources are already stretched thin, will continue to be stretched thin, and their ranks may also be impacted by COVID-19. Such an operation would require that each vehicle entering or leaving present some proof of residency or property ownership, and this process will be time consuming and require personal interaction. Additionally, who receives special exceptions? How long is all of this going to last? Are we willing to implement this for weeks or months? Do we prohibit our residents and property owners from leaving and returning? What about your family members who may need to come and go?

  • Finally, if the reason for this action is to limit the spread of COVID-19 into Big Bear Lake or the Big Bear Valley, then it seems prudent that we would not allow our residents to leave and then return, as they could potentially bring the virus back with them. The risk of an individual bringing the virus to our community is identical whether that individual originated in another community or originated in our community, left, acquired the virus, and returned to our community. The reality is that COVID-19 is already in our community, and the most effective way to prevent community transmission is by following the recommendations and restrictions already in place.

With all that said, the COVID-19 emergency remains very fluid and circumstances are constantly evolving. The City of Big Bear Lake and/or the entire Big Bear Valley may ultimately be forced to take action to close the City or close the entire valley, and City officials will work closely and cooperatively with State, County, and other local government leaders if this ultimately becomes necessary. Such an action may be more likely to occur if there is a significant outbreak of COVID-19 here in our community, and the State or County must take action to isolate us from others in order to protect them, at which point it is possible that the National Guard may be deployed.

Thankfully, there continue to be relatively few cases in Big Bear Lake and the entire valley, and all of us are working hard to keep this number as low as possible. At this point in time, the City believes the cumulative effect of all of the actions already taken, and everyone's continued diligence in limiting interactions to the maximum extent practical, practicing effective social distancing, and proper personal hygiene are sufficient to promote the health and safety of our residents .

Again, thank you to everyone for continuing to act responsibly!
COVID-19 INFORMATION HOTLINE
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health operates a COVID-19 Hotline for residents with questions about COVID-19. Please call (909) 387-3911 for assistance.
Stay Informed!
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The City of Big Bear Lake strives to keep our residents, property owners, investors, businesses, and visitors well-informed about the City's issues and initiatives - including the COVID-19 threat - with an emphasis on information specific to Big Bear Lake and the entire Big Bear Valley.
 
The easiest way to stay-informed is to sign up for the City's email newsletter and other updates. It's easy to sign up - simply visit the City's website and click on "Text & Email Notifications" in the top center of the homepage. Simply click on the link, enter your name and email address, and you're all set. Signing up will ensure that you receive periodic updates about COVID-19 in Big Bear Lake, the City's new monthly newsletter - Elevation 6752', and other special communications from the City of Big Bear Lake for emergency situations, special events, and more.
 
In addition to the City's email updates, you can also get the latest information from the City of Big Bear Lake via the following digital platforms:
 
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Please help us spread the word, and share the City's digital communications platforms with your family, friends, other residents, property owners, frequent visitors, or anyone else who is interested in Big Bear Lake. Thank you!
Frank A. Rush, Jr., City Manager
City of Big Bear Lake
39707 Big Bear Blvd. PO Box 10000, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-5831 | Fax: (909) 866-5491