Mountain Transit All RIM & Big Bear Service for 3/22/2023

RIM ALERT: Due to road closures and hazardous road conditions RIM Service will not operate today. Wednesday 3/22/2023.

BIG BEAR ALERT: Service will resume at 11:00am for Gold Line and Red Line. Blue Line will resume service at 1:21PM. Dial-A-Ride service is on regular schedule.

Route  5 & 6 Off the Mountain service is cancelled for Wednesday 3/22/2023. 

Check mountaintransit.org and Facebook for updates to service. Use the Double Map app to see your bus approaching the bus stops in real time.

​

County Public Works crews managed snowfall on mountain roadways throughout the night and will continue as snow is expected to fall throughout the day and into tonight.

Snowfall during the present storm has been but a fraction of the 10-plus feet of snow that fell during the February/early March blizzard. 

​

Precipitation levels recorded by Public Works between 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. today were:

• Arrowbear Lake: 16.0” snow

• Big Bear: 0.40” rain; 10.0” snow

• Crestline: 1.75” rain; 7.0” snow

• Green Valley Lake: 22.0” snow

• Lake Arrowhead: 11.0” snow.

• Running Springs: 14.0” snow

• ​

Public Works have more than 100 pieces of snow equipment deployed in the mountains. Crews will continue to service and re-service roads during and after the storm. While snow is falling, newly exposed asphalt can quickly become covered with an inch or two of new snow, making it appear the road hasn't been serviced. This phase of operations during snowfall is termed "snow management." 

​

Considering how much snow has fallen and how much is still expected, Public Works believes it can have all roads passable within a day or two.

​

County Fire had no calls in their mountain service areas overnight.  

​

San Bernardino County Public Works crews began plowing mountain roads as soon as snow and rain began falling this morning. The County began positioning resources in the mountains and put crews on 24-hour spilt shifts on Monday morning for the duration of the storm and until roads are clear.

​

Meanwhile, County Fire secured more resources from the state, including an additional swift water rescue team and a bulldozer and operator, adding to the 10 fire engine companies provided by agencies throughout the county.

​

The Sheriff’s Department has added extra deputies for routine patrol for the next two weeks along with deputies assigned to address traffic-related issues and enforce anti-roadside snow play regulations.

​

The County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is continuously monitoring the weather, coordinating reports, and implementing multiagency coordination calls.

​

The County is prepared to activate the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to warn residents who might be in danger.

​

Take precautions

The County urges residents, especially those in the mountains and areas susceptible to flooding, to take the following precautions:

• Limit travel as much as possible. When you do have to travel, do so with caution.

  • Stay abreast of road conditions on state highways, https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/, and County roads, https://dpw.sbcounty.gov/operations/road-closures/.

• Maintain at least a two-week supply of food, water, medications, essential equipment, and fuel.

• Stay clear of moving water.

• Monitor weather reports for emergency advisories. Visit the National Weather Service, San Diego, https://www.weather.gov/sgx/ for the latest weather information impacting San Bernardino County

• The TENS system is preloaded with all landline telephone numbers in the county. However, it is updated only every six months and does not include mobile numbers. To ensure you receive TENS alerts, sign up here: http://www.sbcounty.gov/sbcfire/Tens/TensContact.aspx.

• Do what you can to prevent snow from accumulating on roofs and adjacent to your home.

• Beware of snow and ice sliding down from rooftops.

• Protect your property with sandbags if you believe you might be vulnerable to flooding.

  • Check the County Fire sandbag website, https://sbcfire.org/sandbags/, for tips as well as locations where sandbags and sand may be available.

• Use tarps to protect damaged structures.

• Check for updates and helpful information on the County’s Snow Information website, https://snowinfo.sbcounty.gov/; on the County’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoCounty/; and on Twitter and Instagram, @sbcounty.

• ​

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

For storm information and assistance, call the County’s information line at 909-387-3911. The line is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voicemails left after hours will be returned the following morning.

Mountain Transit Route 5 Off The Mountain Service has resumed service via Hwy 18/330 to San Bernardino!

​

Starting Friday March 17, 2023, Mountain Transit will resume service on Route 5 from Big Bear to San Bernardino via Hwy 18/330.

​

Check Mountain Transit’s website for schedules and Double Map for real time bus tracking.

mountaintransit.org 

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency earlier this month for 13 of 58 of the state's counties affected by the massive amounts of snowfall from the severe storm in California in February.

​

The White House announced President Joe Biden approved the emergency declaration.

​

The declaration frees up resources for 13 counties including San Bernardino and Los Angeles. The governor specifically addressed the massive emergency relief efforts underway in San Bernardino County. 

​

In the president's statement, The White House said:

"The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Yuba."

Caltrans Announces Reopening of Some Mountain Roads to Residents Only

Caltrans will be able to open up certain highway routes to resident’s only – with no escorts, at 4 p.m. today, Monday, March 6. Routes that will be included are SR-18 (48th in San Bernardino to Snow Valley), SR-38 (Mentone to Big Bear), SR-189 (entire length), SR-173 (entire length), SR-330 (Highland to Running Springs). SR-138 (173 to 18) under R2 chain control conditions. All routes will be open in both directions. SR-18 will remain closed from Snow Valley Resort to Big Bear Dam (Arctic Circle) due to heavy snowpacks and avalanche potential.

​

Travel will only be open to residents, with valid residency proof required and essential workers.

Chains are not required (except for the 138), but should be with carried in the vehicle as a precaution due to changing weather conditions.

​

Proof of residency can be established with a valid government-issued ID that contains a mountain community address. Post office boxes from mountain communities are acceptable. Officials will also accept property tax records and utility bills for mountain properties as proof of residency.

​

At this time, friends and family members of mountain residents will not be allowed on the above listed roads at this time. This limited opening will not extend to guests of vacation rental properties. 

​

The decision to allow travel up and down the mountain is at the discretion of the Incident Management Team (IMT). This is a collaborative effort involving many agencies such as County Fire, County Sheriff, CHP, and CalTrans. Our office has been advocating for residents to have access once road conditions are deemed safe by the IMT.

​

For more information on closures and other conditions affecting travel, please check the Caltrans QuickMap website or app.

​

Keep The Roads Clear

The County is making progress in clearing roads, but please park vehicles off the roadway. Cars on the roads block access needed and slow down crews.

​

Crews continue to make progress across our affected communities. Additional personnel and resources continue to arrive to meet incident objectives and needs. As of this morning, more than 500 personnel have been assigned to emergency responses, snow removal, and infrastructure improvement.

​

As we continue to receive service requests, calls are being prioritized and dispatched based on the severity of the need.

While road conditions improve, we urge residents only to minimize travel to essential needs only. Our first responders and infrastructure workers are facing severe delays in responding to your needs due to excessive vehicle and foot traffic. Safety for the public, emergency responders, and infrastructure workers remain our highest priority.

​

For non-emergency concerns, please call the Storm Response Call Center at 909-387-3911 and, as always, call 911 for potential life-threatening emergencies.

​

San Bernardino County Snow Response Website – snowinfo.sbcounty.gov

​

Progress Continues on County Roads

Many of the questions coming into the County helpline can now be answered by an online interactive snow removal map created by the County Public Works Department.

The map shows that as of this morning, over 75 percent of the roadways maintained by San Bernardino County had been cleared by crews working around the clock since last week from Mt. Baldy and Wrightwood to the eastern edge of the Big Bear Valley.

​

Access the snow removal status map here.

​

County Launches Donation Program For Storm Victims
San Bernardino County continues its coordinated response to the historic snowstorms affecting the mountain communities. We are working to clear roads, expedite the delivery of food and medications to the affected areas, and serve residents stranded at the bottom of the mountain. Many victims of these storms have been trapped in their homes by the snow, uncertain when a path will be cleared to the nearest grocery store or gas station. While we have made great strides in clearing roads and restoring essential services, residents in these mountain communities now need the public’s help to recover from the storms.

Some of the items needed include:

​

Canned goods
Non-perishable foods
Sanitary Supplies such as toilet paper, diapers, wipes, paper towels
Dry goods
Baby formula
Water

There are two ways to donate:

1. During the business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., donors may call our hotline at (909) 387-3911, press option 2, and speak to a live representative that will coordinate your donation. After 5 p.m., donors may click on San Bernardino County Storm Response Emergency Donations or scan the QR Code in the poster below to find information regarding donations. A County team member will reach out to donors to coordinate the next steps if specific services or items are needed at this time.

​

2. The Red Cross will accept cash donations. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Please indicate San Bernardino County Storm Disaster Relief.

​

The need for assistance will evolve with the conditions in the mountains. If donors do not receive a response from us, the donation may not be needed at this time.

​

Community members wanting to receive donations may call our hotline at (909) 387-3911 or visit SnowInfo.sbcounty.gov to learn about distribution locations.
 

​

Commodity Distribution Sites
Serve Storm Victims
San Bernardino County has established three Commodity Points of Distribution (C-PODs) for mountain residents impacted by the winter storms.

​

Commodity Points of Distribution are sites where the public can pick up supplies during interruptions to regular supply chains or disaster situations.

​

C-PODs are in Blue Jay, Wrightwood, Crestline, and Running Springs. See the flyer below for locations and hours.

Items available at the distribution site include water, food, blankets, batteries, and baby supplies. Residents may call the County helpline 24/7 at 909-387-3911 for more information.

Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency in 13 Counties Due to Winter Storms, Activates California Guard

Mar 01, 2023

​

SACRAMENTO – Working to support Californians impacted by severe winter storms, Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a state of emergency to support disaster response and relief in the counties of Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma and Tulare. The text of today’s emergency proclamation can be found here.

​

The Governor has also activated the State Operations Center to bring state support to county-led emergency response efforts and coordinate mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions, especially in San Bernardino County. Significant numbers of state personnel are on the ground supporting San Bernardino County, including from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, working closely with the county-led Incident Command to rapidly deploy resources and address emergency management needs.

​

Cal OES is working with Caltrans and San Bernardino County officials to bring in additional snow plows as well as road crews, and personnel from CAL FIRE and the California National Guard are readied to support operations. The state is also contracting with private companies to accelerate snow removal and clear roadways, and is coordinating with investor-owned utilities to rapidly restore power.

​

Cal OES is coordinating with local officials to open two shelters for residents in San Bernardino County and is coordinating with law enforcement to escort power companies, food and water deliveries and service providers for vulnerable populations.

  
Monday February 27, 2023, 1:52 PM
SBSD - Headquarters
Advisory: Information on Current Efforts Regarding Snowstorms in San Bernardino Mountains

​

DATE/TIME: February 27, 2023/11:30 a.m.

INCIDENT: Snowstorm in San Bernardino Mountains

LOCATION: Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline Areas 

SUMMARY: The San Bernardino Mountains received several feet of snow over the last few days, impacting the day-to-day operations throughout the mountain communities. Cal-Trans and the San Bernardino County Roads Department have been working day and night to create single-lane pathways along the major roadways, enabling first responders to have access to those in need. However, due to the volume of snow remaining on the roadways additional work is needed before they will be safe for regular traffic. The San Bernardino County Fire Department is utilizing tracked vehicles to  access patients in medical need. Some areas have experienced power outages and Southern California Edison is working tirelessly to restore power for these customers. Weather reports indicate the possibility of several more feet of additional snow over the next few days.

​

At this time, we are asking non-residents and residents not currently on the mountain to avoid the area and allow road crews, first responders, and resupply efforts priority access to the limited number of roads that have been cleared. Gas stations and grocery stores have reached critically low levels and cannot support any additional consumers at this time. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is working with local agencies to create a warming center for those on the mountain in need of additional resources. We will continue to monitor road and infrastructure conditions in conjunction with Cal-Trans, County Roads, and California Highway Patrol. 

​

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department and other first responders have had to divert resources from our current efforts to assist with several search and rescue calls for individuals engaged in non-essential travel activities across our mountain region. We ask that people respect the travel restrictions and road closures as we work with our partners to open access.  

For information on San Bernardino Mountain area road conditions/closures refer to Caltrans District 8, www.caltrans8.info / @Caltrans8

Station: Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station

Phone No. (909) 336-0600

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department

        
For full details, view this message on the web.

​

FROM COUNTY SUPERVISOR DAWN ROWE FEB. 27, 2023

​

County Declares Emergency in Wake of Massive Snowstorms
San Bernardino County today declared the existence of a local emergency after residents of mountain communities found themselves trapped at home or unable to reach home due to several feet of snow that fell over the weekend, with more to follow during the next several days.

​

The declaration seeks state and federal assistance to clear snow from mountain highways and neighborhood streets and support any other necessary work and services.

​

“Today’s emergency declaration is an important step which will elevate the state’s response to this extreme weather event,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe, whose Third District includes the impacted mountain communities. “Our team of state and local partners will continue working round-the-clock on a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to bring relief and resources to our residents, while also prioritizing the safety of all.”

​

County Public Works and Caltrans crews have been working tirelessly around the clock to create access along key routes for first responders, and progress is being made in some residential areas. However, there is no estimate for when mountain highways will open to public traffic or when residential areas will be safe for local travel.

​

The County and the American Red Cross have established an emergency shelter and resource center for mountain residents who cannot get home at Redlands East Valley High School, 31000 E. Colton Ave. in Redlands. Resources will be available until 8 p.m. tonight and daily starting tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. A call center will operate at 909-387-3911 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide information.

​

The San Bernardino County Fire Department is utilizing specialized snow vehicles to access patients in medical need. Some areas have experienced power outages and Southern California Edison is working to restore power for these customers.

All agencies are asking mountain residents and non-residents not currently on the mountain to avoid the area and allow road crews, first responders, and supply vehicles priority access to the limited number of roads that have been cleared.

The Sheriff’s Department and other first responders have had to divert resources to assist with several search and rescue calls for individuals engaged in non-essential travel across the mountain region. This is why agencies urge the public to be patient and respect the travel restrictions and road closures.

​

County Public Works has been in coordination with multiple agencies including CalFire, County Fire, the County Office of Emergency Services, Caltrans, and Southern California Edison. Crews have been working diligently around the clock to plow County-maintained roads as quickly as possible.

​

The priority is on primary roads creating arterial access from the state highways. Crews have been successful in plowing most primary roads across the mountain. Loaders are the primary snow removal heavy equipment in many areas due to the depth of the snow. Road graders and trucks cannot effectively remove snow in deep snow in excess of 3 feet.

Secondary roads will be completed once primary roads are passable. When storms stop, the County will begin to work on the widening and clearing of roads.

​

Answers to many storm related frequently asked questions are available on the County’s FAQ’s webpage, https://dpw.sbcounty.gov/operations/snow-removal/FAQ/. 

Amateur Radio Field Day 2022

Tracy Lenocker, WM6T

This Saturday, June 25th, the Mountain Top Amateur Radio Association (MTARA) will hold their Amateur Radio Field Day at the Masonic Lodge in Twin Peaks on Saturday, June 25th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The public is invited to this free event. 

There will be three radio stations set up. There will also be eleven special educational presentations and demonstrations put on by club members. These presentations will showcase emergency radio equipment, trying your hand at Morse Code, learning to solder, how to throw a wire antenna over a tree branch, solar power, radio operations at a mountain summit or a park. 

Learn more about how these club members provide emergency communications during extreme weather conditions, reporting fires, accidents and provide safety communications for special events like the ALA 4th of July fireworks, Tour de Big Bear, Gran Fondo and many other events.    

UPDATE:

​

On Saturday, October 29, 2022, the ALA Board held a Special Meeting to approve amongst other items, appointment of Committee Chairs. The following Committee Chairs were appointed and approved by the Board: Lake Operations & Maintenance - Jim Hannon, Shoreline Improvements - Bud Macer, Lake Safety - Denise Loxton, Fish - Kathi Rothner, Forest & Vegetation - Henry O. Johnson, STR Ad Hoc - Chris Wilson. A Legal Counsel Appointment Committee was also approved as well as a Bylaws proposal to re-instate the Executive Committee was approved to be posted for member comments.  President David Dahl also confirmed that the next Regular Board Meeting, which the Board voted to approve, will take place on December 3, 2022, at 9AM and will be a hybrid meeting with zoom and in person. There will be no November Board Meeting.

​

At the October 22, 2022, ALA Board Meeting, the new Board members were seated, and officers were elected. David Dahl was elected President, Jim Hannon was elected Vice President and Alan Kaitz was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer.

​

On Thursday, September 22, 2022, just after 5:00 pm, the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA) announced the winners of the current Board of Directors elections. This was an online only election with the electronic results tabulated and revealed by ALA Inspector of Elections Mark Guitheus, who was the only person with access to the results. These results were displayed on monitors at the Burnt Mill Beach Club Clubhouse where dozens of members were present. 

There were 3 districts up for election and all eligible ALA members were allowed to vote. In the At-Large "A" election, 3 candidates were in the running. Those candidates were Meghan Hardin-Griffiths, Denise "Dee Anne" Loxton, and the incumbent, Tony O'Keefe. In the East District, it was incumbent, President Gary Clifford and Jim Hannon. Finally, in the South District, it was incumbent, Treasurer Alan Kaitz, Scott Craft and Jack Tingley. The newly elected Directors will be seated following the October 22, 2022 Board Meeting. The elected directors will serve for a 4-year term until 2026. The next ALA Directors election for At-Large "B", West District, North District and Grass Valley will be held in 2024.

​

    ​

ELECTION RESULTS (4-YEAR TERM)

​

                                        VOTES               %

AT LARGE "A"

Meghan Hardin-Griffiths         322               23.6%

Denise "Dee Anne" Loxton    886              64.9%

Tony O'Keefe                           158               11.6%

EAST DISTRICT

Gary Clifford                              78               28.5%

Jim Hannon                             196               71.5%

SOUTH DISTRICT

Scott Craft                                 74               22.6%

Alan Kaitz                                194               59.3%

Jack Tingley                              59               18.0%

Lake Arrowhead Lighted Boat Parade

On Saturday, September 3, 2022, Lake Arrowhead will hold its annual Labor Day Weekend Lighted Boat Parade. With an anticipated 50 - 60 boats participating, the event will begin at 8:00 PM in the ALA Marina. The stream of lighted boats and their ALA  Lake Safety Patrol boat escort will be circling the lake for all to see. In past years, countless undecorated boats also joined in following the parade of lighted boats as they made their way around the lake in the 5 mile per hours zone. All along the shoreline, the lighted parade will be greeted by cheering crowds on docks, at their lake front homes and at the Village. The annual boat parade Labor Day Weekend Lighted Boat Parade is always enjoyed by hundreds of onlookers on and around the lake. With so many full time and part time residents staying at their mountain homes for the holiday, this looks to be another great event. Every year, this event grows bigger and better.

The event is FREE to participate and there is NO SIGNUP required. Power inverters are recommended for boat lights.

August 17, 2022 

District:  Headquarters 

Contact: Will Arnold 

Contact: Tamie McGowen 

Phone:    (916) 956-0633 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Caltrans QuickMap Push Notifications Now Available

New App Feature Alerts Drivers to Nearby Road Closures and Emergencies

SACRAMENTO — Caltrans has launched a new push notification feature on its QuickMap app that allows drivers to automatically receive real-time notifications about nearby road closures, emergencies and other traffic updates.  

“With this new QuickMap upgrade, Californians now can receive instant traffic notifications based on their location,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Drivers can use this information to adjust their plans when needed, compare route options, save time and travel safely to their destinations.”

Caltrans’ QuickMap is a mobile app and website available to the public at no cost for travel planning. QuickMap provides immediate traffic information, including traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, emergency incidents, electronic highway message sign content, rest area locations, camera snapshots, and active chain control requirements.

The new QuickMap push notification feature allows travelers to opt-in to receive location-based alerts on their mobile devices. When a device with the QuickMap app enters an area within 10 miles of a road closure or other traffic-related event, a pop-up message will appear alerting travelers of the incident, including time, location and reason for closure.

Caltrans reminds drivers to use their mobile device responsibly, including only in hands-free mode when operating a vehicle. Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, drivers 18 and older can only use their phones in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.

For more information, and to use the new feature, download the QuickMap app onto your phone or visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov.

Utility Partnership With 211 Enhances Support, Access to Customer Resources During PSPS Outages
Media Contact: Ben Gallagher, (626) 302-2255

ROSEMEAD, Calif., June 28, 2022 — With the height of fire season around the corner throughout California, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, in partnership with the 211 California Network, have ramped up their emergency preparedness support for customers in preparation for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

California’s two largest utility companies are doing this with 211 Care Coordination, which assists individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) who live in high fire risk areas by creating a plan to connect them to local community-based organizations before PSPS outages. Organizations may assist with transportation and shelter, portable backup power, home meal delivery, bill assistance programs and other support.

Care Coordination is available for individuals with Access and Functional Needs who live in high fire risk areas. This includes those with various disabilities or chronic conditions, older adults and others who use medical equipment that requires electricity. Customers who are interested in services can call 211 or text “PSPS” to 211-211 before, during and after PSPS events to discuss assistance available to them.

“We absolutely understand the hardship that any extended power outage, including PSPS, can cause our customers, particularly those with Access and Functional Needs,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE senior vice president of Customer Service. “Our collaboration with the 211 California Network and PG&E offers meaningful support for these customers, helping them to prepare for potential emergencies and assisting with their critical needs if a shutoff is necessary to protect their community.”

California continues to experience drought, increased wildfire risk and a longer wildfire season. The combination of dry conditions with high winds can increase the risk of wildfires. Energy companies like SCE and PG&E have many programs in place to mitigate the possibility of wildfires caused by electrical equipment, like grid hardening, situational awareness and PSPS. While PSPS are a measure of last resort, they will still be a tool energy companies may need to use.

“Our partnership with 211 and SCE brings communities and services together. We encourage customers to call 211 today to learn more about the resources and services available to them ahead of a potential PSPS or emergency. Now is the time to prepare,” said Marlene Santos, PG&E’s executive vice president and chief customer officer.

To connect and get help through the free, confidential referral hotline, dial 211 or text “PSPS” to 211-211. 211 is available 24/7 in more than 300 languages.

About 211

With 24/7 availability from trained specialists and a dedicated resource management team, 211 is a powerful resource for households. The 211 California Network is comprised of 13 contact centers throughout the state working together to connect the community to all available health and social service resources.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of approximately 15 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.  

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

BREAKING NEWS!

UPDATE JUNE 14, 2022

At the June 14, 2022, regularly scheduled San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Supervisors voted unanimously to put into place immediately a 45 day "Pause" on the issuance of new Short-Term Rental Permits. This was done under an "Urgency Ordinance." At the end of the 45 day pause, the Board will determine whether an extension of that pause will be needed. The Urgency Ordinance can be extended up to 2 years by the Board. Only two local Lake Arrowhead residents spoke to the Board of Supervisors regarding the proposed ordinance modifications and the 45 day pause on new STR permits.  Roberta Rindenow urged the Board to include requiring noise monitoring devices on the STR properties and Scott Rindenow spoke in favor of the "Pause," encouraging a 6 month or 12 month period. The Supervisors also made several changes to the proposed new revisions to the current Short-Term Rental Ordinance, which will be voted on at their next meeting on June 28, 2022.  

Supervisors Pause STR Permits, Revise Rental Ordinance
In response to resident concerns, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors made several amendments to the County’s short-term rental (STR) ordinance and imposed a 45-day moratorium on the approval of new STR permits during its regular meeting on June 14.
 
The temporary pause on permits was taken to give County staff time to study zoning proposals to increase enforcement efforts, hire additional code enforcement staff, study enforcement activities and zoning proposals of other jurisdictions, and implement the approved amendments.
 
The County’s Department of Land Use Services will continue accepting and processing applications for STRs during the moratorium, but no new permits will be issued. The pause does not apply to applications submitted before the moratorium took effect or to applications to renew existing short-term rental permits.
 
Prior to the Board action, the Planning Commission considered the proposed STR ordinance amendments on February 3 and again on March 3 after County staff made additional revisions to the rules. Commissioners voted 4-0 (with Vice Chair Allard absent) in favor of recommending approval of the amended ordinance.
 
The amendments approved by the Board:
 
• establish a limit of one STR for parcels under two acres and a limit of two STRs for parcels over two acres;
 
• clarify that STR permits do not run with the land and identify a permitting procedure for alternative shelters;
 
• cap occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests;
 
• limit total occupancy in an STR to 12 persons regardless of the number of bedrooms;
 
• establish an annual permit rather than previous biennial permit;
 
• provide $150 permit fee credit for STR owners who install noise monitoring devices;
• mandate that hosting platforms require STR permit numbers for all listings in the County’s unincorporated communities. 
 
 
In addition, Supervisors agreed to limit individual and corporate owners of STRs to two permits. The limit does not apply to previously issued permits. The ordinance changes go into effect July 28, 2022.
 
Supervisors also discussed other potential changes to the STR ordinance, including placing a cap on the total number of permits issued by the County and requiring hosting platforms to not accept a booking transaction unless the hosting platform can confirm the host has the required STR permit at the time of the transaction.
 
In addition, the Board asked County staff to look into rules banning landlords from evicting long-term tenants to establish an STR and allowing for some wiggle room in the application of the STR ordinance. The County could, for example, allow a very large STR with only two bedrooms to host more than six occupants.
 
Supervisors also directed staff to look into whether the STR ordinance should apply to unincorporated areas in the Valley Region, which includes Oak Glen, Mentone, Bloomington, and other unincorporated communities.
 
These changes and other possible revisions will be heard by the Planning Commission before being presented to the Board of Supervisors for a final determination.
 
Prior to developing the amendments, County staff conducted a survey of residents that garnered more than 2,000 responses. Respondents expressed concerns about trash, noise, and the loss of community due to an over concentration of STRs in their neighborhoods.
 
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, STR numbers increased substantially in the County. In 2020, there were 1,404 permitted STRs in the County; in 2021, the number increased to 2,905. Today, there are more than 5,300. 
 
The last revision the Board made to the STR ordinance substantially increased fines for noncompliance. Previously a first offense within a year was $100, a second offense was $200, and third offense was $500; those fines are now $1,000, $2,000 and $5,000.
 
Residents can report STRs in violation of the County’s ordinance, including operating without a permit, by calling (800) 205-9417. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 
STR owners and residents can access additional information about short-term rentals in the County, including a map of permitted locations and the updated STR ordinance, at https://str.sbcounty.gov.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will vote on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the regularly scheduled open Supervisor's Board meeting, to approve an Urgency Ordinance which would put a temporary pause on approving any new Short-Term Rental Permits.

INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE   An interim urgency ordinance of San Bernardino County, State of California, to preserve the status quo and place a temporary pause on the approval of new short-term residential rental unit permits.

Due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has increased dramatically in the mountain and desert regions of the County, resulting in a surge of new short-term residential rental (STR) listings and STR occupancy rates in unincorporated areas of the region. With the increase in occupancy rates, the community has expressed increased concern with the behavior of STR guests, including noise, parties, disruptive events, over-occupancy, parking problems, and safety issues.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the San Bernardino County Code: (a) No application for a permit or entitlement that would authorize the operation of a new short-term residential rental unit authorized pursuant to Chapter 84.28 of the San Bernardino County Code shall be approved while this interim urgency ordinance, and any extension thereof, is in effect.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 2, subdivision (a), the County will continue to accept applications for a permit filed after the effective date of this ordinance. However, any application submitted shall be at the applicant’s sole cost and risk with the understanding that no permit for operation of a new short-term residential rental unit shall be issued while this interim urgency ordinance, and any extension thereof, is in effect.

TO VIEW THE ENTIRE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED URGENCY ORDINANCE, CLICK HERE! 

January 1, 2023

News Release: 
•    Program Sunday January 8, 2023 @ 12:30 pm
•    Training  January – various times online
•    Homeless Count – Point In Time Count Thursday Jan. 26, 2023 @ 6 am

​

Contact: Sue Walker (909) 337-1279  suew@mtnhomeless.com 

​

RELEASE:
The Mountain Homeless Coalition invites you to an engaging program on Sunday January  8, 2023 at 12:30 pm at Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church at 351 State Hwy 173 in Lake Arrowhead. Don Smith, Executive Director of Creating Community Solutions will present the causes of homelessness and the solutions our County is using to end homelessness. Don works closely with the Mountain Homeless Coalition and can speak to the issues of the mountain homeless.
You will be able on Jan. 8th to sign up as a volunteer for the Point In Time Count of the homeless to be held on Jan. 26th. Or you can use the volunteer sign up link by Jan. 18:
https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/community-projects/point-in-time-count/

There will be trainings for the PITC Volunteers online at various days and times. The registrant’s training will be one hour. 

The Point in Time Count will start at St. Richard’s Church at 6 am on the 26th of January.  The volunteers will be out in the field from 7 am – 10 or11am. For further information call Sue Walker (909)337-1279.
Thank you!

Sue Walker, President MHC
suew@mtnhomeless.com; (909) 337-1279 
   

https://www.facebook.com/MountainHomelessCoalition/ mountainhomelesscoalition.com     

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

State Route 189
Emergency Repair Project

San Bernardino - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has initiated an emergency project with a $1.9 million Director’s Order to make repairs to State Route 189 (SR 189) near State Route 18 (SR 18) in the San Bernardino Mountains.

On Friday, June 3, a portion of SR 189 near post mile 0.2 eroded on the vertical slope below the route that resulted in the closure of one of two lanes. The route is currently under one way traffic control and remains open to motorists. SR 189 is currently the detour route for a full closure on SR 18 which is under construction with an emergency project for slope repair.

The emergency project contractor is Skanska, which is also overseeing the work on SR 18. The contractor will take over traffic control from Caltrans tonight and repairs will begin tomorrow. The emergency repairs are expected to take up to a month and the work hours will be from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Traffic control will remain in place with one lane open and one lane closed to traffic with automatic flagging. There may be times during the repairs that will require traffic holds or full closures and those periods are expected to be minimal. Caltrans will alert motorists in advance for full closures.

Caltrans is making every effort with the contractor to ensure that there is availability for detour on SR 189 during the closure of SR 18. Motorists are advised to use SR 330 to Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, and Big Bear communities and avoid using SR 189 as a detour. Motorists are advised to use SR 330 to avoid delays. 

Get ready to start bidding!

What’s your pleasure? A thrilling Jeep ride at Zion National Park? A relaxing sail complete with drinks and hors d’oeuvres? Ski lessons? A motor scooter? Dining gift cards? Family passes to Lake Gregory or SkyPark at Santa’s Village?

All these – and more! – can be yours at the auction sponsored by the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club on June 4 at Snow Valley Mountain Resort.

But you don’t have to wait until June 4 for the fun to begin. This year, Mountain Sunrise Rotary is using Greater Giving as their bidding platform. Bidding on silent auction items will begin on May 28, with bidding on the bigger ticket live auction items opening on June 2.

To register with Greater Giving and to get a preview of auction items, visit www.mountainrotaryauction.com and click on the green Get Started square. Enter your name, address and credit card information and you’re ready to go.

 

NEW GUIDELINES 

Thanks to a new grant from CAL FIRE's California Climate Investment Program, we are able to again offer free curbside chipping. 

To register your request for Curbside Chipping go to www.FREEchipping.org. Click on "Request Chipping" in the middle of the header. Then, find your community/zip code and click on that button.

There are new guidelines and criteria this year.  New criteria includes:

1. Chip disposition options: contractors will blow the chips back on your property or leave them in a pile at no charge. If you want the chips hauled away there is now a $25 fee, which must be paid at the same time you register.  To pay the fee, go to www.PayPal.com, remit $25 payment to MountainRimFSC@gmail.com.  You will receive a payment confirmation along with your formal chip request acknowledgement from MRFSC.

2. Pile size: pile size is limited per cycle.  We are trying to keep the piles to less than 150 cubic feet.  This is estimated by the length and height and depth of the piles.  The contractor will reach out to you if there are any issues and special arrangements will be considered, which may include multiple cycles and/or payment for the excessively large piles.

3. Pile access:  This year we will be much more restrictive about the location of the piles on slopes (up or down hill), piles that are more than 3 ft from the road and piles that are on access roads that are not easily accessible with a truck and chipper.  If the truck cannot turn around, it is likely the pile will be deemed inaccessible.  The contractors will not back up or down a road to get to piles.  If you want to verify your location, please contact us in advance for a site review at 866-923-3473 or via MountainRimFSC@gmail.com.

The deadlines for registering this season are May 22, June 26, July 24, August 21 and September 25.  You must register by 6pm on those dates or be bumped into the subsequent cycle.  You cannot register until the piles are ready and therefore you should not register more than a month prior to the month you want the chipping done.  Example - If you register in May for the June cycle you risk being cited by the County for your slash piles.  We only notify them of piles for the current cycle.

Please contact us if you have any questions.  Thank you for your efforts to make our communities more fire safe.

Laura
Laura Dyberg
President
Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council 

ARROWHEAD LAKE ASSOCIATION (ALA) PROPERTY RIGHTS LAWSUIT

​

CLICK HERE TO SEE COURT DOCUMENTS FROM THE ALA WEBSITE

​

UPDATES: 

On March 10, 2022, the Arrowhead Lake Association through its law firm Best, Best & Krieger LLP filed a Notice-Register of Actions to the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino Appeals Division.

​

On January 19, 2022, the ruling was made final with the plaintiffs being ordered to post a $100,000 bond. The next hearing on the matter is set for May 4, 2023, for a Trial Readiness Conference followed by a Jury Trial beginning on May 8, 2023 at

10:00 AM in Department S24.

​

On January 19, 2022, Judge Gilbert G. Ochoa issued a Tentative Ruling on two motions. The first motion/Demurrer was filed by defendant Brian Hall, former ALA Board Member. The court ruled against Hall's Demurrer and it was taken off calendar. The second ruling by Judge Ochoa was as follows:

​

(1) GRANT in part and DENY in part Plaintiffs Vertical, McKinley, Karakaya, and Lee’s Preliminary Injunction and

ENJOIN Defendants ALA, Clifford, Mattison, Kaitz, Hall, Heissler, O’Keefe, and Wilson from (a) precluding short-term lessees within Arrowhead Woods’ property from accessing the Lake and surrounding shoreline area and (b) precluding Arrowhead
Woods’ property owners, whether ALA members or not, and their lessees and guests from accessing the Lake and surrounding shoreline area;
(2) ORDER Plaintiffs Vertical, McKinley, Karakaya, and Lee to post a reasonable bond within 10 days of the Order;
(3) GRANT Plaintiffs’ request for judicial notice filed on November 8, 2021, but DENY Plaintiffs’ request for judicial notice filed on December 1, 2021;
(4) DENY Defendants Clifford, Mattison, Kaitz, Hall, Heissler, O’Keefe, and Wilson’s request for judicial notice;
(5) GRANT Defendant ALA’s request for judicial notice of the pleadings and Exhibits 4 and 6, but DENY Defendant ALA’s request for judicial notice of Exhibits 2-3, 5, and 7;
(6) Movant to give Notice and provide Order. 

​

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COURT'S TENTATIVE RULING OF 1/19/22

​

On November 9, 2021, the Superior Court of San Bernardino ruled on the defendants motion to Compel Arbitration in this case. Both the plaintiffs and defendants submitted their arguments to the court regarding their positions. In the public notice filed by Judge Gilbert G. Ochoa, the following decision was rendered:

​

"The Association's Bylaws, at Article II (Members), Section F (Enforcement of Bylaws and Rules), paragraph 9, states, "Any disputes between ALA or ALA Members regarding any pier site, dock, or fixture on the reserve strip or reserve strip additions or any property owned by ALA or pertaining to any membership in ALA shall be resolved by binding arbitration." [Hereinafter "Arbitration Clause"] (Defendant's Exh. 5.)

Under the Arbitration Clause, arbitration is mandated for disputes between the Association and its members concerning (a) pier site, dock, or fixtures on the reserve strip or reserve strip additions, (b) property owned by the Association, and (b) the membership in the Association. None of the limiting scopes is at issue in any of the causes of action pled in the
FAC. The causes of action concern the Association and Individual Defendants' actions in violation of a 1964 Agreement and engagement in discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory behavior. Plaintiffs Vertical, McKinley, or Karakaya are not asserting any claim associated with the rights as members of the Association. They are not asserting any rights associated with a pier site, dock, or fixture. They are not asserting claims concerning the Association's property. Again, they are asserting rights under a different contractual agreement providing certain rights to Plaintiffs and other Arrowhead Wood residents. Thus, Defendant Association fails to establish the Arbitration Clause in the Bylaws covers the claims pled in the FAC. Therefore, the Court denies Defendant Association's Motion to Compel Arbitration. Movant to provide Notice and Order."

The ALA has 30 days from this decision to respond. 

​

On November 8, 2021, the Plaintiffs filed a lengthy Motion for Preliminary Injunction against Defendants Arrowhead Lake Association, its General Manager and 5 of its Board Members. Details of the motion can be found at the County Superior Court website under case #CIVSB2120604 - VERTICAL WEB VENTURES, INC., ETAL -v- ARROWHEAD LAKE ASSOCIATION, ETAL. The hearing on this motion originally scheduled for December 8, 2021, has been continued until January 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM in Department S24.

​

On December 8, 2021, the Plaintiffs filed the follow request for injunction against the ALA:

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION 
TO ALL PARTIES AND THEIR COUNSEL OF RECORD HEREIN: 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on December 8, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, before the Honorable Gilbert Ochoa in Department S-24 of this court, located at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415, Plaintiffs Vertical Web Ventures, Inc., Jackie McKinley, Seline Karakaya, and Christopher Lee (“Plaintiffs”), will, and hereby do, move for the issuance of a preliminary injunction enjoining Defendant Arrowhead Lake Association (“ALA”), its employees, agents, and/or anyone acting on its behalf, from: 

1. Enforcing Article II, Section C of the ALA’s Bylaws or any other regulation prohibiting Arrowhead Woods’ guests and lessees from accessing Lake Arrowhead (the “Lake”) and its surrounding shoreline area (“Reserve Strips”) as permitted by paragraph 3 of the 1964 Written Agreement entered into between the Arrowhead Woods property owners, the Lake Arrowhead Development Co., and Arrowhead Mutual Service Co. (“‘64 Agreement”); 

2. Restricting Arrowhead Woods property owners, their guests and their lessees who are not members of the ALA from accessing the Reserve Strips and the Lake permitted by paragraph 3 of the ‘64 Agreement; 

3. Enforcing rules that violate paragraph 3 of the ‘64 Agreement by unreasonably and arbitrarily limiting the number of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) cards issued to Arrowhead Woods property owners; 

4. Enforcing rules that violate paragraph 3 of the ‘64 Agreement by unreasonably requiring Arrowhead Woods property owners to register their guests by name; 

5. Permitting ALA enforcement personnel to stop and demand that Arrowhead Woods property owners, their lessees, and their guests provide identification; 

6. Erecting any new fences or gates restricting access to the Lake and the Reserve Strips; and Plaintiffs also request an order that the ALA remove all new fences and gates and RFID access sensors installed in 2020 and 2021. 
 

On November 23, 2021, Defendants filed an eight page response in Opposition to the Plaintiffs Motion for Preliminary Injunction.

The Motion for Preliminary Injunction will be heard on January 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM in San Bernardino Superior Court Department S24 by Judge Gilbert Ochoa.

​

Original story:

On July 28, 2021, notice was filed on the San Bernardino Superior Court website that a group by the name of Vertical Web Ventures, Inc., in addition to Jackie McKinley, Seline Karakaya and Christopher Lee have filed a lawsuit against the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA) and several members of the Board of Directors. Named in the lawsuit, as defendants, are the Arrowhead Lake Association, ALA Board Members Gary Clifford, Eran Heissler, Alan Kaitz, Anthony O’Keefe, Christopher Wilson and Brian Hall (former ALA Board Member), Does 1 to 10 and General Manager Robert Mattison. Representing the Plaintiffs is the law firm of Arent Fox LLP of Los Angeles. Representing the Defendants are Greg Garrison and Michael Scafiddi for the ALA and the Law Office of D. Wayne Leech APC, for the named Board Members and General Manager. As to the former Board Member, as of 9/24/21, no legal representation has been listed on the court website.  

On September 3, 2021, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint.

​

*The plaintiffs have filed an Unlimited Civil complaint for:

1. BREACH OF CONTRACT

2. INFRINGEMENT OF PROPERTY RIGHTS

3. BREACH OF COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING

4. INTERFERENCE WITH EASEMENT

5. DECLARATORY RELIEF

6. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

7. RACE AND NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

8. GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

9. RETALIATION IN VIOLATION OF PUBLIC POLICY

10. PRIVATE NUISANCE

11. PUBLIC NUISANCE

In anticipation of the lawsuit, the ALA issued the following statement to its Members: “Since learning of the threatened STR litigation, ALA has assembled a legal team and taken all other appropriate action to prepare for the lawsuit. Your ALA Board of Directors will each do everything in their power to protect our private Lake and ensure that your children, and your children’s children, will be able to enjoy the same Lake Arrowhead experience ALA members enjoy today. Your Board thanks you for your continuing support.” 

Upon further examination of the lawsuit, there appears to be much more to it than just a Short Term Rental issue. ALA recently promulgated a new rule, which appears to impact all Arrowhead Woods Property Owners, by requiring membership in the association in order to use the lake and trails. According to the Plaintiffs' filing, these property rights/lake rights are protected under the 1964 Agreement. In addition, the Plaintiffs' filing also includes allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and more. 

​

At the August 28, 2021 ALA monthly Board meeting, President Gary Clifford spoke of the lawsuit and  told the members “If you haven’t looked at the lawsuit, I suggest you do.” 

To view the court filing, go to the ALA website at www.ala-ca.org and click on the link on the front page to read or download the document. The 123 page complaint filed, is scheduled in the San Bernardino Superior Court for a hearing on January 28, 2022 in Department S24 with Judge Gilbert Ochoa. Further information on this case can be found on the San Bernardino Superior Court website under Case Number: CIVSB2120604.

Lake Arrowhead News will update this story as it develops.  You can also CLICK HERE to see the Amended Lawsuit.

​

*From the First Amended Filing by Plaintiffs dated September 3, 2021.
 

CLICK HERE TO SEE COURT DOCUMENTS FROM THE ALA WEBSITE

PUBLIC AWARENESS MEETING 

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans District 8) initiated a project in 2018 to conduct studies and prepare engineer plans for the repair of embankment slopes between State Route (SR) 189 and SR 18 near the intersection of SR 18 and Lake Gregory Drive. The approximate postmile (PM) on SR 189 is from PM 0.16 to PM 0.26 and on SR 18 from PM 20.6 to PM 20.9. 

The purpose of this project is to repair the embankment slopes, the proposed sidehill viaduct will also improve safety within the limits of the project by wider lanes (11-foot lanes) and wider shoulders (2-4 feet). The wider lanes and shoulder are also anticipated to improve visibility around the curves. The proposed improvement will also upgrade existing barriers.

Caltrans is eager to deliver this important project information directly to you! We will be hosting a special virtual meeting to update you about the project and get your feedback. If you want to know how this project is going to affect you, now is your chance to participate.

The meeting will be on March 24, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. via Webex.

To register, please click the link below:

Register
 

CALTRANS UPDATE
HIGHWAY 18 IS NOW OPEN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TRAFFIC NEAR SR-138 AND CRESTLINE!

January 20, 2022
San Bernardino - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues repairs on an emergency project at a washout section of State Route 18 (SR-18) near Panorama point between 40th St and SR-138 near Crestline.

The southbound SR-18 lanes have been closed since December 24, 2021, but ARE OPEN NOW!!! Crews were able to finish it earlier than anticipated on January 20, 2022. The piloting program has ended, and traffic will be able to use the newly fixed road that has been repaved and restriped.

Crews will continue to work in the area Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during which time, lane closures may be needed to assist in the repairs that are ongoing. No work will be conducted on Saturdays or Sundays. Remaining repairs include excavation, guardrail replacement, inlet modifications, and plant establishment.

January 14, 2022
San Bernardino - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues repairs on an emergency project at a washout section of State Route 18 (SR-18) near Panorama point between 40th St and SR-138 near Crestline.

Crews continue to make repairs by performing excavation and slope repairs on the southbound lanes of SR-18.

At this time, the anticipated reopening of the southbound lanes is the first week of February 2022. This date is weather dependent and may be delayed due to significant weather impacts.

Piloting escorts began south of Mormon Rd to just north of Upper Waterman Canyon (approx. 1.5 miles length). Motorists must wait for the pilot car to escort you through the active work zone. The piloting will be utilized 24/7 but may be adjusted over time to assist in construction efforts.

Please be aware, motorists may experience long wait times this weekend due to the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. It is advised that travelers seek a detour route, such as SR-138 or SR-330, travel during non-peak hours, or make arrangements to come to the mountains during a different weekend.

January 7, 2022

Starting Today at 3pm.  Caltrans Will Open Hwy-18 Upbound Lanes for Travel Under Pilot Car Program.  Travelers Will be Escorted Up and Down the Mountain, 24/7

Caltrans will be opening up the Northbound lanes for travel under a Pilot Car Program, which means that they will be able to have people use Hwy-18 and be escorted up and down the mountain 24/7.

December 31, 2021

San Bernardino - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues repairs on an emergency project at a washout section of State Route 18 (SR-18) near Panorama point between 40th St and SR-138 near Crestline.

The contractor, SKANSKA and Caltrans crews continue to make repairs and bring in necessary equipment and materials. Currently, crews work on excavation and demolition, along with keeping the area as dry as possible with additional winter weather incoming. 

To expediate the repairs, the route will remain closed to the public until further notice so crews can utilize the full roadway. We are evaluating all traffic handling situations and will have more updates on this in the future. At this time, the duration of this project is unknown. Due to the rain and snow event that just ended, the estimation is difficult to determine. Emergency responders will have access for emergency situations.

Residents of Waterman Canyon are being allowed to their residence with valid ID. No access is allowed north of Upper Waterman Canyon. Residents of Crestline, Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead and Blue Jay must utilize a detour route such as SR-138 to I-15 or SR-330 to SR-18 to get up and down the mountain.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CALTRANS DISTRICT 8 WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
 

PUBLIC MEETING 

At a public meeting held on March 19, 2022, at the North Bay Resort Clubhouse, real estate developer Jesse Wright briefly explained his proposed 41 single family home project. The entire project is slated for the 15 acres behind Arrowhead Lake Estates off of North Bay Road. The current stage of the project involves petitioning the county to change the zoning of the proposed development site from multifamily residential condos to single family residential. Wright said that if for some reason the county does not approve the re-zoning, he will move ahead with development of roughly 60 multifamily condos.
 
Of the roughly 50 residents in attendance, the majority of questions for the developer, dealt with the nature of the project itself and not the current rezoning request which is coming before the county. Wright told the sometimes highly vocal residents, that the project will be done in 3 phases. The first phase will be to construct 7 single family homes between 2 – 4 thousand square feet each on a 14,000 square foot sloped lot with a price tag of approximately $1.4 Million Dollars. Being built on a hillside, these homes will be built using a step-down foundation construction which would follow the terrain of the land.
 
Speaking on behalf of the project was Bruce Buchser, the home builder/contractor, Jeff Altmeyer, the grading contractor and Allan Hillwig and Bradley Brier, the land surveyors. An improved road will be constructed by developer Wright to access the 7 new homes. Phase 2 of the development project will be the development of 9 more lots, and then Phase 3 will be the final development of 25 lots. According to Wright, he will be using local workers on this project. Wright’s company, California Retail Properties, Corp. specializes in retail property development, according to its website and is located in Torrance California. Wright stated several times that there will be additional meetings like the one held on March 19th, as the project moves forward.

Updates To Short-Term Rental Ordinance

County Planning Commission Continues STR Ordinance Consideration
 

March 4, 2022
The County Planning Commission voted to approve their current red-lined version of the proposed County STR Ordinance revisions. It will now be sent to the County Board of Supervisors for final discussion and a vote.


February 03, 2022

The San Bernardino County Planning Commission's draft Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance agenda item on February 3 was continued to the next meeting, or more likely to a Special meeting to be determined at the next meeting (February 17). Over 5 hours were devoted to the topic, including the staff presentation, more than 60 public comments, and lengthy dialogue among the Commissioners. Key issues of further consideration included whether to allow an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to be an STR, whether different desert and mountain conditions should dictate different ordinance details for those areas, allowing up to 12 guests per night stay, allowing ownership of up to two STR's, and many other complex issues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
The San Bernardino County Planning Commission has released a redline draft update of the County’s Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance, in advance of their next meeting on Thursday, February 3. The redline draft can be found HERE. At that meeting, the public will have an opportunity to make comments on the proposed draft to help improve the County’s policies and address community impacts resulting from the rise in popularity of short-term rentals. 

The Planning Commission will consider all public input and decide if further revisions are necessary before they forward the STR Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration, where the public will once again be able to provide their input. The Commission’s meeting agenda will be available on Friday, January 28th on their website HERE. This agenda will provide further information on how you can participate in the meeting. If you wish to submit comments regarding the draft ordinance ahead of the meeting, please submit them at PlanningCommissionComments@lus.sbcounty.gov. 

The San Bernardino County Planning Commission is an independent entity that advises the Board of Supervisors on the County’s General Plan, and sometimes recommends amendments to the General Plan and the County Development Code. 

UPDATE:

A final approval vote of the newly revised ordinance was reached by the Board of Supervisors at their December 14th  meeting. On December 7, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the San Bernardino County Light Trespass Ordinance. The ordinance was first introduced to the San Bernardino County Planning Commission on February 4 of this year. Since that time there have been several workshops and meetings and on September 9, the San Bernardino County Planning Commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors. This initiative will regulate light trespass and outdoor lighting to minimize direct glare and light pollution that interfere with residents’ ability to enjoy the benefits of our night sky. To protect dark skies, the ordinance establishes reasonable outdoor lighting curfews and enforces limits on how bright lighting can be. 

​

The initiative will gradually take effect over the next two years. Commercial and industrial properties must comply within 18 months, while all other properties will have 24 months.

For additional information, please call 909-387-8311 or you may visit the San Bernardino County Land Use Services website.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES NEW DARK SKY ORDINANCE

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., — September 09, 2021.  After much discussion and input from concerned residents and members of the County Staff, the San Bernardino County Planning Commission voted 5 to 0 to approve the new proposed County Ordinance on Light Pollution.  The proposed new Ordinance will now be sent to the County Board of Supervisors for its approval. If approved by the Supervisors, the new Ordinance will replace the current Ordinance on Light Pollution in the County. Lake Arrowhead News will update this story when more information becomes available.

​

Click Here For The Link To The Ordinance

NEWS UPDATE!

ATTENTION!

State Hwy 173 Solider Wall & Realignment Project
Project Begins Monday, May 17, 2021 in Lake Arrowhead, CA

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin work on a $10.7 million project to construct a soil nail wall, replace the guardrail with a concrete barrier mounted to a 15’ solider pile wall along with a slight roadway realignment. Work will occur on State Route 173 (SR-173) near Cedar Glen, just south of Hospital Road.

​

The contractor, Stronghold Engineering from Perris, will begin construction starting May 17, 2021. Work will be Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this time, weekend work is not anticipated but can be allowed under special emergency circumstance.

​

Traffic will be controlled with flagging operations during certain stages of the project and at a later time, a solar signal will be placed to control traffic. Work is anticipated to be completed as early as October 2023 or as late as summer 2025 due to anticipated winter weather suspensions that occur.

​

During construction, it is advised to not use Torrey Rd as a detour to keep traffic open to the hospital and first responders.

​

Caltans District 8 Public and Media Affairs Chief Terri Kasinga has issued the following Press Release regarding the Slope Stabilization project on Highway 173 in Lake Arrowhead:

SAN BERNARDINO – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) began preliminary work in advance of a slope stabilization project on State Route 173 (SR 173) between Hospital Road and Cedar Glen Road in Lake Arrowhead. The purpose of the project is to stabilize the slope below SR 173, which is eroded and failing above Lake Arrowhead. The project will realign the roadway, construct a soil nail wall, rebuild the slope below the road, and replace guardrail mounted on a fifteen-foot concrete barrier.

​

The $11.6 million project will begin in spring 2020 and will be complete in fall 2022. Preliminary work was required in advance of the actual beginning of the construction project to remove twenty-five identified trees to make room for the slope repairs. Caltrans Maintenance crews began work this week to expedite the tree removal in advance of the actual project start date to avoid the bird nesting moratorium, which takes place each spring into summer, and to avoid delays to the project start date.

​

The remainder of the tree removal will be completed the week of January 27. The tree removal work and actual construction project requires lane closures with flagging for the duration of the project, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Caltrans staff have coordinated with the nearby hospital for emergency response.

The contractor, Stronghold Engineering from Perris, will begin placing construction signs from now until mid-April in preparation of the coming work. Work will be Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this time, weekend work is not anticipated but can be allowed under special emergency circumstance. Traffic will be controlled with flagging operations during certain stages of the project and at a later time, a solar signal will be placed to control traffic. Work is anticipated to be completed as early as October 2023 or as late as summer 2025 due to anticipated winter weather suspensions that occur. During construction, it is advised to not use Torrey Rd as a detour to keep traffic open to the hospital and first responders.

​

Know before you go! To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire go to Caltrans District 8 and sign up for commuter alerts. Follow us for the latest information on Facebook and Twitter. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap and planned lane closures.

​

For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Emily Leinen at (909) 383-4631 or TTY 711 by January 31, 2020.

This generous donation is one of the single largest gifts in MCH Foundation’s History

Lake Arrowhead, California – January 21, 2021 – Mountains Community Hospital Foundation is thrilled to announce that it has received an incredible gift of $400,000 from the Bloye Charitable Trust, which will be used to renovate the hospital’s main public entrance and create a central registration and waiting area for patients.

“We thank the Bloyes for this important gift which will be used for our central registration project,” said Charlie Harrison, CEO. “Right now, everyone that comes for a non-emergent service, such as blood work, mammograms, ultrasound, etc. must register in a space adjacent to our ER waiting area, potentially exposing themselves to sick patients. This project will not only improve safety, but it will enhance the patient experience by creating a comfortable waiting room and privacy for registration.”

​

The renovation includes:
– New central registration and waiting area
– Relocation of important services such as insurance eligibility
– Gift shop relocation

In 2000, the Bloyes were getting ready to leave their vacation home, when Mrs. Bloye experienced a medical emergency. She was treated at MCH and the Bloyes followed the physician’s recommendation for surgery and since then, everything has been fine. Around this time, the couple set up their charitable remainder trust. They have added and removed charities over the years, but MCH has always stayed on the list due to the great care they received.

Two or three years ago, the couple began conversations with CEO Charlie Harrison and Kim McGuire, the Director of Community Development, about making their donation. Those discussions became more serious several months ago. “I looked to them for suggestions as to how the funds could best be used,” Mr. Bloye said. He was impressed with the hospital’s plans to upgrade the entry area, create a waiting room and dedicated central registration area. “Mountains Community Hospital is small enough that it treats everyone like an individual. They are very concerned about their patients. At the same time, they are progressive enough to acquire the most current equipment. MCH seems like a small, personal hospital that has the desire and capability to provide big-time service. I have been very happy and impressed with their attention to detail, their follow-up and concern.”

“Their extraordinary philanthropy is going to improve Mountains Community Hospital for the entire community and we are so grateful to them,” Director of Community Development, Kim McGuire, said in a statement. “The plans for the renovation are moving through engineering, then architecture, and finally the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. We hope to begin construction in six months. There is urgency to getting this completed, so we will endeavor to make sure it happens as soon as possible.”

For more information about the project, please contact Kim McGuire, Director of Community Development at kimberly.mcguire@mchcares.com.

By: Abby Savich

Courtesy MCH Foundation Website

https://www.mchcares.com

Southern California Edison's in-house meteorologists and fire scientist (https://energized.edison.com/stories/groundbreaking-technology-accurately-predicts-wildfire-spread) are once again forecasting extreme fire weather conditions in 2021 that will affect our communities located in high fire risk areas as early as May. SCE is committed to completing more grid hardening work and improving operations that would result in reducing the number of customers impacted by PSPS events. They would also like Mountain Residents to know about their Medical Baseline program that provides reduced electricity rates to qualified customers to help offset the cost of operating medical equipment or devices. In addition, they are increasing enrollment in their Critical Care Back-up Battery (CCBB) program that offers eligible Medical Baseline customers a free portable backup battery to power medical devices in the event of a power outage.

SCE representatives are available to answer any questions you might have related to their customer programs including California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) as well as our clean energy efforts. They have identified 72 circuits for expedited grid hardening; these circuits experienced four or more de-energizations since 2019. There are circuit-specific plans for these circuits and have identified work that will be completed by October to reduce the need for PSPS events.

Here are some links for background information on PSPS:

Learn about SCE's wildfire mitigation efforts and where customers can sign up for alerts at: https://www.sce.com/safety/wildfire, https://www.sce.com/wildfire/wildfire-mitigation-efforts 

Public Safety Power Shutoffs interactive map for information during emergencies: https://www.sce.com/wildfire/psps 

​

Tips for customers to prepare for a power outage: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/preparing-for-outages 

The primary objective of Rim of the World Special Athletes Foundation is to provide a recreational experience that is safe and positive for adaptive individuals. It provides year round activities for adaptive athletes, serving veterans and individuals from our mountain communities and beyond.

​

Founded by Lake Arrowhead resident Jack Cooperman, Rim Special Athletes are individuals with visual and hearing impairments, amputations, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain Injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Down Syndrome, Autism, as well as many other cognitive and physical disabilities.

​

At Snow Valley Mountain Resort during the winter Rim Special Athletes provides Adaptive skiing and snowboard lessons, including bi-ski and mono-ski. During the Spring, Summer and Fall we have weekly golf clinics.       Year round we provide yoga.  During the summer Rim Special Athletes’ water sports program includes kayaking, aqua biking, stand up paddle boarding, boating, biking, fishing, hiking and outings.  Our objective is to have the adaptive athletes have fun, learn a new skill, and develop self-confidence from the experience. 

There are many ways you can get involved and help the Rim of the World Special Athletes Foundation:

If you would like to volunteer in any of our programs, we would like to hear from you.   If you are a PSIA instructor certified in adaptive techniques please contact us.

​

The Rim of the World Special Athletes Foundation is a qualified 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.  Our funding for the specialized equipment and many of the activities comes from donations.  If you would like to be a financial sponsor of the Foundation or would simply like to donate to the foundation, you can go to this link: https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=14108 or send checks payable to:

Rim of the World Special Athletes Foundation
PO BOX 1914
Lake Arrowhead, CA  92352

​

Website:   rimspecialathletes.org

RimSpecialAthletes@gmail.com

Call:  909 336.1535   Fax:  909 582.2800

Dropcountr

To help residents save water, LACSD has partnered with Dropcountr to provide an app for homeowners to track water usage and reduce leaks. The free Dropcountr app will allow LACSD customers to track their hourly water use, receive leak alerts,  connect with utility alerts and rebates and receive direct support. Dropcountr is available as an app on Android and Apple phones and on the web.

​

Track Your Usage
Dropcountr helps you keep track of your hourly, daily, weekly and monthly water use and compares usage to peers and your historical usage.

​

Set Goals
Setting goals and measuring performance is the best way to manage your water use. Dropcountr helps you set goals based on historical usage, similar homes, and efficiency standards.

​

Conservation Tips
Dropcountr is your one-stop destination for staying on top of tips and rebates.

​

Sign Up Today
LACSD residents can set up a free Dropcountr account today by downloading the app from the Android and Apple App Store, or signing up online. You will need your name and account number as it appears on your LACSD bill.

​

Questions? Support?

Customer support: email support@dropcountr.com

Register today for Dropcountr at www.dropcountr.com/lacsd or by downloading theAndroid/iOS app.