Benefit Special Olympics

Big Bear Lake, Calif. February 1, 2012 – Big Bear Lake’s water gets rather frigid in the wintertime with lake temperatures dipping into the low 30s, sometimes into the 20s. So why would anyone deliberately take a dip in the lake during these freezing conditions? The only reason that makes rational sense is to raise funds for people in need. On Saturday, March 10, the most brazen will take the Polar Plunge into Big Bear Lake to raise money to benefit Special Olympics athletes.

Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California. All proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Participants who reach this goal will get an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a “Chicken.” They receive an “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity. Additional prizes are given to people who raise more than $50, and also for those with the most creative costumes. Sponsorship opportunities called EVENT FAN are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to pledge $500 or more.

“All it takes is a few seconds in the chilly water for plungers to discover why we refer to it as Freezin’ for a Reason,” said Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler. “They will immediately feel their hearts warm-up with joy because they know they are giving to a great cause. Nothing is too cold for a warm heart!”

Each plunger gets a moment in the spotlight with a public service announcement that briefly portrays each plunger and why he or she is taking the plunge. Plungers are encouraged to invite people who give a pledge to the event to prove that they really take the plunge, and to see first hand how bonkers the plungers really are. Spectators are encouraged to take photos and video. Costumes have become a staple with Polar Plunge events. Awards are given to participants with the best costumes, which are judged by creativity and all-around wackiest. Activities include a family fun area, guest emcee (TBA), DJ music, a souvenirs stand, vendors, and a raffle drawing with great prizes. There is a free BBQ lunch for participants. Spectators have the option to purchase BBQ lunch tickets.

The inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is Saturday, March 10 at Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Opening ceremonies, which includes a torchlight lighting ceremony and singing of the National Anthem begins at 12 noon. Plunges into frigid Big Bear Lake directly follow after opening ceremonies. Admission to watch the plunge is FREE, but donations are accepted. To register as a plunger for the Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-672-7707 or email aleffler@sosc.org. For lodging accommodations log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

About Special Olympics Southern California:

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.

Southern California Special Olympics;

• The Chimes | Special Olympics welcomes volunteers : Features … – Ryan interned in the Special Olympics public relations office with the president and CEO of Southern California Special Olympics, Bill Shumard. Ryan assisted with the organizing, planning and assisting of the execution and …
• Southern California Special Olympics 2011 in Long Beach spotlight … – Special Olympics Southern California and its athletes are coming to Long Beach Saturday and Sunday for one of the largest competitions of the year: Summer Games.
• Special Olympics Bring Self Esteem to the Challenged | National … – Most were institutionalized and people had preconceived notions of what they could or couldn’t accomplish,” he said in an interview posted through the Southern California Special Olympics. Johnson added that through the …

Romantic Valentines

Big Bear’s Sweet-Heart Deals add Extra Spark to Romantic Getaway

Big Bear Lake, Calif./January 25, 2012 – Big Bear Lake serves the ideal setting for a romantic winter getaway with two top-notch ski resorts, candlelight dining, comfy accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces, and a variety of “sweet-heart” specials to woo that special someone. Big Bear’s temperatures might be in the 20s or 30s on this special occasion, but the mountain resort sizzles with red-hot passion.

Action Tours (Action Zipline Tours and Action Segway Tours) have special discounts called “Get Some Action on Valentine’s.” Action Zipline Tours’ special whisks lovers off their feet (literally). Couples fly through the trees and over the snow on ziplines, and save $40 off regular rates per couple. Action Segway Tours offers a unique way to explore Big Bear on an electrical two-wheeled chariot. This invigorating outing for couples also discounts $40 per couple. Both offers are good for February 11 – 14, 2012. Rates are limited to the first five couples per day that the special is valid (Feb. 11-14), and must mention “Get Some Action on Valentines” at the time of booking to receive the discount. For zipline tour reservations call 909-866-0390. For Segway tour reservations call 909-366-0890.

Helicopter Big Bear offers a treat for love birds who want to fly together. Enjoy a 20-minute sightseeing flight from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit to witness beautiful scenic aerial views. Longer tours are also available. The intimate flight includes a linen-lined picnic basket complete with champagne or Perrier sparkling water, a box of fine chocolate, a stuffed teddy bear, and a single rose. It’s a Valentine’s Day treat that will be remembered for a lifetime. Helicopter Big Bear’s Valentine’s Day special offer is good from February 11 – 18, 2012. Reservations are required. To book the Helicopter Sightseeing Flight for Love Birds call 909-585-1200.

Couples who opt to go skiing or snowboarding for the Valentine’s Day holiday might consider Goldsmith’s Boardshop for “Couples Rentals,” rent one rental set, and get the second rental set of equal or lesser value for free. “Couples Rentals” are valid February 10 – 15, 2012. For more details contact Goldsmith’s Boardshop at 909-866-2728.

After a day of playing in the snow together, finish your day of romance at your private accommodations. Choices range from full service hotels to charming bed & breakfasts, private homes and rustic cabins. Whether it is lakefront, in the village, or countryside, every lodge in Big Bear creates a romantic atmosphere. Some Valentine’s Day specials for lodging accommodations to consider are Windy Point Inn, Castlewood Cottages and Blue Horizon Lodge.

Windy Point Inn is the quintessential getaway for lovers. The beautiful contemporary Bed and Breakfast Inn is right on the lake. This Valentine’s Day Holiday the inn offers $100 off a two-night stay in a lakefront suite, which includes a whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace and a full breakfast. Rates are good for February 10 – 15, 2012. To book a romantic getaway to Windy Point Inn, call 909-866-2746 or visit www.windypointinn.com.

Castlewood Cottages offers an “out-of-the-ordinary” romantic hideaway. Here, each of the 11 “couples only” cottages offers their individual themes in furnishings, artwork and ambiance. Even the visiting couples “live” the experience wearing the costumes they receive to match their chosen cottage. They relive historic and ancient worlds at “Robin & Marion’s,” “King Arthur’s,” “Enchanted Forest” or “Antony & Cleopatra.” They enjoy chance meetings at the “Captain’s Quarters” or portray demure princess and elegant prince in “Castle Garden.” For the more adventurous, exciting experiences in “Enchanted Forest,” “Crystal Cave” or “Woodland Treehouse” create unforgettable memories. Other romantics choose lovely “Kate’s Garden” or dramatic “Gone With the Wind!” These delightful cottages, just a short walk from Big Bear Village, are charming, private and romantic, just the right choice for a unique Valentine’s Day getaway. Book an overnight stay at Castlewood Cottages from February 11 – 14, 2012 and receive 20 percent off regular rates. For reservations call 909-866-2720 or visit www.castlewoodcottages.com.

Blue Horizon Lodge helps spark an evening of romance with a free bundle of firewood for couples who book a two-night stay during Valentine’s week February 10 – 15, 2012. In addition to the free bundle of firewood, couples will save 20 percent off regular rates on a two-night stay. Guests must mention the Valentine’s Day special at the time of booking to receive discount. For reservations call 909-366-0089 or visit www.newbluehorizonlodge.com.

Big Bear Lake Resort Association offers a wide range of romantic packages that combines a room with choice of a couples massages, day spa service or romantic room customizing with roses, candles, and rose pedals placed in the room. Book Romantic Getaway Packages at www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

Photo Courtesy of Bear Mountain Resorts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Today, Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux updated the Board of Supervisors regarding Supervisor Neil Derry’s proposal to ease the stringent county parking codes for mountain area businesses.

The county currently employs a universal, “one-size fits all” parking standard for all businesses mandating a certain number of parking stalls based on a variety of criteria. These criteria include features such as square footage and type of business, among others.

“The current requirements are too onerous for mountain businesses where space is limited and it is negatively impacting the local economy,” Supervisor Derry said. “Residents and patrons do not want a concrete jungle in their beautiful forest and want access to a variety of businesses and service providers for their unique lifestyle.”

One proposed change would reduce the 10 parking space minimum requirement for restaurant uses to a four space minimum.

The parking study must go before the county planning commission for review before it can be brought back to the board. It is anticipated that the board will receive the proposal in the Spring of 2012.

Mountain Driving;

• Winter Driving Tips from a Lake Tahoe Local: Driving in the Snow … – Jan 29, 2011 … Winter Mountain Driving: How to Drive in the Snow. As a South Lake Tahoe local,
• South Lake Tahoe in Winter: Buy tire chains for your car and drive … – … OR A LIST OF ITEMS TO HAVE IN YOUR CAR FOR A DRIVE IN THE

Big Bear Lake and Big bear City have had snow showers all morning. They received four inches of snow overnight with another in accumulating today. Road conditions are R2, no chains on four wheel drive vehicles. The roads are slushy today, but that will freeze up as temperatures dip to around sixteen degrees tonight. Please drive cautiously. Here’s a map of road conditions. Once it loads from Google, click on the icons to see conditions as of 11:30 AM today.

Roads Conditions Map