Petition to Improve Safety and Infrastructure at the Hwy 38 and Big Bear Blvd Intersection in Big Bear, CA

To: San Bernardino County, Big Bear Community Services District, Caltrans, and Relevant Utility Companies

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and visitors of Big Bear, CA, call for urgent action to address critical safety, infrastructure, and aesthetic issues at the intersection of Hwy 38/ Greenspot and Big Bear Blvd, one of three key entrances to the Bear Valley area of the San Bernardino National Forest. This intersection poses significant risks to residents, visitors, pedestrians, and critical utilities, threatening the safety and charm of our cherished mountain community.

The Problems:

• Confusing 3-Way Stop Intersection: The current stop sign configuration confuses visitors, leading to frequent stops on the downhill grade of Hwy 38, especially in icy winter conditions. This causes noise pollution from honking, traffic chaos, and accidents. Poorly visible stop signs on Big Bear Blvd are routinely ignored, increasing collision risks. 
  
• Vulnerable Utilities: An exposed utility easement at the intersection, serving power, water, gas, and internet to the community, is at high risk of damage from vehicles. Near-miss incidents, including a gas truck sliding on ice barely missing the power-pole, highlights the potential for catastrophic utility failures, especially in a fire-prone forest area. 
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Risks: No crosswalk exists, forcing pedestrians, including families and visitors, to navigate the busy intersection unsafely to access local businesses or public transit. A dirt culvert and poorly maintained easement have caused crashes and near-misses for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Property Damage and Aesthetic Decline: The culvert and utility easement have been damaged by utility repairs and vehicle crashes. The unauthorized removal of a large pine tree at the corner property has further degraded the area’s aesthetic appeal and caused property damage, diminishing the welcoming feel of this key entry point.
• Flood Risk from Infrastructure Failure: A past fire hydrant strike nearby flooded 13 homes, including the petitioner’s property. A similar incident at this intersection could cause widespread damage and disrupt essential services.

The Solutions:

We respectfully request that San Bernardino County, Big Bear Community Services District, Caltrans, and utility companies collaborate with the property owner to:

• Improve Signage: Install clear, highly visible signage to guide Hwy 38 traffic through the intersection without stopping and enhance stop sign visibility on Big Bear Blvd to prevent run-throughs.
• Bury Utilities: Relocate the exposed utilities underground to protect critical infrastructure, reduce fire risks, and improve the aesthetic appeal of this gateway to Big Bear.
• Enhance Pedestrian Safety: Create a safe crosswalk or pedestrian pathway/bridge across the drainage culvert, ensuring safe access for pedestrians and cyclists to local businesses and transit stops.
• Repair and Redesign Infrastructure: Fill the hazardous drainage culvert, restore the damaged parking area, and properly maintain the easement to prevent further property damage and improve safety.
• Address Past Damages: Compensate or restore the aesthetic of corner property for damages caused by utility actions, including the unauthorized tree removal and subsequent property degradation of the easement running through the lot. 

Why This Matters:

Big Bear is a beloved destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and residents who cherish its natural beauty and vibrant community. This intersection is a gateway to our town, but its current state endangers lives, disrupts utilities, and detracts from the area’s charm. With recent wildfires in California and Maui underscoring the risks in fire-prone areas, we cannot afford to delay. A single accident could disrupt essential services, cause injuries, or spark a disaster in our forested valley.

By signing this petition, we urge our local agencies and utility providers to act swiftly to protect our community, enhance safety for all, and preserve the welcoming spirit of Big Bear. We believe these improvements will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike, ensuring a safer and more beautiful entry to our mountain home.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request immediate action to address these critical issues and pledge our support for a collaborative solution.