Above: Photos of the Big Bear Dam Construction (January)

Thanks to correspondent Rick for his most recent photos of the Big Bear Dam construction.

Yesterday I fell off the planet after my late morning stroll but thought I’d at least give you some of the news I picked up from one of the county guys.

We were lucky not to have flooded during the torrential rain.

Although we had help with road clearing, the independent contractors managed to fill up many of the drains and drainage channels with snow and ice.

Believe it or not, the county has ONE backhoe and it went from one flood zone near Angeles Oaks to another (Blue Jay/Crestline areas).

Anyway the backhoe is what they apparently need to clear some of our drainage areas.

Yesterday I eyeballed water running down Hopi down Navajo, Brookside down Mohawk, and down Brookside where it is pooling up in front of the Buddhist Meditation Temple.

Anyway, some of the water is making it through the ice down into the channels but be warned that it might be a problem. If you live near one of the drainage areas the local plow operator said they are aware of the issues but you might call or see what you can do to protect your property.

The road in front of the triangle is pooling and is compromising the road–pot holes and cracks are getting larger.

Snowshow the Bear was an adventure due to the wet weather but here are the results:

10k Women
1st place – Theresa Uhrig

2nd place – Kelly Brunson

3rd place – Karin Parks

5k Women
1st – Lauren Sullivan

2nd place – Susan Maya

3rd place – Lisa Waner

10k Men
1st – Adam Williams

2nd – Iggy Rodriquez

3rd – Casey Williams

5k Men
1st place – Steve Blaine

2nd place – Dale Beeson

3rd place – Andrew Mayer

10k Juniors
1st place – Casey Williams

2nd place – Ramon Escobar

3rd place – Jordan Romero

Kids Race
1st place – Karissa Wolcott

2nd place Cameron Kennedy

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Chris & Steve Weber sent this nice little snap of the local bobcat walking by.

This is a busy guy as he has been seen all around town.

Just thought you would like this action shot taken with their cell phone.

Pray for snow and stay warm!

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Cat’in Around
Talk of the town is the bobcat that has been sighted frequently from Piney Ridge down to Sioux and over on Flicker and Canyon.

Wildlife in the area is not unusual, but due to the depth of the snow, sightings are more frequent as animals are using plowed and cleared pathways to travel.

Plus, the normal camouflage that works so well in the normal forest setting is of no use against the white snow.

In fact, their plush pelts seem to highlight their presence.

Most wildlife will avoid humans unless provoked or fed.

So don’t harass the animal and be sure to keep your pets close and on leash. Use caution if you let smaller animals out during dawn, dusk, and evening hours.

Weekend Weather
Once again everyone is speculating about the winter weather. It is good for the mountain, although I did think we didn’t need it all at once, it has been a long time since we’ve had a real winter.

Last I heard we can expect some weather later tomorrow into the weekend. You can always click on the weather tab above to see what is cooking but the National Weather Service said to expect up to two feet max and I’ll go with that.

Do everyone a favor, quit listening to those commentators on the alleged “news” shows and stick to the meteorologists. You’ll still find variations but they are a lot less sensational.

Snowshoe the Bear
This weekend is Snowshoe the Bear which begins and ends in Big Bear Village. The event is open to all ages and skill levels.

Registration starts Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 7am in the Big Bear Lake Village.

The 10K race starts at 10am. and the 5K race at 10:15am while the kid’s race starts at noon.

Pre-event registration fees are $45 for the 10K event, $25 for the 5K race, but the kid’s race is free. You can register in advance online now or by calling (909) 244-9315.

Events will be followed by the awards ceremony (and raffle) around 1pm.

News around town?
Snoop Sister Deb had a late night whopping it up at Moose Lodge 2085. Word is that she was there until 8pm–must be a record!

Congratulations to Tony & Michelle. The two won a cruise compliments of Moose International as an award for sponsoring new members. Way to go!

Robert from Moose Lodge 2085 announced that there will be food and frivolity on Super Bowl Sunday starting around 3pm. Don’t miss out.

BTW there are a few Moose Lodge Superbowl Shirts left–get them before they are gone!

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