updated 4/2/24
City's Web Site - Located northeast of Highland, taking Highway 330 then turns into Highway 18 bringing into the west side of the town. Can also access from Highway 38 from Mentone bringing in from the east side. It is a small town that hosts a lake at the center of its activities in the San Bernardino mountains at over 6752 elevations. It is a year-round recreational area with miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, water sports, fishing and hunting. World class athletes train in the valley because of its fresh air and altitude. Nearby is Snow Valley ski area, along with Santa's village and the main attraction, the lake itself.
Demographics: [2023] Population 5,102. Average income is $77K. Rent median is $957/mo.; median house is $391K. Median age is 43.7 years, 43.5 years for males, and 44 years for females. Non-Hispanic white 65%; Hispanic 27%; Asian: 2.59%; Other race: 2.33%; Native American: 1.03%; Two or more races: 0.88%; Black or African American: 0.31%; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.15%. Average family size is 2.83; 53% own a house; 47% rent; 40% married; 60% not; 38% some college or associate; 27% bachelor's & graduate; 22% high school grad; 10% less than High school; average earning is 30K/year.
The Serrano (Mountaineers) Indians (aka Yuharetum or the People of the Pines) lived there at first. Used to have many earthquakes that the Indians thought the Great Spirit was angry with the Padres which resulted in a bloody Indian fight. Benjamin Wilson led some men to find raiders of Riverside ranches, he named the place Big Bear Valley, though the Serrano Indians called it Yahaviat, which means “Pine Place.” Gold was found, the miners paved a road into Big Bear. Lake started as a reservoir and had two dams eventually made to monitor its spillage. Only took 26 months to fill it and use it for neighboring communities, a major feat in those days. Film industry liked the area to develop western movies. To learn more about its history click on the History heading.
“Four season mountain lake escape. States it is a God honoring community.”
Location of Big Bear Lake in SBC
PRAYER POINTS:
Government: City council; Ethics; under County District 3
Law enforcement in area
Poverty Rate: 16%; highest rates are children under 6 [28%]; 12-17 yrs old [25%]; children 6-11 [20%]; higher than state [15%]
Crime issues: [2022] A crime occurs every 1 day 10 hours (on average) in Big Bear Lake; overall crime grade is C; violent crime is D; property crime D+ and other crime B-; top crime issues are: theft 11%; vandalism 9% burglary 8%; drug 6%
Business: Tourism needed, seasonal based on snowfall, retail, vacation rentals, cabin
Points of Interest: Performing arts theater, Alpine Zoo, Alpine Slide Adventures
Environmental issues: Safe travels (very windy road into the city); in a drought, lake is low, upper lake is dry, road closures
Spiritual issues: smaller towns nearby unite in prayer [Fawnskin, Arrowbear]; intercessors arise to pray for this town; pastors unite in prayer for encouragement, online ministry grows and reaches people in the areas where they can't attend services due to inclement weather; spirit of conviction/repentance as the Word is preached with authority and boldness, laborer for the harvest of souls
Churches & Ministries [not exhaustive]
Community Church Big Bear [Christian & Missionary Alliance, Pastor Mike Barnes]
Bear Valley Church [Pastor Mike Craig, Assoc. Chris Parker, no denomination ties]
Bridges Presbyterian Fellowship [Pastor Tom Rennard]
Believer's Chapel [for the needy, hurting & addicted]
Summit Christian Fellowship [Pastor Robert Grand, Assembly of God]
The Journey Church [Pastor Rob Hastings, independent Full Gospel]
Christian conference center [financial funds to keep it going];