By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The first report at the Lake Arrowhead Municipal Advisory Council meeting on Nov. 6 was from Captain Craig Harris of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.
Harris reported 1,281 calls for service, 81 reports, 57 arrests and 17 citations have been issued since the last LA MAC meeting. He highlighted a notable high-speed pursuit by Deputy Burgess, who is in training. On Oct. 20 the pursuit involved a black Harley Davidson that went from the west end of the mountain, through Highway 18’s Arctic Circle and ended in Big Bear. After the chase had circled the village a couple of times, the motorcyclist tried to escape using a dirt trail. In an attempt to escape, the rider dumped the bike, resulting in the suspect getting tased and arrested. Deputy Burgess led the pursuit successfully, without injury or vehicle crashes.
Captain Harris was wearing a black armband honoring the tragic line-of-duty death of Deputy Andrew Nunez, who was sent out on a domestic violence call, where he was shot and killed, with the suspect leaving on a motorcycle from the scene. This resulted in a high-speed motorcycle pursuit on the freeway by the CHP with speeds reaching 190 mph while the suspect was carrying multiple firearms. The suspect was taken into custody after being crashed into and stopped by an off-duty narcotics officer on the freeway, preventing further harm.
The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department has recently offered some community outreach programs on Internet and phone scams. These presentations hope to reduce victimization by educating and empowering seniors on phishing and identity theft tactics, teaching seniors how to recognize and avoid these scams and how to report internet scams and fraud.
The Twin Peak’s Sheriff’s Station has converted a space in the former courthouse room into a gym to help the deputies stay in shape. The equipment was paid for through a grant they applied for.
California Highway Patrol Lieutenant Kee reported that the CHP is facing staffing challenges with four vacancies out of 29 positions, but he expects to reduce vacancies to two by December, aided by officers in training and transfers.
There have been some major traffic incidents that close the highways, like a truck overturning and blocking Highway 330 and fatal accidents on Highway 18 that highlight ongoing safety risks of driving on mountain roads. The CHP’s public information officer’s use of social media has proven effective in informing the public when these closures exist, thus somewhat reducing the frustration during these road closures through information.
Winter preparation is underway, emphasizing safety and traffic flow. The CHP enforces snow chain requirements during winter driving conditions. Caltrans reports on road conditions and chain requirements on their website.
Horace Corey of Caltrans said changeable message signs are being installed by Caltrans at multiple locations and are expected to be activated by spring 2026, including at the bottom of Highways 18 and 330.
Mountain Transit announced they will participate in upcoming holiday events, including parades,
enhancing community visibility and service outreach. They have been conducting a survey of needed and wanted services. Mountain Transit updated service on Nov. 3 to better connect commuters with Metrolink. Ridership is increasing year-over-year.
Rim of the World Recreation and Park District’s Jenny Hueter reported that the new adult programs such as wreath making and a Pokémon club are growing, alongside fitness activities for those ages 50 and over. They are expanding recreational programs with the public. To access their program schedule, see their website, www.rim-rec.org.
Rochelle Holland, representing the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce, said the leasing agents at Lake Arrowhead Village are concerned there may be employee shortages for new village businesses. The concern is finding employees willing to work seasonally or those seasonal jobs that may be affected by winter closures in the village. The chamber is planning job fairs to address these possible workforce gaps.
The chamber is working with the leasing agents and property managers, hoping to encourage new leases in the village which would increase business openings and job opportunities for all and increase visitor numbers. The Village is trying to get all the construction completed by the end of November. They have already completed the white paint on the interior of the parking structure, making it much brighter inside.
In her report for Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Robin Bull highlighted San Bernardino County’s strengths in infrastructure, workforce training and emergency services as a basis for future growth, with an emphasis on mining, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism and entertainment as economic pillars. The county’s number one industry at this time is mining.
With the work in the Village almost completed, the county is working on developing a work force to align with future business needs by developing programs at local high schools and at Cal State San Bernardino to support entrepreneurship and trade skills, with the desire to align the workforce with the needs of industry.
Bull announced the next meeting will be a joint meeting with the Crest Forest MAC on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the San Moritz Lodge. It is designed as a holiday celebration with a year-in-review presentation to highlight 2025 accomplishments. The San Moritz Lodge is located on the east end of Lake Gregory at 24640 San Moritz Drive in Crestline. Everyone is welcome to attend this public meeting.
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