Daily Edition
Thursday, April 2, 2026
$10M Campaign Launched to Preserve Jackie and Shadow's Nesting Habitat
Eagle Watch
Pip watch continues at the Big Bear Valley bald eagle nest as Jackie and Shadow's second clutch moves deeper into the expected hatch window. The watch began March 31 — day 37 of incubation — after Jackie laid her replacement eggs on February 24 and 27. The couple's first two eggs of the 2026 season were destroyed by ravens on January 30 while both adults were briefly away from the nest. Eagle eggs typically begin hatching between day 37 and 40, meaning a first pip could occur at any time. Once a chick begins breaking through the shell, it can take two to three days to fully emerge. Worldwide viewers are watching the Friends of Big Bear Valley's 24/7 nest cam for any sign of movement.
Watch live nest camToday's Stories
$10M Campaign Launched to Preserve Jackie and Shadow's Nesting Habitat
Friends of Big Bear Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust have launched a $10 million fundraising campaign to purchase Moon Camp, a 63-acre parcel of land that encompasses the Jeffrey pine forest where Jackie and Shadow have nested for years. The organizations entered a limited purchase agreement with the property's developer and have set a July 31, 2026, deadline to secure the full amount. The campaign aims to permanently protect the nest site from development and preserve the habitat for future nesting seasons. Donations can be made through the Friends of Big Bear Valley website.
City of Big Bear Lake Launches 2050 General Plan Update
The City of Big Bear Lake has officially begun the update process for its General Plan, the first comprehensive revision since 1999. A 17-member General Plan Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting on March 10. The plan will guide land use, housing, economic development, and community character through 2050, with the project estimated for completion in December 2028. Residents can follow progress and provide input at bigbearlake2050.com.
Line Fire Suspect Trial Continues in Court
The criminal trial of Justin Halstenberg, charged in connection with the 2024 Line Fire, is ongoing in San Bernardino County. Testimony has included witness accounts of evidence collection and discussion of more than $62 million in fire damages. A key Cal Fire witness acknowledged that no physical testing was conducted at the fire's point of origin and admitted to failures in evidence handling. The trial continues this week.
Caltrans Emergency Repairs on SR-38 Continue
Caltrans crews continue emergency repair work on State Route 38, damaged by Tropical Storm Mario. One-way traffic control with flagging is in effect weekdays from 7 AM to 5 PM; no flagging is expected this Friday, April 3. Weekend travel on SR-38 remains unaffected. No estimated completion date has been provided.
This Week
Big Bear Restaurant WeekToday
Varies by restaurant · Participating restaurants valley-wide
Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
TBD · Big Bear Lake
Weather
NW 5 mph
Today
57° / 25°
Mostly sunny with a Wind Advisory in effect through 11 PM. Afternoon gusts may reach 50 mph on exposed ridges and mountain terrain. High near 57°F before temperatures drop sharply overnight.
Friday
56° / 31°
Saturday
63° / 34°
Sunday
67° / 36°
Roads
Caltrans emergency repair project for Tropical Storm Mario damage is ongoing. Flagging is active today (Thursday, April 2) but is NOT expected Friday, April 3. Open without restrictions from 5:01 PM to 6:59 AM on weekdays. Fully open on weekends. No estimated completion date.
Construction between East Fork City Creek and Live Oak Drive, Mon–Fri 7 AM to 3:30 PM through approximately April 3. Reduce speed in work zone. No traffic control personnel present.
Chains are required to be carried in all vehicles on SR-18, SR-330, and SR-38 through April 30, even without active requirements.
Meetings
Notices
Bear Valley Unified School District
No closures or schedule changes reported. All enrolled BVUSD students continue to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day through the 2025–2026 school year.
Big Bear Lake Branch Library
Session 2 programming runs through April 11. Session 3 begins April 26. Located at 41930 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake. Call (909) 866-5571 for program details.
Senior Citizens of Big Bear Valley
Discounted memberships are currently available and an open house is being planned. Check the Big Bear Grizzly for details.