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Big Bear City, California
Unincorporated community and CDP
Looking west at corner of Big Bear Boulevard and Greenway in Big Bear City. This is where Highways 18 and 38 cross over.
Location in San Bernardino County and the state of California
Big Bear City, CaliforniaLocation in the United States
Coordinates: 34°14′20″N 116°46′42″W / 34.23889°N 116.77833°W / 34.23889; -116.77833
Country	United States
State	California
County	San Bernardino
Area
• Total	32.03 sq mi (82.96 km)
• Land	32.02 sq mi (82.92 km)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.04 km)  0.05%
Elevation	6,772 ft (2,064 m)
Population
• Total	12,738
• Density	397.88/sq mi (153.62/km)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Codes	92314, 92386
Area code	909
FIPS code	06-06406
GNIS feature IDs	2407838

Big Bear City is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States along the east shore of Big Bear Lake and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. It is 27 miles (43 km) northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately east of the incorporated city of Big Bear Lake. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP). Its population was 12,304 at the 2010 census, up from 5,779 at the 2000 census. Big Bear City is mostly residential, with smaller houses and cabins laid out in typical square block fashion. Big Bear is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Standard Air Lines of Los Angeles began a regular airline service to the community in the summer of 1929. Its post office was founded as Van Duesen in 1927 but changed its name to Big Bear City six months later. The Big Bear City Post Office opened in 1928 and still operates.

Despite the name, Big Bear City is not an incorporated city, and should not be confused with the adjacent incorporated city of Big Bear Lake.

Etymology

Big Bear got its name due to the large number of grizzly bears that once roamed the area. Although grizzly bears went extinct in the valley at the turn of the 20th century, there are still thousands of black bears found in Big Bear Valley.

History

Pre-colonial period

The first humans to inhabit Big Bear Valley were the Serrano Indians, who trace their beginnings to Bear Valley. Serrano means mountaineers, or those of the Sierras. The Serrano people that settled much of the San Bernardino Mountains, called themselves Yuhaviatam, or: people of the pines.

It is estimated that the Serrano natives first settled in Big Bear between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago. The Serranos had both winter and summer settlements throughout the area. While their winter village was located in Lucerne Valley, they relocated to villages in the San Bernardino mountains during summer, as the altitude provided cooler temperatures. Villages were often located by rivers and lakes, however, mountain hunting camps were also established on higher elevations. Besides hunting, they also consumed pinyon nuts, mesquite beans, screw-beans, juniper berries and seeds. One of four major Serrano ethnographic sites was located in Big Bear City, called: Kayah-pia-t. Big Bear, and Lucerne Valley clans, both belonged to the same tribe: the Coyote Pervetum.

Settling here because of the region's many natural resources, they harvested acorns and herbs, but also hunted deer, rabbits, and other wildlife. A number of mortar holes can be seen in Big Bear City; these holes made by the Serranos, were utilized to ground acorns into meals. The oldest known remains of a human settlement in Big Bear Valley can be seen at the Indian Grinding Rocks in Big Bear City, called: The Eye of God, which is a sacred site to the Serrano people. The Serrano's creation narrative took place at The Eye of God, which was known as Hatauva.

The earliest known contact with European settlers in Big Bear occurred when Spanish Father Francisco Garcés arrived during his 1774-1776 expedition. Another source states, that the first contact happened in 1845 during a punitive expedition against the Native-Americans.

Geography

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 32.0 square miles (83 km), 99.95% of it land, and 0.05% of it water.

The nearby ski resorts consist of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Most of the town and the business district are centered on Big Bear Boulevard. Its limits are defined on the west by Division Road and on the east by the left turn at Highway 38, which goes to Redlands and Highway 18 which goes south to San Bernardino and north to Lucerne Valley. Though its south boundary is loosely defined by the residential boundary, the north side is defined by North Shore Road. The east-west postal divider of Big Bear City is Green Way Drive. It is here that Highway 18 (Big Bear Boulevard) turns north and crosses over to North Shore Drive heading east toward Lucerne Valley, and Highway 38 coming from the east turns north to North Shore and heads west to Big Bear Dam in the city of Big Bear Lake, California.

Sugarloaf is a large residential area that lies to the south of Big Bear City.

Demographics

2010

At the 2010 census Big Bear City had a population of 12,304. The population density was 384.8 inhabitants per square mile (148.6/km). The racial makeup of Big Bear City was 10,252 (83.3%) White (75.8% Non-Hispanic White), 83 (0.7%) African American, 202 (1.6%) Native American, 103 (0.8%) Asian, 31 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 1,089 (8.9%) from other races, and 544 (4.4%) from two or more races. There 2,323 Hispanic or Latino residents, of any race (18.9%).

The census reported that 12,286 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 18 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.

There were 5,011 households, 1,546 (30.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,435 (48.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 567 (11.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 308 (6.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 313 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 73 (1.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,335 households (26.6%) were one person and 450 (9.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.45. There were 3,310 families (66.1% of households); the average family size was 2.94.

The age distribution was 2,865 people (23.3%) under the age of 18, 917 people (7.5%) aged 18 to 24, 2,695 people (21.9%) aged 25 to 44, 4,060 people (33.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,767 people (14.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 42.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

There were 12,226 housing units at an average density of 382.4 per square mile, of the occupied units 3,409 (68.0%) were owner-occupied and 1,602 (32.0%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 9.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 14.0%. 7,854 people (63.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 4,432 people (36.0%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Big Bear City had a median household income of $42,957, with 20.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000

At the 2000 census, there were 5,779 people in 2,290 households, including 1,603 families, in the CDP. The population density was 1,665.1 inhabitants per square mile (642.9/km). There were 4,801 housing units at an average density of 1,383.3 per square mile (534.1/km). The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.1% White, 0.6% African American, 1.3% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.8% from other races, and 4.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.9% of the population.

Of the 2,290 households 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 23.6% of households were one person and 8.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.0.

The age distribution was 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median household income was $35,615 and the median family income was $42,995. Males had a median income of $33,994 versus $20,844 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,301. About 5.1% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 1.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government

In the California State Legislature, Big Bear City is in the 19th Senate District, represented by Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and in the 34th Assembly District, represented by Republican Tom Lackey.

In the United States House of Representatives, Big Bear City is in California's 23rd congressional district, represented by Republican Jay Obernolte.

Transportation

Big Bear City Airport is a general aviation airport in Big Bear City. There are no commercial air services to this airport, although at least two airlines, including Trans World Airlines, have served Big Bear in the past. This airport may also be used for medical evacuations, and as a base for forest-fighting aircraft when there are fires close by. The airport is very popular with local general aviation pilots.

Education

It is in the Bear Valley Unified School District.

Wildlife

Mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, coyotes and skunks are commonly sighted, while black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes and mule deer are more rarely observed.

Potentially dangerous animals include mountain lions, black bears and coyotes. A mountain lion responsible for eating a dog was killed by the sheriff in Big Bear City in 2010.

Although grizzly bears were previously common, they became extinct from Big Bear Valley in 1906.

See also

• The Eye of God
• Gold Mountain Manor

References

1. "Big Bear City". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
3. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Big Bear City, California
4. "Pacific Crest Trail Towns - HikerFeed".
5. Garrett, Lewis (2000). Place Names of the San Bernardino Mountains. Big Bear City, CA: Big Bear Valley Historical Society. pp. 10-11.
6. Keller, Russell L. (2008). Big Bear (Postcard History: California). Arcadia Publishing. Page 9. ISBN 9780738559124.
7. Hickman, Jim (2007). Big Bear Trails: A Guide to the Trails In and Around Big Bear Valley. Mojave Copy & Printing. Page 55.
8. Keller, Russell L. (2008). Big Bear (Postcard History: California). Arcadia Publishing. Page 7. ISBN 9780738559124.
9. Kroeber, Alfred Louis (1925). Handbook of the Indians of California. Courier Corporation. Page 611. ISBN 9780486233680.
10. Hickman, Jim (2007). Big Bear Trails: A Guide to the Trails In and Around Big Bear Valley. Mojave Copy & Printing. Page 63.
11. San Bernardino National Forest (N.F.), Lucerne Valley to Big Bear Valley Transmission Line/Substation Project, Construction and Operation of Three Electrical Power Facilities: Environmental Impact Statement (1998). United States Forest Service. Page 3-123.
12. Bellamy, Stanley E. (2007). Running Springs. Arcadia Publishing. Page 10. ISBN 9780738546797.
13. Hickman, Jim (2007). Big Bear Trails: A Guide to the Trails In and Around Big Bear Valley. Mojave Copy & Printing. Pages 62-63.
14. Fincher-Reichardt, Barbara (1983). The Indians of Big Bear Valley. Big Bear City, CA: Big Bear Valley Historical Society. Page 2.
15. Fincher-Reichardt, Barbara (1983). The Indians of Big Bear Valley. Big Bear City, CA: Big Bear Valley Historical Society. Pages 22 and 1.
16. San Bernardino National Forest (N.F.), Lucerne Valley to Big Bear Valley Transmission Line/Substation Project, Construction and Operation of Three Electrical Power Facilities: Environmental Impact Statement (1998). United States Forest Service. Page 3-124.
17. "Decennial Census by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
18. "1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
19. "1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
20. "1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
21. "1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
22. "1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
23. "1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
24. "1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
25. "1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
26. "1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
27. "1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
28. "1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
29. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
30. "1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
31. "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
32. "2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
33. ^ "Big Bear City CDP QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau". Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
34. "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Big Bear City CDP". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
35. "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
36. "California's 8th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
37. "["The Big Bear City Airport". Retrieved October 16, 2023.
38. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: San Bernardino County, CA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 9 (PDF p. 10/12). Retrieved October 4, 2024. - Text list
39. "About Big Bear - Animals of Big Bear Lake". www.bigbearlake.net. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
40. "Wildlife in the Big Bear Valley". kbhr933.com. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
41. Bowers, Judi (May 12, 2010). "Wild animals live here". Big Bear Grizzly. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
42. Bellamy, Stanley E. (2006). Big Bear (CA): Images of America. Arcadia Publishing. Page 10. ISBN 9780738531113.
43. Keller, Russell L. (2008). Big Bear (Postcard History). Arcadia Publishing. Page 9. ISBN 9780738559124.

Further reading

• Bellamy, Stanley E.; Keller, Russell L. (2006). Big Bear. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0738531113.

External links

• KBHR Radio 93.3 FM for Big Bear news, weather and road conditions
• Big Bear Airport
• Big Bear Solar Observatory
• Big Bear Grizzly, In depth Big Bear Valley news, sports and entertainment information
• Big Bear City Magazine

v t e Municipalities and communities of San Bernardino County, California, United States
County seat: San Bernardino
Cities and towns	Adelanto Apple Valley Barstow Big Bear Lake Chino Chino Hills Colton Fontana Grand Terrace Hesperia Highland Loma Linda Montclair Needles Ontario Rancho Cucamonga Redlands Rialto San Bernardino Twentynine Palms Upland Victorville Yucaipa Yucca Valley
CDPs	Baker Big Bear City Big River Bloomington Bluewater Crestline Fort Irwin Homestead Valley Joshua Tree Lake Arrowhead Lenwood Lucerne Valley Lytle Creek Mentone Morongo Valley Mountain View Acres Muscoy Oak Glen Oak Hills Phelan Piñon Hills Running Springs San Antonio Heights Searles Valley Silver Lakes Spring Valley Lake Wrightwood Yermo
Unincorporated communities	Amboy Angelus Oaks Argus Arrowhead Highlands Arrowbear Lake Arrowhead Farms Baldy Mesa Basin Bell Mountain Blue Jay Bryman Cadiz Cajon Junction Cedar Glen Cedarpines Park Chase Cima Crafton Crest Park Cushenbury Daggett Danby Devore Devore Heights Dunn Earp El Mirage Essex Fawnskin Fenner Flynn Forest Falls Goffs Green Valley Lake Halloran Springs Harvard Havasu Lake Helendale Hinkley Hodge Homer Ibis Ivanpah Johnson Valley Kerens Kramer Kramer Hills La Delta Landers Ludlow Kelso Mars Mojave Heights Mount Baldy Mountain Home Village Mountain Pass Newberry Springs Nipton Oro Grande Parker Dam Patton Pioneer Point Pioneertown Red Mountain Rimforest Skyforest Sugarloaf Sunfair Sunfair Heights Trona Twin Peaks Venus Vidal Vidal Junction Wonder Valley Zzyzx
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• Census-designated places in San Bernardino County, California
• Big Bear Valley
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