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The Community Located in the San Bernardino National Forest and a convenient drive from virtually anywhere in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is nearly everything to everyone. The serenity of a calm lake at dawn; a brilliant sunset from mountain peaks reaching nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, and numer- ous recreational opportunities make Big Bear Lake an enticing mountain retreat. Reflecting the forested mountains that surround the lake and covering 3,000 surface acres, Big Bear Lake Itself is a dominant feature in the area The key factor of the Valley's economy IS the large number of VIsitors attracted to the area by its unique forest, lake, skiing, and other recreation amenities, as well as its clean alf, temperate summer climate, and absence of big-city traffic. The Big Bear Valley includes the City of Big Bear Lake as well as the unincorpo- rated communities of Big Bear City, Fawnskln, Sugarloaf, Baldwin Lake, Lake Williams, and Erwin Lake. The Valley reports a population of approximately 17,000. Covering a 6.95 square mile area along the south shore of Big Bear Lake, the City accounts for approximately 6,500 full-time residents. Approximately 30% of the homes In the City are owner occupied. The balance of the homes are used as vacation getaways, some as little as once or twice a year. Many of these homes are used as rentals for VIsitors of Big Bear Lake. The Valley offers at least 300 days of clear skies and sunshine annually, prompting the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to place a solar observatory on the north shore of the lake. Summers in Big Bear Lake are pleasant with SO-degree highs and 50-degree lows. Winter brings 120" of snowfall with daytime highs in the fifties and nighttime lows in the mid- teens. Sprrng and fall are the "transition" seasons, offering refreshing days and cool evenings. Precipitation aver- ages about 20 inches per year. The Bear Valley Unified School District provides outstanding educational services with three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one continuation high school. These schools have received the California Distinguished Schools Award numerous times. The University of California at Riverside, California State University at San Bernardino, University of Redlands, and several iunior colleges are within easy drrvlng distance of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake is a vibrant and growing community. Current and planned development Includes larger homes, upscale lodging establishments, and high-end commercial properties. This four-season resort community, with its affordable housing, recreational opportunities, low crime, and excel- lent schools, provides not only an unsurpassed quality of life but also an excellent env"onment In which to raise a family. The Organization The City of Big Bear Lake Department of Water (DWPI is directed by a five-member Board of Commissioners that is appointed by the City CouncIl. The General Manager is appointed by the Board and is respon- sible for management of a department