Apr 08 2026

The Crestline Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)  meeting held on April 7, 2026, was a great success!

MAC Meeting Success

The Crestline Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)  meeting held on April 7, 2026, was a great success, with strong community engagement and meaningful discussion.

Members of the Mountain Bears showed up in force and made valuable contributions throughout the meeting. Carrie Folbear (Citizen of the year) highlighted the importance of County support and collaboration with the many nonprofits and dedicated volunteers serving our mountain communities. Sue Walker (MHC President) spoke about the impactful work of the Mountain Homeless Coalition and its vital programs supporting those in need. Holiday Heller (MBDC President) presented the MBDC survey results, along with recommendations for future speakers aligned with the community’s top concerns.

Randall Putz, current Mayor of Big Bear and candidate for California State Assembly District 34, offered insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities we have to bring the attention and resources we need and deserve to our many rural communities across our vast assembly District.

Congressional District 23 candidates Karen Matthews (I) and Pat Wallis (D) also addressed attendees, sharing their commitment to understanding and advocating for the unique challenges faced by unincorporated “sky island” communities like ours.

Overall, the meeting reflected a strong spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment to improving quality of life on the mountain.

Presentation given on behalf of MBDC

Hello Members of the Municipal Advisory Council,

My name is Holiday Heller speaking to you as a local and as President of the Mountain Bears Democratic Club.

We appreciate the MAC platform and recognize that, as an unincorporated area, this council serves as our community’s primary link to County leadership and elected officials. Our mountain community has unique needs, often feeling isolated and lacking access to basic services.

The Mountain Bears Democratic Club recently conducted a survey to rank the top priorities of local residents. Based on these results, we have come up with suggested departments or officials to speak at future meetings to increase transparency and address community concerns:

– California Insurance Commissioner: To discuss the rising cost of fire insurance.

– Social Services: To provide a plan for vulnerable populations following recent service reductions to Medicaid, the ACA, SNAP, Social Security, IHSS, Homeless Services, Meals on Wheels. We want County assistance in access, outreach and non-profit coordination.

–  U.S. Forest Service: Selling off National Forest land to commercial and corporate interests. Illegal dumping of garbage in the forest or other areas. 

– County Registrar: To discuss preparations for the possible passing of the Save Act and the community’s request for an early in person voting option on the mountain.

– Chamber of Commerce: To address support for local businesses, including data on business closures from 2025-2026. What are the challenges our businesses face?

– Local Field Rep: MAC meeting communication. How is the community notified of these meetings, and how is the zoom link communicated? We want a dedicated website to list upcoming speakers and provide documentation of what is presented and discussed.

Thank you for your consideration and for providing this essential platform for our residents.

Please review our survey results for other agencies or elected officials that will answer the concerns of the mountain community.

Holiday Heller MBDC President 

Below are the results (4/6/26) of the MBDC survey:

  • 173 responses, with 77% Democrats, with 13% independents
  • 53% of registered local voters are Democrat or Independent
  • Top three locations in order: Crestline (40%), Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs
  • 50% have lived here more than 20 years; 21% 6-10 years
  • 82% own a home and live here full-time; 53% of respondents so far are over 65 and 59% are retired; 20% 55-64
  • Top 5 local issues:
    • Rising cost of homeowners’ insurance (BY FAR); 70%
    • Selling off National Forest land to commercial and corporate interests (52%)
    • Cost of utilities (33%)
    • Frequent unplanned power outages
    • Illegal dumping of garbage in the forest or other areas NEW
  • Top 5 national issues
    • The current administration’s flagrant disregard of US constitutional laws and norms (51%) NOW #1
    • The unchecked power of ICE (refusal to identify, violent arrests of non-criminals and American citizens, the lack of due process) (50%)
    • The rise of Christian nationalism and white supremacy (31%)
    • Supreme Court decisions that roll back previously settled law (abortion, voting rights)
    • Deep cuts to important government services (Medicaid, the ACA, SNAP, Social Security)

MBDC Secretary