According to the National Weather Service, a strong ridge of high pressure will build over the southwest for the next few days, spreading warmer air across Southern California for the weekend. Inland areas are expected to have the greatest increase in temperatures while the immediate coast should remain close to normal.

The NWS also stated that the beaches should remain in the 70s each afternoon due to the onshore flow and the marine layer. Areas of marine clouds and fog may also limit the sun at times as well.

The hottest areas this holiday weekend will be the foothills and deserts, where temperatures are estimated to rise over 100 degrees each day. Temperatures across the lower deserts are expected to reach 110 to 115 degrees, but no humidity is forecasted. Because of this, heat index values are expected to remain below critical levels.

The service also warned that the long days and high suns of this time of year limit overnight cooling, so those heading to the hotter areas this weekend should take plenty of water, sunscreen and cool clothing.

Here is the weather forecast for this weekend, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday: Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 10 mph.

Friday Night: Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 64. West wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 67.

Sunday: Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 80.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Independence Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

This past weekend the weather in San Diego was gorgeous and many locals and visitors flocked to the sunny beaches. The average temperature was near 80 on Saturday, with cooler temperatures on Sunday. The warm and sunny weather was perfect for the beach, Balboa Park, and any outdoor activities. It wasn’t too windy, and gave us a sneak preview to what summer will look and feel like.

However, starting this week, the forecast looks very gloomy. The weather isn’t necessarily bad, it’s just a little cooler, windier and cloudier than we hope for.

The temperatures for this week are looking like it will stay in mid 60s around the county. Nighttime lows will be 57 to 58 degrees. However, looking forward through this weekend there is some good news. As the week goes by, the clouds should clear up, and the days will be more sunny. The temperatures will likely stay around the mid 60s, but chances of rain dwindle into the weekend.

The clothing forecast for the week includes recommendations for jackets and sweaters. Bring your umbrella along as well because sporadic showers and mist may surprise you.

Yesterday rain caused rock slides in Malibu and closed parts of the Pacific Coast Highway. Trouble on the I-5 was also reported from snow and ice, leaving some travelers stranded. Mud slides and flash flooding are all still major problems as the storm continues.

Yesterday Lindbergh Field is reported gusts up to 26 miles per hour, while Oceanside had gusts up to 30 miles per hour.

Wind was so strong that the Lucerne Valley fire station had reports of 70 mph winds, just 4 mph below hurricane force rankings.  In the mountains 98 mph winds tore through the passes and in the High Dessert, these winds blew power lines and telephone poles down.

The storm is speculated to taper off by Monday morning yet the 7-day forecast doesn’t seem to warm up much with the high being 66 degrees and rain expected again on Friday.

Per Wikipedia, during Spring Equinox, “the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor toward the Sun.” Days are close to 12 hours long and they get increasingly longer as the season progresses.

Some, including Jim Berkland, former USGS Geologist of six years, warn that strange weather and ocean pattern changes are reflections of a greater concern.

Berkland has warned that March 19 – 26 marks a Seismic Window around the “Ring of Fire” (an area that forms an arc around the Pacific Ocean known to see many earthquakes  erupt).  Berkland is asking those in the Pacific Northwest to remain alert in the wake of Japan’s tsunami yet NOAA’s National Weather Service’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says there are no current warnings, watches or advisories in effect.

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 59 – 57

The mildly inclement weather early in the week might discourage surfers and beach-goers from venturing to the sands. Fortunately the excellent weather forecast for the rest of the week should restore optimal surf conditions and pleasant beach weather. Make sure to hit your local beach later in the week, but be warned that the weekend will likely invite droves of like-minded people and could make the beaches and waves uncomfortably crowded.

Temperatures

Temperatures will hover at traditional springtime levels this week, ranging from the low 60′s to the upper 70′s during the day, before dropping into the upper 50′s at night. Expect a cool ocean breeze along the coast and on the beach, especially at night.

Monday, May 17, 2010
High 62 – Low 58
Cloudy

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
High 67 – Low 50
Chance of Showers

Wednesday, May 19, 2010
High 66 – Low 60
Partly Cloudy

Thursday, May 20, 2010
High 69 – Low 59
Sunny

Friday, May 21, 2010
High 66 – Low 58
Sunny

Saturday, May 22, 2010
High 65 – Low 59
Sunny

Sunday, May 23, 2010
High 73 – Low 60
Mostly Sunny

Photo from millzero via Flickr

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 60 – 58

The gusts of wind early in the week will swirl up large waves and make surfing more difficult for those not at an advanced level. The weather will otherwise be clear though, producing great beach weather if one doesn’t mind a little breeze. The sands and waves will accordingly be packed during peak hours, so make sure to come early to stake out a spot.

Temperatures

Temperatures will cool down this week, ranging from the upper 60′s to the low 60′s, before dropping down into the upper to mid 50′s at night. The wind may introduce a wind chill at times, making it seem colder than it actually is.

Monday, May 10, 2010
High 64 – Low 57
Partly Cloudy

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
High 63 – Low 56
Partly Cloudy/Windy

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
High 69 – Low 59
Mostly Sunny

Thursday, May 13, 2010
High 69 – Low 59
Sunny

Friday, May 14, 2010
High 69 – Low 60
Mostly Sunny

Saturday, May 15, 2010
High 69 – Low 61
Partly Cloudy

Sunday, May 16, 2010
High 67 – Low 60
Mostly Sunny

*From MikeBaird via Flickr

Sunshine and cloudless blue skies will be the rule, and while temperatures will still remain a tad cool on some days, especially towards the end of the week, the weather will be perfect to head outside and participate in some outdoor activities.

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 59 – 57

The weather this week is perfect for the beach, so expect the sands and waves to be packed with people celebrating the onset of summer. The clear weather makes for excellent surfing conditions, so make sure to hit the water often to take advantage, no matter whether you are an expert or beginner.

Big Bear Conditions

Heavy moisture this winter has damaged Hwy. 330, one of the main routes into Big Bear, so make sure to seek out alternative routes until it reopens in a few weeks.

The snow season has officially ended and the ski and snowboarding resorts have shuttered for the summer. Hope everybody enjoyed the lengthy season this year and is pumped for next year!

Temperatures

Weather will start to warm up this weekend, ranging from the mid 70′s to the mid 60′s during the day, before dropping into the upper 50′s at night.

Monday, May 3, 2010
High 76 – Low 60
Sunny

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
High 70 – Low 58
Sunny

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
High 66 – Low 57
Sunny

Thursday, May 6, 2010
High 70 – Low 58
Sunny

Friday, May 7, 2010
High 70 – Low 59
Sunny

Saturday, May 8, 2010
High 69 – Low 59
Sunny

Sunday, May 9, 2010
High 67 – Low 58
Sunny

* Cabrillo Photo: Jacky Lopez
* Surf Photo: casch52 via Flickr

Temperatures will continue be cool for San Diego, ranging from the upper 60′s to the low 60′s during the day, before dropping into the upper to mid 50′s at night.

Monday, April 19, 2010
High 68 – Low 57
Partly Cloudy

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
High 65 – Low 55
Partly Cloudy

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
High 60 – Low 55
Showers

Thursday, April 22, 2010
High 62 – Low 55
Showers

Friday, April 23, 2010
High 63 – Low 57
Mostly Sunny

Saturday, April 24, 2010
High 64 – Low 57
Partly Cloudy

Sunday, April 25, 2010
High 63 – Low 56
Mostly Sunny

Continue reading for surf and snow report

From moonjazz via Flick

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 59 – 57

Surfing conditions will fluctuate throughout the week, with the mid-week showers stirring up the waters and creating some high swells, while the waves will likely be calmer before and after the predicted spate of showers.

Big Bear Conditions

Heavy moisture this winter has damaged Hwy. 330, one of the main routes into Big Bear, so make sure to seek out alternative routes until it reopens in a few weeks. The snow cover remains excellent, but a snow season for the record books is finally winding down. Last week’s rain and this week’s upcoming showers may add some fresh, natural powder. Only a week or two left until the resorts shut it down, so make sure to hit the slopes while you still can.

Temperatures will be cool for San Diego, ranging from the mid 60′s to the lower 60′s during the day, before dropping into the mid to low 50′s at night.

Monday, April 12, 2010
High 60 – Low 54
Showers

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
High 63 – Low 53
Partly Cloudy

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
High 65 – Low 54
AM Clouds/PM Sun

Thursday, April 15, 2010
High 66 – Low 55
Mostly Sunny

Friday, April 16, 2010
High 64 – Low 55
Partly Cloudy

Saturday, April 17, 2010
High 64 – Low 55
Sunny

Sunday, April 18, 2010
High 65 – Low 55
Sunny

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 59 – 57

Surfing conditions should be excellent following the stormy weather on Monday, which could create high swells for those daring surfers. The rest of us will enjoy the sunshine throughout the rest of the week and head for the sands.

Big Bear Conditions

Heavy moisture this winter has damaged Hwy. 330, one of the main routes into Big Bear, so make sure to seek out alternative routes until it reopens in a few weeks. The snow cover remains excellent, but following this weekend most resorts will only stay open during the weekends and not during the week. Make sure to take advantage of the waning snow season and hit the slopes frequently.

Temperatures will range from the mid 70′s to the lower 60′s during the day, before dropping into the mid to low 50′s at night.

Surf conditions should be stellar throughout the week, courtesy of the dry weather. The sunshine and cloudless skies during the middle of the week will be perfect beach weather, so make sure to hit the sands early and often.

Monday, April 5, 2010
High 62 – Low 53
Scattered Showers

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
High 66 – Low 55
Sunny

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
High 76 – Low 56
Sunny

Thursday, April 8, 2010
High 74 – Low 57
Sunny

Friday, April 9, 2010
High 69 – Low 55
Mostly Sunny

Saturday, April 10, 2010
High 65 – Low 54
Partly Cloudy

Sunday, April 11, 2010
High 64 – Low 55
AM Clouds/PM Sun

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 60 – 58

The generally beautiful weather and waves surpassing six feet make this week an excellent one to go surfing. Local beaches will likely be packed so make sure to stake out your spot early.

Big Bear Conditions

Heavy moisture this winter has damaged Hwy. 330, one of the main routes into Big Bear, so make sure to seek out alternative routes until it reopens in a few weeks. The snow cover remains far better than what is normal for April, making for great skiing and snowboarding well into the month. Make sure to take advantage of this abnormally long snow season.

Temperatures will range from the low 70′s to the upper 50′s during the day, before dropping into the mid to low 50′s at night.

Surf conditions will be sporadically good during the bouts of sunshine and dry weather, but the occasional showers will mar surfing and other beach-going activities, especially during the gloomy middle portion of the week.

Monday, March 29, 2010
High 73 – Low 57
Mostly Sunny

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
High 64 – Low 56
Partly Cloudy

Wednesday, March 31 2010
High 59 – Low 52
Chance of Showers

Thursday, April 1, 2010
High 58 – Low 51
Showers

Friday, April 2, 2010
High 62 – Low 55
Sunny

Saturday, April 3, 2010
High 64 – Low 55
Partly Cloudy

Sunday, April 4, 2010
High 64 – Low 54
Chance of Showers

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Photo from _ambrown via Flickr

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 60 – 58

The occasional showers and sporadic gloomy weather will make surf conditions uncertain this week, with waves varying in size. Make sure to hit the beach during the bursts of sunny weather and avoid it during the showers.

Big Bear Conditions

Heavy moisture this winter has damaged Hwy. 330, one of the main routes into Big Bear, so make sure to seek out alternative routes until it reopens in a few weeks. Besides that excellent springtime weather with clear skies make for great snow conditions, even as April approaches fast. Make sure to hit the slopes while the snow season lasts.

Temperatures will range from the low 70′s to the mid 60′s during the day, before dropping into the mid 50′s at night.

Surf conditions will be excellent, typical for this time of year. The arrival of spring brings with it the start of constant beach weather and accordingly the waters and sands will be packed.

Monday, March 22, 2010
High 67 – Low 56
Partly Cloudy

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
High 66 – Low 56
Partly Cloudy

Wednesday, March 24 2010
High 72 – Low 54
Sunny

Thursday, March 25, 2010
High 67 – Low 54
Partly Cloudy

Friday, March 26, 2010
High 65 – Low 54
Sunny

Saturday, March 27, 2010
High 69 – Low 53
Sunny

Sunday, March 28, 2010
High 70 – Low 55
Sunny

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Photo from moonjazz via Flickr

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 59 – 57

The sunny weather and waves nearing five feet make this once again, as almost always, an excellent week for surfing. Definitely make sure to get out to the beach and enjoy the surf.

Big Bear Conditions

Heavy moisture this winter has damaged Hwy. 330, one of the main routes into Big Bear, so make sure to seek out alternative routes until it reopens in a few weeks. Besides that temperatures in the 50′s and a solid snow base of 4-6 feet have created excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions that look to last farther into Spring than normal. Make sure to get in as much fun in the snow as you can before the snow season winds down.

Temperatures will range from the upper 70′s (maybe 80s inland) to the mid 60′s during the day, before dropping into the mid 50′s at night.

Surf conditions will continue to benefit from the good weather and will be excellent throughout the week. Cloudless skies, warm water, and moderately sized waves ensure that the beaches will be packed.

Monday, March 15, 2010
High 76 – Low 55
Sunny

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
High 77 – Low 57
Sunny

Wednesday, March 17 2010
High 73 – Low 56
Mostly Sunny

Thursday, March 18, 2010
High 69 – Low 56
Sunny

Friday, March 19, 2010
High 69 – Low 54
Sunny

Saturday, March 20, 2010
High 66 – Low 54
Sunny

Sunday, March 21, 2010
High 65 – Low 54
Sunny

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Photo from millzero via Flickr

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 60 – 58

The fantastic weather and waves averaging nearly six feet make this once again a perfect week for surfing, living up to San Diego’s reputation for being one of the best surfing regions all year round.

Big Bear Conditions

The great weather around the region means excellent snow conditions, with snow coverage continuing to be excellent and snow depth averaging four to six feet. All roads into Big Bear are open with no chain requirements. A lack of natural snow in the forecast means that resorts will likely switch to making their own snow in the coming weeks if the temperature drops, signaling a gradual slowdown in the annual snow season.

Temperatures will hover from the upper 50′s to the upper 60′s during the day, before dropping down to the low 50′s and occasionally upper 40′s at night.

Surf conditions will be excellent throughout the week. Cloudless skies, warm water, and moderately sized waves ensure that the beaches will be packed.

Monday, March 8, 2010
High 63 -52
Partly Cloudy

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
High 59 – 48
Partly Cloudy

Wednesday, March 10 2010
High 64 – 50
Sunny

Thursday, March 11, 2010
High 67 – 53
Sunny

Friday, March 12, 2010
High 66 – 53
Sunny

Saturday, March 13, 2010
High 66 – 53
Sunny

Sunday, March 14, 2010
High 65 – 55
Sunny

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 60 – 58

The spectacular weather and moderate, chest-high waves averaging roughly four feet make this a perfect week for surfing, although it likely also means the waves will be crowded with other surfers.

Big Bear Conditions

Weekend rain will produce a couple of inches of fresh powder, so make sure to head up to Big Bear early in the week to take advantage of the good conditions. The clear skies should translate to an easy drive up to the mountains and great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. As we get deeper into March and on into April fresh snowfall will likely dissipate, so make sure to catch it while it lasts!

Monday, February 22, 2010
High 62 -51
Showers

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
High 64 – 52
Partly Cloudy

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
High 65 – 53
Partly Cloudy

Thursday, February 25, 2010
High 68 – 53
Partly Cloudy

Friday, February 26, 2010
High 65 – 53
Cloudy

Saturday, February 27, 2010
High 64 – 51
Showers

Sunday, February 28, 2010
High 63 – 51
Mostly Sunny

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 57 – 59

Not the best weekend to go surfing. Thursday and Friday are the best weekday options, with Sunday being the day to hit the biggest surf of the week.

Big Bear Conditions

Although it may be tempting to go out to the snow after watching the Olympics, reports predict an up and down week ahead. With light showers and possible thunderstorms early in the week, there is hope for dry warmer weather as we enter the end of the work week. Crowds are smaller during the middle of the week so best time to go is then. Make sure to check out the weather before heading up to the slopes!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
High 71 – 67
Sunny

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
High 72 – 67
Mostly Sunny

Thursday, February 18, 2010
High 67 – 64
Mostly sunny

Friday, February 19, 2010
High 65 – 60
Partly cloudy

Saturday, February 20, 2010
High 65 – 50
Some showers

Sunday, February 21, 2010
High 64 – 50
Partly cloudy

Continue reading for surf and snow report

Surf Conditions

Photo from Beneath B1ue Skies via Flickr

Water Temperature: 58 – 55

It’s going to be a fair weekend for surfing when wave heights peak around 10 feet on Sunday, thanks to NW winds coming in at 10 MPH. Most breaks will top out at the knee/thigh high zones for the rest of the week.

Big Bear Conditions

Bearmountain.com is reporting excellent riding conditions after they received 8 – 10 inches of new snow last Wednesday. The weather will be perfect for riding with high temperatures ranging between 53 and 47 from Monday through Sunday and mostly sunny skies. The week is going to have perfect riding and skiing conditions.

Photo from Ed Yourdon via Flickr

If you have plans of ‘playing hooky’ from work to play golf or other outside activities today (Tuesday) or tomorrow in ‘America’s Finest’, you may want to reschedule your plans for another time.

Rain is expected to arrive in San Diego County later today as another winter storm slides into the region, bringing with it rain and a chance of heavy snow in the mountains. According to the National Weather Service, there’s a 50 percent chance of measurable precipitation today for the beaches, valleys and mountains. The weather service also predicts a slight chance of thunderstorms Tuesday night throughout the county, with some possible producing hail.

It’s definitely a cold front, as forecasters say that temperatures today (Tuesday) are expected to only reach in the high 50s to low 60s for the beaches and valleys, low 40s to low 50s in the mountains and only in the low to mid-60s in the deserts. The thermometer will drop further tonight; to the 40s along the coast and in the deserts, low 30s in the valleys and mid-20s in the mountains. This will likely cause the snow level to drop to only around 3,000 feet overnight, with possibly up to 5 inches of snow and the National Weather Service is planning to issue a winter storm watch for the mountain areas from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

Check back with the Entertaier often for weekly San Diego weather forecasts, and in the mean time be careful out there…

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
High 57° – 62°
Cloudy with a chance of rain
More rain, thunder storms, and hail likely into the night

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
High 57° – 62°
Mostly cloudy with showers likely throughout the day

Thursday, February 11, 2010
High 58° – 63°
Partly Sunny

Friday, February 12, 2010
High 58° – 63°
Partly Cloudy

Saturday, February 13, 2010
High 63° – 67°
Sunny

Sunday, February 14, 2010
High 64° – 68°
Sunny

Continue reading for surf & snow report

Surf Conditions

Photo from downtowngal via Wikimedia

Water temp: 55° - 58°

Surf conditions are mild. The WNW-NW swell will build through the weekend due to a developing storm of the British Columbian coast. Waves will build throughout the week with 10′- 15′ sets expected by the weekend. More storms will develop in its wake, causing larger and more westerly swells to follow.

Big Bear Conditions

With one foot or more of snowfall from the weekend, Big Bear will see partly cloudy skies and chances of snow scattered throughout the week. enjoy the clear conditions on Monday, with increasing chance of snow showers expected toward the end of the week. Weather on the mountain is expected peak in the 30s with lows in the teens and 20s. There will likely be great riding and skiing conditions all week.

Thursday, February 4, 2010
High 60° – 65°
Partly cloudy with light winds

Friday, February 5, 2010
High 61° – 66°
Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain.
Chances of rain increase during the night

Saturday, February 6, 2010
High 53° – 63°
Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain.
Light showers and thunderstorms possible

Sunday, February 7, 2010
High 58° – 63°
Mostly cloudy with slight chance of showers.

Continue reading for local snow conditions!

Surf Conditions

Water temp: 58° - 60°

Surf conditions are mild. The WNW-NW swell will peak on Wednesday with 4′ – 6′ sets expected. Waves will then fade until the weekend. The coming storm brings larger W-NW swells, peaking on Sunday. The National Weather Service warns of strong rip currents, so be cautious.

Big Bear Conditions

Photo by miheco via Flikr

During the week: With a slight chance of rain on Wednesday, the best weekday to go to Big Bear would be Thursday. Head up on Thursday morning because weather on the mountain is expected to be in the high 30s with increasing chances of rain and snow as the day goes on.

Over the weekend: Skip Friday where the weather is expected to be cloudy with strong chances for snow and dense fog. Saturday is another snow day with dense fog, so it’s best to stay home. Sunday is the day to go, with fresh snow expected and temperatures in the 40s.

Photo from Jason Sherwin via Flikr

San Diegans seem to be divided on the issue of the recent weather. Our latest Tweets are showing that some love the rain and some hate it. Good news for the snow bunnies: rain means snow in the mountains. And there will be a lot of it.

If we do manage to survive the flooding and possible tornadoes, there is light at the end of this gray week. Weather reports are stating that the rain should clear up and allow for some sunshine and weekend fun.

Growing up in the desert, snow has always been a thing of wonder for me; if it is for you too, you already know that all this rain means plenty of snow in Southern California’s mountains.

Bear Mountain resort in Big Bear Lake is reporting that they already have two feet of snow and even more in the forecast which means fresh tracks all weekend long. That is one of the numerous benefits of living in Southern California; in a matter of hours you can go from the surf to the snow!

Big Bear Lake has two major ski resorts:  Snow Summit is a favorite among skiers and families for its atmosphere, and Bear Mountain is geared more towards snowboarders and younger people offering music events and plenty of entertainment.

Cold War Kids were scheduled to give a free performance this Friday at Bear Mountain but the show has been postponed, check bearmountain.com for details as well right here for updates.  If you can’t make it this weekend, they will be hosting Hip Hop station Power 106 and R&B singer Iyaz next weekend.

Both resorts offer skiing and snowboarding lessons as well as equipment rental facilities. You may purchase your lift tickets on the website or when you arrive. From personal experience I would recommend purchasing tickets online and making reservations for lessons and hotel lodging a few days in advance if you are planning to stay over night.

The resorts do limit ticket sales in order to reduce congestion on the slopes. With large crowds expected this weekend, you don’t want to drive all the way up there to turn around disappointed.

The last time I visited it was a very busy weekend, so by the time I arrived the resort was full.  As a result my friends and I were forced to look for alternative spots to try snowboarding for the first time and I can tell you that is not something you want to experience. We ended up on someone’s private property and our car nearly got stuck in the snow. We also chose to stay over night at the last minute and had to drive up and down the town trying to find a vacancy at a hotel. Sharing one room and one bed with four people was not a pleasant experience either.

It is likely that this weekend will be very busy so expect a lot of influx on the mountain and try to leave as early as possible to avoid sitting in traffic.

To get to Big Bear Lake, you will need chains for your vehicle and will need to allow for a three hour trip. Detailed driving directions are posted on any of the resorts’ websites. To get to Big Bear from San Diego, take Interstate 15 North, then the 215 North, followed by I-10 East, to the 210 West, and finally Hwy 330 East which will take you up the mountain.

If you are not into snow sports and would rather stay close to home to enjoy some snow, Julian is only a short drive away, as well as Mount Laguna. Then again with these storms, you may already be seeing snow in your back yard.

Wearing her yellow sleeker that had no buttons because she had ripped them off to play pogs with the other kids, they all laughed when she held out her palm, revealing how she intended to play.  Troy, always sheltered in her backpack, never laughed at her.  Troy was her doll, but he didn’t know it yet.  Dolls come of age just as their owners do.

She was twelve, jumping on her neighbor’s trampoline in the rain by her lonesome.  Thinking of reflection in the rainbow that had not yet appeared but soon would, she thought about colors and their seemingly endless possibilities and other things kids think about when they’re jumping on trampolines by themselves in the rain.  She decided she wanted to jump from one trampoline to another and then to another for eternity.  Her trajectories would be like arching rainbows, though hers would not lead to tangible pots of gold.  Instead, the journey itself would be her fortune.

And then she heard what sounded like a violent rattling of a cage.  She no longer found herself jumping on a trampoline.  Instead, she was keeled over a gutter as chocolate-tinted water gushed violently downhill.  She found herself inexplicably grabbing for anything solid that lay near her.  Soggy newspapers bleeding ink stained her fingers as she sought to slow the persistence of physics.  Lava rocks, weeds, fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, long-forgotten tennis balls and numerous other suburban leftovers would soon join the newspapers in her construction of a dam.  She felt like what she was doing was symbolic, but she didn’t quite know of what.  Just when she thought the dam was strong enough to hold, it broke and she was swept downstream.

She lay on her back as she was instructed to do in her YMCA swim class.  Looking above she saw dark clouds mingling with lighter ones as a kind of vortex formed (think Donnie Darko’s space traveling wormhole).  Marshmallow hail, violet gumdrops, and rock candy mingled together to form a secret recipe Willy Wonka would tip his tall hat to.  She whimsically stuck out her tongue to sample this novel flavor of weather.  Surprisingly bittersweet, it bludgeoned her back to her mid-thirties.

The pool of drool on her desk was almost enough to convince her she was still the kid she told herself she was.  Her eyes, slow in adjusting to the artificial light, strained to focus on the computer monitor before her.  She had been dozing for twenty-three minutes, though it had felt more like twenty-three years.  Without noticing, she had begun to write an email.  She soon forwarded it to everyone in her office.

rainy day woman # 12 & 35

sweet the possibilities

pour a familiar rain

each drop alike yet all their own

with their own art

they paint each other’s way

So the question is, do plastic bags (even paper bags, too) need to be banned by law to help eliminate some of this trash? Alternatively, does society need to take control of their habits without needing to be told to do so?  Global warming is a crisis that must be handled in the most eco-friendly fashion.

With the ongoing heat wave in San Diego, and increasingly strong weather patterns affecting the globe, it seems obvious that if consumers cannot change their lifestyles and learn to care for the environment, things will continue to worsen. The banning plastic bags will be inevitable.

The use of plastic bags is harming the environment because of the irresponsibility of the consumer and in the manufacturing if the bags. The production of plastic bags consumes the world’s scarce oil reserves in astronomical amounts.  The Natural Resources Defense reports that plastic bags eat twelve million barrels of oil annually. In addition to depleting the earth’s oil supply, plastic bags litter the earth in various forms. Much of the littering comes from the lack of consumers recycling the 100 billion plastic bags used each year!

Bags from garbage dumps blow through the air being trapped in trees, clogged in drains, and strangle wildlife (especially marine life). According to Jared Blumenfield, head of San Francisco’s environment department, plastics bags are expensive to remove from trees, costing up to $150 dollars each time they have to send somebody out to remove the bags. Thus, the environment is not only paying for the expenses, but the country is paying greatly for the litter, also.

Before the government bans plastic bags, the consumer can get prepared for the ban and change their habits in various ways. Recycling plastic bags needs to become the number one priority for consumers. Currently, consumers are using an upward of 100 billion plastic bags per year, and less than five percent of those bags are making it into the blue bin! Since recycling and conservation have become important issues in the United States, many companies are trying to make recycling a daily part of life for the consumer. For example, last year California enacted AB 2449, which requires large stores to “provide at-store recycling programs” for plastic bags.  I have made it a habit to bring back the plastic bags that I used on my last trip to the store, stuff them in the bin, and then continue shopping. These programs work because they do not require any extra time to incorporate recycling into the consumer’s lifestyle (no more going to the dump).
Furthermore, consumers can avoid plastic bags altogether and purchase reusable bags.

Stores such as Trader Joe’s and Henry’s Farmer’s Market are selling canvas bags that can be reused for each shopping trip.  The bags are useful if you live in an apartment complex such as mine that does not offer recycling bins.  I purchased five bags and stored some in my car and one in my purse, that way I can never have an excuse to use plastic bags.  Of course, plain ole’ canvas bags can be boring, thus prompting store to develop fashionable shopping bags. Recently, Whole Foods released a bag reusable canvas bag designed by world renowned Anya Hindmarch. Hindmarch described being eco-friendly and still looking good when she stated, “I hate the idea of making the environment trendy, but you need to make it cool and then it becomes habit.” Movements like this will decrease the use of plastics and increase the recycling rate by encouraging consumers to trade in ugly plastic bags for fashionable totes.

Unfortunately, not enough consumers are using the aforementioned solutions to change the environment, therefore a “plastic bag ban” is the inevitable action needed to force consumers to recognize the necessity to change their habits and use a different source of packaging. The concept of transforming into an eco-friendly society is easy to say, but Americans are not taking it seriously because they do not want to change their lifestyles.  Proof that people are not taking the environmental crisis seriously is the statement, “There’s no way I’m going to put a smelly fish in a canvas bag,” by Anya Hindmarch, the same designer mentioned earlier for creating reusable canvas bags. This “can’t do” attitude is stopping consumers from reevaluating their habits and making better choices for the environment.

Thankfully, stores (and states) are taking action to increase the likelihood of consumers to be more eco-friendly through incentive and punishment programs. Many stores are charging their patrons a small fee if they chose to use a plastic bag. For example, Ikea started charging five cents per plastic bag. On the other hand, some stores are offering incentives for those that bringing their own reusable bags. Both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s give cash rewards to shoppers using their own bags.  The programs are a great way to jolt people into seeing the urgency of the situation, but it still is not enough, plastic bags need to be banned to prove to consumers that there is a crisis that must be taken care of before it gets out of control.

Albeit you are asking, “What will stores use for packaging?” when plastic bags are banned. In addition to consumers bringing their own bags, plastic bags will be replaced with compostable bags. Compostable bags are made from potato or cornstarch and provide a great alternative to plastic because they can be used in compost piles. The recent plastic bag ban in San Francisco sparked the compostable bag movement, and Jared Blumenfield, head of the environmental group feels that this alternative will increase composting and decrease the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills.  Another benefit of the compostable bag is it provides no excuse for the consumer to throw it away, in turn eliminating the need for plastic bags.

Ultimately, banning plastic bags will benefit the environment and teach consumers to be more responsible for their actions.  People will learn to be more environmentally conscience and eventually take more initiative to protect the earth such as eliminating paper bags, which use 14 million trees each year, and even plastic bottles.  The ban will force citizens to use biodegradable bags, canvas bags, recycle their leftover plastics, and take part in larger environmental movements. It is easy for people, even I to be stuck in habits that make our lives so convenient, but there comes a time when we need to take a stand and change our lifestyles to better suit the world that we live in.  Remember that plastic needs us to survive, it is not the other way around – so I challenge you to stop using plastic bags and join the movement to protect the earth from destructive human habits.