Office review·April 2, 2026

On April 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Regional Manager (RM), George Mingle; Licensing Program Managers (LPMs), Mariela Ramon and Lady King Lewis; and Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanna Cha met with District Division Manager, Henry Mac; Center Regional Manager, Cameron Chilcot; and Superintendent, Oscar Mendez, Department of Public Works Special Districts at the Department of Social Services, Palmdale Regional Office. The purpose of the meeting was to review departmental guidelines and expectations and to address compliance concerns identified during a recent file review of Beyond the Bell (License #367750072 and #367750040) through an Informal Conference. The primary objective was to provide facility representatives with guidance, support, and technical assistance to achieve and maintain compliance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Key topics discussed included: Application and Authorization The licensee of record was clarified as Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, identified as the sole owner. Publicly available information referencing collaboration among multiple entities - Big Bear Recreation and Park District; Soroptimist International of Big Bear Valley, Inc.; and Big Bear Valley School District was reviewed. Roles, responsibilities, and organizational interests were clearly defined. RM Mingle recommended strengthening operational control by having Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District assume responsibility for annual facility maintenance fees with CCLD. Facility representatives acknowledged this recommendation and agreed to take steps to assume direct financial responsibility with the Department. Background Clearance Procedures Facility representatives indicated that Criminal Record Clearances are currently processed through San Bernardino County and provided sample documentation. RM Mingle outlined concerns with this process and reviewed applicable Title 22 regulations, specifically Division 12, Article 3, Section 101170(a)(2)(H) and (I), which identify limited exemptions for departmental criminal record review. As the licensee does not hold a California Department of Education contract, these exemptions do not apply, and full compliance with clearance requirements is necessary. Facility representatives assured the Department they will complete Live Scan for all staff. PIN 22-06-CCLD (Background Check Best Practices) and Live Scan forms were provided for implementation. The meeting concluded with confirmation that facility representatives understand the applicable regulatory requirements and the actions needed to achieve compliance. All questions were addressed, and expectations were clearly communicated. An exit interview was conducted, the report was shared with facility representatives via an email.