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About the Bear Valley Communtiy Services District

Bear Valley Community Services District serves as the local government for Bear Valley Springs.

The District is a multi-service agency that supplies police, water, roads, storm drainage, solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment, and parks and recreation services and programs. In addition, the District is a private gated community with an entrance gate that limits access to property owners, residents, and guests.

The District exists under California State law governing special districts (Government Code § 61000 et seq.) and was established by a resolution of Kern County Board of Supervisors on May 4, 1970, for the purpose of providing infrastructure and services for the developing community of Bear Valley Springs.

It is governed by a five-member Board of Directors who serve four-year, staggered terms and are elected at large. The Directors entrust the responsibility of the efficient execution of District policies to the General Manager, like a city council would to the city manager.

Map showing the Bear Valley Community Service District's boundary and sphere of influence, near Tehachapi, California.

THE MISSION

To reliably deliver essential public services – infrastructure, water, solid waste, public safety, entrance gate, and recreation – that Bear Valley Springs depend on, managed responsibly, with accountability to our community, and with care for the natural environment we share.

THE VISION

Bear Valley Community Services District will continue to strengthen its bond with the community as a well-run provider delivering essential services. The results of that work will be visible throughout Bear Valley Springs – in roads residents are proud of, water they trust, a natural environment that thrives, and a community that remains a desirable and distinctive place to live.

Quality Services and Infrastructure. Water is clean, reliable, and available. Roads are well-maintained and safe to drive. Wastewater, solid waste, public safety, and recreation services are dependable, fully funded, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. Infrastructure improvements are planned, funded, and delivered on schedule.

A Beautiful, Sustainable Community. The District manages its natural and built environment responsibly. Lakes are clean, wetlands and woodlands are protected, and the rural mountain character of Bear Valley Springs is preserved. Resource use is efficient, and planning is proactive rather than reactive.

Financial Sustainability and Accountability. The District operates within a sound, long-term financial framework. Rates and assessments are structured to fund both operations and capital investment. Performance is measured against clear goals, reported publicly, and used to drive improvement. Residents can trust that their money is spent wisely and that the District is telling them the truth about its progress.

A Trusted, Effective Organization. The Board governs with discipline and a long-term perspective. Staff are competent, well-supported, and proud of the services they provide. The District communicates consistently and honestly, earns public confidence through results, and holds itself accountable to the community it serves.

THE VALUES

Bear Valley Community Services District is guided by the following core values in everything we do — in how we serve residents, manage resources, make decisions, and treat one another.

Accountability. We take responsibility for our decisions and our performance. We set clear goals, measure our results, and report honestly to the community we serve. Public trust is earned through consistent action, not words alone.

Community Engagement. We keep residents informed — not just about what we are doing, but why, when, and how. We invite meaningful participation in decisions that affect the community, listen before we respond, and treat public input as a resource, not an obstacle.

Integrity and Honesty. We do the right thing, even when it is difficult. We provide accurate, complete, and truthful information, treat everyone with courtesy and respect, and hold ourselves to the same standards we expect of others.

Responsible Stewardship. We manage public funds, infrastructure, and natural resources with discipline and a long-term perspective. We make financially sound decisions — even unpopular ones — to protect the reliability of services and the District's future.

Quality and Dedication. The public deserves our best work. We approach every task with care, diligence, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We take pride in the services we provide and in the community we serve.