Background, story leads and downloadable assets for journalists covering Big Bear Lake, local culture, hospitality and the people who give a place its pulse.
Explore story leads ↓Who
Creative & Supervising Producer with 15+ years across Dr. Phil, Tamron Hall, Netflix, ABC, Sony, Fox and TEGNA.
Ed is the creator of @thebigbearstory—short, interview-driven reels about Big Bear Lake’s people, places and experiences.
“Feel fully alive in Big Bear Lake.”Featured stories
Each story below includes a concise, publication-ready summary and a direct link to the original reel.
People · Captain’s Anchorage
Lorraine has worked behind the bar at Captain’s Anchorage since 1978, becoming part of the living history of Big Bear Lake. Ed Santos’s recent Lorraine video has reached over 80K views. Captain’s Anchorage approaches its 80th year in March 2027, creating a timely anniversary peg; interview access with Lorraine can be arranged.
Watch the reel ↗
Family · Rosa’s Restaurant
Rosa began learning the rhythms of hospitality in her grandmother’s bakery at age seven. Today, her husband built the menu at Rosa’s Restaurant and their two sons are helping carry the family story forward—a three-generation portrait of food, discipline and belonging in Big Bear Lake.
Watch the reel ↗
Food & drink · Rosa’s Restaurant
Before ordering another espresso martini, Hugo offers a local alternative: the carajillo. Equal parts Licor 43 and fresh espresso are shaken hard over ice until frothy, pairing caramel, vanilla and cinnamon with a clean coffee lift. The reel turns a simple drink demonstration into an inviting taste of Big Bear’s hospitality.
Watch the reel ↗Introduction · The Big Bear Story
A concise introduction to The Big Bear Story and its editorial promise: short, human-centered reels about the people, places and experiences of Big Bear Lake. New stories arrive regularly, guided by one idea—feel fully alive in Big Bear Lake.
Watch the reel ↗Traction
Views on the recent Lorraine video.
Visit Big Bear shared Rosa’s second story to its Instagram Story.
Rosa has been recognized by customers beyond Big Bear—and the restaurant has been full.
Press assets
Original stills from Ed’s work—not AI-generated. Please credit “Ed Santos / The Big Bear Story.”
Portrait still · JPG
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Location still · JPG
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Press contact
Interview requests, source access, additional photos and production inquiries.