Mentone
Community Action Guide
In 2016, the community embarked on a planning process to develop a new community plan. Three public workshops were held over the course of the year (February 29, March 28 and July 18, 2016). These workshops, open to any Mentone resident or business, addressed strengths and weaknesses of the community, the community’s values, and what Mentone aspires to be in the future. Workshop participants brainstormed areas of focus and actions to help the community move forward to achieve its aspirations.
This Community Action Guide is a framework of actions identified by the community and supports implementation of the actions by the community.
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Our Community
Learn about who we are, our values, and more.
Go to Our Community -
Our Aspirations
Learn about our aspirations for the future of the community.
Go to Our Aspirations -
Action Plans
See the actions we'd like to take to realize our aspirations.
Go to Action Guide
Mentone is a community with deep roots in Southern California. As a waypoint/destination for many travelers heading to and from the San Bernardino Mountains, the community holds a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Mentone values its small-town feel, proximity to the Santa Ana River and San Bernardino Mountains, and agricultural uses that are an important part of the community’s history. Mentone strives to preserve the rural small-town feel, while focusing on improving the quality of life and the desirability of the community.
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Community workshops were conducted in each community as part of the engagement process. In addition, input was gathered through the Countywide Plan website. As part of the process, participants defined the strengths of and opportunities for their community. The word cloud was created using the input provided during the Strengths, Opportunities, Values and Aspirations exercises and served as part of the base information utilized to develop the Focus and Action Statements of the Community Action Guide. The word cloud quickly informed participants of key issues and focus areas that could be addressed in the guide. The more a word or phrase was articulated, the larger the word appears in the cloud. The full results of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats gathered as a part of the engagement process is found in the Community Profile.
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The Values are those shared assets, principles, standards, mores, and in the judgement of the community, what is important in the lives of its residents and businesses. A community’s values are an important consideration in shaping its aspirations, focus and actions.
As a community we value:
- Rural Culture. Mentone residents value their community’s rural culture and quiet, honest way of life.
- Local Economy. Mentone residents value an economic core of local businesses and good schools.
- Open Space. Mentone residents value the preservation of local agriculture and open spaces.
- Safety. Mentone residents value maintaining a safe community that is comfortable and enjoyable for all residents.
- Public Transportation. Mentone residents value regional access through public transportation.
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The community profile is a summary of the social, cultural, economic, and historic dimensions of Mentone. It presents data collected through secondary sources to inform future actions. The profile, together with future studies and information gathered from residents, highlights essential facets and “tells the story” of the Mentone Community.
The Aspirations Statement is a written narrative illustrating how the community desired look and function once the Community Focus Statements and Action Statements are accomplished. This is a long term view of 10 to 20 years. The Aspirations Statement serves as a foundation for developing Community Focus Statements and Action Statements.
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Residents recognize the need to create a sustainable and resilient community during the community planning process and acknowledged the steps necessary to ensure that adequate infrastructure and resources are available to handle changing conditions.
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For many residents, agriculture represents their livelihood and is a very important aspect of the community. Agritourism has drawn many residences, who came to Mentone because of the rich agricultural history. Those who call Mentone home treasure the preservation and expansion of the groves and agricultural uses in the community.
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Residents engage in a collaborative planning effort with local community organizations, schools, and other interested stakeholders to prepare and implement a study to increase open space and recreational opportunities identified by the community. Our community identified several potential locations and narrowed the search through a community vote. Fundraising efforts and sponsorships from local businesses result in new neighborhood parks, while local interest groups create signage for existing hiking and biking trails in the area.
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Our community implements strategies for more efficient and pedestrian friendly means of transportation, including working with Omnitrans to organize new bus routes. We also support construction of sidewalks in limited areas to make the community more accessible for everyone. These improvements create a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere while keeping up with needed infrastructure maintenance to our roads and existing sidewalks.
The Action Plans consists of:
Focus Statements, which provide general direction towards realizing the Community’s aspirations and help organize the plan. (Identified in Workshop #2 and reviewed and finalized in Workshop #3)
Action Statements, which are measurable statements providing critical information on the program, initiative or project to complete. (Identified in Workshop #2 and reviewed and finalized in Workshop #3)
Action Plan Matrices, which provide general sets of action steps necessary to implement each action statement, identify those that would initiate and champion the action statement, provide a general timeline for implementation and identify resources for additional assistance. (Created to support and guide the Community’s identified Focus and Action Statements)
FOCUS STATEMENTS
Expand each Focus Statement to see related Action Statements and download the Action Plan Matrices.
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Action Statements -
Establish a façade and sign improvement program that defines the Mentone look and feel.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Preserve and expand agricultural production within Mentone through agritourism, urban agricultural practices, nurseries and the development of community gardens.
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Construct a community center that accommodates community-focused events, evening meetings, and recreational activities.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Promote expanded economic and tourism activity along Mentone Boulevard (Highway 38) that highlights the community’s history, and proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Advocate for changes in development standards requiring new development to set aside land for open space and/or agricultural use.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Advocate and collaborate with Caltrans to develop a master plan for signage, striping, and lighting along Highway 38 that enhances public safety and pedestrian connectivity.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Identify and advocate for improvements along major roadways in Mentone that are impacted by development activities outside of the community.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Coordinate with local transit agencies to increase mobility in the community through improved transit services.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
IN PROCESS: Advocate the development and expansion of pedestrian pathways and trails that connect Mentone to open space areas such as the San Bernardino Mountains and Santa Ana River.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Support the County’s expansion of the Santa Ana River Multipurpose Trail.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Promote, through a public education campaign, the effective use of private outdoor lighting that enhances resident and business safety, while protecting night sky views and resources.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Establish an access and functional needs assessment for residents and businesses within Mentone.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Advocate for improved water quality and sewage infrastructure throughout the community, resulting in less groundwater pollution and water quality issues within local waterways.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Establish a non-vehicular mobility plan to advocate for additional bike paths and pedestrian paths that connect to existing and proposed regional trail networks.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Develop and incorporate historical information and signage throughout the community regarding natural resources and amenities.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Establish an effective communication process between Mentone, the County, and adjacent cities that increase information and understanding of planning projects and initiatives.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Coordinate with County Fire and Sheriff Departments on calls for service information that can be shared with businesses and residents.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Download the Community Action Guide
Download the Community Action Guide in PDF format.