Phelan/Pinon Hills
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 (March 3 and 31 and July 1). These workshops, open to any Phelan or Piñon Hills resident or business, addressed strengths and weaknesses of the community, the community’s values, and what Phelan Pinon Hills aspires to be in the future. Plan 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. The goals and policies from the previous Community Plan were used to inform the guide and the Policy Plan portion of the Countywide Plan.
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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
Who We Are
Phelan Piñon Hills has a strong sense of community identity. Phelan Piñon Hills values the preservation of the natural equestrian environment and the safe small-town community feel, with unhindered views and the
cooperation of a rural community to guide its own future. The community strives to preserve the natural
environment and small-town feel, make needed infrastructure improvements, and build upon local decision-making processes.
2019 Community Profile (opens in a new window)
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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 below 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:
- Proximity to Nature. Phelan Piñon Hills residents value the community’s open space and the close proximity to nature.
- Agricultural Roots. Phelan Piñon Hills residents value the historic roots and continued practices of animal keeping, gardening, and agriculture within the community.
- Unhindered Views. Phelan Piñon Hills residents value unhindered views of sunsets and the stars.
- Health and Safety. Phelan Piñon Hills residents value community safety, health, and the peaceful nature of the area.
- Community Culture. Phelan Piñon Hills residents value the friendliness, independence, and cooperation of a rural community that guides its own future.
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The community profile is a summary of the social, cultural, economic, and historic dimensions of Phelan Piñon Hills. 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 Phelan Piñon Hills 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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The rural natural environment is one of the unique and defining characteristics of our community, and programs are in place to ensure it is preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Local community organizations organize cleanup and educational programs focused on teaching homeowners and visitors
how to properly respect the surrounding environment. -
Our community enjoys a variety of annual community events organized by local businesses and organizations that bring the community together and help us to continue to build a sense of pride in the Phelan and Piñon Hills areas. We enjoy the small-town community feel of the area and safeguard it through adoption of design guidelines to ensure that future development will continue to enhance the local community culture.
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Phelan and Piñon Hills residents coordinate with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to organize training sessions on issues concerning safety in the area. Community members created educational materials in coordination with the County Code Enforcement Division on identifying and notifying
potential code enforcement issues to create a cleaner and safer community. -
Phelan and Piñon Hills support minor infrastructure improvements in order to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. A local committee provides input on all improvements, including street paving, sidewalks, and recreational trails. The committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that all improvements
are in keeping with the rural feel of the community. The infrastructure enhancements, while minimal, have improved safety and accessibility throughout the community. -
Our community collaborates with the County of San Bernardino Land Use Services Department and develops educational materials to help residents to understand the opportunities to provide meaningful input in many of the decision-making processes within the communities. This practice results in projects that are welcomed as part of the community and fosters a better relationship between the community and the County. Additionally, Phelan and Piñon Hills residents feel a greater sense of local guidance in matters that impact their day-to-day lives.
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 an educational program to educate community members on private-property lighting that is dark skies compliant.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Establish programs for organized livestock education for community members.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Encourage coordination between the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency (EDA) and the Phelan and Piñon Hills Chambers of Commerce to link communications with existing businesses to the County’s business retention and expansion program.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Encourage more retail and service uses within the existing commercial zones by regularly updating the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency (EDA) on local available sites.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Promote the CalGOLD and San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency (EDA) websites to local business for the latest information and assistance on business incentives, permit assistance, and training programs.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Coordinate with the Phelan and Piñon Hills Chambers of Commerce to develop a business appreciation program, including events, webinars, and awards in addition to the referral program and visibility services the Chambers already provide.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Enhance coordination between the Phelan Chamber of Commerce and the Piñon Hills Chamber of Commerce to be a one-stop shop for help with regulatory permits and financing sources and to serve as an ombudsperson with local agencies.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Identify and preserve historic and current assets in the community.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Construct community monuments along historic trails and within the community that can be sponsored by businesses and individuals.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Partner with local schools to sponsor student art contests for historic monument and trail wayfinding signage.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Establish an open forum with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (e.g., community open talk night, “Coffee with a Cop”) to discuss local law enforcement issues.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Establish new and enhance existing neighborhood watch programs that can be implemented and replicated throughout the communities.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department to educate the community on the existing policing program.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Partner with the Sheriff’s Department, Cal Fire, local safety experts, and insurance companies to educate property owners on securing homes and businesses.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Enhance the enforcement programs for illegal use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public and private roads.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Educate off-highway vehicles (OHV) enthusiasts on local OHV trails and area to keep sand rails and OHVs off private roads.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Establish a community equestrian center and park areas in coordination with existing local equestrian groups.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Protect and develop equestrian, walking, bicycle, and multi-use trails using dedicated easements (utility and drainage) or connecting to existing destinations (e.g. parks, trails, etc.).
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Partner with local recycling companies to develop and expand programs and incentives for hazardous waste and large item pickup and recycling to discourage the dumping of tires, old furniture, and other large items.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Establish a community cleanup program utilizing local youth organizations to clean up trash, debris, weeds, and illegal dump piles in Phelan and Piñon Hills at least two times a year.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Encourage citizen involvement in county government and the state legislature.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Coordinate with youth and cultural organizations to offer programs and activities in Phelan Piñon Hills.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Establish a multifunctional space to be used by the youth and the community.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Action Statements -
Install arterial roadway improvements with asphalt paving, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix -
Investigate traffic safety at major intersections and in areas susceptible to vehicle/pedestrian conflict in conjunction with a Safe Routes to School Program.
>>Download PDF Action Matrix
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Download the Community Action Guide
Download the Community Action Guide in PDF format.