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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Where Did the Goals, Policies, and Land Use Map for My Community’s Plan Go? ............................................................ 4
Relationship of the Community Plan to the Countywide Plan ................................................................................................. 4
The Draft Community Plan for Public Review .................................................................................................................................. 4
How to Use This Plan ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
How to Implement the Plan .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Values Statement ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Aspirations Statement .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Plan Framework ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX A .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Pioneertown Community Profile ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
APPENDIX B............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Action Plan Template .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16

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Introduction
Pioneertown Communities value the fresh, clean air, wide open spaces, peace and quiet, and natural physical buffer
from more urban areas that their rural setting provides. Residents promote sustainable growth and development
within the community that creates a balance between creating economic opportunities and maintaining the small-
town feel. This small-town feel is further enhanced by friendly neighbors who look out for each other and form the
core of the Pioneertown Communities.

In 2016, the community embarked on a planning process to develop a community plan. Two public workshops
were held on September 13, 2016 and November 15, 2016. These workshops, open to any Pioneertown resident,
business, or property owner addressed strengths and weaknesses of the community, the community’s values, and
what Pioneertown 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.

Strengths and Opportunities

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 located in the Appendix.

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Where are the Goals, Policies, and Land Use Map for My Community?
Goals, Policies and Land Use Map will be adopted as part of the County Policy Plan. The content of the Community
Action Guide focuses on those actions identified by the community that the community is willing to take to make
desired changes to their community. The County Policy Plan and the Community Action Guide will be web-based,
with adoption of the Countywide Plan in 2019.

Relationship of the Community Action Guide to the Countywide Plan

In 2010, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors set out to establish a vision for the future of the county
as a whole, and subsequently adopted a Countywide Vision in 2011 after two years of input from the community
and the county’s 24 cities and towns. Following the adoption of the Countywide Vision, which calls for the creation
of a “complete county”, the Board adopted the County paradigm and job statements in 2012.

In 2015, the County of San Bernardino launched an effort to go further than any county or city has ever gone with
a general plan by creating a web-based comprehensive “complete county” plan. General plans are almost always
strictly rule books for guiding development and growth. The County’s General Plan update, last updated in 2007,
goes well beyond a traditional general plan to become a comprehensive Countywide Plan that complements and
informs the Countywide Vision by taking into account all services—not just land-use planning—provided by
County Government, and the unique values and priorities of each unincorporated community.

The Countywide Plan serves as a guide for County decision-making, financial planning, and communications. Its
web-based format provides a wealth of easily accessible data on how the County operates, and allow independent
research using County data and information.

The Countywide Plan includes:

• A County Policy Plan, which serves in part as the County’s General Plan for the unincorporated areas and
also provides guidance for regional county services. The Policy Plan establishes goals and policies for the
entire county as well as specific sub regions and communities.
• A County Business Plan, which contains governance policies and operational metrics that outline the
County’s approach to providing municipal and regional services.
• A Regional Issues Forum, which is an online resource for sharing information and resources related to
issues confronting the entire county.
• A Community Plans Continuum of 35 Community Action Guides, which articulates what is important to
each Community; sets out an Action Plan based on community input, and for the most part, would be
implemented by the community; and provides a Community Profile. Links will also be provided for maps,
goals, and policies in the Countywide Plan.

The Draft Community Action Guide for Public Review

The final format of the Community Action Guide will be web-based and provided online. This printed version of
the Draft Community Action Guide is provided as a courtesy for simplifying community review, but may not be

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available once the online version of the guide is finalized. A draft version of the web-based Community Action
Guide can be found at www.countywideplan.com/cp. This printed version includes the information provided on
the website under each tab except for the information included under the “Maps and Links” tab. A separate
Community Profile can be printed from the website.

This Draft Community Action Guide was created by the community members who attended workshops, provided
comments online or sent in written comments. It is written in the words of those participating in the public
engagement process. Therefore, the Community Action Guide retains the voice and future image of the community
presented by the community members participating in the public engagement process. However, the
implementation of each Action Statement is an opportunity for additional discussion by community members and
modification of the statement and action steps may be made by the community and Action Teams.

How to Use This Community Action Guide

Overall, the Community Action Guides are a framework for communities to create the future character and
independent identity, as identified in the workshops as community values and aspirations through completion of
community actions. As stated at the community workshops, these Community Action Guides are focused on
community self-reliance, grass-roots action, and local implementation. Goals, policies, land use, and infrastructure
decisions are addressed in the Policy Plan of the Countywide Plan. The County Development Code will still regulate
zoning and land development.

The Community Action Guide is organized into three sections – the community’s Values, Aspirations, and Plan
Framework. The Community Action Guide outlines clear Values, Aspirations, Focus Statements and Action
Statements identified by the community at community workshops or online surveys. An appendix has a
Community Profile with a summary of the social, cultural, economic and historic dimensions of the community as
well as the communities input on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Values – Those shared assets, principles, and in the judgment of the community, what is important to the lives of
its residents and businesses (Identified in Workshop #1 and reviewed and finalized in Workshop #2).

Aspirations – A written narrative illustrating the community’s desired look and function once the Community
Action Guide is fully implemented. This is a long-term view of 10 to 20 years. They are written as if the community’s
desired changes have already occurred (identified in Workshop #1 and reviewed and finalized in Workshop #2).

Plan Framework – Outlines clear Focus Statements and Action Statements identified by the community.

• The Focus Statement provides general direction toward realizing the community’s aspirations and helps
organize the plan (Identified and finalized in Workshop #2).
• The Action Statement is a measurable statement providing critical information on the program, initiative,
or project to complete (Identified and finalized in Workshop #2).

Through the identification of Focus Statements and Action Statements, the community can work toward creating
Action Plans and eventually implementing the Community Action Guide.

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How to Implement the Community Action Guide
Community’s Next Steps
The Community Action Guide identifies the Focus Statements and Action Statements. The Community may want
to meet to identify the top three to five priority Action Statements to work on first. Some of these may be those
actions that the community believes could be completed quickly and easily. Completion of one Action Statement
will provide the community and local groups with the motivation to move forward with another Action Statement.

Once an Action Statement is selected for implementation, the community identifies a Champion for that Action
Statement to initiate activities, identify those responsible for carrying out action steps, identify and secure resources
that will be required, and develop a timeline. The champion is not responsible for completing the action, but serves
to facilitate and guide the Action Team.

To initiate Action Statements in the community, the Champion should gather community volunteers, groups and
organizations to develop Action Plans and identify the specific steps required to accomplish the Action Statement.
Volunteers (e.g., individuals, businesses, property owners, etc.), community groups (e.g., chamber of commerce,
non-profits, etc.) and organizations (e.g., scouts, community service districts, churches, schools, etc.) can change
for each Action Plan or some groups could work on more than one related Action Plans.

Creating an Action Plan helps better prepare the community by identifying the steps to be accomplished, the
resources needed, and who will be responsible for each action step. Some action steps may require guidance by a
County department, but the community must take the lead in moving the action forward, scheduling meetings, or
requesting information from specific County departments.

The Action Plans should be used to guide community actions and should not be “set in stone”. Each Action Plan is
a general set of tasks that can be modified if necessary. If needed, the community can find alternatives and make
changes as they progress.

How to Create an Action Plan

Appendix B contains the Action Plan template that can be used to create the Action Plan. You may request a Word
version of the document from [email protected]. The community should first identify a
champion for the Action Statement. The action champion can be an individual or organization that will help oversee
the execution of the Action Plan and ensure steps are completed. It is important to note that the champion is not
responsible for carrying out each action step, but is responsible for coordinating communications and ensuring the
steps are completed.

After the champion is identified, the community or group can develop action steps. The focus should be on what
action steps will occur, who will carry out each action step, when it will take place, and an approximate duration.
Again, these are guidelines, and may change, but this planning helps identify resources needed, people or
organizations that must be engaged or will lead each action step, and manage expectations on how long it will take
to implement each Action Statement.

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After completing the action steps, resources should be identified. Resources may include governmental agencies
needed to help carry out the action, community and external funding sources, and potential assistance from other
communities who implemented similar programs.

Reviewing a Detailed or Framework Plan can assist in providing examples of Action Plans and may have similar
actions that can be used or modified to meet identified Foundation Plan actions. In addition, the San Bernardino
County Land Use Services Planning Division is preparing a Community Development Toolkit with tools on several
topics to help local groups make positive changes in their community. When complete, the Community
Development Toolkit will be available at www.countywideplan.com. Other resources and contacts will be provided
on the same website.

Placing your Action Plan in the Community Action Guide

Any modifications of the Community Action Guide or Action Plans can be sent to San Bernardino County Land
Use Services Planning Division for future updates to your Community Action Guide. The County will provide
information on specific contacts for Community Planning assistance. It will be the responsibility of the community
to provide requested updates and modifications to the County.

This following page is an example of an Action Plan from the Helendale Community Action Guide.

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Each Action Statement Champion and Action Team should review and refine the Action Statement
and Action Steps before moving forward.

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Values Statement
The Values are those shared assets, principles, standards, mores, and in the judgment 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:

Western History and Culture. The Pioneertown Communities residents value the storied history and Old
West culture that embodies the community.

Quality of Life. The Pioneertown Communities residents value the high quality of life provided by the rural
setting and established community – a safe environment with fresh, clean air, wide open spaces, peace and
quiet, and a natural physical buffer between Pioneertown Communities and the more urban areas nearby.

Natural Environment. The Pioneertown Communities residents value the natural beauty of the desert,
including scenic vistas, wildlife, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and dark starry nights.

Managed Growth. The Pioneertown Communities residents value limited, sustainable growth and
development that increase business opportunities for independent operators while striking a balance
between the rights of property owners and the community’s desire to maintain the small town character of
Pioneertown Communities.

Community. The Pioneertown Communities residents value community feel and unique place that is
Pioneertown and surrounding communities. Friendly neighbors with shared interests look out for each
other and form the core of the Pioneertown Communities.

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Aspirations Statement
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.

In the Pioneertown Communities, we aspire to have:

A Preserved Old West Setting

Pioneertown’s storied Old West-Hollywood past has left an indelible mark on the community, particularly
characterized by the building facades along Mane Street and the ingrained western riding culture found
within the community. These traditions remain unchanged even as Pioneertown communities continues
to grow and evolve. Although the community is forward thinking, the Old West culture that has historically
embodied Pioneertown remains uncompromised.

An Improved Water Supply

Water availability is a critical element to life in Pioneertown communities with the prosperity of the
community dependent upon access to adequate clean water supplies. A water management committee
consisting of engaged community members is set up to advocate for the sustainability of community water
supplies and to provide input to the County of San Bernardino on solutions to water accessibility, with the
proposed water pipeline, hauled water, and other solutions remaining options.

Balanced Growth and a Viable Town Center around Mane Street

There is a delicate balance between expanding business opportunities in Pioneertown communities and
maintaining the rural desert lifestyle that residents of the community value. The community’s approach to
responsible development that is primarily focused in the town center along Mane Street has achieved that
equilibrium. Independent businesses that conveniently provide goods and services for the local
community, while supporting sustainable tourism, have established themselves. These businesses have
given the town center vibrancy and provide local jobs and additional tax revenue. The new investment in
the area has also led to a restoration of the original buildings on Mane Street.

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A Connected Community

Although the broad spaces between people in the Pioneertown Communities is often what attracts
individuals to live in the area, the stretches of open space can also hinder neighbors from getting to know
one another. The residents of Pioneertown communities proactively counter this by organizing local events
and activities that continue to grow each year, in an effort to build a cohesive community. A social
committee was formed to plan quarterly events, from barbeques to trail riding, where residents have the
chance to come together to meet their neighbors and exchange ideas. The expanded use of social media
keeps the Pioneertown Communities residents in the know and provides an easy way for neighbors to
connect.

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Plan Framework

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Community Focus Statement A: Preserve the historic western themed rural lifestyle.
Action Statement A.1: Preserve and restore original buildings in the community.
Action Statement A.2: Collaborate with the County to maintain the Old West
theme of the community by creating architectural design guidelines for new
construction.
Action Statement A.3: Keep dirt roads in the community.
Action Statement A.4: Promote community history awareness.
Action Statement A.5: Install street and wayfinding signage consistent with the
western theme.
Action Statement A.6: Protect residential equestrian uses that are part of the Old
West heritage.
Action Statement A.7: Protect, maintain, and expand open spaces in the
community.
Community Focus Statement B: Promote balanced growth and a viable Town Center
around Mane Street.
Action Statement B.1: Advocate with the County to establish a commercial
zoning overlay on Mane Street that restricts big box retail, encourages
neighborhood commercial scale retail and lodging, and establishes flexibility for
locally-grown businesses.
Action Statement B.2: Provide public restroom facilities on Mane Street and
explore local funding options for design and construction.
Action Statement B.3: Advocate for a sustainable water supply system accessible
by local businesses.

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Community Focus Statement C: Manage tourism in Pioneertown.
Action Statement C.1: Prepare a traffic and parking plan to better manage traffic
and parking issues due to visitors and tourists.
Action Statement C.2: Promote compliance with dark sky regulations and noise
regulations.
Action Statement C.3: Encourage the County to prepare and enforce regulations
for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb).
Action Statement C.4: Coordinate and design a pamphlet educating visitors and
residents on the rural desert lifestyle.
Action Statement C.5: Advocate with the County to reduce the speed limit on
Pioneertown Road.
Action Statement C.6: Promote tourism via a Pioneertown website.
Community Focus Statement D: Strive to be an environmentally sustainable
community.
Action Statement D.1: Promote communication between residents and
conservation agencies such as The Wildlands Conservancy.
Action Statement D.2: Provide community educational materials regarding
recycling.
Action Statement D.3: Educate the community about restricting off-highway
vehicle (OHV) usage and increase awareness.
Action Statement D.4: Promote and educate residents and visitors about the Sand
to Snow National Monument.
Action Statement D.5: Educate residents about invasive weed and plant species.
Action Statement D.6: Protect wildlife found in the community.
Community Focus Statement E: Become a more connected community.
Action Statement E.1: Establish a “Friends of Pioneertown Communities” social
committee to organize local events and activities, including barbeques, barn
dances, and trail rides.
Action Statement E.2: Promote expanded use of social media such as Nextdoor to
keep residents informed and connected.

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APPENDIX A
Pioneertown Communities Profile

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Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino County

Community Profile
Overview
The community profile is a summary of the social, cultural, economic, and historic dimensions of the community. It
is a gathering of objective data collected through secondary sources meant to inform and help facilitate discussion
during the community meetings. The profile, together with future studies and information gathered from residents
during the community meetings, will highlight essential facets and “tell the story” of Pioneertown.

History
1940s:
Pioneertown
was
constructe
d as a
motion Gene Autry 2016:
picture set frequently Sand to
for Old West taped his 2006: Portions Snow
films by Roy show at the of Pioneertown National
Rogers, Dick Pioneer were burned Monume
Curtis, and Bowl during the nt
Russel bowling Sawtooth establishe
Hayden. Alley. Complex Fire. d.

Many 1982: Pappy & On

motion Harriet’s Saturdays,
pictures Pioneertown Mane Street
were Palace Stampede
filmed restaurant performs Old
throughout opened West re-
the 1940’s featuring Tex- enactments
and Mex cuisine on Mane
1950’s. and indie rock Street.
music
entertainment.

In the 1940’s, Pioneertown was developed by Roy Rogers, Dick Curtis and Russel Hayden to serve as a motion
picture set for Old West films and a place where actors could live while filming. Most of the structures with Western
facades doubled as functional buildings, to house or entertain film crews and actors/actresses. Many films were shot
in Pioneertown throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s, and Gene Autry frequently taped his show at the Pioneer Bowl
bowling alley.

In 1972, the Cantina biker bar served Pioneertown until it was reopened as Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
restaurant and bar in 1982, featuring family style Tex-Mex cuisine and indie rock music entertainment. In 2006,
portions of Pioneertown were burned during the Sawtooth Complex fire. Many of the historic movie-set buildings
were saved, but much of the surrounding desert habitat was damaged.

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 1
 Points of interest include the Pioneertown Motel, an 18-room lodge that is still in use today. On Saturdays, the
Mane Street Stampede performs Old West shoot out re-enactments on Mane Street.
Source(s) Mane Street Stampede Wild West Show, Pappy and
Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, Wikipedia.

Location & Geography

The Pioneertown communities are located along in the
southern portion of the county near the border between
Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The
community is in the foothills of the San Bernardino National
Forest, located northwest of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree,
north of Morongo Valley, and south of Homestead Valley.
Source(s): ESRI, San Bernardino County LUS

Figure 1: Pioneertown Location Source(s): ESRI, San Bernardino County LUS

Key Census Data
Category San Bernardino
Pioneertown California United States
County
% of % of % of % of
Number Number Number Number
Total Total Total Total
Population
Total Population 492 2,078,586 38,066,920 314,107,084
2022 Population Forecast 509 (+3.4%) 2,227,066 (+7.1%) 40,619,346 (+6.7%) 334,503,000 (+6.5%)
Total Households 256 607,604 12,617,280 116,211,092
Average Household Size 1.92 3.34 2.95 2.63
Median Age 58.6 32.2 35.6 37.4
Bildung
High School Diploma 171 39.5% 330,613 26.3% 5,153,257 20.7% 58,440,600 27.95%
Education Past High School 147 33.9% 417,953 33.3% 7,400,714 29.8% 60,821,634 29.1%
Bachelor Degree or Higher 98 22.7% 336,315 26.8% 7,708,909 31.0% 61,206,147 29.3%
Housing
Total Dwelling Units 349 n/a 703,737 n/a 13,781,929 n/a 132,741,033 n/a
Homeowner Occupied Units 215 60.9% 370,032 52.58% 6,908,925 50.1% 74,787,460 56.3%
Renter Occupied Units 41 10.3% 237,572 33.76% 5,708,355 41.4% 41,423,632 32.2%
Vacancy* 93 28.7% 96,133 13.7% 1,164,649 8.5% 16,529,941 12.5%
Median Year Structure Built N/A n/a 1976 n/a 1974 n/a 1976 n/a
Income
Median Household Income $31,910 n/a $54,100 n/a $61,489 n/a $53,482 n/a
Persons Below Poverty Level N/A N/A 199,451 12.7% 3,354,518 11.2% 26,235,361 10.6%
Employed N/A N/A 812,707 86.1% 16,890,442 89.0% 143,435,233 90.2%
Unemployed N/A N/A 131,293 13.9% 2,084,564 12.3% 14,504,781 9.2%
Note: N/A indicates that the data is not available; n/a indicates that the category is not applicable
*This figure may include seasonal households
Table 1: Key Census Data Source(s): ESRI 2017

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 2
Community Structure (Physical Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree and the
closest police station is the Morongo Basin Station
Characteristics)
located in Joshua Tree. Other services in Pioneertown
The Pioneertown community consists entirely of
include:
single-family residential. The homes in this area are
zoned Special Development-Residential and Rural Hospitals/ Hi-Desert Medical Center
Living with smaller homes on large lots and a large Medical Services Morongo Basin Healthcare
amount of open space in between the homes. The District
northwestern portion of the community contains Fire Protection San Bernardino County Fire
very few erected buildings, while a small commercial Station #38, response time 10
minutes if staffed, and Station
area is within the central portion of the community.
#41, response time 11 minutes.
The major roadway is Pioneertown Road, a two-lane Police San Bernardino County Sheriff’s
paved road, which connects with Twenty-nine Palms Department Morongo Basin
Highway (SR-62). The local roads and privately Station
owned roads are predominantly unpaved. Schools Yucca Valley Elementary School,
Yucca Valley High School
The Walk Score rating for the community is 0 to 7, Table 2: Community Services
indicating that most errands would require a vehicle Source(s): Google Maps, The Wildlands Conservancy, San
Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino
to be completed. The community does not have
County Fire & Rescue Station Map.
pedestrian or bicycle amenities and is not currently
served by public transit.
Community Groups
Source(s): Google Earth, County of San Bernardino Zoning Friends of Wildlands
Map, Walkscore.com. Pioneertown Conservancy
https://friendsofpio Pioneertown
neertown.org/ Mountains Preserve
Topics Important to Quality of Life http://wildlandsconserv
The most common issue noted in the community is ancy.org/preserve_pion
the housing issue of short term rentals. Pioneertown eertown.html
has been identified as a destination in both national The Mojave California Desert
and international publications monthly due to Pappy Desert Land Trust Coalition
https://www.mdlt.o http://www.cadesertcoal
and Harriet’s as a one of a kind venue. This level of
rg/ ition.org/
attention can affect quality of life if not managed
American Food Sand to Snow National
properly.
Supplies, Inc. Monument
Source(s): San Bernardino County Code Enforcement
https://www.fs.fed.us/vis
Community Amenities it/sand-to-snow-
national-monument
Pioneertown offers various recreation and hiking
Table 3: Community Groups
opportunities in the surrounding area including Sand
to Snow National Monument, the Wildlands
Conservancy, Mojave Desert Land Trust, the 25,500-
acre Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, the
conservancy-owned volcanic mesas, the Sawtooth
Mountains, and the preserve lands leading to the San
Bernardino National Forest. The closest hospital is

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 3
Business Services Community Events
A 2016 ESRI Community Analyst report showed that Many of the arts and entertainment events are located
Pioneertown has approximately 13 businesses in 8 at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, a
categories (with a total of 46 employed in those longtime local club that offers live music concerts,
businesses): open mic nights, dancing, and the Desert Stars
Festival. A list of events can be found:
http://www.pappyandharriets.com/calendar/.
8% 7%
Another popular attraction is the Mane Street
15% Stampede Wild West Show for weekly Old West re-
enactments.

38% 8% Pioneertown Motel hosts events and weddings and is

located on Mane Street.
8%
Source(s): Pappy and Harriets, Desert Stars Festival, Mane
8%
8% Street Stampede, Wikipedia.

Public Health Indicators

Agriculture and Mining
Several key indicators point to potential issues in
Construction Pioneertown in terms of residents’ overall health. The
leading causes of death in 2012 were heart disease
Transportation and cancer. Additionally, Pioneertown has poor
access and availability to healthy food options in the
Wholesale Trade area. The nearest community gardens, Earthwise
Organic Farms and Boulder Community Gardens
Einzelhandel
Sunfair are located in Joshua Tree.
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
Source(s): 2016 Healthy San Bernardino County Report,
Services Modified Retail Food Environment Index Score Map,
Earthwise Organic Farms.
Regierung

Figure 2: Businesses in the Pioneertown Communities

Source(s): 2016 ESRI Community Analyst

Public Health
Chronic Disease: The leading causes of death in 2012 were heart disease and cancer. Due to the size of the
Pioneertown Communities, there is insufficient data available to determine the rates of chronic disease hospitalization
and emergency room visits.
Source(s): 2016 Healthy San Bernardino County Report

Air Quality: Table 4 below shows the air quality near the Pioneertown Communities, measured at the Joshua Tree –
National Park monitoring site, in terms of the number of days that area exceeded the federal standards for pollutants
(exceedance days). The table shows that the monitoring site near the Pioneertown Communities had fewer exceedance
days for ozone than that of the overall South Coast and Mojave Air Basins, in which the Pioneertown Communities
are located.

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 4
Air pollution is one of the contributing factors linked to the development of chronic diseases such as stroke, heart
disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases. By reducing levels of ambient pollution (outdoor air pollution),
communities can lessen the impact that it has on resident’s health.

Joshua Tree – National

South Coast Air Basin Mojave Air Basin
Park Monitoring Site
2012 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014
Ozone Federal 8-hour
48 26 37 111 88 92 81 66 86
standard

Course Particulate
Matter (PM 10 ) Federal * * * 0 2 1 1 1 1
24-hour standard
Fine Particulate Matter
(PM 2.5 ) Federal 24-hour * * * 17 13 15 2 6 2
standard
Table 4: Air Quality Exceedance Days
Source: California Air Resources Board
* Indicates insufficient data

Modified Food Index: The Modified Food Index maps the availability of healthy food in a census tract. The lower
the score, the less available healthy options are in the area.

The entire community area of the Pioneertown Communities ranks within the lowest categories for food access,
meaning that there are access to 5 or less healthy food outlets within that area.
Source(s): Modified Retail Food Environment Index Score Map

Community Engagement Summary

As a part of the Community Plans Continuum process, community members from the Pioneertown Communities
were invited to participate in two community workshops. The first workshop, titled “What We Value”, took place on
September 13th, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:30pm at the Pioneertown Motel. This workshop was attended by 34 community
members. Workshop participants performed a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats within the community. Following that exercise, participants used that information to share what they valued
about the community (Values) and what they want to see the community become in the future (Aspirations). Lastly,
workshop participants worked on forming the draft focus and action statements that form the backbone of the
community plan.

The second workshop, titled “Our Roadmap to Making it Happen”, took place on November 15th, 2016 from 6:00 –
8:30pm at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. This workshop was attended by 59 community members. The
purpose of this workshop was to continue to develop the draft focus and action statements created in workshop #1.
The project team provided word for word summaries of the SWOT and Values and Aspirations exercises to use during
the goal setting process. The workshop was primarily used to help prioritize the focus statements developed in the
previous workshop while also identifying possible champions for each effort.

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 5
Information was also made available on project websites made specifically for each community. This information
included:

• Background materials on the project

• Materials developed for each workshop
• Summaries of the information collected from past workshops
• Surveys developed to follow the process of each meeting and allow for further input

Community Identified Issues

SWOT Analysis
This section contains the results of the SWOT analysis conducted during the first workshop. A SWOT exercise stands
for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and is used to help gain insight into the community through local
knowledge. In the first part, participants identify their communities’ biggest strengths, such as community assets like
a library or community center, along with their biggest weaknesses, which could be a lack of open space or high rates
of internal crime. Next, workshop participants looked at opportunities that the community could take advantage of
as part of the community plans process. This builds off of what was identified in the strengths and weaknesses portion.
Lastly, participants identify external threats to the community. These are generally concerns that are outside of the
control of community members, such as natural disasters or changes in economic conditions. This information was
then compiled and used throughout the rest of the community plans process to inform the values and aspirations
exercises conducted at workshop #1, as well as the focus and actions statements.

Strengths • Sense of freedom

• Creativity • Non commercial
• Diversity • Beautiful
• Good neighbors • The people
• Diverse population • Independent spirit
• Not much County in • Natural surroundings
• Proximity to major cities such as Palm • Live and let live community
Springs and Apple Valley • Surreal geography
• No apartments-condos • Look and feel of the place dirt roads
• Environment • Has been safe
• Quiet • Wildlife
• Starry skies • Light Pollution (porch and flood lights left
• Rustic area on after dark). Turn them off when the dog
• Peaceful Setting is done going potty or you have gone back
• Unique History into the house. Don’t leave on overnight.
• Small, rural Cover the light so it doesn’t cause light
• Not much crime pollution. We moved out here to see the
• Private lands w/BLM outskirts & dirt roads stars in the sky.
• Unique place
Strengths (continued)
• Good people here
• No Airbnb or other similar companies, it
• Weather
causes more traffic, and people building
• History

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 6
 houses just for Airbnb and party noise past • Low (very) crime
10:00 PM • Sense of community – small town neighbors
• Legalize electric golf carts to drive in • Old western town
Pioneertown • Pappy & Harriet’s
• No franchise or chain stores. No Dollar • Tourism
General either.
Weaknesses
• We pay Special Districts Water $76.00 every
• H2O
two month and standby fees from
• Water
homeowners that don’t have meters. We are
• Waters
pure profit to them, and for 20 some years
• Vehicles drive too fast
can’t get water to Pioneertown. The money
• County used to leave dirt at PT rd. to
for the bottle water should come out of
regrade-fill our dirt roads
CSA-W4 funds to cover the cost of the
• Poor roads
water. ½ gallon a day per person isn’t
• Fire station not ‘manned’ (open w/vol.)
enough water for one person to drink and
insurance rates
cook with
• Community as a whole is not informed and
• The person driving sideways on private
counted in
property to widen our roads (Minna
• No covenants or restrictions of property
Gombell, Annie Oakley, Mountain View
• Newbies – rentals don’t like, ‘get’, respects
and Wyandot Road) needs to stop. The
the town as is
roads are wide enough to pass each other
• Slow police response
and we like the country look!
• Illegal dumping
• Community (independent, tight knit,
• Communication community spirit
diverse, engaged, competent)
• No road maintenance
• Dark skies
• Road boundary restored
• Open space
• Mane Street flooding
• Privacy
• Water supply issues
• Quiet
• Fire protection
• Low crime
• Lack of organization
• Own post office
• Lack of voice
• Iconic landscape
• No organization against unwanted progress
• Clean air
• Neglected by County
• Western heritage
• Too many bright lights at night
• Town history
• No recycle pickup
• Tradition of water conservation
• Slow response times for emergency services
• Low traffic
• Insufficient land use protections/zoning
• County Scenic Byway
• Special district drinking water moratorium
• Dark skies (night)
• High desert sphere of influence
• Peace
• Non maintained dirt roads
• Peace and quiet
• Sparse population Weaknesses (continued)
• Unity • Getting too popular – losing local feel, safety
• Mane street good

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 7
 • Lack of enforcement of existing regulations • Recognizing existing commercial
(Noise, Dark sky) • Local planting Plans
• No local EMS (response time) • Better dark sky ordinance
• Cell/internet service • Restrict Pioneertown boundary
• Illegal trespassing (OHU, hikers) • Keeping the town looking old west as it was
• None if we don’t get water which has been planned
years in the works and still no water • Golf cart friendly opportunity
• Like to have city water. Been waiting 20+ • Include suburbs
years • No paved streets
• Prolonged medical assistance (response to • No streetlights
“911” calls) • Repair and restore old business for new
• No bathrooms for tourists businesses
• Too much division about how the • The right for people who own property to be
community operates able to build on them with water or without
• No parking on both sides of the streets for water – growth is good
Pappy & Harriett’s • We need all the committees to be able to
have a voice. We all have the same Post
Opportunities
Office and talk to each other
• Keep growth smaller
• Need a better community the way it was
• Small scale community
• Community driven business Threats
• Bowl • Box stoves
• Bowling alley • Motels
• Crafts downtown • Apts. , condos halfway housing
• H20 • Airbnb, CampBNB regulation
• Fire station • Lack of regulations of property use
• Non-profit community group • Low income designation
• Celebrate existing culture • People coming in don’t get or respect this
• Hiking town – atmosphere peace
• Mom and Pop shops • Lack of Fire stations
• Tourist areas and restrictions • Fire!
• Opportunity to protect the land • Weed abatement lacks
• Community events • No solar fields, towers, electrical poles
• Birding • Protected Joshua trees are being cut
• More appropriate small businesses on Mane • Unprotect Joshua trees
• World class horseback riding • Light pollution
• Better conditions of approval on CUP (local • Big $ interference from outside interest
focus) • Big development
• Better GIS information • Off road vehicles
• Rural desert standards • Water supply
• Water survey • Fire
• Wildlife corridor studies
Threats (continued)
• Better zoning (more appropriate density)
• Danger of inappropriate development

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 8
 • Snow storm • Lot of outsiders for B&B (weekend party
• Growth houses)
• Too much tourism risks displacing • Don’t want persons outside Pioneertown
permanent community speaking for Pioneertown
• Tourism • No dirt bikes
• Invasive species (mustard, hipsters) • Trespassing on personal property at anytime
increases fire damage • No Solar fields
• BLM – visitor – management • No boundary expansion Pioneertown
• Illegal OHU residents only7
• Renewable energy/corridor • Abandoned buildings must be open for
• Isolation during flood – protect roadbed business
• Fire • Threat of annexation
• Wildfires • Threat concern annexation by Yucca Valley
• Increased building • No big business or franchises
• Decreased groundwater • Airbnb in residential areas no consistent
• Increase traffic with town
• Water drainage on Mane Street • No Airbnb’s

Pioneertown Communities, San Bernardino

Community Profile 9
APPENDIX B
Action Plan Template

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Community Focus Statement: _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Action Statement: _____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Champion: ___________________________________________________________________
Estimated Cost: _______________________________________________________________

Action Action Leader Timeline Resources

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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