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OUR COUNTY — OUR FUTURE

COUNTYWIDE PLAN CONNECTION

May 2016

In 2011, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Countywide Vision that was shaped by several months of input from unincorporated communities and all 24 cities and towns. In 2015, San Bernardino County launched the preparation of the first web-based Countywide Plan, which will be aligned with the Vision.

The Countywide Plan is being developed over the next three years to enhance coordination with the public, with outside agencies and organizations, and within the County organization itself. It will serve as a resource for efficient and effective decision-making regarding countywide services and resources.

What Will The Countywide Plan Do?• Align County planning with the Countywide Vision

• Update existing and create new Community Plans

• Increase coordination between County departments

• Enhance communication with residents, agencies, and other stakeholders

• Improve delivery of regional services

• Utilize County resources more efficiently

• Guide decision-making for the Board of Supervisors

When it’s adopted, the Countywide Plan will be used to evaluate future projects, establish funding priorities, and track our achievements. The Countywide Plan will also help improve overall quality of life for all.

IN THIS ISSUEThis newsletter introduces the Countywide Plan and highlights activities from the project’s first year.

P1 Our County — Our Future

P2 A Blueprint for the Future

P3 Outreach: A History of Connecting with the Community

P4 Community Plans & Workshops

P6 Countywide Plan Schedule

Top. Joshua Tree Community Workshop, March 31, 2016Below. Handcrafted art at the Bottle Tree Ranch in Helendale

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A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTUREThe Countywide Plan will be a comprehensive guide for future decision-making on a wide range of local and regional issues and services. Below is a snapshot of potential topics that may be addressed in the Countywide Plan.

* The Housing Element of the County General Plan was adopted in 2014 and is not being updated through the Countywide Plan. The County is

preparing a separate but parallel Renewable Energy and Conservation Element (sparcforum.org). Both elements will be compiled into the final

Countywide Plan.

SAFETY, SECURITY, HEALTH, & WELFARE» Personal & Property Protection » Health & Wellness » Support Services for Adults &

Children » Education » Job Training

NATURAL RESOURCES & CONSERVATION» Air» Water» Energy *» Open Space » Biological Resources» Paleontological Resources» Minerals/Soils» Agriculture

GOVERNANCE» Decision Processes » Budgeting & Fiscal Sustainability» Tracking & Feedback» Public Data & Information » Implementation & Partnerships

BUILT ENVIRONMENT» Land Use» Infrastructure & Utilities » Mobility» Community Design » Housing *» Historic Resources

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESOURCES» Economy & Jobs» Cultural/Tribal Resources» Leisure Activities » Entertainment» Community Involvement » Civic Involvement

THOUGHTS/QUESTIONS?

COUNTYWIDEPLAN.COM

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A HISTORY OF CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY Your Input Matters!A project of this magnitude requires coordination and input from the people that will be affected by it most. No one knows the County better than you! As community experts, your local insights, observations, and ideas are valuable to us as we undertake various Countywide Plan tasks.

Over the past five years, the County has made it a priority to engage with the public on a variety of projects such as the ones listed below. As a result of these combined efforts, over 5,000 people have shared their ideas with the County during meetings, workshops, and via surveys.

Continuing The ConversationThe outreach opportunities scheduled over the next two years for the Countywide Plan are intended to continue the conversation with the community and stakeholders as we create the tools and resources to shape and guide the County’s future. More info at countywideplan.com.

Countywide Vision Project

In 2010, the development of the Countywide Vision included input from over 100 topical experts, 25 special districts and agencies, and 18 community meetings. Over 3,600 residents participated in an online survey.

Community Vital Signs Initiative

Between 2012 and 2014, the County collected input from over 1,000 community members and stakeholders from over 100 local or regional organizations and agencies throughout all of San Bernardino County.

Countywide Vision Implementation

The County coordinates ongoing implementation of the Countywide Vision with dozens of stakeholders, experts, and agencies, with notable efforts such as Vision2Read, Alliance for Education, the Countywide Water Inventory, and Community Vital Signs.

Renewable Energy & Conservation Element (SPARC)

Between 2014 and 2016, hundreds of residents and stakeholders engaged in interviews, focus groups, online forums, and public workshops to identify appropriate types of renewable energy and locations and to review and discuss cost-benefit studies on renewable energy options that also protect natural resources.

sbcounty.gov/vision

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communityvitalsigns.org

sparcforum.org

2016 2017

66 Community

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8 Regional W

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Adoption H

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2018

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The Countywide Plan includes a Community Plans Continuum (CPC) program to guide local expectations for County services and set clear direction for the future of specified unincorporated communities (see below).

The CPC has a hierarchy of plan-types to address the various characteristics found in our many communities: Detailed Plans for areas with a mix of land uses and services and with good potential for growth; Framework Plans for areas which are primarily single family residential with a limited number of supporting services; and Foundation Plans for areas that are primarily stable single family residential in nature.

COMMUNITY PLANS & WORKSHOPS

“As new residents we learned a lot. Was very easy to

discuss our likes and dislikes. We are very interested in

getting more involved as we learn more.”

– Lucerne Valley attendee

“Very well-functioning process! Timely, informative

and open.” – Joshua Tree attendee

“Thank you for this forum. It was nice to come together

and put our minds together to discuss our needs and

wants.” – Mentone attendee

“This was great—nothing like we feared or expected. Thank you for your interest in our community AND we

had fun!!” – Phelan attendee

“Thought you guys did a great job getting the unique ideas from each individual in

an enjoyable manner…” – Oak Glen attendee

FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

The County started working with communities on Detailed Plans beginning in late 2015 and early 2016. Framework and Foundation Plans will begin work in late 2016. Communities listed above with an asterisk (*) represent more than one community. If you do not see your community listed, you can view a more detailed list at our website, countywideplan.com, or contact us at CommunityPlans@lus.sbcounty.gov.

What We’ve Talked About So FarThe County wants your input to better reflect the unique priorities in each area. A total of 66 Community Plan workshops are planned through 2016. Over 400 residents and stakeholders attended the first 25 community meetings in late 2015 and early 2016 for Detailed Community Plans. So far, the County has received thousands of comments on values, aspirations, potential changes in land use, and possible infrastructure improvements.

When Are The Next Workshops?The third workshop for Detailed Community Plans is scheduled for July 18–21 and is all about “Making It Happen.” Attendees will receive an overview of the draft goals and objectives generated from the prior workshops and then discuss and rank specific actions to bring about change in their community.

Please visit the project website to confirm workshop dates, view background material, and take community-based surveys. We encourage you to attend to help shape your community’s future!

VALLEY. Detailed: Bloomington, Mentone, Muscoy | Foundation: San Antonio Heights

MOUNTAIN. Detailed: Bear Valley*, Crest Forest*, Hilltop*, Lake Arrowhead*, Oak Glen | Framework: Wrightwood | Foundation: Angelus Oaks, Lytle Creek, Mount Baldy

DESERT. Detailed: Helendale, Joshua Tree, Lucerne Valley, Phelan/Pinon Hills | Framework: Baker, Homestead Valley*, Morongo Valley, Oak Hills | Foundation: Daggett, El Mirage, Newberry Springs, Oro Grande, Pioneertown, Yermo

KEY DATES

July 18–21, 2016: Workshop #3 for Detailed Plans

Fall 2016: Regional Workshops

Fall 2016: Community Workshops for Framework & Foundation Plans

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Read below to see a sample of what we heard from some of our Detailed Plan workshops. Check the website for the workshop results in your area.

MUSCOYValue: Spacious lots and open spaces allow residents to enjoy their homes and property.

Aspiration: Muscoy will have safe and pleasant spaces for walking, horseback riding, and recreation.

Land Use: Create more open space along the Cajon Wash, beginning at Blake Street and moving southeast.

Infrastructure: Improve roadway maintenance and signage to improve safety and appearance.

Photo. Residents participate in a SWOT activity at the first community workshop.

LAKE ARROWHEADValue: The natural alpine beauty of the surrounding environment, and a tranquil, small-town lifestyle.

Aspiration: A vibrant and balanced economy that includes tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and activities and employment for people of all ages.

Land Use: Land use and zoning designations that reflect the unique context of the mountain area.

Infrastructure: Address the ability of roads to handle the influx of tourists in winter.Photo. Residents discuss what they value at the first community workshop.

JOSHUA TREEValue: An educational, artistic, and cultural center with abundant social amenities and a focus on sustainability and diversity.

Aspiration: Future growth will maintain the unique fabric of the community and serve as a gateway to the natural wonder that is Joshua Tree National Park.

Land Use: Accommodate more commercial uses in the Downtown area.

Infrastructure: Add more crosswalks along Twentynine Palms Highway to improve safety.

Photo. Notes from land use and SWOT analyses at the second community workshop.

Note that the public input shown here is just a small sample. ALL comments will be considered in creating the Community Plans and Countywide Plan.

What We’ve Heard So Far

VALLEY

MOUNTAIN

DESERT

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Developing the entire Countywide Plan will take place over three years, with an expected plan adoption in 2018. The final Plan will be a dynamic tool to lead decision-making in the County for decades.

GET INVOLVED & STAY CONNECTEDVisit countywideplan.com

» Submit comments and photos and keep up with the latest project news. Online surveys are provided after workshops so those who were unable to attend can still share their ideas!

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» Register for email or text project updates at countywideplan.com to get notices about new events, surveys, and documents.

Attend workshops and regional meetings

» Share your opinions and collaborate with neighbors. Activities may include small group discussions, prioritizing, and other thought-provoking exercises.

Contact us with questions or comments

» countywideplan.com/contact-us/

» CountywidePlan@lus.sbcounty.gov | CommunityPlans@lus.sbcounty.gov

2015/16 2016 2017

2018

Launching the Countywide Plan & Community Plans

During the first year of the project, the County focused on launching the project, building awareness, and gathering information from the public, County staff, and outside organizations.

Additionally, the County initiated the process of developing and updating Detailed Community Plans for 12 unincorporated areas.

Community Plans, Countywide Policies, & Land Use Planning

In the second half of 2016, the County will complete the outreach process for the more than two dozen Community Plans. From this input and additional outreach and analysis, the County will craft policy direction and draft land use plans for the entire Countywide Plan.

During this time, the County will also develop growth, traffic, and fiscal models to help understand the options and trade-offs related to potential decisions and policies about land use, infrastructure, and other resources.

Technical Studies, Business Plan, & Web Development

Next year will focus on analyzing the potential environmental impacts of the Countywide Plan, developing a Business Plan to make internal County operations more effective, and align decisions with the budget.

Additionally, a primary objective is to make information more accessible to both County staff and communities. To this end, the County is developing a website dedicated to the review and ongoing implementation of the Countywide Plan.

Adoption & Implementation

Adoption is targeted for the first half of 2018 after a final series of public review meetings and hearings.

The County will begin to implement the Plan, create partnerships, track progress, and make adjustments based on initial feedback.

COUNTYWIDE PLAN SCHEDULE Good Things Take Time, Great Things Take Work

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BOARD OF SUPERVISORSJanice RutherfordSecond District Supervisor

Curt HagmanFourth District Supervisor

Robert A. LovingoodVice Chairman, First District Supervisor

Josie GonzalesFifth District Supervisor

James C. Ramos Chairman, Third District Supervisor

Gregory C. DevereauxChief Executive Officer