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 Plan. The word cloud quickly informed participants of key issues and focus areas that could be addressed in the plan. 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.

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:

• Family and Community Focus. Hilltop communities residents value family and community, where neighbors know each other and look out for one another, and are actively involved in various community and social organizations.
• Natural Mountain Environment. Hilltop communities residents value the small-town character and the natural environment, including habitat, wildlife, air quality, clean air, and the tranquility of the mountains.
• Recreation and Outdoor Activities. Hilltop communities residents value recreation and outdoor activities, including skiing, snow play, sledding, hiking, and other activities that encourage tourism and allow for active lifestyles.
• Positive Locals and Tourists Relationships. Hilltop communities residents value and support tourism and the economic contribution tourists make to local businesses and services, including maintaining the necessary infrastructure, services, businesses, and activities to support tourism.

The community profile is a summary of the social, cultural, economic, and historic dimensions of the Hilltop Communities. 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 Hilltop Communities of Arrowbear, Green Valley Lake, and Running Springs.

2019 Community Profile (opens in new window)

The communities continue to protect, enhance, and enjoy the natural environment. Marketing and educational materials are prepared to inform residents and tourists of the variety of opportunities to enjoy the natural environment and the importance of environmental protection.

Our communities are safe, with high quality education and employment opportunities that attract full-time families to the area. Residents and business owners support programs and improvements that foster a sustainable, thriving, and active community, including improved education, home-based businesses, marketing the area for tourism, and added infrastructure to support these activities. The communities also partner with the San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff’s departments to identify safety concerns and implement solutions.

Residents work to make Running Springs a thriving destination village for outdoor activities during all seasons. The provision of recreation amenities and programming for all ages and abilities is a primary focus. The communities work together to provide recreational activities and infrastructure, such as hiking/biking/walking trails and sledding and snow play areas, and to attract ecotourism businesses that complement protection of the natural environment.

Residents of the Hilltop communities are actively involved in local and regional affairs and activities. Involvement in community and social organizations that enhance the well-being of the communities is a primary focus. Residents continue to seek opportunities for collaboration with government agencies to express the communities’ needs and wants and to ensure the Hilltop communities are being considered in the decision-making process.

1. Establish a marketing strategy to promote the natural environment and associated activities to encourage the eco-tourism businesses (e.g. snow-related, parasailing, off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, hiking, etc.).

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2. COMPLETED: Provide amenities to support visitors to the area such as parking, restrooms, seating areas, open space, trails connecting key nodes/activity centers, and a visitor information center/kiosks.

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3. Coordinate with local businesses, community groups, and organizations to support an arts and theatre program with the potential for hosting an annual festival.

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1. Provide dumpsters and signage that encourages proper disposal of trash in high-traffic visitor areas.

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2. Investigate opportunities to establish designated sledding areas with parking to avoid visitors establishing undesignated sledding and parking areas.

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3. Provide signage, maps, and other informational materials that identify trails and amenities.

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4. Provide readily available programs and marketing materials that educate visitors on the natural environment and importance of its protection in order to foster responsible tourist behavior.

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5. Advocate with the National Forest Service (NFS) to provide snow play/recreation areas and parking that does not impact the environment.

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6. Establish a strategy/implementation plan for large events that proactively considers and responds to challenges associated with a large influx of visitors at one time.

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7. Provide centralized parking with shuttles and pedestrian paths that connect key commercial recreational activity areas to reduce vehicle use and trips.

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1. IN PROCESS: Construct trails for all users that connect neighborhoods with commercial/business areas and key activity areas, such as schools, parks, and community centers.

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2. IN PROCESS: Identify opportunities to extend existing trails or modify existing trails to serve multiple uses.

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3. PLAN ADOPTED 2018: Coordinate with the Rim of the World Recreation & Park District to implement the Active Transportation Plan.

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1. Coordinate with the local schools and other youth organizations to develop a program focused on educating children regarding the natural environment and its protection.

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2. Establish a marketing campaign that promotes the mountain communities and educates visitors on the importance of protecting the natural environment.

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3. Establish targeted clean-ups within less urbanized/forest areas at least two times per year.

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1. Establish a compatible/unifying theme for downtown areas and businesses.

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2. Encourage property owners to maintain and improve their properties (e.g., new paint, façade improvements, trash/debris clean-up).

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3. Organize a community clean-up to be held at least two times a year.

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4. Establish a social media campaign to solicit community involvement in preserving and enhancing the community.

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5. Establish a façade and sign improvement program.

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1. Coordinate with the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency (EDA) and Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce to expand strategies to improve communications with business and develop Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) program.

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2. Establish a marketing plan with incentives to attract new businesses to the area.

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3. Attract and retain permanent residents by developing and implementing a marketing campaign to highlight the values of mountain living for young families focusing on education, family values, community, natural environment, and activities.

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4. Create a business appreciation program, including events, webinars, and awards.

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5. Identify and develop entrepreneurial talent through a coaching program and entrepreneur training program, known as “Economic Gardening.”

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6. Equip the local Chamber of Commerce to be a one stop shop for help with regulatory permits, financing sources, and serve as ombudsperson with local agencies.

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7. Establish a marketing plan with incentives to encourage home-based businesses.

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1. Establish mountain-wide partnerships for joint use of existing Public School infrastructure with universities and junior colleges to provide expanded educational opportunities for residents.

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2. Investigate the declining enrollment and quality of public schools in the mountain communities through community organizing and involvement (mountain-wide).

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1. Establish a neighborhood watch program that can be implemented throughout the communities.

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2. Encourage community members to participate in the Citizens on Patrol Program coordinated through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

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3. Partner with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, United States Forest Service, San Bernardino County Fire, local safety experts, insurance companies to educate property owners on securing homes and businesses to deter crime and make properties safe.

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