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.

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.

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.

2020 Community Profile (opens in a new window)

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. Preserve and restore original buildings in the community.

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2. Collaborate with the County to maintain the Old West theme of the community by creating architectural design guidelines for new construction.

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3. Keep dirt roads in the community.

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4. Promote community history awareness.

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5. Install street and wayfinding signage consistent with the western theme.

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6. Protect residential equestrian uses that are part of the Old West heritage.

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7. Protect, maintain, and expand open spaces in the community.

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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.

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2. Provide public restroom facilities on Mane Street and explore local funding options for design and construction.

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3. Advocate for a sustainable water supply system accessible by local businesses.

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