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Planning Commission approves 2025 Turkey Trot route and permit, finds event exempt from CEQA
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved Major Special Event Application 2025-029 for the Turkey Trot on the Moonridge Corridor, finding the event categorically exempt from CEQA and recording the resolution as passed 5-0; staff said public-safety notifications and first aid provisions are part of event logistics.
The Big Bear Lake Planning Commission unanimously approved a major special event permit for the 2025 Turkey Trot, granting use of a vacant lot at 42630 Moonridge Road, the Moonridge Corridor multi-use trail, sidewalks and several city streets for a three-mile holiday-themed run on Nov. 27, 2025. Commissioners moved to adopt the resolution and recorded a 5-0 vote; the chair noted the resolution will take effect in 10 days unless an appeal is filed.
Staff summarized the application and logistics, saying the Turkey Trot began in 2013 and was previously held at Meadow Park. The applicant, Matt Smith (doing business as Open Air Big Bear), requested the vacant lot east of Dank Donuts for event headquarters and a route that uses Rathbun Drive, Moonridge Road, 1st Street and Sonoma Drive. Staff estimated approximately 250 spectators and 750 participants, with set-up on Nov. 26 and the run beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 27. "In previous years, Sergeant Edelman has been at the event...we also have ham radio communications, and we have a first aid tent from Bear Valley Community Hospital on-site each year," Matt Smith said when asked about safety and emergency coverage.
Planning staff told commissioners the event met the development-code findings for special events (consistency with the general plan and development code, measures to protect public health and safety, adequate circulation and pedestrian safety, equipment compliance, and restoration provisions) and that the request was found categorically exempt from CEQA under class 4 (minor temporary use of land). Staff recommended adopting the attached resolution to authorize use of city streets, trails and sidewalks for the event.
A commissioner asked whether emergency services would be required at a given attendance threshold; staff said no fixed threshold was cited but that staff had run the application through a DRC process including multiple city departments and no concerns were raised by the fire department. The commission moved and adopted the motion; the motion was recorded in the minutes as "Moved by Beveridge, seconded by Biss," and the recorded vote was five ayes and zero noes. The resolution was recorded (transcript reference to resolution number text appears in the record) and will become effective in 10 days unless appealed.
The commission praised the event as community-oriented; no conditions beyond the standard findings and resolution attachments were recorded in the meeting. The planning division will proceed with the permit issuance subject to the procedural timeline and any timely appeals.
